Geochemical characteristics of iron ore deposits and processing of Landsat-8 data (geology, geomorphology and lineaments) in semi-arid region and using geospatial techniques

The main aim of the present study is to investigate geochemical analysis of iron ore and iron-enriched mineralised zones and their source identification by understanding lithological, structural and geomorphological units. The geology, geomorphology and lineament maps were prepared with help of Landsat 8 OLI satellite data and prepared thematic layers in two mandals namely Veerapunayunipalle and Pendlimarri of YSR Kadapa District, AP, India. Subsequently, geochemical analysis was performed in the mineralised zones to know the type and grade of the iron ore. The study revealed that the iron ore in the study area is of haematite (Fe2O3) type, and its mineralisation is confined to lineaments trending in E-W direction and are derived from ferruginous quartzites and shales belonging to the Cuddapah Supergroup. Based on the geochemical investigation, the overall grade of iron ore in respect of a Fe % in the study area is 39.04 which is commercially considered as lower grade and is useful for cement industry except for some villages like Chabali (56.76% Fe), Tummaluru (55.53% Fe), Animala (54.19% Fe) which is used for the steel industry.