Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the 

Kundalan Area of Interest

By Trude V.V. King and Stuart A. Giles

Abstract

Computer analysis of the HyMap imaging spectrometer data of the Kundalan area of interest

(AOI) in the southeastern part of Afghanistan used spectrum matching techniques to identify the 

occurrence of selected materials at the surface based on characteristic absorption features (absorption 

bands) in the HyMap data compared to a library of spectral standards. The HyMap data have been used 

to better define the magnitude and extent of previously known mineral occurrences and identify 

potential areas of mineralization.

The HyMap data have mapped surficial materials that suggest potential broad scale 

mineralization within the AOI. Potential areas of mineralization are spectroscopically mapped as 

containing combinations of goethite, illite, muscovite, Fe2+Fe3+ Type 2, and Fe3+ Type 1 minerals that 

occur in the northern half of the AOI. 

The Late Cretaceous-Paleocene intrusion within the AOI is mapped as having calcite and 

calcite+muscovite/illite group minerals with epidote, serpentine, and dolomite minerals mapped along 

the periphery of the intrusive body. Well defined goethitic mineral assemblages and large contiguous 

areas of dolomite and dolomite group minerals are mapped along with Fe3+ Type 1, and Fe2+Fe3+ Type 

2, which could be associated with widespread alteration processes. 

Smaller contiguous areas of tremolite or talc and jarosite occurrences were also mapped in the 

AOI where they are commonly associated with the other secondary alteration mineral assemblages, and 

should be further investigated to determine their relation to potential mineralization.

10B.1 Introduction

Past studies of geologic data from Afghanistan revealed numerous areas with indications of 

potential mineral resources of various types (Peters and others, 2007; Abdullah and others, 1977). 

Several of these areas were selected for follow-on studies using imaging spectrometer (hyperspectral) 

data to characterize surface materials. This report contains the results of the spectroscopic data analyses, 

and identifies sites within the Kundalan area of interest (AOI) that deserve further investigation, 

especially detailed geologic, geophysical and geochemical investigations.

The Kundalan AOI is approximately 362 kilometers (km) southwest of Kabul (fig. 10B–1) and 

may potentially host porphyry copper-gold, copper-gold-skarns, and gold-rich polymetallic veins (Peters 

and others, this volume). 

10B.1.1 Imaging Spectrometer Data Collection and Processing

In 2007, imaging spectrometer data were acquired over most of Afghanistan as part of the 

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) "Oil and Gas Resources Assessment of the Katawaz and Helmand 

Basins” project. These data were collected to characterize surface materials in support of assessments of 

resources (coal, water, minerals, oil, and gas) and earthquake hazards in the country (King and others, 

2010). Imaging spectrometers measure the reflectance of visible and near-infrared light from the Earth’s 

surface in many narrow channels, producing a reflectance spectrum for each image pixel. These 

reflectance spectra can be interpreted to identify absorption features that result from specific chemical 

transitions and molecular bonds that provide compositional information about surface materials. 
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 779

Imaging spectrometer data can only be used to characterize the upper surface materials and not 

subsurface composition or structure. However, the results of subsurface processes can be indicated by 

the distribution of surface materials that can be detected using these data.

Figure 10B–1. The Kundalan area of iinterest southwest of Kabul in the Zabul and Kandahar Provinces of 

Afghanistan.

10B.1.2 Collection of Imaging Spectrometer Data

The HyMap imaging spectrometer (Cocks and others, 1998) was flown over Afghanistan from 

August 22 to October 2, 2007 (Kokaly and others, 2008). HyMap has 512 cross-track pixels and covers 

the wavelength range from 0.43 to 2.48 microns in 128 channels. The imaging spectrometer was flown 

on a WB-57 high altitude aircraft at 50,000 feet. There were 207 standard data flight lines and 11 crosscutting calibration lines collected over Afghanistan for a total of 218 flight lines, covering a surface area 

of 438,012 square kilometers (km2) (Kokaly and others, 2008). Data were received in scaled radiance 

format (calibrated to National Institute of Standards and Technology reference materials). Before 

processing, four channels that had low signal-to-noise ratios and (or) were in wavelength regions 

overlapped by adjacent detectors were removed from the image cubes. Each flight line was 

georeferenced to Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) base imagery in Universal Transvers Mercator (UTM) 

projection (Davis, 2007). 
780 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

10B.1.3 Calibration

To ensure the utility of the hyperspectral dataset, a rigorous calibration process to remove 

atmospheric absorptions and residual instrument artifacts was applied. Before the calibration process 

started, each flight line was georeferenced to Landsat base imagery in UTM projection (Davis, 2007). 

Because of the extreme topographic relief and restricted access to ground calibration sites, modifications 

to the traditional USGS calibration procedures were required to calibrate the 2007 Afghanistan HyMap 

dataset (Hoefen and others, 2010). Radiance data were converted to apparent surface reflectance using 

the radiative transfer correction program Atmospheric CORrection Now (ACORN; ImSpec LLC, 

Palmdale, Calif.). The ACORN program was run multiple times for each flight line, using average 

elevations in 100 meter (m) increments, covering the range of minimum to maximum elevation within 

the flight line. A single atmospherically-corrected dataset was assembled from the ACORN results in 

100-m increments by determining the elevation of each pixel and selecting the atmosphericallycorrected pixel from the 100-m increment closest to the elevation of the pixel. The atmosphericallycorrected dataset was further empirically adjusted using ground-based reflectance measurements from 

the Kandahar Air Field, Bagram Air Base, and Mazar-e-Sharif Airport, as well as soil samples from two 

fallow fields. To improve the data quality, new calibration techniques were developed to address the 

atmospheric variation within a flight line.

To refine data quality of ground-calibrated reflectance, a multiplier correction, computed by 

cross-calibrating north-south flight lines with a flight line that passed over a ground calibration site, was 

applied. For each north-south flight line, the pixels in overlapping regions of north-south and crosscutting calibration lines, subject to slope, vegetation cover, and other restrictions, were used to develop 

these cross-calibration correction factors (Hoefen and others, 2010). The cross-calibration multiplier 

corrected any residual atmospheric contamination in the hyperspectral data that was not present in the 

spectra of the ground calibration site. 

10B.1.4 Materials Maps and Presentation

HyMap reflectance data were processed using Material Identification and Characterization 

Algorithm (MICA), a module of the USGS Processing Routines in Interactive Data Language (IDL) for 

Spectroscopic Measurements (PRISM ) software (Kokaly, 2011). The MICA module compared the 

reflectance spectrum of each pixel of HyMap data against entries in a reference spectral library of 

minerals, vegetation, water, and other materials. The library included 97 reference spectra of wellcharacterized mineral and material standards. The resulting maps of material distribution, resampled to a 

23 × 23-square-meter (m

2

) pixel grid, were used to prepare maps of mineral, vegetation, and other 

material occurrences.

HyMap data were analyzed twice. MICA was first run using the set of minerals with absorption 

features in the visible and near-infrared wavelength region, producing the 1-micrometer (μm) map of 

iron-bearing minerals and other materials (King, Khokaly, and others, 2011). MICA was run again using 

the minerals with absorption features in the shortwave infrared region, producing the 2-μm map of 

carbonates, phyllosilicates, sulfates, altered minerals, and other materials (Kokaly and others, 2011). For 

clarity of presentation, some individual classes in these two maps were bundled by combining selected 

specific mineral types (for example kaolinite group minerals, montmorillonites, and hematites) to reduce 

the number of mineral classes. In addition, the iron-bearing minerals map has 28 classes. Iron-bearing 

minerals with different mineral compositions but similar spectral features are difficult to classify as 

specific mineral species. Thus, generic spectral classes, including several minerals with similar 

absorption features, such as Fe3+ Type 1 and Fe3+ Type 2, are depicted on the map. The carbonate, 

phyllosilicates, sulfates, and altered minerals map has 32 classes. Minerals with slightly different 

mineral compositions but similar spectral features are less easy to distinguish; therefore, some identified 

classes consist of several minerals with similar spectra, such as the “Chlorite or Epidote” class. When 

comparisons with reference spectra produced no viable match, a designation of “not classified” was 

assigned to a pixel.
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 781

Although the occurrence of certain minerals (pyrophyllite, buddingtonite, dickite, jarosite) may 

suggest that mineralization processes may have once operated in the area, many of the minerals that 

were identified are also common rock-forming minerals. Consequently, knowledge about the 

distribution patterns of the identified minerals is essential to understanding the causes of mapped 

mineral occurrences and evaluating the possible potential for related mineral deposits.

10B.1.5 Data Limitations

Geographic registration between various data sets is not always possible because of differences 

in collection methods and resolution. The geographic accuracy and quality of each data set is limited by 

the original source. Significant efforts were made to ensure the geographic accuracy of the HyMap data.

However, exact registration between previously published known mineral occurrences, fault traces, 

geologic units and structural boundaries in comparison to the HyMap data may not be ideal. To resolve 

additional details, the digital versions of these maps can be viewed at a higher spatial resolution than is 

possible for a single page printed map. 

10B.2 Geologic Setting of the Kundalan Area

The main Kundalan AOI is located in the Zabul and Kandahar Provinces of Afghanistan (fig. 

10B–1). The Kundalan AOI covers approximately 2,576 km2, and for the purposes of this investigation, 

includes three subareas: Charsu-Ghumbad, Baghawan-Garangh, and Kunag Skarn, which cover

approximately 327 km2 , 330 km2, and 738 km2, respectively. The elevation in the Kundalan area of 

interest ranges from 1,210 to 3,504 m (fig. 10B–2). The highest terrain occurs along the northwestern 

half and in the northern portion of the AOI. Landsat TM data are useful for understanding the general 

characteristics and distribution of surficial material, including rocks and soil, unconsolidated sediments, 

vegetation, and hydrologic features. TheTM data for the AOI show that the rocks range in color from 

very light to dark gray, to brownish-green and reddish-brown, and that eight streams or rivers are present 

in the area (fig. 10B–3). Numerous faults and fractures of different orientations are present.

Stratified rocks in the Kundalan AOI range in age from Late Proterozoic to Late Quaternary and 

Recent; these strata are intruded by Oligocene age rocks in the western and northern parts of the area 

and by Late-Cretaceous and Early-Cretaceous age intrusions in the central and western parts of the 

region (fig. 10B–4). According to Peters and others (chap. 10A of this report), the Cretaceous alkaline 

intrusive rocks form a prominent magnetic high that outlines a probable large northeast-trending, 

underlying plutonic complex, and the known copper and gold deposits and prospects are clustered above 

the plutonic rocks that compose the magnetic anomaly.

10B.2.1 Known Mineralization

Figure 10B–5 shows the locations of 48 areas where reconnaissance field geology and the 

geologic literature have identified probable mineralization. The locations of the mineral resources are 

also shown on the topical maps later in this report for the main Kundalan AOI and three subareas 

(Charsu-Ghumbad, Baghawan-Garangh and Kunag Skarn) to illustrate how these mineralized prospects 

are reflected in the HyMap data. The only known mineral prospects in the Kundalan AOI that do not 

occur in one of the subareas are the Asanzay prospect and an unnamed prospect near the eastern 

boundary of the AOI at lat 32°

13'03.65"N., long 66°37'40.55"E., that has been excluded from the 

discussions of this investigation. 

In the Kundalan AOI, most skarn-type copper and gold occurrences are along or proximal to 

contacts between Oligocene granite intrusions and diorite and carbonate rocks of various ages. Gold is 

present in skarns along the northeast trending faults zone, and in hydrothermal environments in shear 

zones and quartz veins that were emplaced in Paleozoic and Upper Triassic limestone and dolomite 

within the AOI and its subareas (chap. 10A of this report). Tungsten is found in skarns along the contact 

between the Oligocene granitic intrusive rocks and Middle and Upper Jurassic limestone. The spatial 

distribution of these elements also is expressed in a number of stream-sediment geochemical dispersion 
782 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

halos (Peters and others, 2007). The Kundalan AOI is one of a number of areas in Afghanistan that 

contains occurrences and geologic features that show promise for future discovery and exploitation of 

extensive deposits (chap. 10A of this report). The mineralogical characteristics for prospects in the AOI 

are summarized in table 10B–1. 

Figure 10B–2. Shaded relief map showing elevations in the Kundalan area of interest, including the three 

subareas. 

10B.2.1.1 Baghawan-Garangh Subarea

The Baghawan-Garangh subarea hosts the Garangh-Tughra, Assanak, Outcrop no. 543, Arghatu, 

Anaghay, Lajar, Baghawan, and Tourva gold prospects. According to Peters and others (chap. 10A of 

this report) most of the prospects lie proximal to metasomatized contacts of Late Cretaceous-Paleocene 

intrusive rocks in carbonate units, similar to the main Kundalan copper-gold deposit. Within the subarea, 
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 783

the Garangh prospect lies north of the Kundalan copper-gold deposit and along the peripheral contact for 

the lobes of the same intrusive body as the Kundalan deposit. 

Peters and others (this volume) report that the Assanak copper-gold prospect occurs in a zone of 

heavily brecciated, pyritized and marmorized limestone of Carboniferous to Early Permian age. 

The Tughra copper-gold prospect is confined within a zone of mineralization in Vendian–

Cambrian age rocks, and Outcrop 543 occurs in a zone of brecciated, carbonated, and serpentinized rock 

in Vendian–Cambrian age limestone.

Figure 10B–3. Faults and fractures within the Kundalan area of interest (from Abdullah and others, 1977, 

Doebrich and others, 2006, Peters and others, 2007) superimposed on Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (TM) 

data from Davis (2007).

10B.2.1.2 Charsu-Ghumbad Subarea

The Charsu-Ghumbad subarea lies in the southwestern part of the Kundalan AOI, and contains 

the Dorushak, Kadilak, Arghasu, and Charsu copper-gold prospects and the Ghumbad occurrence. The 

subarea is situated along northwest- and northeast-striking faults, and is associated with several 
784 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

aeromagnetic anomalies that directly underlie mineral prospects (Peters and others, 2007; Sweeney and 

others, 2006). Recent field sampling and geochemical analysis have determined that the subarea 

includes an anomalous zone of stream-sediment gold samples (chap. 10A of this report).

Figure 10B–4. Geologic map of the Kundalan area of interest from the digital geologic map of Afghanistan

(Adullah and others, 1977; Doebrich and others, 2006; Peters and others, 2007). 

The following abbreviated descriptions are excerpts from the Kundalan mineral information 

package (chap. 10A of this report). The Dorushak copper-gold prospect is a shattered and 

hydrothermally altered skarn that lies along the exocontact of an intrusion of Late Cretaceous-Paleocene 

diorite in contact with Middle-Upper Jurassic limestone. Mineralized zones of brecciated limestone 

contain disseminations and veinlets of pyrite, chalcopyrite, and gray copper ore, as well as coatings of 

chrysocolla. The Kadilak occurrence consists of two mineralized zones restricted to Upper Triassic 

limestone. The ore consists of limestone and hematite fragments cemented by quartz-carbonate material 

with disseminated pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, chalcocite, galena, and hematite. The Aargau (I, II, III) 

occurrences are restricted to the exocontact of an intrusion of Late Cretaceous-Paleocene diorite and 

Upper Triassic-Lower Jurassic limestone. The contact is represented by zones of skarn and 

hydrothermally altered, brecciated rocks. Rocks are serpentinized and carry disseminated pyrrhotite and 

chalcopyrite. The Charsu skarn copper-gold prospect occurs along a northwest-striking fault zone that 

forms a contact between Late Cretaceous to Paleocene diorite and Middle to Upper Jurassic marble and 

dolomitized limestone producing diopside-garnet skarn, and magnetite-hematite-skarn in lenses, which 
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 785

overlies an aeromagnetic high (chap. 10A of this report; Sweeney and others, 2006). The Ghumbad 

W-skarn occurrence is also present in the southern part of Charsu-Ghumbad subarea. 

10B.2.1.3 Kunag Skarn Subarea

The Kunag Skarn subarea is in the northern part of the Kundalan AOI, and is reported to contain

numerous copper-gold skarn occurrences (chap. 10A of this report). The area is also reported to have

numerous patches of sericite alteration, some of which are along linear patterns proximal to mapped 

faults. The Kunag Skarn subarea contains the Hazarbuz, Buzghala II, Sare-Surkh, Daryabghar, Kunag, 

and Ekrak occurrences, as well as several unnamed gold-bearing copper skarns. It remains unclear 

whether the mineral occurrences are related to the Oligocene age granite bodies or to the Upper 

Cretaceous diorites. Skarns occur adjacent to contacts between the igneous rocks and Middle to Upper 

Paleozoic age limestone and sandstone, as well as Cambrian limestone. The Kunag Skarn subarea is 

reported to contain anomalous tungsten and gold in stream sediment samples. Aeromagmetic data show 

an anomalous magnetic high under parts of the area (Sweeney and others, 2006). 

Figure 10B–5. Location of known mineral occurrences in the Kundalan area of interest (AOI). The map shows the 

entire AOI and the three subareas: Baghawan-Garangh, Charsu- Ghumbad, and Kunag Skarn. Geologic map of the 

Kundalan AOI from the digital geologic map of Afghanistan (Adullah and others, 1977; Doebrich and others, 2006; 

Peters and others, 2007); digital elevation and fault traces taken from Peters and others, 2007 and mine locations 

and names from Abdullah and Chmyriov, 1977 and Peters and others, 2007.
786 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Table 10B–1. List of known mineral occurrences

[Au, gold; Cu, copper; W, tungsten; unk, unknown] 

 in the Kundalan area of interest. 

Name Deposit type Mineralogy Gangue Alteration

Obato-Shela

Unnamed

Outcrop no. 7273

Charsu

Asanzay

Arghasu (I, II, III)

Kadilak

Dorushak

Ghumbad

Unnamed

Baghawan

Unnamed

Lajar

Bolo Copper

Unnamed

Tourva (Jurwa)

Anaghay

Chokrak

Unnamed

Arghatu

Kundalyan 

(Kaphtarghor, 

Surkh-i-Shella)

Outcrop no. 543

Tughra

Garangh

Karst type bauxite

Unk Au

Skarn Cu

Skarn Cu

Skarn Cu

Skarn Cu

Vein Au

Skarn Cu

Skarn W

Unk Au

Skarn Cu

Skarn Cu

Serpentine-hosted 

asbestos

Skarn Cu

Skarn Cu

Skarn Cu

Unclassified

Polymetallic vein

Vein Au

Skarn Cu

Porphyry Cu

Unk Au

Unk Au

Skarn Cu

Chamosite; diaspore

No data

Chalcopyrite

Magnetite; hematite; pyrite; chalcopyrite; 

covellite; bornite; malachite; cuprite; 

azurite; gold native

Pyrite; chalcopyrite

Pyrrhotite; chalcopyrite; pyrite; bornite; 

magnetite; hematite

Pyrite; chalcopyrite; bornite; chalcocite; 

galena; hematite

Pyrite; chalcopyrite; fahlore; copper pitch 

ore; bornite; hematite; magnetite

Pyrite; chalcopyrite; scheelite

Hematite; magnetite; pyrite; chalcopyrite

Magnetite; bornite; chalcopyrite; pyrite

Chalcopyrite; malachite; azurite

Serpentine

Malachite; pyrite; magnetite

Pyrite; chalcopyrite; magnetite

Sulfides

Malachite

Sulfides

No data

No data

Chalcopyrite; pyrite; sphalerite; fahlore; 

enargite; molybdenite; chalcocite; 

bornite; hematite

Chalcopyrite; copper pitch ore

Sulfides

Chalcopyrite; chalcocite; pyrite; gold 

native

No data

No data

Garnet; diopside

Diopside; serpentine; garnet; 

quartz

Garnet; diopside

Diopside; serpentine; garnet

Quartz; carbonate

Garnet; diopside; epidote

Garnet; pyroxene

No data

Pyroxene; serpentine; garnet

No data

No data

Pyroxene; garnet

Garnet; pyroxene

No data

No data

Quartz

Quartz

No data

Quartz; kaolin

Calcite; serpentine

No data

Diopside; serpentine; garnet

--

--

Skarn alteration of garnet-diopside facies

Skarn alteration of garnet facies; skarn 

alteration of diopside facies; skarn alteration 

of magnetite-hematite facies; overprinting 

serpentinization

Skarn alteration of garnet-diopside facies

Skarn alteration of diopside facies; overprinting 

serpentinization

Carbonatization; silicification

Skarn alteration of epidote-diopside facies; 

skarn alteration of garnet-epidote facies; 

skarn alteration of diopside-garnet facies

Skarn alteration of garnet facies; skarn 

alteration of garnet-pyroxene facies

--

Skarn alteration of magnetite-pyroxene facies; 

overprinting serpentinization

Skarn alteration

Overprinting serpentinization

Skarn alteration of magnetite facies; skarn 

alteration of magnetite-pyroxene facies; 

limonitization

Skarn alteration of garnet-magnetite-pyroxene 

facies

Skarn alteration; hornfels

Oxidation

Silicification

Silicification

Skarn alteration

Argillic alteration of quartz-kaolinite-hematite 

facies

Calcite alteration; overprinting serpentinization

--

Skarn alteration; overprinting serpentinization
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 787

Name Deposit type Mineralogy Gangue Alteration

Assanak

Buzghala II

Sare-Surkh

Ekrak

Daryabghar

Unnamed

Unnamed

Kunag

Unnamed

Unnamed

Unnamed

Unnamed

Unnamed

Hazarbuz

Korothka

Unnamed

Unnamed

Unnamed

Ludin

Unnamed

Unnamed

Outcrop no. 1305

Unnamed

Unnamed

Unk Au

Skarn Cu

Skarn Cu

Skarn Cu

Skarn Cu

Unclassified

Skarn Cu

Skarn Cu

Skarn Cu

Vein Au

Skarn W

Vein Au

Unk W

Skarn Cu

Quartz pegmatites and 

veins

Vein Au

Skarn Cu

Vein Au

Unk Au

Vein Au

Vein Au

Skarn Cu

Polymetallic vein

Vein Au

Pyrite

Chalcopyrite

No data

Hematite; chalcopyrite; covellite; bornite; 

pyrite

Sulfides

No data

No data

Chalcopyrite; chalcocite; bornite; covellite

No data

Quartz; sulfides

Scheelite

Quartz; sulfides

No data

Pyrite; chalcopyrite; bornite

Quartz crystal; amethyst

Quartz; sulfides

No data

Quartz; sulfides

No data

Quartz; sulfides

Quartz; sulfides

Pyrite; chalcopyrite; malachite

Chalcopyrite

Quartz; sulfides

No data

Diopside; serpentine; garnet

No data

Garnet; diopside; vesuvianite

No data

No data

No data

Garnet; diopside

Garnet; epidote; serpentine

No data

Garnet; plagioclase; pyroxene

No data

Quartz

Garnet; epidote; quartz

No data

Serpentine

Garnet; epidote; serpentine

No data

No data

No data

No data

Garnet; pyroxene; epidote; 

serpentine

Quartz

No data

--

Skarn alteration of magnetite-ludwigite facies; 

skarn alteration of serpentine-diopside facies

Skarn alteration

Skarn alteration of garnet-diopside facies; skarn 

alteration of garnet facies; skarn alteration of 

vesuvianite facies

Skarn alteration

Phyllic alteration of quartz-sericite-chlorite 

facies

Skarn alteration; hornfels

Skarn alteration; skarn alteration of diopside 

facies; skarn alteration of garnet facies

Skarn alteration; overprinting serpentinization

Quartz alteration

Skarn alteration of garnet facies; skarn 

alteration of feldspar-pyroxene-garnet facies

Silicification

Silicification

Skarn alteration of garnet-epidote facies

Silicification

limonitization; overprinting serpentinization; 

silicification

Skarn alteration; overprinting serpentinization

Quartz alteration; hornfels

Oxidation

Quartz alteration

Quartz alteration

Skarn alteration; overprinting serpentinization

Silicification

Silicification
788 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Chapter 10A of this report summarize the prospects within the subarea as follows. The Buzghala 

II prospect occurrence is hosted in serpentinite, similar to the Garangh prospect. The Hazarbuz prospect 

is hosted in an epidote-garnet skarn in the contact zone between the Oligocene age granite and Upper 

Permian limestone.

10B.3 Hyperspectral Mineral Maps of the Kundalan Area of Interest

Computer analysis of the HyMap data of the Kundalan AOI using spectral mapping techniques 

resulted in the identification of a variety of surficial minerals. These minerals have been identified based 

on the presence and wavelength position of absorption features in the 0.45 to 2.48-μm wavelength 

region. Two general categories of minerals are recognized: (1) iron-bearing minerals that have 

characteristic spectral absorption features that occur at wavelengths near the 1-μm region, and (2) a wide 

variety of minerals, including carbonates, mica and clay minerals, and sulfates, that have diagnostic 

spectral absorptions near the 2-μm region. Although the occurrence of certain minerals may suggest 

mineralization processes may have operated in the area, many of the minerals identified and mapped are 

also common rock-forming minerals or minerals that can be derived from the weathering of a variety of 

rock types. Consequently, knowledge about the distribution patterns of the identified minerals and the 

geologic context in which they occur are essential to understanding the causes of the mapped mineral 

occurrences and assessing the possible potential for related mineral deposits. A set of maps has been 

produced for the full Kundalan AOI and the three subareas. 

10B.3.1 Kundalan Area of Interest

Figures 10B–6 and 10B–7 depict, respectively, the distribution of the iron-bearing minerals (28 

possible classes) and carbonates, phyllosilicates, sulfates, altered minerals, and other materials 

(32 possible classes) for the entire Kundalan AOI. Both maps help identify lithologies within the dataset, 

show the regional trends and spatial relations of the different minerals, and may be used to improve the 

accuracy of future maps. Fe2+

Fe3+ Type 2 minerals dominate the map of iron-bearing minerals, and the 

muscovite and illite mineral groups dominate the map of the carbonates, phyllosilicates, sulfates, altered 

minerals, and other materials. Vegetation is mapped in the southeastern corner of the AOI in both 

HyMap maps.

Because of the large number of mineral classes represented and the subtleties of the distribution 

patterns in these image maps, it is instructive to display these results as a series of topical images, each 

depicting a group of minerals that are mineralogically related or commonly occur together in specific

geologic environments (figs. 10B–8 to 10B–13). Figure 10B–8 shows the distribution of carbonate 

minerals in the AOI, and figure 10B–9 shows where the clays and micas were mapped. The distribution 

of iron oxide and hydroxide minerals are displayed in figure 10B–10. Secondary minerals are shown in 

figure 10B–11, and minerals commonly found in hydrothermally altered rocks are mapped in 

figure 10B–12. 

10B.3.1.1 Carbonate Minerals

The calcites, calcite+montmorillonite, and calcite+muscovite/illite groups are the dominant 

mapped materials, and are present in most geologic units excluding the Late Proterozoic age rocks (fig. 

10B–8). Dolomite and dolomitic mineral mixtures are present primarily as spatially coherent groups of 

pixels in stratified rocks of many different ages. The kaolinite and carbonate group mineral mixtures are 

mapped in the central part of the AOI in rocks of different ages. The iron-bearing carbonates are 

spatially scattered across the AOI and form no contiguous pixel clusters.

The Asanzay prospect occurs in an area mapped as extensive calcite with a few scattered 

occurrences of dolomite group minerals. 
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 789

Figure 10B–6. Distribution of iron-bearing and other alteration minerals in the Kundalan area of interest as 

detected in the HyMap data.

10B.3.1.2 Clays and Micas

Muscovites and illites are the dominant minerals (fig. 10B–9) in the clay and mica map. The 

illites most commonly occur together in subequal amounts, with illites predominant in Proterozoic age 

rocks, and muscovites dominant in Oligocene intrusive rocks. Mica occurrences, along with Fe2+Fe3+ 

Type 2 minerals, suggest a mafic-schistose composition to the Proterozoic age rocks.

Calcite and muscovite mineral mixtures are present in contiguous areas and primarily occur in 

Oligocene and Late Cretaceous-Paleocene intrusive rocks. Dolomite group minerals (dolomite 

+montmorillonite/calcite) are present in the northern half of the AOI in Late Devonian stratified rocks 

and within Oligocene intrusive rocks. Pixels of the chlorite or epidote mineral group are scattered over 

the entire AOI, and form small contiguous areas in Late Proterozoic rocks in the center and 

southwestern corner of the AOI. Kaolinite and kaolinite group minerals are present mostly north of lat 

32°20"N. Montmorillonite occurrences show no correlation with geology, and are present throughout 

the subarea.

The Asanzay prospect occurs in an area of chlorite and epidote group minerals and calcite group 

minerals.
790 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–7 Occurrence of spatially distinct pixels of clays, carbonates, phyllosilicates, sulfates, and other 

alteration minerals identified in the HyMap data for the Kundalan area of interest. 

10B.3.1.3 Iron Oxides and Hydroxides

Figure 10B–10 shows the iron-bearing and other alteration minerals in the Kundalan AOI. 

Goethitic group minerals and epidote are the dominant minerals in the AOI. Goethite primarily occurs in 

the Carboniferous-Early Permian age stratified rocks in the northern part of the AOI. The goethitic 

mineral group is also present in the southwestern corner of the AOI (lat 32°

04'44.61"N., long 

66°10'03.45"E.) in what appears to be an oval shaped distribution pattern in the Oligocene Phase I 

granodiorite intrusive body, suggesting possible mineralization (King, Johnson, and others, 2011). 

Goethite is also mapped in association with hematite in Rhaetian-Early Jurassic age rocks near the 

eastern boundary of the investigation area. Epidote is primarily mapped north of the east-west fault in 

the center of the AOI. Hematite is mapped in a small well-defined cluster near lat 32°11'17.82"N, long 

66°32'27.67"E and along the southern border of the AOI in Barremian-Aptian intrusive rocks. A small, 

contiguous area of jarosite is present along with goethite in Late Devonian rocks near lat 32°

20'29.29"N, 

long 66°38'50.47"E. This occurrence warrants additional field verification and subsequent geochemical 

analysis (King, Johnson, and others, 2011). The Asanzay Cu-skarn prospect occurs in an area where 

analysis of the HyMap data detected no significant iron-bearing mineral occurrences.
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 791

Figure 10B–8. Distribution of carbonate-bearing minerals detected in the HyMap data for the Kundalan area of 

interest. 

10B.3.1.4 Common Secondary Minerals

The occurrence and distribution of common secondary minerals for the AOI are shown in figure 

10B–11. Serpentine group and serpentine are the dominant secondary minerals mapped in the AOI. The 

serpentine group minerals (serpentine or calcite+dolomite) are present in most geologic units, with the 

exception of some Late Proterozoic stratified rocks and soe Oligocene intrusive rocks. Serpentine is 

mostly in Carnain-Norian stratified formations and Oligocene intrusive rocks. Epidote minerals are 

present in many of the geologic units in the AOI, particularly those north of lat 32°10'N. Chlorite or 

epidote class minerals occur in well defined groups in both intrusive (Late Cretaceous-Paleocene) and 

stratified (primarily Late Proterozoic and Cambrian age) rocks and near the Asanzay prospect. Tremolite 

and talc minerals are mapped in three small contiguous areas in Late Devonian (lat 32°26'15.65"N., long 

66°37'05.92"E.) and Carboniferous-Early Permian (lat 32°37'34.45"N., long 66°37'50.33"E.) stratified 

rocks and Oligocene intrusive rocks (lat 32° 29'15.03"N., long 66°37'29.19"E.). In each case, these 

minerals occur with the other secondary alteration mineral assemblages (excluding the chlorite and 

epidote group minerals). 
792 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–9. Distribution of clays and micas detected in the HyMap data for the Kundalan area of interest. 

10B.3.1.5 Common Alteration Minerals

Most of the minerals in this group are commonly present in hydrothermally altered rocks 

associated with epithermal processes. Consequently, where they occur in distinct clusters is of great 

interest in terms of potential mineral deposits. In the Kundalan AOI, there are a limited number of 

clusters of common alteration minerals. Pixels of chlorite or epidote group minerals occur in clusters in 

both intrusive (Late Cretaceous-Paleocene) and stratified (primarily Late Proterozoic and Cambrian age) 

rocks including near the Asanzay prospect. Kaolinite and kaolinite group mineral pixels are present 

primarily at latitudes north of lat 32°10'N. 

10B.3.2 Baghawan-Garangh Subarea

Figure 10B–13 shows the location of the Baghawan-Garangh subarea, which ranges from 1,352 

to 2,638 m in elevation (fig. 10B–14). The geologic age of the stratified rocks in the subarea range in 

age from Late Proterozoic to Late Quaternary and Recent; intrusive rocks are also present, and are Late 

Cretaceous-Paleocene and Oligocene in age (fig. 10B–15). 

In the Landsat TM data (Davis, 2007) the rocks in the subarea range in color from light gray to 

greenish, to shades of brown and dark gray (fig.10B–16). The TM data provide a general overview of 

the Kundalan AOI terrain, and are useful for understanding the general characteristics and distribution of 

surficial material, including rocks and soil, unconsolidated sediments, vegetation, and hydrologic 
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 793

features. Several faults are present in the AOI; the largest fault trace bisects the subarea in the southwest 

to northeast direction. As can be seen in figure 10B–16, there is a slight misregistration of lithologic 

contacts and faults with the TM image. Spectrally mapped mineral occurrences are registered to the TM 

image, not the geologic map. 

The known mineral occurrence map shows the position of the 13 reported sites of mineralization 

in the Baghawan-Garangh subarea (fig. 10B–17). The hyperspectral data for the area (figs. 10B–18 and 

10B–19) show the distribution of Fe-bearing and carbonate, phyllosilicate, sulfate and other alteration 

minerals, respectively. Fe2+Fe3+ Type 2, and goethitic minerals are the dominant Fe-bearing minerals in 

the Baghawan-Garangh subarea. Muscovites and dolomite group minerals are the primary mineral 

phases shown in the carbonates, phyllosilicates, sulfates, altered minerals, and other materials map of the 

subarea (fig. 10B–19).

Distribution of Fe-hydroxides and oxides detected in the HyMap data for the Kundalan area of 

interest. 

Figure 10B–10.
794 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–11. Occurrence and distribution of common secondary minerals detected in the HyMap data for the 

Kundalan area of interest. 

10B.3.2.1 Baghawan-Garangh Subarea Carbonate Minerals

Figure 10B–20 shows the spatial distribution of carbonate-rich rich rocks that cover much of the 

subarea. Calcite and calcite group mineral mixtures occur over much of the subarea in all geologic units, 

excluding the Late Proterozoic stratified rocks. The Late Cretaceous-Paleocene intrusive body appears 

roughly oval shaped and is mapped as calcite and calcite plus muscovite/illite group minerals.

Dolomites and dolomite group minerals are commonly present as large localized pixel groups in 

many different geologic units primarily away from the intrusive body, and are commonly associated 

with the serpentine or calcite-dolomite mineral groups. The clay and carbonate mineral group is 

primarily mapped (excluding the intrusive body) north of lat 32°

18' in the eastern half of the AOI in the 

Carboniferous-Early Permian and Late Permian stratified rocks that are reported to contain siltstones 

and shales (Doebrich and others, 2006; Peters and others, 2007). 

All mineral occurrences in the subarea are mapped in rocks classified as carbonates in the 

HyMap data.
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 795

Figure 10B–12. Distribution of common alteration minerals detected in the HyMap data for the Kundalan area of 

interest. 

10B.3.2.2 Baghawan-Garangh Subarea Clays and Micas

Figure 10B–21 shows the enrichment of phyllosilicate minerals in the Baghawan-Garangh 

subarea. Muscovite is the most abundant mineral in the subarea, and is primarily associated with Late 

Proterozoic and Cambrian rocks, with lesser amounts mapped in Carboniferous-Early Permian stratified 

rocks. Muscovites are often spatially associated with lesser amounts of illite and kaolinite group 

minerals. Kaolinite and kaolinite group minerals are mapped adjacent to the intrusive body. North of 

approximately lat 32°

18', kaolinite and kaolinite group minerals are mapped along the margin of the 

large dolomite occurrences. The kaolinites also occur as small coherent clusters in the northern part of 

the subarea and commonly they occur in close proximity to calcite + muscovite/illite group minerals and 

dolomite (fig. 10B–20) and dolomite group minerals. Clay and calcite mineral groups are mapped in all 

parts of the subarea, with the heaviest concentration mapped in the Late Cretaceous-Paleocene intrusive 

rocks and in the northeastern corner of the subarea. Chlorite or epidote group minerals are primarily 

mapped along or near the contact zone of the Late Cretaceous-Paleocene intrusion and the surrounding 

host rocks. Dolomite and clay group minerals are mapped as isolated single pixels and small clusters of 

pixels throughout the subarea. 

All mineral prospect occur in the AOI are within or near pixels mapped as clay or mica group 

minerals in the HyMap data. Kaolinite and chlorite are clustered near faults, dolomite, and gold 
796 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

mineralization near the Garangh prospect. Chlorite with minor kaolinite also occurs north of the Tourva 

skarn copper deposit, near an unnamed vein gold deposit in the vicinity of the Anaghay prospect, and 

chlorite without kaolinite occurs near the Bolo Copper deposit. 

Figure 10B–13. Location of the Baghawan-Garangh subarea in Afghanistan. The subarea is included in the 

Kundalan area of interest. 

10B.3.2.3 Baghawan-Garangh Subarea Iron Oxides and Hydroxides

The distribution of Fe-oxides and hydroxides is shown in figure 10B–22. Goethites are the 

dominant mineral groups in the subarea and are primarily mapped north of lat 32°

18” in spatially 

coherent patterns. However, a small group of goethitic minerals are mapped in the southwestern corner 

of the subarea and are considered to be mineralogically anomalous (see King, Johnson, and others, 

2011). 

Fe-hydroxides are spatially associated with the goethitic minerals. Epidote is mapped in both 

intrusive and stratified rocks. Hematite is detected in the southeastern corner of the subarea.

The Au-prospects (Assanak, Lughra, and Outcrop no. 543) and the Garangh Cu-skarn prospect in 

the northern part of the subarea occur in or near material mapped as goethite and epidote in the HyMap 

data. In the southern half of the subarea, the Arghatu, Tourva (Jurwa), Baghawan prospects and Bolo

Copper deposit occur near material mapped as epidote in the HyMap data.
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 797

10B.3.2.4 Baghawan-Garangh Subarea Common Secondary Minerals

Epidote minerals are the most spatially abundant common secondary minerals in the subarea 

(fig.10B–23). Chlorite or epidote group minerals are mapped in the contact zone of the Late CretaceousPaleocene intrusion and the host rocks, and as scattered occurrences north of approximately lat 32°

18". 

Serpentine and serpentine group minerals are mapped along the periphery of the intrusive unit and near 

the dolomite bodies north of lat 32°

18".

All known mineral occurrences are located in the general vicinity of materials mapped as 

common secondary minerals in the HyMap data. 

Figure 10B–14. Shaded relief map showing elevations in the Baghawan-Garangh subarea.

10B.3.2.5 Baghawan-Garangh Subarea Common Alteration Minerals

The kaolinite group minerals are the most abundant of the common alteration minerals in the 

Baghawan-Garangh subarea (fig. 10B–24). The chlorite or epidote mineral group is primarily mapped 

along or near the contact zone of the Late Cretaceous-Paleocene intrusion and the host rocks. Pixels of 

Fe-carbonates are mapped in association with with chlorite or epidote group minerals along a linear 

trend in the southern part of the subarea near the Late Cretaceous-Paleocene intrusion. 
798 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

With the exception of the Kundalan (also spelled Kundalyan) prospect, all known mineral 

occurrences in the subarea are mapped in close proximity to common alteration materials.

Figure 10B–15. Geologic map of the Baghawan-Garangh subarea (from Abdullah and others,1977; Doebrich and 

others,2006; Peters and others, 2007). 

10B.3.2.6 Charsu-Ghumbad Subarea:

Figure 10B–25 shows the location of the Charsu-Ghumbad subarea in the Kundalan AOI. The 

subarea is approximately 327 km2 in size, and the elevation ranges from 1,268 to 2,471 meters 

(fig. 10B–26). Most of the high terrain is present in the southern half of the subarea, and a single high 

ridge is located in the northwestern corner. 

The rocks in the TM data (fig. 10B–27) range in color from light to dark gray, and include 

shades of brown. In general, the colors of the rock in the TM scene show little correlation with the 

mapped geology (Abdullah and others, 1977; Doebrich and others, 2006; Peters and others, 2007).

Several fault traces are present in the subarea and mostly trend in a general east-west direction. The 

geologic map of the area (fig. 10B–28) shows rocks ranging in age from to Late Proterozoic to Late 

Quaternary and Recent. Late Cretaceous-Paleocene intrusive rocks are mapped in the southern and 

northern parts of the subarea. The known mineral occurrence map shows the position of ten known 

mineral prospects in the Charsu-Ghumbad subarea (fig. 10B–29). 
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 799

Figure 10B–16. Faults in the Baghawan-Garangh subarea (Abdullah and others, 1977, Doebrich and others, 

2006, Peters and others, 2007) superimposed on Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (TM) image from Davis 

(2007).

Figures 10B–30 and 10B–31 show the distribution of Fe-bearing materials and carbonate, 

sulfate, phyllosilicate and other alteration minerals, respectively. The map of Fe-bearing minerals 

(fig. 10B–30) shows that dry vegetation is the most abundant category in the subarea, followed by 

Fe2+Fe3+ Type 2 minerals, and green vegetation. The presence of abundant vegetation in the subarea may 

mask the detection of surficial minerals and reduce the utility of the HyMap data for mineral resource 

evaluations. 

Figure 10B–31 shows the distribution of carbonates, phyllosilicates, sulfates, altered minerals, 

and other materials (32 possible classes) minerals for the subarea. As in figure 10B–30, dry and green 

vegetation dominate the subarea. Smaller occurrences of spatially distinct pixels mapped as calcitic and 

dolomitic group minerals are present the subarea. 
800 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–17. Location of known mineral occurrences by deposit type (Abbdullah and Chmyriov, 1977; Peters 

and others, 2007) shown on the geologic map of the Baghawan-Garangh subarea (Abdullah and others, 1977; 

Doebrich and others, 2006; Peters and others, 2007).

10B.3.2.7 Charsu-Ghumbad Subarea Carbonate Minerals

Calcite-rich materials are widespread and occur over the entire subarea (fig.10B–32). A lesser 

number of pixels mapped as dolomite and dolomitic mineral mixtures are distributed over much of the 

central and southern portions of the subarea, and are commonly associated with Carnain-Norian age 

limestones and dolomites. The calcite + muscovite mineral group minerals are mostly presentnorth of lat 

32°

10".

All known mineral prospects in the Charsu-Ghumbad subarea are mapped within one of 

carbonate classes in the HyMap data.

10B.3.2.8 Charsu-Ghumbad Subarea Clays and Micas

The HyMap data (fig. 10B–33) show the enrichment of clays and micas in the Charsu-Ghumbad 

subarea. The phyllosilicate-calcite group minerals are the spatially dominant mineral groups in the 

subarea and are present mostly north of lat 32°

10'N at low elevations. The chlorite or epidote group 

minerals occur at low elevations as spatially scattered pixels in much of the subarea. Only the Ghumbad 

(W-skarn) and Dorushak copper-gold prospects are located in clay- and mica-rich areas in the HyMap 

data.
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 801

Figure 10B–18. Distribution of iron-bearing and other alteration minerals based on HyMap data for the 

Baghawan-Garangh subarea.

10B.3.2.9 Charsu-Ghumbad Subarea Iron Oxide and Hydroxide Minerals

Figure 10B–34 shows the distribution of Fe-oxides and hydroxides in the Charsu-Ghumbad 

subarea. The goethite mineral group is the spatially dominant mineral group in the subarea, and mainly 

occurs at low elevations north of lat 32°10'N. Epidote minerals are distributed throughout the subarea. 

Fe-hydroxides are spatially scattered in the subarea, but show a slight enrichment in Carnain-Norian and 

Rhaetian-Early Jurassic age stratified rocks.

Only the Dorsushak and Ghumbad prospects show correlation with the iron-hydroxides and 

oxides detected in the HyMap data.

10.3.2.10 Charsu-Ghumbad Subarea Common Secondary Minerals

The serpentine and serpentine mineral groups are the most abundant secondary minerals

(fig.10B–35) in the subarea. The serpentine minerals are most common in the Carnain-Norian and 

Rhaetian-Early Jurassic age rocks. Minor amounts of epidote and chlorite group or epidote minerals are 

distributed in a random pattern across the subarea. 

None of the known mineral prospects in the subarea show a strong correlation with the 

secondary minerals detected in the HyMap data.
802 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–19. Distribution of clays, carbonates, phyllosilicates, sulfates, and other alteration minerals detected 

in the HyMap data for the Baghawan-Garangh subarea.

10B.3.2.11 Charsu-Ghumbad Subarea Common Alteration Minerals

There are no significant occurrences of any common alteration minerals in the subarea and no 

correlation with known mineral prospects. 

10B.3.2.12 Kunag Skarn Subarea

Figure 10B–37 shows the location of Kunag Skarn subarea, which is approximately 738 km2 in 

size, and ranges from 1,483 to 3,504 m in elevation (fig. 10B–38). 

The geologic map of the Kunag Skarn subarea (fig. 10B–39) shows stratified rocks ranging in 

age from Late Proterozoic to Late Permian (Doebrich and others, 2006); Oligocene age intrusive rocks 

occur over much of the subarea. The rocks in the TM data (fig. 10B–40) range in color from light to 

dark gray, and shades of reddish-brown. Figure 10B–41 shows the distribution of the nine named (total 

of 23 named and unnamed) known mineral occurrences in the subarea. 

Figures 10B–42 and 10B–43 show the distribution of Fe-bearing minerals, and carbonate, 

sulfate, phyllosilicate and other alteration minerals, respectively. The map of Fe-bearing minerals 

(fig. 10B–42) shows that pixels mapped as Fe2+Fe3+ Type 2 minerals are most abundant in the subarea, 

followed by and Fe3+ Type 1, and goethite mineral groups. Fewer pixels of epidote and Fe-hydroxide are 

mapped in the subarea. Pixels mapped as green and dry vegetation are common. 
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 803

Figure 10B–20. Distribution of carbonate minerals detected in the HyMap data for the Baghawan-Garangh 

subarea.

Figure 10B–43 shows the distribution of carbonates, phyllosilicates, sulfates, altered minerals, 

and other materials (32 possible classes) minerals for the subarea. Pixels mapped as calcite and calcite 

mineral mixtures are dominant in the subarea. Although spatially distinct pixels of dolomite group 

minerals, serpentines, muscovite and illite are also mapped.

10B.3.2.13 Kunag Skarn Subarea Carbonate Minerals

Calcite-rich rocks are widespread and occur over most of the subarea. The calcite, muscovite and 

illite mineral groups are the most abundant categories in the subarea, and occur in both stratified and 

intrusive rocks trending with major structures and contact boundaries, but crossing through different 

mapped lithologic units (fig. 10B–44). Large, spatially well-defined clusters of dolomitic group minerals 

are mostly present in the stratified rocks, although the dolomite+montmorillonite/calcite group minerals 

also occur in the intrusive rocks. Pixels mapped as the kaolinite + muscovite/clay/calcite mineral group 

are present throughout the subarea, and are often associated with the dolomite group minerals. 

All but one mineral prospect (an unnamed Au-vein in the eastern half of the subarea) occurs 

within the pervasive carbonate minerals in the subarea.
804 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–21. Distribution of clays and micas for the detected in the HyMap data for the Baghawan-Garangh 

subarea. 

10B.3.2.14 Kunag Skarn Subarea Clays and Micas

The HyMap data (fig. 10B–45) show the enrichment of clays and micas in the in the Kunag 

Skarn subarea. Calcite+ muscovite/illite and calcite+montmorillonite group minerals dominate the 

subarea and are mapped in both the stratified and intrusive rocks, but with greater abundance in the 

intrusive rocks. Illites and muscovites are also abundant in the subarea. Illites along with ferrous iron 

bearing minerals mostly occur in fault-bounded, Late Proterozoic rocks along the eastern subarea 

boundary, Muscovites are mapped in both the stratified and intrusive rocks, and are commonly 

associated with the calcite+muscovite/illite mineral class. The dolomite+montmorillonite/calcite mineral 

class is mapped in the intrusive rocks as relatively large concentrations of pixels and as small spatially 

contiguous areas in the stratified rocks. Chlorite or epidote group minerals are present in both the 

stratified and intrusive rocks. 

The kaolinite group minerals occur as small spatially coherent clusters in the Late Devonian and 

Carboniferous-Early Permian rocks in the southeastern corner of the subarea and in Late Devonian rocks 

in the northwestern part of the subarea. The only kaolinite mapped in the intrusive rocks occurs near lat 

32°

29'18.9" and long 66°34'09.30". 

All known mineral prospects occur in areas mapped as clays and micas in the HyMap data, but 

there is no systematic correlation between prospect types and specific mineral classifications.
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 805

Figure 10B–22. Distribution of Fe-hydroxides and oxides detected in the HyMap data for the Baghawan Garangh 

subarea.

10B.3.2.15 Kunag Skarn Subarea Iron Oxide and Hydroxide Minerals

Figure 10B–46 shows the distribution of Fe-oxides and hydroxides in the Kunag Skarn subarea. 

The goethitic mineral groups are the most abundant iron oxide and hydroxide class minerals in the 

subarea, and primarily occur in stratified rocks. In the northern part of the subarea, two contiguous areas 

of goethitic material are mapped in Late Devonian, Silurian, and Ordovician stratified rocks 

(lat 32°38'47.47"N., long 66°35'28.95"E.; lat 32°34'43.40"N., long 66°48'01.42"E.). Smaller clusters of 

goethitic material are present along the southern and eastern borders of the subarea in rocks of various 

ages. Fe-hydroxide, which occurs in both stratified and intrusive rock units, is present in the subarea and 

is commonly associated with goethitic minerals.

Lesser amounts of epidote are mapped in the subarea, chiefly in the stratified rocks and along the 

contact margin of the intrusive rocks in the northwestern portion of the subarea. Two small contiguous 

areas of ferrihydrite occur near lat 32°26'14.32"N., long 66°37'05.3"E. 

There are no strong correlations between the nine named mineral prospects and the iron oxide 

and hydroxide minerals mapped based on the HyMap data, although epidote occurs near most of the 

skarn deposits. 
806 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–23. Distribution of common secondary minerals detected in the HyMap data for the BaghawanGarangh subarea.

10B.3.2.16 Kunag Skarn Subarea Common Secondary Minerals

The serpentine and serpentine or calcite+dolomite mineral groups are the most abundant 

secondary minerals mapped in the HyMap data, and occur in both stratified and intrusive rocks 

(fig.10B–47). The largest mapped occurrence of serpentine and serpentine group minerals in the 

intrusive rocks is near lat 32°

32'0.65"N., long 66°33'27.13"E. and in the stratified rocks near the 

Sare-Surkh prospect near lat 32°26'18.09"N., long 66°37'01.87"E. In both instances, the serpentine group 

minerals occur with tremolite or talc minerals. Another smaller occurrence of tremolite or talc is mapped 

in the Carboniferous-Early Permian rocks in the northwestern part of the subarea

Chlorite or epidote class minerals also occur as small contiguous pixel groups in both stratified 

and intrusive rocks, with the greatest concentrations in Late Proterozoic rocks in the northeastern part of 

the subarea.
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 807

Figure 10B–24. Common alteration minerals detected in the HyMap data for the Baghawan-Garangh subarea.

10B.3.2.17 Kunag Skarn Subarea Common Alteration Minerals

Relatively few pixels mapped as common alteration minerals are present in the subarea 

(fig. 10B–48). The most significant grouping is of the kaolinite and kaolinite group minerals, which are 

mapped in both the stratified and intrusive rocks. The kaolinite group minerals occur as small spatially 

coherent clusters in the Late Devonian and Carboniferous-Early Permian rocks in the southeastern 

corner of the subarea, and in Late Devonian rocks in the northwestern part of the subarea. The only 

kaolinite mapped in the intrusive rocks occurs near lat 32°

29'18.9"N., and long 66°34'09.30"E. The 

chlorite or epidote group minerals, as previously discussed, occur in both the stratified and intrusive 

rocks in limited quantities and do not seem to be associated with known mineralized locations. 
808 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–25. Location of the Charsu-Ghumbad subarea in Afghanistan. The subarea is included in the 

Kundalan area of interest.. 

10B.4 Summary and Conclusions

The Kundalan AOI and subareas (Charsu-Ghumbad, Baghawan-Garangh, and Kunag Skarn) are 

thought to be likely favorable regions for near-term development of mineral production based on 

previous studies by geologists from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and its Eastern 

European allies between the early 1950s and about 1985 (Peters and others, 2007). Recent geophysical 

data collected by the USGS (Sweeney and others, 2006), and joint field sampling and analysis activities 

completed by the USGS in collaboration with the Task Force for Business and Stability Operations 

(TFBSO) of the Department of Defense and the Afghanistan Geological Survey (AGS) of the Ministry 

of Mines of Afghanistan between 2009 and 2011 have provided valuable new data that substantially 

increases the understanding of the extent and value of the potential mineralization. The HyMap data for 

the AOI are an additional tool for understanding mineral forming processes.
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 809

Figure 10B–26. Shaded relief map of the Charsu-Ghumbad subarea (Peters and others, 2007). Dark brown 

shading indicates higher elevations and blue shading indicates lower elevations. 

Numerous copper- and gold-bearing prospects are present in the Kundalan AOI. Most copper 

and gold prospects in the Kundalan AOI are reported to contain commercial-grade ores of copper and

(or) gold, and many prospect areas have the potential for these commodities to be present in commercial 

volumes (chap. 10A of this report). Recent field work and data compilation have confirmed that much of 

the known mineralized rock in the primary Kundalan copper and gold deposit may be open to the east 

and west beneath colluvial cover (chap. 10A of this report). A hypothetical, significant additional 

resource therefore remains untested, and would be compatible with a mineralized system of the size 

indicated by the aeromagnetic anomaly (Sweeney and others, 2006). 
810 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–27. Faults in the Baghawan-Garangh subarea (Abdullah and others, 1977; Doebrich and others, 

2006; Peters and others, 2007), superimposed on a Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (TM) image from Davis 

(2007).

Because of the nearly complete inclusion of the AOI within the boundaries of the three subareas, 

the discussion of the hyperspectral data for the AOI will be addressed by subarea. However, one 

mineralogical anomaly near lat 32°

04'29.68"N., long 66°09'18.76"E., in the southwestern corner of the 

AOI is not included in subarea reviews, but is included in King, Johnson, and others (2011). In addition, 

a small, but spatially coherent group of jarosite pixels is mapped along with goethite in Late Devonian 

age rocks near lat 32°20'29.29"N., long 66°38'50.47"E. This occurrence warrants additional field 

verification and subsequent geochemical analysis (King, Johnson, and others, 2011). 
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 811

Figure 10B–28. Geologic map of the Charsu-Ghumbad subarea (Abdullah and others, 1977, Doebrich and others

2006; Peters and others, 2007). 

10B.4.1 Charsu-Ghumbad Subarea

HyMap data show that the Charsu-Ghumbad subarea is largely covered in dry and green 

vegetation south of approximately 32°10'N, which hinders the detection of surficial minerals and makes 

interpretation of the HyMap data less rigorous than in other parts of the AOI. 

In the carbonate, sulfate, phyllosilicate and other alteration minerals map, calcites and calcite 

group minerals are mapped throughout the subarea with the heaviest concentrations mapped in the 

northern portion where vegetation cover is sparser. In the southern part of subarea the HyMap data show 

spatially coherent groups of epidote and serpentine group minerals in Carnain-Norian rocks. 

In the areas north of approximately lat 32°10'N HyMap data mapped Fe2+Fe3+ Type 2 and 

Fe3+ Type 1, as the dominant minerals with lesser amounts of epidote and geothitic mineral groups. The 

complex structure, well defined dolomite bearing lithologies fringed with kaolinite, and known skarn 

mineralization near igneous rock suggest further occurrences of mineralization. 
812 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–29. Location of known mineral occurrences by deposit type (Abdullah and Chmyriov, 1977. Peters 

and others, 2007) and geology of the Charsu-Ghumbad subarea (Abdullah and others, 1977; Doebrich and others, 

2006; Peters and others, 2007).

10B.4.2 Baghawan-Garangh Subarea

The Baghawan-Garangh subarea is a geologically complex subarea with both intrusive and 

stratified rocks. The mapped mineral assemblages in the Late Cretaceous-Paleocene intrusion and the 

stratified rocks north of approximately lat 32°

18'N are suggestive of potential large scale mineralization.

Fe2+Fe3+ Type 2, goethites, Fe3+ Type 1, and epidote are the dominant Fe- bearing minerals 

mapped in the Baghawan-Garangh subarea. Large coherent areas of Fe2+Fe3+ Type 2, Fe3+ Type 1, and

epidote minerals are mapped in spatially cohesive patterns south of lat 32°

22'N. The Fe3+ Type 1 and 

epidote minerals primarily occur in the Late Cretaceous-Paleocene age intrusive rocks and the 

Fe2+Fe3+ Type 2 in the stratified host rocks. The epidote minerals preferentially occur on the peripheral 

edges of the intrusion and along fault traces. 
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 813

Figure 10B–30. Iron-bearing and other alteration minerals detected in the HyMap data of the Charsu-Ghumbad 

subarea.

North of approximately 32°22'N and along the western boundary of the subarea in Early Jurassic 

and Middle Jurassic-Late Jurassic age stratified rocks goethites occur along with Fe2+Fe3+ Type 2, 

Fe3+ Type 1, and epidote minerals in stratified rock of various ages. 

Dolomites and dolomite group minerals (see fig10B–8) also for the most part occur north of 

approximately lat 32°18'N in the stratified rocks, with lesser amounts mapped in the Cambrian age rocks 

along the southern subarea boundary. The dolomite occurrences are commonly mapped with kaolinite 

group minerals along the margins of the dolomites. It is not uncommon for serpentine group minerals to 

occur with the dolomite, kaolinite and calcite group minerals along and near fault traces. The dolomite, 

serpentine, kaolinite and calcite mineral groups are mapped with the talc or tremolite mineral group near 

lat 32°32'0.65"N., long 66°33'27.13"E. and in the stratified rocks near the Sare-Surkh prospect near lat 

32°26'18.09"N., long 66°37'01.87"E. 

The Late Cretaceous–Paleocene age intrusive rocks are largely calcite and calcite group minerals 

with chlorite or epidote group and serpentine group minerals and Fe-carbonates occurring along the 

peripheral edges of the intrusion. Muscovites and illites are principally mapped in the Late Proterozoic 

age rocks and occur with kaolinite in the Carboniferous-Early Permian and Late Permian rocks along the 

northern boundary of the subarea. 
814 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–31. Distribution of clays, carbonates, phyllosilicates, sulfates, and other alteration minerals detected 

in the HyMap data for the Charsu-Ghumbad subarea.

Kaolinite and chlorite are clustered near faults, dolomite, and gold mineralization near the 

Garangh prospect, indicate a possibility of additional mineral occurrences. Chlorite with minor kaolinite 

also occurs north of the Tourva skarn copper deposit, near an unnamed vein gold deposit by Anaghay, 

and chlorite without kaolinite is mapped near the Bolo Copper deposit. 

Sharp mineralogical boundaries in the HyMap data combined with the TM data suggest that 

additional field investigations are needed to ensure the accuracy of the existing geologic and structural 

maps of the subarea.
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 815

Figure 10B–32. Distribution of carbonate-bearing minerals detected in the HyMap data for the Charsu- Ghumbad 

subarea.

10B.4.3 Kunag Skarn Subarea

Calcite and calcite mineral mixtures are the most dominant minerals in the subarea and occurs in 

both stratified and intrusive rocks (fig. 10B–44). Although spatially distinct pixels of dolomite group 

minerals, muscovite, illite, and serpentine are also mapped. The calcite group minerals (calcite + 

muscovite/illite and calcite+montmorillonite, and calcite) mixed with muscovite and lesser amounts of 

dolomite+ montmorillonite/calcite group minerals are the primary classification mapped in the 

Oligocene age intrusive body. The heavy concentrations of dolomite mostly occur in the stratified rocks 

where in some locations they are associated with kaolinites and serpentine and serpentine group 

minerals. A spatially distinct group of dolomite and dolomite group minerals, serpentine, kaolinites, and 

tremolite or talc pixels are mapped in Late Devonian, Late Permian and Carboniferous-Early Permian 

age rocks (lat 32°

39'05.11"N, long 66°38'00.06"E) and warrant additional field investigations. Another 

smaller occurrence of tremolite or talc is mapped in the Carboniferous-Early Permian age rocks in the 

southwestern part of the subarea. Tremolite or talc minerals are mapped as spatially distinct pixels near 

the Sare-Surkh (lat 32°26'14.57"N, long 66°37'04.54"E) and Kunag (lat 32°29'14.76"N, long 

66°37'29.64"E) prospects where it occurs with serpentine and serpentine group minerals. Another 

smaller occurrence of tremolite or talc is mapped in the Carboniferous-Early Permian age rocks in the 

southwestern part of the subarea. 
816 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–33.

Pixels of Fe2+Fe3+ Type 2 minerals are most abundant and spatially distinct Fe-bearing 

minerals in the subarea, although Fe3+ Type 1, Fe-hydroxides, goethitic, and Fe2+ Type 1 minerals are 

also mapped (fig. 10B–39). Epidote and Fe2+Fe3+ Type 2, Fe3+ Type 1, and goethitic minerals 

commonly occur together in the stratified rocks and form spatially well-defined contiguous groupings 

near: lat 32°34'49.45"N., long 66°30'41.20"E., in Early Devonian- Middle Devonian and CarboniferousEarly Permian rocks; lat 32°38'12.48"N., long 66°35'31.81"E., in Late Devonian and 

Carboniferous-Early Permian rocks; lat 32°29'03.88"N., long 66°40'01.94"E., in Cambrian and 

Ordovician age rocks; lat 32°34'20.97"N., long 66°47'52.85"E., in Silurian and Ordovician age rocks. 

Distribution of clays and micas detected in the HyMap data for the Charsu-Ghumbad subarea.

Ferrihydrite mapped with Fe3+ Type 1, Fe-hydroxides, epidote and Fe2+Fe3+ Type 2, along a 

contact between Late Devonian stratified rocks and Oligocene age intrusive rocks occur near lat 

32°26'14.32"N., long 66°37'05.3"E., and should be subject to future investigation. 
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 817

Figure 10B–34.

The Kundalan AOI has been explored using several methods, including drilling and trench 

excavation, field sampling and observation, and airborne geophysical data collection (Peters and others, 

2007; Sweeney and others 2006; chap. 10A of this report). The AOI contains Cretaceous-Paleocene 

alkaline intrusive rocks that are reported to form a prominent magnetic high that outlines a probable 

deep-seated, large northeast-trending plutonic complex over which the known copper and gold deposits 

and prospects are clustered (Sweeney and others, 2006; chap. 10A of this report). Recent field work and 

observations have confirmed that much of the mineralized rock at the main Kundalan copper-gold 

deposit is beneath colluvial cover, and may be as large as the aeromagnetic anomaly delineated by 

Sweeney and others (2006) and shown in figure 10A–6 (this volume). 

Distribution of Fe-hydroxides and oxides detected in the HyMap data for the Charsu-Ghumbad 

subarea.
818 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–35.

Analysis of the HyMap data for the Kundalan AOI has provided evidence that supports the 

presence of large scale mineralization. The HyMap data suggest areas of potential mineralization, but 

show no strong correlation between surficial minerals and known geochemical halos (figures 10B–49 

and 10B–50). The most compelling correlation occurs in the Baghawan-Garangh subarea where the 

main Late Cretaceous-Paleocene age intrusive body is delineated by calcite and calcite+muscovite/illite 

group minerals, with chlorite and epidote (the only such occurrence in the AOI), kaolinite, iron 

carbonates, and serpentine minerals along the periphery of the intrusion (fig. 10B–50). Figure 10B–49 

shows that epidote and Fe3+ Type 1 minerals are associated with the Late Cretaceous-Paleocene 

intrusion. To the north of the intrusive body, a large contiguous area of dolomite and dolomite group 

minerals are mapped (fig. 10B–50) along with goethite, Fe3+ Type 1, and Fe2+Fe3+ Type 2 (fig.10B–49), 

which could be associated with widespread alteration processes.

Occurrence and distribution of common secondary minerals detected in the HyMap data for the 

Charsu-Ghumbad subarea.
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 819

Figure 10B–36.

Well defined goethitic mineral assemblages (lat 32°04'47"N., long 66°09'20.91"E.; lat 

32°38'47.47"N., long 66°35'28.95"E.; lat 32°34'43.40"N., long 66°48'01.42"E.) and a large poorly 

defined area (near lat 32°22'48.04"N., long 66°36'10.11"E.) associated with epidote, Fe-hydroxides, 

Fe2+Fe3+ Type 2 , and Fe3+ Type 1, are worthy of additional field investigations and analysis. 

Common alteration minerals detected in the HyMap data for the Charsu-Ghumbad subarea.

Tremolite and talc minerals are mapped in four contiguous areas (lat 32°26'15.65"N., long 

66°37'05.92"E.; lat 32°37'34.45"N., long 66°37'50.33"E.; lat 32° 29'15.03"N., long 66°37'29.19"E.; 

32°32'0.65"N., long 66°33'27.13"E.), and in each case occur with the other secondary alteration mineral 

assemblages (excluding the chlorite and epidote group minerals); all of these locations should be further 

investigated to determine their relation to potential mineralization.

The HyMap data identified large areas of potential mineralization in both the Kunag Skarn and 

Baghawan-Garangh subareas. However, well defined, clusters of common alteration minerals are not 

observed, which may be due to colluvial or vegetation cover that masks surficial minerals or because the 

type of alteration in the Kundalan AOI may not produce surficial alteration with these mineralogical 

signatures.
820 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–37. Location of the Kunag Skarn subarea in Afghanistan. The subarea is included in the Kundalan 

area of interest. 
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 821

Figure 10B–38. Shaded relief map showing elevations in the Kunag Skarn subarea. Dark brown shading 

indicates higher elevation and blue shading indicates lower elevations.
822 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–39. Geologic map of the Kunag Skarn subarea (Abdullah and others, 1977; Doebrich and others, 

2006; Peters and others, 2007).
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 823

Figure 10B–40. Faults in the Kunag Skarn subarea (Abdullah and others, 1977; Doebbrich and others, 2006; 

Peters and others 2007) superimposed on a Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (TM) image from Davis (2007).
824 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–41. Location of known mineral occurrences by deposit type (Abdullah and Chmyriov, 1977; Peters 

and others, 2007) superimposed on a geologic map of the Kunag Skarn subarea (Abdullah and others, 1977; 

Doebrich and others, 2006; Peters and others, 2007).
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 825

Figure 10B–42. Distribution of iron-bearing and other alteration minerals detected in the HyMap data for the 

Kunag Skarn subarea.
826 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–43. Distribution of clays, carbonates, phyllosilicates, sulfates, and other alteration minerals detected 

in HyMap data for the Kunag Skarn subarea.
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 827

Figure 10B–44. Distribution of carbonate-bearing minerals detected in the HyMap data for the Kunag Skarn 

subarea.
828 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–45. Distribution of clays and micas detected in the HyMap data for the Kunag Skarn subarea.
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 829

Figure 10B–46. Distribution of Fe-hydroxides and oxides detected in the HyMap data for the Kunag Skarn 

subarea.
830 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–47. Common secondary minerals detected in the HyMap data for the Kunag Skarn subarea.
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 831

Figure 10B–48. Common alteration minerals detected in the HyMap data for the Kunag Skarn subarea.
832 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Figure 10B–49. Distribution of iron-bearing and other alteration minerals detected in the HyMap data of the 

Kundalan area of interest with geochemical mineral halos from chap. 10A of this report. 
Chapter 10B. Analysis of Imaging Spectrometer Data for the Kundalan Area of Interest 833

Figure 10B–50. Distribution of clays, carbonates, phyllosilicates, sulfates, and other alteration minerals detected 

in the HyMap data of the Kundalan area of interest with geochemical mineral halos taken from chap. 10A of this 

report. 

10B.6 References Cited

Abdullah, Sh., and Chmyriov, V.M., 1977, Geological map of Afghanistan: Kabul, Afghanistan, 

Ministry of Mining and Industry of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, scale 1:500,000. 

Abdullah, Sh., Chmyriov, V.M., Stazhilo-Alekseev, K.F., Dronov, V.I., Gannan, P.J., Rossovskiy, L.N., 

Kafarskiy, A.Kh., and Malyarov, E.P., 1977, Mineral resources of Afghanistan (2d ed.): Kabul, 

Afghanistan, Republic of Afghanistan Geological and Mineral Survey, 419 p. 

Cocks, T., Jenssen, R., Stewart, A., Wilson, I., and Shields, T., 1998, The HyMap airborne hyperspectral 

sensor—The system, calibration and performance, in Schaepman, M., Schlapfer, D., and Itten, K.I., 

eds., Proceedings of the 1st EARSeL Workshop on Imaging Spectroscopy, 6–8 October 1998, Zurich: 

Paris, European Association of Remote Sensing Laboratories, p. 37–43. 

Davis, P.A., 2007, Landsat ETM+ false-color image mosaics of Afghanistan: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 2007–1029, 22 p. (Also available at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1029/.) 

Doebrich, J.L., and Wahl, R.R., comps., with contributions by Doebrich, J.L., Wahl, R.R., Ludington, 

S.D., Chirico, P.G., Wandrey, C.J., Bohannon, R.G., Orris, G.J., Bliss, J.D., Wasy, Abdul, and 

Younusi, M.O., 2006, Geologic and mineral resource map of Afghanistan: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open File Report 2006–1038, scale 1:850,000, available at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2006/1038/. 
834 Summaries of Important Areas for Mineral Investment and Production Opportunities of Nonfuel Minerals in Afghanistan

Hoefen, T.M., Kokaly, R.F., and King, T.V.V., 2010, Calibration of HyMap data covering the country 

of Afghanistan, in Proceedings of the 15th Australasian Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry 

Conference, Alice Springs, Australia, September 12–17, 2010, p. 409, available at 

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/81114/15ARSPC-Proceedings.zip/.

King, T.V.V., Kokaly, R.F., Hoefen, T.M., and Knepper, D.H., 2010, Resource mapping in Afghanistan 

using HyMap data, in Proceedings of the 15th Australasian Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry 

Conference, Alice Springs, Australia, September 12–17, 2010, p. 500, available at 

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/81114/15ARSPC-Proceedings.zip/

King, T.V.V., Kokaly, R.F., Hoefen, T.M., Dudek, K. and Livo, K.E., 2011, Surface materials map of 

Afghanistan—Iron-bearing minerals and other materials: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific 

Investigations Map 3152–B.

. 

King, T.V.V., Johnson, M.R., Hoefen, T.M., Kokaly, R.F., and Livo, K.E., 2011, Mapping potential 

mineral resource anomalies using HyMap data, in King, T.V.V., Johnson, M.R., Hubbard, B.E., and 

Drenth, B.J., eds, Identification of mineral resources in Afghanistan—Detecting and mapping resource 

anomalies in prioritized areas using geophysical and remote sensing (ASTER and HyMap) data in 

Afghanistan: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2011–1229, available at 

http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2011/1229/

Kokaly, R.F., King, T.V.V., and Livo, K.E., 2008, Airborne hyperspectral survey of Afghanistan 

2007—Flight line planning and HyMap data collection: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

2008–1235, 14 p. 

. 

Kokaly, Ray, 2011, PRISM—Processing routines in IDL for spectroscopic measurements: 

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2011–1155, available at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2011/1155/

Kokaly, R.F., King, T.V.V., Hoefen, T.M., Dudek, K. and Livo, K.E., 2011, Surface materials map of 

Afghanistan—Carbonates, phyllosilicates, sulfates, altered minerals, and other materials: 

U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3152–A.

. 

Peters, S.G., Ludington, S.D., Orris, G.J., Sutphin, D.M., Bliss, J.D., and Rytuba, J.J., eds., and the 

U.S. Geological Survey-Afghanistan Ministry of Mines Joint Mineral Resource Assessment Team, 

2007, Preliminary non-fuel mineral resource assessment of Afghanistan: U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 2007–1214, 810 p., 1 CD–ROM. (Also available at 

http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1214/

Sweeney, R.E., Kucks, R.P, Hill, P.L., and Finn, C.A., 2006, Aeromagnetic and gravity surveys in 

Afghanistan—A web site for distribution of data: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

2006–1204, available at 

.) 

http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2006/1204/.