Polymetallic Masses Exploration, Using Magnetic and Gravity Geophysical Methods in the Shotul Area, Panjshir–Afghanistan

Afghanistan is abundant in mineral resources, with polymetallic deposits containing a variety of valuable metals. These deposits are particularly notable for their rich reserves of copper, iron, gold, silver, aluminum, tin, zinc, lead, rare elements and other metals. Magnetic and gravity geophysical methods were utilized for exploring polymetallic deposits, leveraging their distinct properties of magnetometry and gravity. These techniques were applied in the Shotul District of Panjshir Province, Afghanistan. The results obtained from both techniques reveal detailed structural characteristics of the study area. The magnetic and Bouguer anomaly maps indicate significant discontinuities, indicating the influence of faults in the area. The big structural feature is the Panjshir Fault, which trends northeast. In addition, subordinate fault structures are oriented either north south or subparallel to the main Panjshir fault. Significant rock formations and polymetallic masses are aligned along these fault zones, extending predominantly in a northeast-southwest direction within the study area. Both regional and local mineralization appear to be strongly influenced by tectono-magmatic processes and deep-seated basement faults. An upward continuation filter applied to the magnetic data highlights the highest anomaly approximately 500 m northeast of the study area. A comparison of the magnetic and gravity data suggests that the subsurface rocks contain magnetite, hematite, and other dense minerals. Based on these results, more than five locations have been identified for exploratory drilling, targeting potential ore bodies at depths of up to 500 m.