Concentration of heavy minerals in Padma-river bar sediments from Bheramara to Ruppur using multispectral satellite data and petrographic analysis

This study investigates the heavy minerals of bar sediments in the Padma river, revealing high concentrations of economically significant minerals. Utilizing multispectral satellite data from Landsat-9 (OLI/TIRS) and processing through ENVI 5.3 and ArcGIS 10.8.2, we produced detailed zonation maps that highlight the distribution and concentration of various heavy minerals. Through the analysis, a range of valuable minerals has been identified including biotite, epidote, garnet, hornblende, kyanite, monazite, rutile, hematite, ilmenite, and magnetite, with garnet (13.99%), epidote (13.16%), hornblende (8.99%), kyanite (14.97%), and rutile (9.98%) being the most prevalent. Despite quartz not being classified as a heavy mineral, its high abundance adds to the economic value of the sediments. The study emphasizes the potential for eco-friendly and sustainable extraction methods to exploit these resources without causing significant environmental disruption. The findings suggest that the heavy minerals in the Padma River sediments, spanning from Bheramara to Ruppur, hold substantial economic promise for the region. This research underscores the importance of integrating remote sensing technology with traditional mineral analysis to optimize resource management and contribute to local economic development.