3D Photointerpretation Mapping of the Foulou Bauxite Massif (North-Central Burkina Faso)

Abstract

In this study, we propose a geological and mining mapping method based on 3D photo-interpretation using high-resolution satellite images. This method has proven to be a resilient approach to mapping in Sahelian regions where access to terrain is limited due to terrorism-related insecurity. This method has been successfully applied to the mapping of the Foulou bauxitic massif, an emblematic occurrence of the Goren greenstone belt in north-central Burkina Faso. This massif hosts an estimated reserve of 20 million tons of bauxite ore. This bauxite resource covers a convex plateau with a surface area of 0.5 km², towering 150 meters above the surrounding landscape. In photo-interpreted images, the plateau stands out for its dark hue and rough texture.