Hyperspectral Methods for Exploration, Mining and Basin Analysis
The routine analysis of rocks, minerals and soils using reflectance spectroscopy is one of the quickest and most cost-effective means of determining geological composition, particularly of those hard-to-recognise clay and hydrous alteration minerals. Add to that the latest anhydrous silicate mineral logging tools the method now truly operates as geologists think and now applies in most geological environments.
Capturing the Benefits
In many situations spectroscopic analysis, whether from drill cores, drill chips, blast hole pulps or at the outcrop, can provide extremely rich, timely, low-cost-per-sample solutions to many mineral exploration, oil and gas exploration, mining, geo-metallurgical or environmental problems.
Above all hyperspectral methods can provide rapid, objective characterisation of mineral and basin systems augmenting and enhancing conventional logging and assay methods. Because sample preparation is minimal and non-destructive and results available in real-time, near real-time or quicker and cheaper than XRD analysis, benefits can be delivered faster and cheaper.
And excitingly, today, spectroscopic analysis can be delivered at numerous scales and in many different forms. Point sample measurements, cross-country traverses, drill-core profiles, drill-core images or mine-face images, can be made at scales ranging from 25 µm to 10 mm to 10 cm depending on the application.
Likewise, remote sensing hyperspectral mineral mapping covers hundreds or thousands of square kilometres seeing sites no geologist could reach so completely and objectively.
And excitingly, today, spectroscopic analysis can be delivered at numerous scales and in many different forms. Point sample measurements, cross-country traverses, drill-core profiles, drill-core images or mine-face images, can be made at scales ranging from 25 µm to 10 mm to 10 cm depending on the application.
Likewise, remote sensing hyperspectral mineral mapping covers hundreds or thousands of square kilometres seeing sites no geologist could reach so completely and objectively.