MINERAL EXPLORATION
Infrared (LWIR) spectral regions. Later in HRS development, the Visible
Spectrum (VIS) to the Near-Infrared (NIR) spectral region was also investigated.
Hyperspectral data analysis has allowed for the derivation of full mineral
maps, including the detection of alteration zones. The hyperspectral imagery
was provided with illumination correction, colour balancing and mosaicing
HRS solutions provider Southern Mapping states: “HRS provides high
spectral/spatial resolution radiance data from a distance, ie not being in
contact with the target. This means that HRS effectively measures surface
materials and constituents by collecting both spatial and spectral
information of a single entity. This information results in the identification of
targets based on their spectral properties. In this way, HRS can provide more
accurate and detailed spectral information of the Earth’s surface, measuring
hundreds of bands across the electromagnetic spectrum. Hyperspectral data
is collected using either airborne or space-based platforms. Hyperspectral
technology has many applications, including geology, geomorphology,
ecology, pedology, atmospheric science, and forensic science. As such, the
data can be applied by decision makers in both the private and government
sectors in order to aid in their applied field. Geological remote sensing,
which is applied as foundation work in geological surveys, plays an
important role in mineral prospecting and exploration.”
Considering that subtle mineralogical differences may be difficult to map
in the field, the placement of a hyperspectral system in South Africa has
made tasking and acquiring hyperspectral survey data more feasible as an
aid in geological mapping. Southern Mapping has been conducting
hyperspectral surveys in Africa for more than nine years. These surveys
include projects that utilise hyperspectral data for geological analysis. For
example, Southern Mapping completed a survey in Mozambique to assist
the client in exploration activities. The data provided a unique geospatial
insight into the geology of the area, refining the geological mapping to a 5
m grid resolution as well as highlighting previously unknown features in the
geology. Following the geological interpretation, the data was used for an
environmental study. The hyperspectral data, in combination with the
accompanied LiDAR data, was used to map all the sensitive vegetation
species, such as the position and height (age) of the Baobab trees, a key
component of the environmental audit process in Mozambique.
“At Southern Mapping we believe that every service is based on the
specific needs of the client, and we see this process as beneficial to both the
client and ourselves. It enables us to further explore, develop and specialise
the range of our services. With the current increase in mining exploration, we
are looking forward to all the progressive ways in which we can adapt and
implement our Hyperspectral Remote Sensing and LiDAR services.”
ALT and Mount Sopris update on new offerings
Mount Sopris Instruments and Advanced Logic Technology (ALT) say they have
many new products and software hitting the market in 2018 that will highly
impact mineral exploration drilling and logged data analysis. WellCAD software is
the industry standard borehole data toolbox, used for processing and compiling
core, drill, and well log data in one document. This year, ALT has designed new
modules allowing for quick Borehole Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (BMR) data
analysis and steel casing inspection. In addition, the Image and Structure
SOME THINK
LONG-DISTANCE
TRANSPORT IS
INFRASTRUCTURE-
INTENSIVE.
WE THINK
DIFFERENT.
Transporting materials from remote locations has tradition-
ally required signifi cant infrastructure investments in road
or rail