MINERAL MAPPING
Rapid analysis of drill-core and geological samples.
We use various imaging sensors to acquire hyperspectral data over rock samples and drill-cores. These sensors cover the visible and near infrared (VNIR) range, short-wave infrared (SWIR) range, mid-wave infrared (MWIR) range and long-wave infrared (LWIR) range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Various minerals show characteristic spectral features in different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Thus, the combination of these hyperspectral data sets can provide a wealth of information on the mineralogy of the samples. We use both expert-rule systems based on the interpretation of spectra as well as machine learning methods to rapidly map the minerals in the samples. We have developed python-based toolboxes for this specific purpose. By being able to rapidly identify and map various minerals in our samples, we can target areas on Earth with high potential for specific mineralization.