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Mineral Prospecting

Spectral data classification at high spatial resolution

Figure 1. False-color mineral map generated from shortwave infrared (SWIR) 900-2500nm hyperspectral data overlaid onto Google Maps conventional color image.
Figure 1. False-color mineral map generated from shortwave infrared (SWIR) 900-2500nm hyperspectral data overlaid onto Google Maps conventional color image. conventional color image. Figure 2. 3D rendering of a scene created using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) generated from a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) point cloud collected using a Headwall turnkey unmanned airborne hyperspectral imaging system. Flight-planning software enabled the required flight-path to be followed precisely and automatically without pilot intervention, other than to initiate take-off and landing.

Prospecting is the search for minerals and ores that suggest the presence of a mineral deposit worthy of mining. Rapid and accurate mapping of the surface mineralogy of large areas greatly improves the efficiency and efficacy of mineral prospecting. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) can produce maps of surface mineralogy using airborne imagery.

AIRBORNE IMAGE ACQUISITION

Airborne SWIR hyperspectral images were collected using a Headwall Co-Aligned HP VNIR-SWIR turnkey package. LiDAR data was also collected using the same Co-Aligned HP VNIR-SWIR and LiDAR turnkey package.

HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGE ANALYSIS

Headwall’s SpectralView® classification module was used to generate a false-color map of the surface mineralogy. Each color corresponds to a spectral signature representing a mineral or group of minerals as identified by an expert. A high resolution DEM was created from a LiDAR point cloud using Headwall’s LiDAR Tools. 3D renderings were created using the LiDAR DEM.

Figure 2. 3D rendering of a scene created using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) generated from a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) point cloud collected using a Headwall turnkey unmanned airborne hyperspectral imaging system. Flight-planning software enabled the required flight-path to be followed precisely and automatically without pilot intervention, other than to initiate take-off and landing.
Figure 2. 3D rendering of a scene created using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) generated from a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) point cloud collected using a Headwall turnkey unmanned airborne hyperspectral imaging system. Flight-planning software enabled the required flight-path to be followed precisely and automatically without pilot intervention, other than to initiate take-off and landing.

The results indicate that airborne hyperspectral imaging can be used for mineral prospecting with very good accuracy when suitable mineral spectral libraries are available. Ideally these spectral libraries should be obtained from a local ground truth measurement. This ensures that the spectral signatures match the local geology.

Benefits of Using Headwall Hyperspectral Imaging Technology

Unlike conventional grayscale or RGB color cameras, Headwall’s hyperspectral sensors capture a wide range of the visible to near-infrared spectrum in extraordinary spectral and spatial resolution. Such resolution is often needed to identify the spectral fingerprints of minerals of interest.

READY OUT OF THE BOX

Headwall’s turnkey Co-Aligned VNIR-SWIR hyperspectral imager with UAV and optional LiDAR comes with everything needed to fly missions, including flight and data acquisition training at Headwall’s facility in Massachusetts.

Benchtop laboratory scanning systems can augment systems deployed in the air or on the processing line. These compact and intuitive systems enable off-line imaging of samples to improve the algorithms used for inspection without having to shut down the processing line to run tests. 

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With systems deployed worldwide, contact Headwall to find out the best solution for your needs. Our systems are used every day in the laboratory, in the field, underwater, in the air, and in space!"

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