Hymap image: mica chemistry around Broken Hill, NSW, Australia. Red=Al-poor, blue=Al-rich.

Spectral sensing technologies

Spectral sensing research is a key part of CSIRO's exploration geoscience, providing accurate measurements that empower the resource industry to more efficiently explore and mine.

1 June 2005 | Updated 14 October 2011

Spectral sensing research
Research areas
Next generation mineral mapping
Next generation environmental mapping
HyLogging™ systems
Metallurgical mine-grade technologies

Spectral sensing involves a range of technologies for measuring, mapping and monitoring mineral and environmental systems.

It is based on the principles of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation (visible and infrared light) with matter, generally called spectroscopy. The wavelength ranges of interest are:

visible to near-infrared (VNIR): wavelength = 0.4–1.0 µm
short-wave infrared (SWIR): wavelength = 1.0–2.5 µm
thermal infrared (TIR): wavelength = 8–12 µm.

Spectral sensing research

Spectral sensing research:

provides a new generation of regolith (surface rock), geology and alteration mineral maps
adds value to drilling through on-line mineral logging
allows automated mapping of mine faces
improves environmental management.

Research areas

CSIRO’s research on the use of spectral sensing technologies for the resources industry focusses on four principal areas:

next generation mineral mapping
next generation environmental mapping
HyLogging™
metallurgical mine grade technologies.

Next generation mineral mapping

Research into next generation mineral mapping includes:

developing algorithms and software to interpret remotely sensed hyperspectral and multispectral data for mineral and geological mapping
studying the spectral properties of fresh and weathered mineralised systems, especially gold, base metals, light metals, nickel and iron ore at VNIR-SWIR-TIR wavelengths
evaluating and validating derived mineral maps and geological products
Spectral Sensing research provides a new generation of regolith, geology and alteration mineral maps.
developing geological, regolith and alteration case histories
next generation environmental mapping.

Next generation environmental mapping

Research into next-generation environmental mapping includes:

developing algorithms and software for measuring environmental parameters from remotely sensed data
studying the properties of critical environmental indicators, especially dust, acid drainage and ecological indicators in the light metal, iron ore and coal mining industries, including:
- spectral (at VNIR-SWIR-TIR wavelengths)
- spatial (bidirectional reflectance distribution function) and
- temporal (natural vegetation and soil dynamics)
evaluating and validating derived mineral maps and environmental products.

HyLogging™ systems

The HyLogging™ systems use visible and infrared spectrometers, high-resolution imaging and robotic core tray handling to log drill core at up to 1 000 metres a day. Current research includes developing:

commercial automated spectroscopic logging hardware and software systems for diamond drill cores, drill chips and blast hole powders
thermal infrared logging capabilities for silicate mineral mapping and demonstration in Western Australia.