Hyperspectral drill core logging with the geoLOGr - Case studies from the Northwest Territories, Canada
Reference Number:
2020-009
Publisher:
Northwest Territories Geological Survey (formerly Northwest Territories Geoscience Office and CS Lord Northern Geoscience Centre)
Authors:
Tappert, M., Tappert, R., Rogge, D.
Publication Date:
2020-07-21
DOI Link:
https://doi.org/10.46887/2020-009
Reference Area:
Kelvin-Faraday kimberlite, Gahcho Kué, Anchor Kimberlite (Warburton Bay), EG-03 Kimberlite (Lac de Gras), Giant Mine, Nicholas Bay (Aylmer Lake)
Abstract:
Producing objective drill core logs is essential to the mineral exploration and mining industry as it directly affects many downstream activities related to resource identification, extraction, and processing. Hyperspectral technology has the potential to provide objective drill core logs in a rapid and reliable manner, but different hyperspectral systems have different capabilities and weaknesses. Here we present the results of a drill core logging study using the newly developed geoLOGr system, which uses continuous short-wave infrared (SWIR) point spectroscopy. Altogether more than 1300 m of drill core from six different diamond exploration projects (including the Kelvin, Faraday, Anchor, and Nicholas Bay kimberlites) and one drill core from the Giant Gold Mine were analyzed. The hyperspectral data collected by the field-portable geoLOGr were used to produce spectral logs that objectively identify the presence and abundance of spectrally distinct units, which relate to mineralogically, compositionally, or texturally distinct rock types. The results show that the geoLOGr, irrespective of the condition of the drill core, produces spectral logs that are consistent with visual logs, but the spectral logs provide greater compositional detail and allow for a direct comparison between different drill cores within a deposit. Overall, the geoLOGr produces reliable results for a full range of rock types, including clast-bearing and brecciated rocks.
