Thematic maps, spectral mapping of rocks and support of exploration, feasibility study and mining from RS data.
The cost of the work is calculated individually
Timelines depend on the block area, survey type and map set
The final estimate is agreed after the site and product composition are described
If survey parameters have not been set yet, describing the block and the purpose is enough — specialists will propose the RS data composition.
Describe the exploration block or quarry — we will clarify the archive, a new survey and the map set.
Geology and mining are related mining processes whose goal is mineral extraction. Geology accompanies all stages of the industry: from geological exploration to creating infrastructure. Mapping of work at these stages is impossible today without remote sensing.
Space geology is the study of Earth from space; the text names geotectonics, geomorphology, seismology, mineral exploration, engineering geology, hydrogeology, geocryology. A general view from a distance makes it possible to perceive the object as a whole. RS shows the planet in the electromagnetic spectrum inaccessible to the eye.
Earth's infrared radiation is recorded by RS systems: warm and cold areas are recognised in the images (in the example — the temperature of cooled or still uncooled lava flows), the temperature of surface rocks and their moisture. Near, shortwave and thermal IR are used for differences in the structural features of the surface.
Multispectral visualisation and thematic mapping collect data on the reflectance and absorbing properties of soils, rocks and vegetation. From these, surface lithology is interpreted, and clays, oxides and soil types are determined from satellite and aerial images.
Litho-mineralogical mapping of the surface relies on spectral properties in the ultraviolet, multispectral, thermal infrared, hyperspectral, radar and microwave ranges or their combination with subsequent computer processing. Lithology and mineralogy based on geomorphological analysis and the link of mapping results to structural geology are also stated among the objectives.
From RS, engineering-geological maps are produced at the agreed scale; these data are used in geological and mine-surveying work.
Remote sensing combined with geological survey and laboratory analysis is the most effective tool compared with field exploration work. Successful results have been noted in many regions of the world with different RS data and processing methods.
Mapping of hydrothermally altered rocks — common indicators of mineralisation — is an integral part of reconnaissance exploration. Medium-resolution multispectral satellite sensing has long been used to map altered rocks: wide coverage, low cost and relatively simple analysis of mineralisation images.
Processing of Landsat 8 images in many areas of the world with subsequent field verification, according to the text, has made it possible to create thematic maps of laterite, clay, lineaments and other geological maps for the entire globe. In the USA, Western Europe, Australia and China no mine-site planning and development task is solved without RS.
Task: digital image processing methods for target zones of gold mineralisation. An area in northeast Sudan, about 1379 km². Along the Red Sea Hills, geological work and mineral exploration programmes were intensified to refine maps and assess mineral potential.
Pansharpening was applied to the Landsat 8 image to increase spatial resolution, along with contrast stretching, principal component analysis and ratio images in RGB colour composites. The goal was to distinguish lithological units and highlight rock alteration as target zones of gold mineralisation.
The mapping identified alteration zones extending from northeast to southwest in acidic metavolcanic and quartz-barite rocks. The enhanced images were loaded into GIS; the geological map was compiled at a scale of 1:400 000. X-ray fluorescence analysis confirmed that some samples from wall-rock alteration zones are gold-bearing.
Task: mineral exploration. Most of Cameroon's subsurface wealth is described in the text as still undiscovered and unassessed. In the Mballé area, Landsat 8 image processing was combined with intensive field work; the results of the two stages were brought together for analysis.
Of the eight samples (amphibole gneiss, quartzite, schists, gneiss, granite, granodiorite, syenite and laterite) the rocks are mainly of metamorphic and plutonic origin. They crop out at the surface in various forms; faults are the main pathways of the hydrographic network. The local population uses the rocks in different ways.
The processed image showed a concentration of gold in clay and laterite areas, especially in the south of Mballé. Field work confirmed the mineral concentration at meanders and river confluences. The text notes that a similar study can be applied in other settlements of the country.
Task: identification and mapping of lithological units and alteration zones in the El-Beida El-Kobra gold exploration area. Landsat 8 Oli, Aster L1t and Sentinel-2 were used. A methodology for combining data for lithological mapping in arid conditions is presented.
Landsat 8 Oli VIS, NIR and IR bands were enhanced by fusion with a 15 m panchromatic image from the same set, a Spot 10 m panchromatic band and Orbit View-3 5 m. HSV transforms, Gram–Schmidt spectral sharpening, PCA and band ratios were applied to the fused HSV images to map alteration rocks.
From interpretation of Landsat 8 Oli and field verification, a revised lithological map of the area was proposed. The conclusion is that the methods have potential for lithological mapping in arid and semi-arid regions. Mapping of hydrothermally altered rocks — mineralisation indicators — is described as an integral part of reconnaissance exploration.
Task: processing and analysis of hyperspectral aerial survey data. In 2019 ASL signed a contract with Greenland's Ministry of Mineral Resources (MMR) to process a large volume of aerial spectral data over the Gardar province in southern Greenland. The survey covered the Ilímaussaq intrusion and the Igaliku magmatic complex.
The area is rich in rare-earth elements and contains little-studied segments. ASL produced mineral-resource maps for high-priority areas in support of a revision of geological knowledge for the exploration industry. Radiometric calibration of survey lines to surface reflectance was performed using field spectra; dataset quality was assessed (artefacts, atmosphere, geometric accuracy); hyperspectral mapping of priority Gardar areas identified by MMR as REE-rich was carried out.
From analysis of a three-dimensional model, rare-earth minerals in the work area were identified and a geological work plan was drawn up.
Geological exploration is a set of activities carried out to study the geological structure and composition of the Earth’s crust, as well as to search for mineral resources and assess natural resources. These works play an important role in various fields, such as the mining industry, the oil and gas industry, construction and environmental protection.
Geological exploration may include the following stages:
Preparatory work: Includes studying the available literature, maps and data on the region, and defining the goals and objectives of the study.
Geological mapping: Geologists carry out route and detailed mapping of the surface in order to compile a map of the region’s geological structure.
Sampling: Geologists collect rock and soil samples for analysis. This may include well drilling, well logging (studying the rock structure inside the well) and other methods.
Laboratory analyses: The obtained samples are analysed in laboratories, where various chemical, physical and mineralogical studies are carried out.
Geophysical surveys: Geophysical methods are used, such as seismic survey, magnetometry, gravimetry and others, to study the structure of the Earth’s crust below the surface.
Mineral resource study: When searching for resources, geologists analyse the quality and quantity of mineral resources (coal, oil, gas, ores, etc.).
Reserves assessment: Based on the data obtained, the volumes and economic value of the discovered resources are assessed.
Geological hazard assessment: Geologists may also analyse geological hazards, such as landslides, earthquakes and other geological phenomena that may affect life safety and construction.
Report preparation: Based on the results of geological exploration, detailed reports are prepared with a description of the methodology, data and conclusions.
Geological exploration is of great importance for various branches of industry and science, as it makes it possible to obtain information about the geological structure of a region and to manage natural resources effectively.
Geological exploration includes several stages, each of which has its own specifics and purpose. The main stages of geological exploration are described in detail below:
Preparatory work:
Geological mapping:
Sampling:
Laboratory analyses:
Geophysical surveys:
Mineral investigation:
Geological-hazard assessment:
Report compilation:
This entire process requires high competence of geologists, specialised equipment and compliance with safety and environmental standards, especially when conducting drilling and other intensive work.
The terms "stages" and "phases" in the context of geological exploration are sometimes used as synonyms, but they can also have some nuances depending on the context. In a general sense, however, the difference between stages and phases may be as follows:
Stages of geological exploration: Stages usually describe a sequence of actions or tasks performed within the overall geological-exploration process. Stages are specific steps or operations that must be completed to achieve the final goal of the study. Each stage has its own specific tasks and goals.
Phases of geological exploration: Phases, on the other hand, may represent broader periods of time into which the entire geological-exploration process can be divided. Phases may include several stages and represent larger steps in the development of an exploration project.
Overall, it can be said that "stages" are more oriented toward specific tasks and steps, while "phases" denote larger phases into which a geological-exploration project can be broken down.
Example:
Nevertheless, in different organisations and industries the terms "stages" and "phases" may be used differently, so it is important to take into account the context of the specific situation.
Geological exploration using remote sensing is a method of studying the Earth's surface and subsurface structures by analysing data obtained from remote satellites, aerial photographs and other remote sources. This method makes it possible to obtain information about geological structure, surface and subsurface processes, landscape changes and other parameters that may be useful for various applications.
The application of remote sensing in geological exploration includes the following aspects:
Satellite remote sensing:
Aerial photography:
Geophysical sensing:
Infrared sensing:
Radar sensing:
The advantages of remote sensing include the ability to cover large territories, saving time and resources compared with traditional survey methods, and the ability to obtain data in hard-to-reach or hazardous regions.
Satellite remote sensing plays an important role in geological exploration, providing information on geological structure, rock types, landscape changes and other parameters. Here is a detailed description of this method in the context of geological exploration:
1. Satellite images:
2. Spectral analysis:
3. Image processing:
4. Creation of geological maps:
5. Identification of geological structures:
6. Change monitoring:
7. Planning of geological exploration:
8. Natural-risk assessment:
Satellite remote sensing provides a broader overview of geological structure and changes that may be inaccessible for observation from the surface. This method helps geologists and other specialists in the analysis and interpretation of data, which ultimately facilitates decision-making in geological-exploration projects.
Infrared (IR) sensing in geological exploration is a research method that uses infrared radiation emitted or reflected from the Earth's surface to obtain information on various geological and environmental parameters. This method can provide data on temperature, composition, structure and other characteristics of objects and areas.
Here are some key aspects of using infrared sensing in geological exploration:
1. Types of infrared radiation:
2. Thermal radiation:
3. Reflected infrared radiation:
4. Analysis of spectral characteristics:
5. Detection of geothermal activity:
6. Soil-moisture assessment:
7. Detection of landscape change:
8. Analysis of geological processes:
The use of infrared sensing makes it possible to obtain information on diverse aspects of the geological environment, helping geologists and other specialists carry out detailed studies and make well-founded decisions in geological-exploration projects.
Geological exploration is performed to obtain detailed information on geological structure, the composition of the Earth's crust, the presence of minerals and other natural resources. The tasks of geological exploration may vary depending on the specific project and study goals, but in a general sense they include:
Mineral prospecting:
Reserve assessment:
Analysis of geological structure:
Mineralogy study:
Geochemical analysis:
Study of tectonic disturbances:
Geological-hazard assessment:
Planning of construction and infrastructure projects:
Environmental-impact assessment:
Scientific research:
Development and optimisation of resource extraction:
The tasks of geological exploration are aimed at obtaining the most accurate and reliable information on the geological environment for well-founded decisions in various sectors, such as the mining industry, the oil and gas industry, construction and environmental protection.
