Remote geological exploration of copper porphyry deposit

Customer

Project's objective

Work description

1. Selecting materials for space imaging within the Customer's area of interest;
2. Preliminary processing of remote sensing data (RS data) in specialized software;
3. Creating a map base at a scale of 1:50,000.
4. Spectral analysis of high and medium-resolution satellite images using mineral indices;
5. Interpreting the data obtained from spectral analysis of satellite images.

Source Materials

Medium spatial resolution satellite images from Sentinel-2, ASTER, Landsat, GF, and Kanopus satellites were selected and used as source materials for the project.

Performed Tasks

The key factor for the successful execution of such work is the use of the SWIR (Short-Wave Infrared) imaging range. The human eye can only perceive a small portion of radiation, from 400 to 700 nm. However, existing RS satellites can capture images in the range of 250 to 15,000 nm. Based on multispectral imaging data, extensive research is conducted in the fields of environmental monitoring, geology, hydrology, and more. SWIR stands out among all spectral ranges, enabling the mapping of rock formations and minerals.

The selected satellite images within the customer's area underwent preliminary processing in specialized software ENVI. The preprocessing of images is crucial, as it directly affects the final results of the work.

Preprocessing includes the following steps:

• Extracting the image area within the boundaries specified by the Customer;
• Atmospheric and radiometric correction;
• Normalization of image pixel values;
• Subtraction of vegetation and cloud masks from the image fragment;
• And more.

The next key stage involves selecting a spectral library and calculating mineral indices for image analysis. For this project, the reference library of USGS minerals and the proprietary library of GEO Innovator LLC were chosen. Mineral indices such as kaolinite, phengite, muscovite, quartz, iron, etc., were calculated as indicators of copper-porphyry deposits.

* The presented sections do not correspond to the project's areas and are provided solely for visualization purposes.

Results

Prospective areas of gold-copper ore deposits were identified, some of which were also identified based on the results of previous research by other contractors.

The obtained results using remote sensing methods were compared by the Customer with earlier results from other studies (including geophysics and fieldwork), with a matching percentage of 76%.

Two areas were deemed non-prospective, 6 areas were identified as new prospective sites, and 16 areas matched with previously identified prospective sites. Prioritization of the areas for further research was conducted.

The area of the identified sites ranges from 74 hectares (0.74 square kilometers) to 473 hectares (4.73 square kilometers).

The Customer will continue working with GEO INNOTER LTD on this project, acquiring new high-resolution visible range and high-resolution SWIR (Short-Wave Infrared) range satellite imagery, as well as Chinese hyperspectral satellite imagery for the next phase of the project.

Key Success Factors

The main factors contributing to the success of such projects include GEO INNOTER LTD proprietary methodology in implementing geological exploration projects, a team of specialists in the selection and processing of satellite imagery, cartographers, programmers, as well as a highly qualified team of experts with extensive experience in solving geological exploration and mineral resource exploration tasks.