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Multi-scale Integrated Application of Spectral Geology and Remote Sensing for

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 Spectral Geology and Remote Sensing

Paper 82

Multi-Scale integrated application of Spectral Geology and Remote Sensing for

Mineral Exploration
Zhou, X. [1], Jara, C. [2, 5], Bardoux, M. [3], Plasencia, C. [4]
_________________________
1. Spectral geology and remote sensing consultant, Toronto, Canada
2. Inversiones Barrick Conosur Ltda., Santiago, Chile
3. Barrick Gold Corporation, Montreal, Canada
4. Minera Barrick Misquichilca, S.A., Lima, Peru
5. Center for Exploration Targeting, UWA, Perth, Australia

ABSTRACT

Corescan mobile lab based high resolution hyperspectral core imaging system, Worldview-3 and Pleiades space borne high resolution
imaging systems represent some of the most significant advances with successful commercial implementation in the past decade in the field
of visible-near infrared-infrared spectroscopy and remote sensing technology. Such advances have empowered field geologists with new
insights for targeting through improved multi-scale alteration and structural characterization of ore systems.

Corescan high resolution hyperspectral mineralogical and textural data allows objective, fast, semi-quantitative and cost effective analysis
of alteration minerals and mineral sub-species, style, intensity, spatial zonation, as well as alteration assemblages and their timing relation
to mineralization of ore systems, and can assist the delineation of system footprint and the identification of vectors for targeting from drill
hole to deposit, and on district and regional scales. Worldview-3 allows improved alteration mapping over Aster as a result of its higher
spatial resolution and data quality. At sub-meter resolution, Worldview-3 and Pleiades satellite imageries prove to be cost effective for
surface lineament analysis in rugged terrains from outcrop scale to deposit and district scales and can help define structural framework
and, combined with surface alteration mapping, identify ore control structures for targeting. In addition, and not least important, progress
has been made in improved field application of older technologies such as ASD field portable spectrometers, Probe-1 and Hymap airborne
hyperspectral imaging systems. Understanding the fundamental capabilities and limitations of these technologies, continuously refining
target alteration models and a field driven approach is critical for effective field application from data collection, data interpretation and
synthesis analysis to data integration for targeting.

Field application examples for epithermal high sulfidation, porphyry and Carlin exploration are discussed in this paper to illustrate these
advances, along with remaining limitations and new opportunities.

INTRODUCTION view where the spectra is taken. In addition, because infrared

spectroscopy does not penetrate rock surface beyond a few
Many important hydrothermal system indicator minerals are
microns, surface weathering, and in the case of remote sensing
detectable by visible-near infrared-shortwave infrared (VNIR-
data, vegetation, overburden, snow and clouds etc. are some of
SWIR) and/or thermal infrared (TIR) spectroscopy (Hunt and
the additional constraints. The applicability and optimum use of
Salisbury 1970; Hunt, 1977; Clark et al, 1990; Salisbury et al,
such technologies therefore may vary depending on the system
1991; Cudahy et al, 2001, 2009; Kokaly et al, 2017) (Figure 1).
fundamentals of the spectral instrument, target types and
The most widely adapted application for mineral exploration is
indicator minerals of interest, host rocks, complexity of
the SWIR detection of phyllosilicates which are difficult to
hydrothermal systems (e.g. multiple event overprints and
identify with the naked eye (Thompson et al, 1999). Mineral
modifications), weathering, and, for airborne and space borne
chemistry of white mica, alunite, chlorite and carbonate as well
remote sensing applications, surface environment such as
as mineral crystallinity of white mica and kaolinite can also be
outcropping ratio, cloud cover, solar illumination level (latitude,
readily approximated through spectral indices (Scott et al., 1998;
sun angle, slope shadows, etc.), as well as the automated and
Thompson et al, 1999; Yang, et al, 2001; GMEX, 2012)(Figure
semi-automated spectral data processing and pre-processing
2). Such numerical parameters can be useful as an indicator of
methodologies used. In porphyry systems for instance, as in
fluid pH and temperature gradience in hydrothermal systems
epithermal high sulfidation and Carlin systems discussed in this
(Dilles et al, 2012; Halley et al, 2015). However, the accuracy
paper, integrating geological (hand lens) observation with
and detection limit of these indicator minerals and spectral
spectral analysis is critical for successful field applications
indices depends on not only the instrument spectral band
(Harraden et al, 2013) and for synthesizing spatial alteration
configuration, the spatial and spectral resolution and signal to
patterns (Dilles et al, 2012; Halley et al, 2015).
noise ratio, but also the mineral’s reflective property vs
interference from other co-existing minerals in a given field of

In “Proceedings of Exploration 17: Sixth Decennial International Conference on Mineral Exploration” edited by V. Tschirhart and M.D. Thomas, 2017,
p. 899–910
900 Spectral Geology and Remote Sensing

Figure 1: Common alteration gangue minerals in hydrothermal systems. Many indicator minerals have diagnostic spectral features in the
VNIR-SWIR region, with the rest in TIR region. Modified from Corbett and Leach (1998) and Brommecker et al, (2011).

Figure 2: Spectral profiles of white mica and alunite, showing spectral index classification for white mica and alunite chemistry and white
mica crystallinity. Insets on the right show correlation between white mica and alunite absorption wavelength indices and composition.
Zhou, X., et al. Spectral Geology and Remote Sensing for Greenfield Gold Exploration
Spectral instruments in the exploration tool box range from
point measurement, profiler and imaging systems of different
spectral and spatial resolutions, operated from different
platforms including hand held, field portable, lab based, airborne
and space borne systems. Figure 3 shows some of the spectral
tools discussed in this paper.
Figure 3: Platform, spectral range, spectral and spatial
resolution of different spectral tools discussed in this paper.
Illite and alunite spectral profiles illustrate mineral identification
capabilities with respect to spectral band configuration and
spectral resolution. See details on system specifications in
Martini et al, (2017) for Corescan, ASD Inc. for ASD Terraspec
4 and Fieldspec, Cocks et al, (1998) for Hymap, Digital Globe
for Worldview-3, and Rowan et al, (2003) for Aster.
One of the most significant technical advances in the last decade
is Corescan high resolution hyperspectral core imaging system.
Corescan combines rapid, automated, high resolution
hyperspectral core imaging data collection with real time data
processing and user friendly data visualization and integration
capacities (Martini et al, 2017). Continuous, semi-quantitative
abundance of alteration minerals detectable in the VNIR-SWIR
spectral region coupled with textural characteristics in drill core
and RC chips can be mapped at deposit scale at 4 nanometer
spectral resolution and 500 micron spatial resolution.
The Worldview-3 satellite has improved alteration mapping
capabilities compared to Aster at district-deposit scales due to its
higher spatial resolution, high signal to noise ratio, pixel based
atmospheric correction and an on-going vigorous vicarious
radiometric calibration program. In addition, sub meter
resolution satellite panchromatic images from Worldview-3
(0.31 m), Worldview-2 (0.46 m) and Pleiades (0.5 m) provides
outcrop details for lineament analysis and structural
interpretations at district-deposit scales. High resolution satellite
901
stereo images for 3D terrain model and 3D visualization are
available at additional cost.
Several field examples are discussed in this paper to illustrate
multi-scale, integrated application of a wide variety of spectral
tools for porphyry, epithermal high sulfidation and Carlin
exploration, as well as limitations, challenges and emerging
opportunities.
REGIONAL EXPLORATION, EL INDIO
BELT, CHILE
The highly endowed north-south trending El Indio Belt (EIB) is
located along the border between Chile and Argentina, over a
flat subduction zone in the high Andes, about 500 km north of
Santiago. EIB contains several world class epithermal high
sulfidation deposits including El Indio-Tambo, Pascua Lama,
Veladero and the recent discovery of Alturas (see Astorga et al,
2017 for details on production, reserves and resources). At
regional to camp scale, gold mineralization is localized at the
intersection of north-south to north-northeast structures and
northwest structures (Figure 4).
Figure 4: Regional geology of EIB, Chile. Epithermal gold
mineralization is localized at the intersections of north to north-
northeast and northwest structures. Modified from Charchaflie et
al, (2007) and Astorga et al, (2017).
Probe-1 is a Hymap prototype airborne hyperspectral sensor
(Figure 3) prior to commercialization. Probe-1 airborne
hyperspectral surveys were flown in 1999–2000 at 8 m
resolution over approximately 170 km x 22 km, aimed to assist
high sulfidation exploration on EIB. During 2010–2011, the
historical Probe-1 data was reprocessed for porphyry generative
programs in light of the up to date porphyry alteration model
(Sillitoe, 2010), research findings (AMIRA, 2013), in-house
knowledge and critical field input. Close collaboration with the
902 Spectral Geology and Remote Sensing
project team resulted in the incorporation of target model in the
context of Probe’s poor detection capability for potassic
alteration, and identified sericite and high crystallinity illite of
phyllic alteration as an important proxy to porphyry centers.
The resulting Probe-1 sericite map distinguishes discrete sericite
and high crystallinity illite from very wide spread low
crystallinity illite alteration in the region, validated by a
successful blind test with very good spatial correlation with
known porphyry occurrences in the belt (Figure 5).
Following field and desktop validation, Probe-1 mineral and
mineral composition maps of sericite, pyrophyllite, alunite,
illite, chlorite, gypsum, jarosite and topaz were visualized in 3D
Google Earth Pro to create thematic and synthesis maps (Figure
6). Transported anomalies in the alluvial and colluvial cover
were visually identified and eliminated. Vertical and lateral
zonation of alteration assemblages from phyllic, transitional, and
advanced argillic to intermediate argillic alteration were
synthesized to highlight higher temperature, near neutral pH
zones proximal to hydrothermal centers. A 1:25,000 sericite map
was created with anomalies ranked based on alteration zoning
patterns in relation to geology, aeromagnetics, rock chip
geochemistry and geochronology data. Data integration was key
in generating new target areas for field follow up.
Probe-1 sericite anomaly map provided a quick overview of the
prospective areas at favorable erosion levels along EIB, in
addition to and as a cross reference for the structural block
interpretation (Astorga et al, 2017). However, none of the
Figure 5: Porphyry alteration model and El Indio Probe-1 airborne hyperspectral mineral mapping results: illite-sericite map (upper right)
vs sericite map (lower right), showing a “blind test” of Probe-1 sericite mapping successfully identified phyllic alteration proximal to
porphyry occurrences (marked with x).
optical sensors including Probe-1 can penetrate surface. Phyllic
zones with post mineral covers are not detectable. While sericite
is found intact in the phyllic zones around several porphyry
occurrences along the belt, field evidence suggests that it may
breakdown in advanced weathering process where abundant
pyrite occurs. In addition, incomplete elimination of transported
anomalies in colluvium and alluvium cover may also result in
pseudo zoning pattern in relation to their prospective elevation
levels and systems of multiple event overprinting vs telescoping
cannot be consistently discriminated through Probe-1 alteration
distribution patterns. These limitations are commonly
encountered with optical remote sensing tools and should be
kept in mind in data integration and field follow ups.
ALTERATION AND STRUCTURAL
CHARACTERIZATION FOR TARGETING,
ALTURAS HIGH SULFIDATION DEPOSIT,
EIB, CHILE
Alturas is a semi-concealed, diatreme complex related high
sulfidation gold deposit in EIB with an inferred resource of 211 Mt at
1.0 g/t gold (Astorga et al, 2017). Mineralization is associated with
multiple stages of pyritic microcrystalline silicification and a late
stage jarosite alteration, overprinting early advanced argillic
alteration of alunite+/-dickite and vuggy silica outboard upwards and
laterally zoned to kaolinite+/-dickite and illite alteration. Steam
heated alunite alteration occurs at the most shallow level of the
system.
Zhou, X., et al. Spectral Geology and Remote Sensing for Greenfield Gold Exploration 903

Figure 6: Google Earth 3D visualization and synthesis interpretation of Probe-1 mineral maps. From Zhou and Jara (2011).

Figure 7: Alturas Corescan assemblage classification, showing corresponding alteration assemblages in hand samples and zonation on
section.
Alteration discriminate clay alteration zoning beyond the naked eyes.
As with other high sulfidation systems, gold mineralization at
Alturas shows strong spatial association with advanced argillic Following the initial ASD Terraspec spectral logging and a
alteration, and hyperspectral logging and mapping is critical to Corescan high resolution hyperspectral core imaging orientation
study, on-site Corescan hyperspectral imaging of 15,403 m of
904 Spectral Geology and Remote Sensing

core from 41 diamond drill holes was carried out successfully
during the 2014–2015 drilling campaign. Through close
collaboration between Barrick and Corescan, a real time on-site
workflow was implemented from drilling to hyperspectral core
scanning, on-site processing, on-site hyperspectral “Coreshed”
data access and visualization and daily acQuire database
updates. Real time data visualization to assist logging was
enhanced by a customized alteration assemblage classification
scheme incorporating field input on alteration model and
findings from ASD Terraspec spectral logging at Alturas (Figure
7).
Corescan data provided objective, semi-quantitative alteration
mineralogy at deposit scale, coupled with textural information at
microscopic resolution. Continuous core imaging at 500 micron
resolution enables consistent, systematic alteration
characterization of all styles and intensities such as pervasive
replacement vs patchy or partial replacement, breccia clasts vs
breccia cements, vein or fracture coating and vug fill. This
resulted in improved logging consistency, accuracy and
efficiency and increased confidence in the delineation of
alteration zonation (Figure 8). Combined with sound geological
knowledge, Corescan data aided section interpretation, ore body
definition, 3D modelling and resource estimation (Astorga et al,
2017).
It also reveals the hydrothermal alteration assemblages and their
timing relations in the diatreme complex. Pyrophyllite, sodic
alunite, illite, tourmaline, and gypsum alteration are found in
breccia clasts and rock flour matrix at shallow levels that appear
to be pre-mineral and were either missed or mischaracterized by
previous ASD Terraspec systematic spot sampling with an
approximately 1–2 cm field of view (Figure 9).

Figure 8: Corescan alteration zonation in relation to mineralization with inset (lower left) showing late stage ore bearing jarosite in
fractures.

Figure 9: Corescan images of illite alteration in breccia clasts and fine fragments of rock flour matrix, which is difficult to resolve with
ASD Terraspec 1–2 cm field of view. See Figure 7 for “Alturas Detail” class map legend.
Zhou, X., et al. Spectral Geology and Remote Sensing for Greenfield Gold Exploration 905

Earlier studies on alunite modes of occurrence and composition
in EIB suggest that potassic alunite dominates the advanced
argillic alteration in high sulfidation systems at Pascua Lama
and El Indio whereas sodic alunite occurs at depth in higher
temperature with the exception of Tambo where mafic host
rocks prevail (Deyell and Dipple, 2005). In the Far South East
porphyry district, Philippines, sodic alunite is also found
forming at higher temperature proximal to intrusions (Chang et
al, 2011). Much more complicated alunite composition
paragenesis is found at Cuprite, Nevada, suggesting multiple
intertwined cycles of potassic and sodic alunite alteration
(Swayze, 2014).
At Alturas, ASD Terraspec systematic logging, conducted prior
to Corescan implementation, identified sodic alunite in the
breccia at shallow levels, overlapping with potassic alunite
alternation above the mineralization (Figure 10). This vertical
distribution pattern was first interpreted as a compositional
gradient which can be used as a vector towards mineralization.
However, evidence from Corescan data demonstrates that sodic
alunite occurs in some of the breccia clasts and fine fragments in
the rock flour matrix which was difficult to resolve by ASD
Terraspec’s 1–2cm spatial resolution or spot sample field of
view, even when sampling systematically at one meter interval.
Similarly, Corescan data revealed the occurrence of altered
clasts of illite, as well as tourmaline and pyrophyllite above the
advanced argillic alteration, all of which was missed by previous
ASD analysis.
These findings led to a new hypothesis that sodic alunite, illite,
tourmaline and pyrophyllite might have been brought to shallow
levels from depth through phreatomagmatic brecciation, prior to
syn-mineral potassic alunite alteration and pyritic silicification.
In other words, the vertical compositional variation involves a
transported component and the zoning is not produced in
response to a depth control.
This hypothesis sheds new light on the significance of alteration
pattern at deposit scale and it’s implication for targeting at
district and regional scales. In particular, it cautions against the
use of the apparent vertical zoning of alunite composition as a
vector for targeting elsewhere. It also suggests that the surface
expression of Alturas hydrothermal system is complicated by
pre-, syn- and post- mineral volcanism, multiple brecciation and
hydrothermal events. At the surface, the mechanically
redistributed illite is found at the center of the deposit
surrounded by advanced argillic alteration, mappable by ASD

Figure 10: Alturas preliminary section (as of June 2013), showing geology, alteration and Terraspec alunite composition zoning in relation
to mineralization. Lower right: A - 2014 Corescan image of Na-alunite clasts (red) with potassic alunite replacing matrix at shallow levels,
and B - Na-alunite matrix, with high crystalline K-alunite clasts at depth.
906 Spectral Geology and Remote Sensing
Figure 11: Surface geology and alteration by field mapping (top
right) Aster and Worldview-3, showing more detailed and
accurate clay alteration pattern detected by 7.5 m resolution
Worldview-3 compared to 30 m resolution Aster.
Terraspec, Probe-1 as well as Worldview-3 (Figure 11). As
shown in Figure 11, illite alteration at Alturas is not mappable
by the 30 m resolution Aster data. This is partly due to the
common co-occurrence of illite with alunite and/or kaolinite at
30 m resolution, but not at the 7.5 m resolution. The “a-typical”
alteration pattern detectable by Worldview-3 7.5 m resolution
satellite imageries and airborne hyperspectral surveys may be
Figure 12: Alturas lineament map based on Pleiades 0.5 m resolution panchromatic image (green lines) and Probe 8 m alteration maps (red
lines), with inset of outcrop details on the image and field photo. The three structural trends mapped in the field are summarized in the rose
diagram. Top right: downhole Televiewer and steronets, fractures are shown in red.
used to screen similar breccia systems elsewhere, with field
follow ups guided by the understanding of alteration
assemblages and timing relation derived from Corescan data.
This approach of integrating alteration characteristics at all
scales results in a more predictable exploration model for
targeting beyond empirical patterns.
Structures and lineaments
Regional structural trends in EIB are manifested at local scales
at Alturas. Detailed field mapping in the region delineated NW,
NE and NS principal trends of joints and faults, which are also
recognizable from downhole Televiewer data (Figure 12).
These three trends are all consistent with the lineaments
observed in Pleiades 0.5 m resolution panchromatic images.
Outcrop scale details such as sub vertical fracturing and bedding
are also recognizable from Pleiades image, allowing structural
interpretation based on strata bedding orientation. Most
lineaments are interpreted as faults as they appear to offset strata
of variable ages that are often differentially titled. In the middle
of the Alturas deposit, all three structural trends are relatively
difficult to define due to strong argillic alteration causing poor
outcrop quality and whitening of the image. However, in the
immediate vicinity of Del Carmen to the east of Alturas, there is
very clear evidence of three principal trends of joints/faults
(Figure 12, shown in red lines in the inset image) that have been
recognized in the field to be associated with hydrothermal
alteration and mineralization. In addition, the alteration
distribution pattern mapped by Probe-1 revealed additional
lineaments over areas where field observations are obscured by
strong argillic alteration.
Zhou, X., et al. Spectral Geology and Remote Sensing for Greenfield Gold Exploration
Field mapping is very challenging in areas such as Alturas in the
high Andes. The terrain is not only remote and rugged, but also
at elevations typically above 4000 m where one can only walk
very slowly due to the thin air. As a result, it takes much longer
to map from one outcrop to another and it is difficult to keep
track of the structural features in the field. In such environment,
lineament analysis using high resolution satellite images,
combined with alteration mapping, if available, can be a very
cost effective tool to serve as a reference for more effective field
mapping and assist the interpretation of the structural framework
and ore control structures.
“CARLIN” ALTERATION
CHARACTERIZATION, CORTEZ DISTRICT,
NEVADA
Cortez district is located on the Battle Mountain-Eureka trend in
the Great Basin province of the western U.S. Three giant Carlin-
type deposits of Eocene age in the district display varied styles
and geometry, with stratabound oxidized replacement
mineralization at Pipeline, oxidized breccia pipe style and
stratabound refractory replacement style mineralization at
Cortez Hills, and stratabound refractory breccia at Goldrush.
Mineralization is localized at the axial crests of a series of east
verging asymmetrical anticlines propagated by the Roberts
Mountain thrusts, hosted in the Lower Plate continental margin
slope facies of silty carbonates, debris flow, turbidites of the
Devonian Wenban Formation, Silurian Roberts Mountain
Formation and to less extent, calcareous mudstones and
siltstones of Devonian Horse Canyon Formation (Leonardson,
2015; Bradley and Eck, 2015). Like other Carlin type systems,
alteration associated with Carlin mineralization in the district
includes decalcification, carbon remobilization, argillization of
illite, kaolinite and dickite, disseminated arsenopyrite and
silicification. At both outcrop and hand lens scales, clay
alteration is observed as replacement along bedding plane and
low angle thrust planes, in breccia clasts and cements, and
intensifies in fold hinges and high angle “bounding” structures
(Figure 13).
Figure 13: Typical styles of clay alteration observed in Pipeline
deposit, Cortez district, Nevada.
Illite-kaolinite-dickite has long been recognized as the clay
alteration assemblage associated with Carlin mineralization
(Kuehn and Rose, 1992, Drews-Armitage et al, 1996), which
907
can be readily detected through field portable spectrometers
(Hauff, 1997). In addition, very extensive illite composition
zonation in Carlin systems on the North Carlin Trend was
mapped by 10 m resolution Hymap airborne hyperspectral
survey with high aluminum illite spatially associated with
mineralization, validated by Pima field portable spectrometer
(Zhou, 1999, 2000). ASD spectral analysis also identified illite
composition variations at Getchell deposit (Cail and Cline,
2001), and ammonia illite in mineralized structures in Jerrit
Canyon district and at Goldstrike (Mateer, 2010).
These findings led to an extensive ASD Fieldspec spectral study
in the Pipeline open pit in 2006, followed by systematic spectral
logging of over a hundred core holes and RC holes to construct
cross-sections and long sections over Pipeline-Gold Acres sub-
district, Cortez Hills, and Horse Canyon deposits in 2007–2008.
An interactive, integrated approach was applied throughout the
spectral mapping and logging program, combining stratigraphy,
geochemistry and hand lens observations with real time spectral
mineralogical and illite composition identification during
spectral data collection and synthesis analysis, supported by
close collaboration with the Cortez geological team. This
resulted in the delineation of spectral alteration distribution on
cross sections and long sections at the deposit scale and a
refined empirical alteration model for Carlin-type deposits
(Figures 14 and 15). Subtle but extensive lateral zonation from
proximal potassic illite to distal phengitic illite and a prominent
vertical zonation for illite dominated alteration at shallow levels
to illite-kaolinite and illite-dickite alteration at depth, and late to
post mineral ammonia illite overprinting at shallow levels and in
structures. Pervasive kaolinite alteration is commonly found in
pre- to syn-mineral dykes. The spatial zoning pattern of clay
alteration approximates the pH and temperature gradient
(Hemley and Meyer, 1967; Dilles et al, 2012; Halley et al, 2015)
(Figure 1) as Carlin acid fluid becoming neutralized through
movement within the calcareous host rocks along the fluid path
and is spectrally detectable from hand sample, outcrop to deposit
and district scales.
Reprocessing of historical 8 m resolution Hymap airborne
hyperspectral survey data over the Cortez district was
subsequently carried out, guided by the findings from the
integrated spectral logging and pit mapping. Field follow ups in
2009 confirmed gold mineralization in rock chip samples from
numerous prominent illite anomalies east of the Horse Canyon
deposit. Some of these anomalies suggest mineralization at
depth of about 270 m, on strike from the Red Hill prospect.
As clay alteration associated with Carlin mineralization tends to
be extensive laterally along the low angle thrust planes and
beddings planes, sound understanding of stratigraphy is critical
in integrating surface alteration for targeting. Furthermore, the
carbonaceous material in un-oxidized host rocks of Carlin
systems is strongly light absorbent, and significantly reduces
clay detectability in the VNIR-SWIR region. This hampers the
VNIR-SWIR spectral application especially in deep drilling
programs. More work is needed to assess TIR scanners such as
that of TerraCore hyperspectral imaging system and Hylogger
hyperspectral profiling system for their use and limitations for
mineral mapping in carbonaceous rocks (Schodlok et al, 2016;
Bedell et al, 2017; Coulter et al, 2017).
908 Spectral Geology and Remote Sensing

Figure 14: Geology cross section of Cortez Hills deposit, Nevada, looking north, showing correlation of ASD Fieldspec alteration
mineralogy with gold mineralization and structures. Geology from Jackson et al, (2010).

Figure 15: Generalized alteration model for Carlin type deposits. Modified from Robert et al, (2007) and Zhou, (2009).

DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS The increasingly versatile array of spectral tools available to
exploration allows more integrated, multi-scale approach for
Integrated use of spectral tools, combined with field geological
targeting. Geoscientists can not only use the spectral data to
observations, have been critical for mapping and logging
reveal spatial distribution patterns of indicator minerals for area
extensive alteration footprint and subtle zonation beyond what is
selection at regional to prospect and deposit scales, but also
possible with the naked eyes in epithermal high sulfidation,
rapidly characterize clay alteration at microscopic resolution to
porphyry and Carlin systems. The Corescan hyperspectral core
synthesize the significance of such patterns and define more
imaging system enables more consistent and accurate logging
predictable exploration models for targeting.
and characterization of alteration assemblages, style and
intensity, and allows rapid, integrated analysis of alteration
Like any technology, none of these spectral tools is a “silver
assemblages and their timing relation to mineralization, controls
bullet”. Understanding the fundamental capabilities and
of and vectors to mineralization. Worldview-3 satellite data
limitations of these technologies, sustained close collaboration
provides more detailed alteration mapping capability compared
of multi-disciplinary team is essential to ensure a field driven,
to Aster and, with the increasing global archive coverage, sub-
integrated approach is applied to the entire exploration process
meter resolution Pleiades and Worldview-3 satellite data can be
from data collection, data processing and synthesis analysis, to
very cost effective for lineament analysis, especially in rugged
data integration and targeting.
terrains.
Zhou, X., et al. Spectral Geology and Remote Sensing for Greenfield Gold Exploration
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would like to thank Barrick Gold Corporation for
permission to publish this paper. Francois Robert, Raul Guerra,
Kevin Creel, Bob Leonardson, Craig McEwan and Jose Antonio
San Vicente are thanked for their guidance and support of the
spectral alteration mapping and logging programs in the El Indio
Belt and Cortez district. Neil Goodey and his Corescan team as
well as Daniel Astorga and his Alturas exploration team are
thanked for their contribution to the successful implementation
of Corescan real-time on-site workflow at Alturas. Thanks are
also extended to many other individuals for their collaboration
and contribution to the projects presented in this paper.
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