The business of mineral exploration and mining can benefit greatly from knowledge and advancements gained from other sectors, including oil and gas exploration, materials handling, bio-technology, bio-chemistry, and aviation, to name a few. ValOre’s team aims to capitalize on lessons learned from experts in other fields to maximize discovery potential, improve processes where needed, and unlock value in mineral deposits or mining operations.
About WorldView Spectra Data
WorldView commercial imaging satellites comprise a constellation developed by DigitalGlobe Inc. and represent the highest-resolution commercially available satellites in the world. Launched in August 2014, WV-3 offers 8 spectral bands in the VNIR wavelength range plus an additional 8 bands in the SWIR (~1.0–2.5 μm spectral range). WV-3 is the first commercial system with both high-spatial resolution and multispectral (“MS”) SWIR capability. SWIR bands are provided at ~3.5-meter spatial resolution (or pixel size), significantly more detailed as compared to other MS imaging systems currently in orbit. Improved spatial resolution aids in reducing pixel-mixing effects, a serious pitfall associated with compositional modeling from 30-meter sensors (i.e., Landsat and ASTER).
Rock and soil alteration mapping derived from satellite imagery is an accepted practice for mineral exploration, where heat and chemical changes from intrusions and hydrothermal fluids alter country rocks in phases that can be spectrally characterized and associated with ore. Predicting alteration mineral composition helps vector fieldwork and sampling programs, particularly suited for remote locations. Cost savings are realized in both the early phases of exploration as well as in the development stage of a prospect when geologic mapping becomes timely and critical. Previously, Landsat and ASTER MS imaging satellites provided exploration geologists with mineral modeling capability at approximately 1:50,000 map scale. Now, WV-3 MS bands facilitate observations down to 1:2,400 map scale (or 1” = 200 feet), ideal for prospect-level mapping and fieldwork.
For more information about the Hi-Res WV-3 orbiting system, please CLICK HERE
Source: Sandra L. Perry, BS/MS Geologist, P.Geo., Perry Remote Sensing LLC