Large scale hyperspectral surveys for exploration and geo-mapping in Namibia using HyMap
Hyperspectral sensing for geo-scientific mapping and mineral exploration has moved rapidly from an experimental and scientific tool to operational services used by geological surveys and exploration companies all over the world. The additional surface mineral information and the 100 % spatial coverage in a relative high spatial resolution obtained are often providing the additional information needed in the highly competitive minerals exploration and mining market.
Often seen by the ‘classical’ exploration geophysicist as being ‘only’ a surface imaging tool - many are now convinced of it’s usefulness by having provided detailed mineral maps for their exploration quest. It can reveal astonishing details about the presence of alteration minerals, their mineral chemistry and spatial distribution and save time and money for the accurate geological re-mapping of whole provinces.
Starting in 2004 the geological survey of Namibia is has conducted hyperspectral HyMap surveys in its country, which is quite dependent on mineral exports for its GDP. Examples from different survey locations will be shown and hyperspectral mineral mapping results presented. Mining districts of international rank include: Tsumeb – Base Metals; Roessing – Uranium and Navachab – Gold.
New processing techniques, access to cheap and easy storage and ever improving processor speeds have made it possible to deliver rapidly large seamless maps based on the HyMap results. Some of the survey areas are more then 3000 km2 and have 33 flight lines. The data acquisition has happened over multiple days in varying atmospheric conditions and sun angles. Yet the resulting products are seamless and consistent in their information content. High level geo-location processing allows spatial accuracy of HyMap data in never seen quality. Results are GIS ready and can easily be combined with other geophysical survey techniques such as Radiometrics or Gravity.