Shining a new light on mining: developing spectral metrics for decision support in mining exploration and operation

对于矿业勘探公司和矿山经营者来说，对矿山内部和周围地质物质特征的接近实时的了解有限，阻碍了勘探和矿山开采期间效率的提高。这适用于钻芯的特性、矿石和泡沫的质量以及尾矿的状态。我的计划的长期目标是通过进行高光谱图像分析的基础研究来满足这些需求，并在以后将研究结果转化为使能技术。因此，我将围绕三个主题进行研究：(1)钻芯矿物学表征；(2)矿壁蚀变检测与矿石表征；(3)尾矿矿物学与蒸发状态表征。这些主题与浮选过程成像的最新进展相结合，有可能为矿山（从钻芯、矿壁到尾矿）提供全新的接近实时的决策途径，并在许多情况下提供新的矿床视图。***为了开发一系列指标的岩心实时表征，我将重点关注这些基本研究问题：I)能否从成像光谱中预测大块岩石主要元素的地球化学？如果是这样，哪些因素提供了强有力的预测。结果将是能够将光谱图像（毫米分辨率）转换为地球化学预测器，从而能够在一系列尺度上进行矢量调查；ii)从油砂开始，我们能否探测到岩心和矿石中膨胀粘土的存在和丰度？浮选池和尾矿中的膨胀粘土会对工艺性能产生不利影响。***为了开发矿壁光谱成像，我将首先使用我开发的一个模型，该模型可以从破碎的油砂矿石的光谱中预测沥青含量，并旨在使其适应矿壁成像。我将需要开发校准矿井壁图像的方法，因为校准目标的部署可能具有挑战性，并且存在安全问题。这项研究将指导在矿山中操作的成像平台的选择。***最后，我将开发预测尾矿特性的模型。流体细粒尾矿是一项昂贵的采矿和环境挑战。我的研究目的是限制尾矿材料在干燥曲线上的位置，而不让人们处于危险之中。实验室工作已经建立了利用尾矿样品的光谱估算水分的模型。为了最终开发可操作的监测，需要对这些模型在尾矿库室外条件下，当照明场和其他环境变量退化时的表现进行基础研究。*****************

For mining exploration firms and mine operators limited near real-time knowledge of the characteristics of geologic materials manipulated in and around mines impedes the development of efficiencies during exploration and mine exploitation. This applies to the characteristics of drill core, the quality of ore and froth, and the state of tailings. A long-term goal of my program is to meet these needs by conducting fundamental research in the analysis of hyperspectral imagery and later work the findings into an enabling technology. Thus I will conduct studies focusing on three themes: (i) the characterization of drill core mineralogy, (ii) the detection of mine wall alteration and characterization of the ore,  and (iii) the characterization of tailings mineralogy and evaporative state. Integration of these themes along with recent progress from imaging of flotation processes has the potential to provide completely new near real-time decision pathways in mines (from drill core, mine walls to tailings) and in many instances new views of deposits.    *** To develop the real time characterization of drill core for a range of metrics I will focus on these fundamental research questions: i) Can one predict bulk rock major element geochemistry from imaging spectroscopy? If so which elements provide strong predictions.  The outcome would be an ability to invert spectral imagery (mm resolution) into geochemical predictors enabling vectoring investigations at a range of scales; ii) Beginning with oilsands, can on detect the presence and abundance of swelling clays in core and ore? Swelling clays in flotation cells and tailings can have a detrimental effect on process performance.*** To develop mine wall spectral imaging I will start by using a model that I developed to predict bitumen content from spectra of crushed oil sand ore and aim to adapt it to imagery of mine wall. I will need to develop methods for the calibration of mine wall imagery where the deployment of calibration targets can be challenging and a safety concern.  This research will guide the selection of imaging platforms that will operate in mines.  *** Lastly I will develop models to predict tailings characteristics. Fluid fine tailings are a costly mining and environmental challenge. My research aims to constrain where the tailings material lies on the drying curve without putting people at risk. Laboratory work has led to moisture estimation models using spectra from tailings samples. To ultimately develop operational monitoring fundamental research is required on how these models perform in outdoor conditions at tailing ponds, when the illumination field and other environmental variables degrade. *****************