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

对于采矿勘探公司和矿山经营者来说，对矿山内和周围操纵的地质材料的特征的近乎实时的了解有限，阻碍了在勘探和采矿期间提高效率。这适用于钻芯的特性、矿石和泡沫的质量以及尾矿的状态。我的计划的一个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，并在以后将这些发现转化为使能技术。因此，我将围绕三个主题进行研究：(I)钻芯矿物学的表征，(Ii)矿壁蚀变的探测和矿石的表征，以及(Iii)尾矿矿物学和蒸发状态的表征。这些主题与浮选过程成像的最新进展相结合，有可能在矿山(从钻芯、矿壁到尾矿)中提供全新的近乎实时的决策途径，在许多情况下还可能提供关于矿床的新观点。为了开发一系列指标的钻芯实时表征，我将专注于这些基本研究问题：i)能否从成像光谱学预测块状岩石主要元素地球化学？如果是这样的话，哪些元素提供了强有力的预测。结果是能够将光谱图像(毫米分辨率)转化为地球化学预报器，从而能够在一系列尺度上进行矢量化调查；(Ii)从油砂开始，能否在岩心和矿石中检测到膨胀粘土的存在和丰度？浮选槽和尾矿中膨胀的粘土可能会对流程性能产生不利影响。*为了开发矿壁光谱成像，我将首先使用我开发的一个模型，该模型根据粉碎的油砂矿石的光谱预测沥青含量，并旨在使其适应矿壁的图像。我将需要开发用于校准矿壁图像的方法，在这些方法中，校准目标的部署可能是具有挑战性的，并且是一个安全问题。这项研究将指导将在更多矿井中运行的成像平台的选择。最后，我将开发预测尾矿特征的模型。流动的细粒尾矿是一项代价高昂的采矿和环境挑战。我的研究旨在限制尾矿材料在干燥曲线上的位置，而不会让人们处于危险之中。实验室的工作已经导致了利用尾矿样品的光谱来估计水分的模型。为了最终发展业务监测，需要对这些模型在室外条件下，当照度场和其他环境变量退化时如何在尾矿库中表现进行基础研究。*****************

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. *****************