U.S.-Namibia Dissertation Enhancement: Application of Visible and Near-infrared Spectroscopic Methods to Identify Zonation of Hydrothermal Mineralization at Navachab Gold Deposit

本论文增强研究的目标是生成一个三维模型的矿化的Navachab金存款在纳米比亚通过整合光谱测量收集在表面，从钻芯，从空中和卫星高光谱遥感系统。 人们对形成这一矿床和其他相关矿床的地质条件知之甚少;该项目将描述纳瓦恰布热液系统内矿物的横向和垂直分带特征，并确定如何从光谱上识别这些分布。 将在该场址记录的地质特征将有助于更好地了解地壳中元素的重新分布，并为在世界许多地区使用实地和遥感方法进行勘探提供更好的标准。由于纳瓦恰布金矿是纳米比亚唯一的活跃金矿，是该国经济发展的主要动力，因此，加深对这一地层的了解将加强在纳米比亚寻找和开发这类资源的努力。 该项目建立在南达科他州矿业与技术学院、纳米比亚地质调查局、AngloGold Ashanti（Navachab矿的所有者）和美国地质调查局国家地球资源观测和科学中心之间成功的国际合作基础上。 这些合作伙伴致力于利用新的遥感技术来增进对基本地质过程的了解，并协助纳米比亚可持续地开发其自然资源和培训技术先进的国内劳动力。 对于美国博士生来说，该项目将为日益全球化的科学研究和矿产勘探和生产实践提供第一手经验。

The goal of this dissertation enhancement research is to generate a three-dimensional model of mineralization of the Navachab gold deposit in Namibia by integrating spectroscopic measurements collected at the surface, from drill core, and from airborne and satellite hyperspectral remote sensing systems. The geological conditions that led to the formation of this and other related deposits are poorly understood; this project will characterize the lateral and vertical zonation of minerals within the Navachab hydrothermal system and determine how those distributions can be recognized spectrally. The geological characteristics to be documented at this site will contribute to a better understanding of element redistribution in the Earth's crust and provide improved criteria for exploration using field-based and remote-sensing methods in many regions of the world. Because the Navachab Mine is Namibia's only active gold mine and a major stimulus for economic development in the country, an improved understanding of this formation will enhance efforts to locate and develop such resources in Namibia. The project builds on a successful international collaboration among the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, the Geological Survey of Namibia, AngloGold Ashanti (owners of the Navachab Mine), and the U.S. Geological Survey's National Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science. These partners are committed to using new remote-sensing technology to advance understanding of fundamental geological processes as well as to assist Namibia both in sustainable development of its natural resources and in training a technologically-advanced domestic workforce. For the U.S. doctoral student, the project will provide first-hand experience in the increasingly global practices of scientific research and mineral exploration and production.