Drill-core samples are a key component in mineral exploration campaigns and their rapid
and objective analysis is becoming increasingly important. Hyperspectral imaging of drill-cores is a non-destructive technique that allows for non-invasive and fast mapping of mineral phases and alteration patterns. The use of adapted machine learning techniques such as supervised learning algorithms allows for a robust and accurate analysis of drill core hyperspectral data. One of the remaining challenges is the spatial sampling of hyperspectral sensors in operational conditions, which does not allow us to render the textural and mineral diversity that is required to map minerals with low abundances and fine structures such as veins and faults.
We implement a resolution enhancement technique using hyperspectral, RGB images and high-resolution mineralogical data to produce mineral maps at higher spatial resolutions and to improve the mapping of minerals. The enhanced maps not only provide better details in the alteration patterns such as veins but also allow for mapping minerals that were previously hidden in the hyperspectral data due to its low spatial sampling.
Read more here: https://doi.org/10.3390/rs13122296