MININGWORLD
Auracle
identifies
minerals
from space
Auracle Geospatial Science Inc. is a
British Columbia-based company specializing in remote sensing. One of its remote
sensing technologies is capable of identifying various minerals such arsenopyrite,
bornite and galena from satellites.
In an interview, Lead Scientist, David
McLelland, explained that the technology
has recently been perfected for mineral
exploration. It's the same technology used
in assay labs, that is, spectral analysis.
"We try to use three satellites to collect
the data and go through a process called
image based data fusion to develop the
data into a fusion of information to better
understand the geology."
"We start by compiling and integrating historical data on the property which
becomes part of the fusion which results
in more precise drilling," explained
McLelleand. "We use the image of a mineral's spectra, which is surface-based, and
couple it with radar which has ground
penetration. By doing this, we are able to
see if there is a continuation of the signature beneath the overburden."
Spectral analysis doesn't work under
snow; however, sometimes, Auracle can
use archival data that have been stored by
satellite companies for snowy areas. Radar,
which works in any weather, can find
structural features such as veins. Auracle
geologists then study the data and make
exploration recommendations to the mining company.
McLelland said the technology is gaining
acceptance in the exploration community,
particularly with the larger mining and oil
and gas companies. "We have been able to
reduce search areas by more than 90%. As
a result, companies can reduce the areas
in which they need to follow up on the
ground and by air."
Auracle's web site is www.auracle.ca n
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