1. Academic Wits Research Publications (Faculties submissions)

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Browsing 1. Academic Wits Research Publications (Faculties submissions) by School "School of Geosciences"

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    Accurate hyperspectral imaging of mineralised outcrops: An example from lithium-bearing pegmatites at Uis, Namibia
    (Elsevier Inc, 2021) Booysen, René; Nex, Paul A.M.; Lorenz, Sandra; Thiele, Samuel T.; Fuchsloch, Warrick C.; Marais, Timothy; Gloaguen, Richard
    Efficient, socially acceptable and rapid methods of exploration are required to discover new deposits and enable the green energy transition. Sustainable exploration requires a combination of innovative thinking and new technologies. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a rapidly developing technology and allows for fast and systematic mineral mapping, facilitating exploration of the Earth’s surface at various scales on a variety of platforms. Newly available sensors allow data capture over a wide spectral range, and provide information about the abundance and spatial location of ore and pathfinder minerals in drill-core, hand samples and outcrops with mm to cm precision. Conversely, the complex geometries of the imaged surfaces affect the spectral quality and signal-to-noise ratio (SnR) of HSI data at these very narrow spatial samplings. Additionally, the complex mineral assemblages found in hydrothermally altered ore deposits can make interpretation of spectral results a challenge. In this contribution, we propose an innovative approach that integrates multiple sensors and scales of data acquisition to help disentangle complex mineralogy associated with lithium and tin mineralisation in the Uis pegmatite complex, Namibia. We train this method using hand samples and finally produce a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud for mapping lithium mineralisation in the open pit. We were able to identify and map lithium-bearing cookeite and montebrasite at outcrop scale. The accuracy of the approach was validated by drill-core data, XRD analysis and LIBS measurements. This approach facilitates efficient mapping of complex terrains, as well as important monitoring and optimisation of ore extraction. Our method can easily be adapted to other minerals relevant to the mining industry.
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    Detection of REEs with lightweight UAV‑based hyperspectral imaging
    (Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations., 2020) Booysen, René; Nex, Paul A.M.; Zimmermann, Robert; Loren, Sandra; Kirsch, Moritz; Jackish, Robert; Gloaguen, Richard
    Rare earth elements (REEs) supply is important to ensure the energy transition, e-mobility and ultimately to achieve the sustainable development goals of the United Nations. Conventional exploration techniques usually rely on substantial geological field work including dense in-situ sampling with long delays until provision of analytical results. However, this approach is limited by land accessibility, financial status, climate and public opposition. Efficient and innovative methods are required to mitigate these limitations. The use of lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provides a unique opportunity to conduct rapid and non-invasive exploration even in socially sensitive areas and in relatively inaccessible locations. We employ drones with hyperspectral sensors to detect REEs at the earth’s surface and thus contribute to a rapidly evolving field at the cutting edge of exploration technologies. We showcase for the first time the direct mapping of REEs with lightweight hyperspectral UAV platforms. Our solution has the advantage of quick turn-around times (< 1 d), low detection limits (< 200 ppm for Nd) and is ideally suited to support exploration campaigns. This procedure was successfully tested and validated in two areas: Marinkas Quellen, Namibia, and Siilinjärvi, Finland. This strategy should invigorate the use of drones in exploration and for the monitoring of mining activities.
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    Geological Remote Sensing
    (Acdemic Press, United Kingdom, 2021) Booysen, René; Nex, Paul A.M.; Gloaguen, Richard; Lorenz, Sandra; Zimmermann, Robert; Alderton, David; Elias, Scott A.
    The field of remote sensing has recently witnessed major innovations that have been translated to Earth science applications. Before they can be used, remote sensing data must be corrected for effects originating from the sensors, the platforms on which they are deployed, atmospheric characteristics, and geometrical constraints. When the data are calibrated and geolocated, they can be used either as physical quantities, such as reflectance and temperatures, or as images. The recent development of new sensors has permitted the remote measurement of a large area of the Earth's surface, with direct geological applications. Additionally, advances in machine vision, machine learning and artificial intelligence, combined with an unprecedented increase in computer processing power, have led to innovative remote sensing data processing techniques that simplify the handling of large amounts of complex data. As a consequence, it is now possible to characterize the geological settings of large areas with precision and even their changes through time. Remote sensing data are now directly integrated into modelling algorithms that describe surface and subsurface processes at different scales. Geological remote sensing currently encompasses multi temporal, multi-source and multi scale approaches. The retrieval of big data in disseminated archives, as well as (near) real time processing are the challenges that remain to be solved. These new applications in geology ensure cost efficient, safe, and rapid surveys and monitoring that not only benefit the research community but society at large.
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    Platinum-bearing chromite layers are caused by pressure reduction during magma ascent
    (Nature Research, 2018) Latypov, Rais; Costin, Gelu; Chistyakova, Sofya; Hunt, Emma J.; Mukherjee, Ria; Naldrett, Tony
    Platinum-bearing chromitites in mafic-ultramafic intrusions such as the Bushveld Complex are key repositories of strategically important metals for human society. Basaltic melts saturated in chromite alone are crucial to their generation, but the origin of such melts is controversial. One concept holds that they are produced by processes operating within the magma chamber, whereas another argues that melts entering the chamber were already saturated in chromite. Here we address the problem by examining the pressure-related changes in the topology of a Mg2SiO4–CaAl2Si2O8–SiO2–MgCr2O4 quaternary system and by thermodynamic modelling of crystallisation sequences of basaltic melts at 1–10 kbar pressures. We show that basaltic melts located adjacent to a so-called chromite topological trough in deep-seated reservoirs become saturated in chromite alone upon their ascent towards the Earth’s surface and subsequent cooling in shallow-level chambers. Large volumes of these chromite-only-saturated melts replenishing these chambers are responsible for monomineralic layers of massive chromitites with associated platinum-group elements.
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    Towards multiscale and multisource remote sensing mineral exploration using rpas: A case study in the lofdal carbonatite-hosted ree deposit, Namibia
    (MDPI, Basel, Switzerland, 2019) Booysen, René; Nex, Paul A.M.; Zimmermann, Robert; Lorenz, Sandra; Gloaguen, Richard; Andreani, Louis; Möckel, Robert
    Traditional exploration techniques usually rely on extensive field work supported by geophysical ground surveying. However, this approach can be limited by several factors such as field accessibility, financial cost, area size, climate, and public disapproval. We recommend the use of multiscale hyperspectral remote sensing to mitigate the disadvantages of traditional exploration techniques. The proposed workflow analyzes a possible target at different levels of spatial detail. This method is particularly beneficial in inaccessible and remote areas with little infrastructure, because it allows for a systematic, dense and generally noninvasive surveying. After a satellite regional reconnaissance, a target is characterized in more detail by plane-based hyperspectral mapping. Subsequently, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)-mounted hyperspectral sensors are deployed on selected regions of interest to provide a higher level of spatial detail. All hyperspectral data are corrected for radiometric and geometric distortions. End-member modeling and classification techniques are used for rapid and accurate lithological mapping. Validation is performed via field spectroscopy and portable XRF as well as laboratory geochemical and spectral analyses. The resulting spectral data products quickly provide relevant information on outcropping lithologies for the field teams. We show that the multiscale approach allows defining the promising areas that are further refined using RPAS-based hyperspectral imaging. We further argue that the addition of RPAS-based hyperspectral data can improve the detail of field mapping in mineral exploration, by bridging the resolution gap between airplane- and ground-based data. RPAS-based measurements can supplement and direct geological observation rapidly in the field and therefore allow better integration with in situ ground investigations. We demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach at the Lofdal Carbonatite Complex in Namibia, which has been previously subjected to rare earth elements exploration. The deposit is located in a remote environment and characterized by difficult terrain which limits ground surveys.