9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
[SRD24-02] Optimizing Resource Exploration (ORE) using Spectrometry and Lithogeochemical Tools for the Advanced Characterization of Magmatic-Hydrothermal Deposits
★Invited Papers
Keywords:critical minerals, resource exploration, hyperspectral imaging, lithogeochemistry, Philippines
The Philippines' geologic setting is highly favorable for economically significant deposits of critical minerals such as gold, copper, nickel, chromium, and iron. Notably, copper and gold mineralizations are associated with magmatic-hydrothermal deposits, many of which remain largely untapped or undervalued despite their abundance. With the increasing demand for critical minerals, the introduction of new and advanced technologies could propel efforts towards more efficient mineral exploration.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR) is the primary government agency that is mandated to explore and manage the mineral resources of the Philippines. The DENR-MGB will implement the activity entitled Optimizing Resource Exploration - Integrating Spectrometry and Lithogeochemistry Tools for the Advanced Characterization of Critical Minerals in Magmatic-Hydrothermal Deposits, or Project ORE in 2025. This Research and Development initiative aims to introduce hyperspectral mapping for mineral exploration and establish a methodology validated by lithogeochemical tools.
The introduction of hyperspectral mapping is expected to enhance target identification which is crucial in setting the subsequent exploration efforts. The project will be comprised of two phases: (1) acquisition of remotely sensed data through hyperspectral mapping and (2) detailed characterization through geological mapping and geochemical sampling. Both phases will be utilizing SWIR analysis which is widely recognized for its effectiveness in distinguishing different hydrous alteration minerals. The implementation sites for this project are the two proposed mineral reservations located in the Southwestern Negros Copper Belt, namely, the Proposed Basay and Proposed Hinoba-an Mineral Reservations. These areas were selected due to the extensive alteration envelopes typical of porphyry copper deposits, making them ideal targets for hyperspectral imaging.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR) is the primary government agency that is mandated to explore and manage the mineral resources of the Philippines. The DENR-MGB will implement the activity entitled Optimizing Resource Exploration - Integrating Spectrometry and Lithogeochemistry Tools for the Advanced Characterization of Critical Minerals in Magmatic-Hydrothermal Deposits, or Project ORE in 2025. This Research and Development initiative aims to introduce hyperspectral mapping for mineral exploration and establish a methodology validated by lithogeochemical tools.
The introduction of hyperspectral mapping is expected to enhance target identification which is crucial in setting the subsequent exploration efforts. The project will be comprised of two phases: (1) acquisition of remotely sensed data through hyperspectral mapping and (2) detailed characterization through geological mapping and geochemical sampling. Both phases will be utilizing SWIR analysis which is widely recognized for its effectiveness in distinguishing different hydrous alteration minerals. The implementation sites for this project are the two proposed mineral reservations located in the Southwestern Negros Copper Belt, namely, the Proposed Basay and Proposed Hinoba-an Mineral Reservations. These areas were selected due to the extensive alteration envelopes typical of porphyry copper deposits, making them ideal targets for hyperspectral imaging.