[S-RD24] Cutting-edge sensing technology applied to geology and resource exploration

[SRD24-P02] Detection of Lithium-Bearing Minerals in the Gobi Region Using Multispectral LCTF Imaging

Namuun Gantulga¹, Khishigsuren Batbaatar¹, Tergel Shijirtuya ¹, Yukihiro Takahashi², *Begzsuren Tumendemberel^1,3 (1.Department of Physics, School of Arts and Sciences, National University of Mongolia, 2.Department of Cosmosciences, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Japan , 3.Institute of Physics and Technology, Academy of Sciences, Mongolia)

Keywords:Lithium exploration, Remote sensing, Multispectral imaging, Multispectral LCTF camera, Spectral analysis, Gobi Desert

Lithium (Li) is an essential mineral used in batteries for mobile devices and electric vehicles. As global demand grows, efficient methods for identifying lithium deposits are increasingly needed. This study examines the potential of a multispectral Liquid Crystal Tunable Filter (LCTF) camera for detecting lithium-bearing minerals in the Gobi Desert, a region known for its rich natural resources. A field study was conducted near Choir, Govisumber Province (45.87°, 108.37°), where lithium-rich rock formations were captured using a multispectral LCTF camera. A total of 30 rock samples containing lithium were examined on-site and later analyzed in a laboratory. The LCTF camera and a spectrophotometer were used to compare the light reflection properties of lithium-bearing minerals against the surrounding soil and vegetation. Results showed that Li-bearing minerals reflect less light in the 300–400 nm and 400–500 nm wavelength ranges, which helps to distinguish them from ordinary soil.

To further verify these results, controlled laboratory experiments were conducted to capture spectral images of lithium-rich samples. Additional field tests at known lithium deposit sites in the Gobi were performed to assess the camera’s accuracy under real-world conditions. The findings suggest that the LCTF camera is a promising tool for identifying lithium deposits in remote regions. While some challenges remain, this method could improve lithium resource mapping and make exploration efforts more efficient.