Publikationsrepositorium - Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

Traditionally during exploration campaigns, geochemical and conventional drill-core logging data is acquired in order to understand the formation and zonality of mineral deposits. The zonality and variability of the mineralization are most commonly linked to the changes in alteration assemblages and therefore the development of a detailed alteration model would allow a better understanding of the distribution and mode of occurrence of mineralization – and provides important, early clues to processing characteristics. Here, we introduce a methodology for rapid extraction of mineralogical, textural and structural features from exploration core. Data obtained can be easily integrated into 3D numerical models and linked to other exploration data (e.g. grade). Mineralogical and structural information is acquired using innovative image classification and segmentation techniques on hyperspectral VNIR-SWIR core scans. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-based analyses performed on representative samples allow for thorough investigations of the modal mineralogy and microfabric attributes of specific mineralization styles – with samples selected based on the results of hyperspectral core scans. The methodology is applied to the Bolcana copper-gold porphyry deposit (Romania), where extensive drilling has been performed by Eldorado Gold. The system shows complex transitions between lithological and alteration assemblages thus representing a particularly suitable case study. Results obtained illustrate that the integration of hyperspectral data with conventional core logs and structural data (Reflex IQ-logger) provided by Eldorado Gold offers insight into the spatial and directional distribution of vein types and associated alteration assemblages. The integration of SEM-data permits unique insight into processing characteristics – thus enabling the construction of a predictive geometallurgical model to outline limits and opportunities of metallurgical testing already during the early exploration stage.