Novel Hyperspectral Mineral Mapping

Blue Laser Cutter. Image: Unsplash

This project seeks to create the world’s first facility for rapid, non-destructive, micron-scale phase + crystal orientation (α-β-γ) mapping. The facility aims to advance material characterisation for physical/chemical properties, resources and hazards, and be cost-effective and accessible.

Overview

Novel Hyperspectral Mineral Mapping, led by Professor Penny King from The ANU, is a collaborative effort between Microscopy Australia, the AuScope ‘National Virtual Core Library’ (NVCL) at CSIRO, John de Laeter Centre at Curtin University, and AuScope’s ‘Auscope Geochemistry Network’ (AGN). This project aims to install a new, custom-built visible-to-infrared hyperspectral micro-spectrometer that will facilitate the development of unique software analysis tools and mineral collections for research and industry.

The challenge

Hyperspectral mapping is a powerful technique used in conjunction with spectroscopy to gather detailed information about the composition and characteristics of surface mineralogy, including boundaries, abundances, and mineral assemblages.

The current technological infrastructure does have limitations for hyperspectral mapping, where researchers need to make trade-offs between different resolutions and integration of datasets. Improving the SPEC-e LAB with novel mapping techniques, including infrastructure to support researchers, will help streamline analyses and interpretation of hyperspectral data.

Expected outcomes

  • Upgrade of the SPEC-E (Spectroscopy, Experiments & Characterisation of the Earth) Lab for improved capabilities:

  • This includes laboratory operations, future-proofing research applications, and training of new users.

  • Provision of a digital catalogue of mineral spectra and physical mineral collection.

  • Provision of rock maps with complementary mineralogy.

  • Provision of new open software analysis tools via spectral data.

What are the benefits?

  • Improved research capacity and capabilities: Upgrading the SPEC-E lab will enable access to equipment and research previously unavailable. Training new technicians will also help improve data management, quality assurance, and procedure control.

  • Addressing community needs: The provision of new equipment and techniques will help meet researchers' increasing needs; this includes increasing the number of projects involving ANU users and international collaborative projects.

  • Enhanced mineral productisation: new research capabilities will allow the development of novel digital catalogues of earth materials and complementary mineralogy, separated by their spectra and orientation.

Who will benefit?

Advancements in hyperspectral mapping will benefit geoscientists, mining companies, and environmental agencies by enabling more precise mineral exploration, resource assessment, and ecosystem monitoring. Governments and disaster response teams could use improved mapping for land-use planning, hazard detection, and climate change studies. Industries such as agriculture and forestry would also gain from better vegetation health analysis and soil composition assessments.

Access

  • Data Access: Mineral spectral data will be shared internally via SharePoint, and external users will receive it via email.

  • Tools and Software Access: Bookings for the SPEC-E laboratory will be made available through the ANU Earth Sciences website for internal users; external users must apply via email.

  • Training: Professional short courses will be made available pending survey results from CSIRO and GA.

Acknowledging AuScope

This project was made possible by support from the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) through AuScope. Acknowledging AuScope and NCRIS helps us demonstrate the value of shared research infrastructure, ensuring continued support and resources for the research community.

If you helped deliver this project or have benefited from its outputs, please credit AuScope so we can include your work in our impact reporting. For examples of acknowledgment, please visit our ‘How to Acknowledge AuScope’ page.

We’d love to see your work—please tag us on social media using:

@auscope | #AuScopeImpact | #NCRISimpact

 
 

Project Name
Novel Hyperspectral Mineral Mapping

Project Lead

Timeframe
2024 to 2026

Status
Active

Funding
AuScope Pilot 4

Host
Australian National University (ANU)

NCRIS Collaborators
Microscopy Australia

Other Collaborators
NVCL CSIRO
John de Leater Centre
AusGeochem Network

AuScope Programs

NVCLAuScopePilot 4, ANU, Critical Minerals, Characterisation, Crystal Arrangement, Strategic, NVCL, John De Laeter Centre, AGN