Hyperspectral core scanner: An effective mineral mapping tool for apatite in the Upper Zone, northern limb, Bushveld Complex

The technological advances in efficient, rapid, and non-destructive hyperspectral core logging systems for systematic mineral mapping have led to the discovery exploitation of new deposits Hyperspectral imaging long-wave infrared range has been recently used successfully identify various phosphate-bearing minerals (monazite, xenotime, britholite), with limited work on apatite associated mafic-ultramafic layered intrusions. In this study we investigate effectiveness a (HSI) system (LWIR) bandwidthsto Upper Zone Bushveld Complex. accuracy HSI results was validated by mineralogical geochemical data. two apatite-enriched zones detected suggesting widespread development throughout uppermost 600 m Zone. lower zone is approximately 40 thick, while upper about 23 consistent previous thickness determinations traditional analytical methods. Spectral mixing observed response ascribed either common association olivine these rocks, or differences between spatial resolution image size grains. VNIR-SWIR wavelength region did not show prominent spectral features apatite. Nonetheless, LWIR effective should therefore be considered as an exploration tool. This research our knowledge reflectance spectroscopy REE-bearing minerals, which makes it easier detect, identify, quantify silicate HSI.