Potential of NIR hyperspectral imaging in theminerals industry

Material characterization by Near Infrared Hyperspectral
Imaging (NIR HSI) is based on specific absorption features of
different minerals. These absorption features are caused by the
movement of molecular bondings of NIR active minerals on the
material surface. Therefore, pollutions, such as dust and water,
may influence the measurement outcome. An insufficient spatial
resolution of the measurement can additionally falsify the
hyperspectral image, because of mixed spectra effects at grain
boundaries caused by the simultaneous collection of two or more
spectra from unequal minerals. In order to compare NIR HSI to
conventional analytical methods the above mentioned characteristics
have to be investigated to reveal the potential of NIR HSI.
The present paper describes investigation conducted on copper
porphyry ore derived from the Kajaran copper mine, Armenia.
During an extensive feasibility study rock samples are characterized
by different measurement techniques. Two major analysis
technologies are used for characterization including Mineral Liberation
Analysis (MLA) and NIR HSI by using the Hyperspectral
Imager SisuCHEMA (SPECIM) and Spotlight 400 FTIR Imaging
System from Perkin Elmer. On basis of test-results derived from
the feasibility study advantages and disadvantages of NIR HSI, in
comparison to conventional measurement techniques in the minerals
industry are discussed.