Multispectral imager for mine ore grading.

Prototype instrumentation, based on multispectral imaging, has been developed for ground-based remote sensing of the mineface to give high-resolution images of ore grade in real time. The area of interest is imaged at selected narrow-band wavelengths corresponding to unique features of the optical reflectance spectrum of the ore. The use of an auxiliary source of illumination gives the instrument open pit and underground capability. The raw images are converted into user-specific information, which may be a direct display of ore grade for equipment operators or input to an operations database for mine planning. The initial application of this technology is to oil sand mining. Grade trends are detailed by taking time-lapsed views as the face is mined. The concept has applicability to many industrial and metallic minerals, with the imaging wavelengths dictated by the reflectance spectrum of the specific ore.
Prototype instrumentation, based on multispectral imaging, has been developed for ground-based remote sensing of the mineface to give high-resolution images of ore grade in real time. The area of interest is imaged at selected narrow-band wavelengths corresponding to unique features of the optical reflectance spectrum of the ore. The use of an auxiliary source of illumination gives the instrument open pit and underground capability. The raw images are converted into user-specific information, which may be a direct display of ore grade for equipment operators or input to an operations database for mine planning. The initial application of this technology is to oil sand mining. Grade trends are detailed by taking time-lapsed views as the face is mined. The concept has applicability to many industrial and metallic minerals, with the imaging wavelengths dictated by the reflectance spectrum of the specific ore.