The China Geological Survey and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in Australia have signed an agreement to develop new technologies related to hyperspectral sensing of minerals.
Wang Xuelong, a deputy director-general of the CGS, and Mike McWilliams, the chief executive of CSIRO Exploration and Mining signed a memorandum of understanding in Brisbane last week.
CGS is a not-for-profit government-owned research institution involved in remote sensing research and applications. It reports directly to the Chinese Ministry of Land and Resources.
CSIRO is Australia's largest research organisation. It has a long history of original work in geology and minerals research.
Hyperspectral imagers split the spectrum of light into a large number of bands of different frequencies. In some instruments, this can be several hundred different channels. The theory is that, by looking at the spectrum in such detail, observers will be able to identify the chemical composition of rocks remotely. A practical way of doing this would revolutionise geological exploration.
Australian researchers at CSIRO have plenty of experience in the development of such instruments. This has included handheld scanners for field work, airborne instruments and even space-based sensors.
At the same time, the search for economically significant minerals in China has intensified as the economy has boomed. Currently, the country is one of the largest importers of minerals of all types. Australia is one of its main suppliers.
CSIRO and CGS have undertaken a number of projects already in the field of hyperspectral imaging. Joint projects following the signing of the agreement will initially focus on spectral sensing for minerals exploration and environmental monitoring. This will expand to include additional exploration technologies.
By developing a formal relationship with CGS, CSIRO is also fostering a partnership which may allow it to access data acquired by a Chinese hyperspectral satellite expected to be launched in the near future.
Source: www.asmmag.com
