Surficial Geology, Spectral-reflectance Characteristics and Their Influence on Hyperspectral Imaging as a Drift-prospecting Technique for Kimberlite in the Diavik Diamond Mine Area, Northwest Territories

Book excerpt: Both airborne & ground hyperspectral surveys have recently been undertaken as potential exploration methods for a variety of mineral deposit types in glaciated regions. This paper reviews a project that aims to summarize the surficial geology & glacial stratigraphy in the Lac de Gras kimberlite field in order to assess hyperspectral ground surveys as a drift prospecting technique for kimberlite in an area with varied overburden thickness. It describes the area's regional geology & glacial history, the reasons for lack of kimberlite indicator minerals above some kimberlite pipes, and the spectral reflectance response of bedrock exposures, kimberlite, and various till samples collected in the area. Limitations of using spectral reflectance data in drift prospecting are also discussed.