Hyperspectral characterisation of the Mount Wright Gold deposit

Theme: Earth Science and resources

Description: 

 Aim
• Define vectors to blind intrusion-related gold systems using the hyperspectral response of surrounding host rocks

Research questions
• Can the surficial hyperspectral response of the rocks and soil overlying the Intrusion-Related Gold System (IRGS) at Mount Wright be related to the trace element geochemistry of the overlying soil?
• Are there any hyperspectral features that can be used as a vector to mineralisation in this deposit style?

Field work
• Student to map a 4km x 4km area over the mine and take representative rock and soil samples


Research Methodology
• Collect benchtop hyperspectral analyses from representative samples acquired during field work and process into semiquantitative mineralogy.
• Acquire XRD and other microanalytical measurements of mineralogy and composition.
• Compare surface geochemistry with hyperspectral data using machine learning techniques (e.g. UMAP) to determine mineralogical/alteration controls on geochemical zoning to develop mineralisation vectors based on hyperspectral signatures.

Additional Information: 

Student should be majoring in geology with an interest in minerals exploration and an enthusiasm for both field work and lab work.
This project is potentially part of a larger project involving acquisition of drone-based hyperspectral data at numerous deposits and targets in the Ravenswood district. Opportunities for collaboration exist with exploration companies working in the region, and other gold focussed exploration companies

Contact: Assoc. Prof. Renjie Zhou & Tom Evans