The HyLogger™ core scanner is a rapid spectroscopic core and chip logging and imaging system developed by CSIRO's Mineral Mapping Technologies Group.
Located at the South Australia Drill Core Reference Library, the HyLogger™ instrument is one of seven in Australia contributing to the AuScope National Virtual Core Library (NVCL) project, supported by AuScope, CSIRO and the Commonwealth Department of Industry through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy.
The GSSA has been using the HyLogger™ system since its initial trials in 2002, and South Australia now boasts an extensive collection of scanned drill core from a wide range of South Australian mineral systems.
HyLogger data on SARIG and the NVCL allows mineral explorers to view high resolution drillcore imagery and associated spectral mineral data online, before visiting the South Australia Drill Core Reference Library for further analysis.
The technology
The system uses semi-automated core tray handling, continuous visible and infrared spectroscopy (wavelength range 300–2500 nm and 6000–14500 nm), and digital imaging (~0.1 mm resolution), to characterise and identify dominant mineral species of core, chips and pulps, at spatial resolution of ~0.8 cm (spectral data).
The system can log between 250 and 500 metres of core per day. Mineralogy is pre-interpreted using specialised identification software trained on a selected suite of minerals showing characteristic absorption features within the measured spectral range.
HyLogger™ data
HyLogger™ data are available to view and download from SARIG via the HyLogger Map Layer or the Drillhole Database
Available data includes:
- High-quality core tray images
- Spectral reflectance data
- Summary plots (.pdf) showing the distribution of interpreted minerals downhole
- Dynamic downhole scalar plots of mineral groups
- TSG™ Viewer software download for viewing data; free/demo licence is available from The Spectral Geologist
Explore HyLogger™ data using TSG Viewer
A demonstration dataset to try out TSG™ Viewer software is available for download and includes a PowerPoint guided tutorial and instruction file.
Download the demonstration HyLogger dataset for MSDP11 drillhole GDP 00110
The Parabarana Copper Prospect, South Australia – a hyperspectral classification of alteration in historic drill core
This study focuses on the Parabarana copper and rare earth element (REE) prospect located within the Mount Painter Inlier in South Australia. Historical drilling in the area has revealed intervals of up to 1.5% copper, along with significant amounts of molybdenite, arsenic, and anomalous intersections of REE.
The copper mineralisation at Parabarana is hosted by albitic metasediments, intercalated with epidote and garnet, intruded by the Mount Neill Granite. The study utilised the HyLogger 3™ instrumentation with high resolution and specific wavelengths to characterise the subsurface mineralogy of the prospect based on historic drill core.
The study provides valuable insights into the mineralogy and alteration patterns of the Parabarana prospect using advanced spectral analysis techniques, contributing to a better understanding of the potential for copper and REE mineralisation in the region.
Download the poster of the study results
Drillcore scanning services
A HyLogger™ spectroscopic core and chip logging and imaging service is available to industry. Please contact Georgina.Gordon@sa.gov.au for more information.
HyLogger scanning request form (PDF, 851.9 KB)
Spectral Geology workshops
The HyLogger team in conjunction with the National Virtual Core Library holds annual workshops for industry and researchers. Workshops are run over 1-2 days for participants with basic or advanced skills in spectral data processing and interpretation. Sign up for the GSSA newsletter to stay informed about upcoming workshops.