The Geological Survey of South Australia (GSSA) uses non-destructive technologies to digitise geological samples and make them available via the South Australian Resources Information Gateway (SARIG). Our various technologies are housed at the South Australia Drill Core Library, working together to allow for cross-correlation of spectral mineralogy and geochemistry, giving better data and results.
Spectral technologies
HyLoggerTM
Developed by CSIRO, the HyLogger-3TM core scanner rapidly measures drill core or chip samples using visible and infrared spectroscopy and high-resolution imagery. The system uses semi-automated core tray handling, continuous visible and infrared spectroscopy (wavelength range 300 to 2,500 nm and 6,000 to 14,500 nm), and digital imaging (~0.1 mm resolution), to characterise and identify the dominant mineral species present, at a spatial resolution of ~0.8 cm. Mineralogy is interpreted using The Spectral Geologist (TSG) software. Our HyLogger data contributes to the National Virtual Core Library (NCVL).
The HyLogger-4TM has recently been delivered and we are now in our testing phase of this world-leading machine before transitioning to production in 2025. The HyLogger-4TM has the ability to collect high-resolution imagery of up to 25 μm and will also include the Mid-Infrared (MIR) wavelength range covering 2,500 to 6,000 nm. This instrument if the first of its kind globally to produce continuous hyperspectral data from the visible through to the Thermal Infrared (TIR).
Sign up to the GSSA newsletter for future updates on the use of the HyLogger-4TM.
Download HyLogger data:
TSGTM Viewer software for data viewing is available via a free demonstration licence from The Spectral Geologist.
Raman spectroscopy
A recent addition to our mineralogical analyses is the i-Raman Ex® portable instrument providing raman spectroscopy on various sample types such as hand samples and thin sections. The i-Raman Ex® uses a near infrared 1,064 nm monochromatic laser which can be focused down to 21 µm for detailed mineralogical analysis of fine-grained materials.
Raman spectroscopy has many benefits including being non-destructive, requiring no sample preparation, and can be used with various medium types including wet samples. The raman allows for unambiguous mineral discrimination, polymorph differentiation and mineral phase identification.
More information about the Raman
Gold Sniffer (Mineral Insights)
The non-destructive Gold Sniffer (Mineral Insights) equipment is a portable field instrument which rapidly gives estimated gold, copper, lithium, cobalt or other metallic mineral grades from the surface of unpolished samples in approximately 90 seconds. The data is produced in various image formats.
A study testing the accuracy of the system was conducted for the Tunkillia LED holes and is available for download Gold in South Australia: an example from Tunkillia using a rapid and non-destructive analytical method (PDF 1.1 MB).
More information about the Gold Sniffer
Spectral geoscience data
We have an extensive collection of high-quality digitised drill core from a wide range of mineral systems, allowing explorers to access high resolution imagery and spectral mineralogy online before visiting the South Australia Drill Core Library.
Available data includes:
- High-quality core tray images (higher resolution imagery can be obtained upon request)
- Hyperspectral reflectance data (VNIR, SWIR and TIR)
- Summary plots of interpreted minerals down hole
- Dynamic down hole scalar plots
A demonstration dataset for the TSGTM Viewer software is available for download and includes a guided tutorial and instruction file.
Spectral Geology workshops
We run spectral geology workshops in conjunction with the NVCL and CSIRO for new or advanced users across industry and research. These workshops are 1 to 2 days in length and typically cover both theory and practical examples using HyLogger and ancillary data of interest to participants.
Sign up to the GSSA newsletter to stay informed about upcoming workshops.
