Mapping alteration through the regolith at Kalgoorlie using airborne hyperspectral data

Abstract

This paper summarises key results from the recently completed MERIWA M370 project which demonstrated that new generation airborne hyperspectral technologies can deliver seamless accurate maps of mineral abundances and mineral physicochemistries for the 1:100 000 scale Kalgoorlie-Kanowna special mapsheet. Twenty-three mineral products were produced, most of which have significance for regolith and alteration mapping as well as improving our understanding/modelling of fundamental geologic processes. Key spectral-mineral products delivered for the M370 project include: kaolin disorder for mapping transported versus in situ regolith materials; gypsum for salt lakes; talc for mapping non-magnetic ultramafic rocks; white mica chemistry for Archaean hydrothermal alteration; and pyrophyllite, which previously had not been recognised. The mineral maps of white mica chemistry reveal ``big footprint' hydrothermal cells that have important implications for Au exploration in the region.