Ore detection and grade estimation in the Sudbury mines using thermal infrared reflectance spectroscopy

摘要

This pilot study investigated the usefulness of ther- mal infrared reflectance (TIR) spectroscopy to estimate ore grade in an underground environment and to sepa- rate ore-bearing samples from their host rocks. Work was carried out under laboratory conditions to test the initial concept; all samples had naturally broken faces to mimic the situation in a freshly blasted underground opening. A total of 26 samples, including massive and dissemi- Nated ores, were collected from eight mines around the Sudbury basin in Ontario. Rock surfaces were measured Wet and dry to address environmental conditions en- Countered underground.