Quantitative estimation of clay minerals in airborne hyperspectral data using a calibration field

We evaluated the opportunities and performance of a new type of systematic pixel sharp calibration site for airborne hyperspectral mineral mapping in the environment of an operational copper deposit in Mongolia. The calibration site was designed to be used for estimation of sensitivity and quantification of key minerals in individual pixels in specific geological scenarios. The layout of the calibration site was done with two different copper-containing rock samples, a low copper-containing rock material from the mine, tailing material from the mine, and calibration materials with well-defined known spectral features. The scaled coverage of the sample materials was designed to develop statistical approaches to quantify target minerals in airborne surveys on a pixel-based approach. The data collection included the description of the calibration materials with geochemical, x-ray diffraction, and microscopic and electron raster microscopic methods. Using visible and near-infrared airborne sensors and shortwave infrared airborne sensors, data of the calibration site were collected with multiple repeats from six altitudes. After rectification and atmospheric correction of pixels, sharp measurements of absorption features of clay minerals at 1400, 1900, and 2200 nm were performed and statistically analyzed. Correlations between coverage and absorption features especially around 2200 nm are shown, and influences of flight altitude on sensitivity of the detection and the stability of the measurements are investigated. The results of the calibration field are used for the quantitative estimations of clay minerals in an exploration area near the mine site. The results are also shining new light on methodologies for ground truthing in hyperspectral surveys.