This study produces alteration mineral maps based on WorldView-3 (WV-3) data and field shortwave-infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy. It is supported by conventional analytical methods such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and electron probe X-ray micro analyzer as an initial step for mineral exploration in eastern Tsogttsetsii, Mongolia, where access is limited. Distributions of advanced argillic minerals (alunite, dickite, and kaolinite), illite/smectite (illite, smectite, and mixed-layered illite-smectite), and ammonium minerals (buddingtonite and NH4-illite) were mapped using the decorrelation stretch, band math, and mixture-tuned-matched filter (MTMF) techniques. The accuracy assessment of the WV-3 MTMF map using field SWIR data showed good WV-3 SWIR data accuracy for spectrally predominant alteration minerals such as alunite, kaolinite, buddingtonite, and NH4-illite. The combination of WV-3 SWIR mineral mapping and a drone photogrammetric-derived digital elevation model contributed to an understanding of the structural development of the hydrothermal system through visualization of the topographic and spatial distribution of surface alteration minerals. Field SWIR spectroscopy provided further detailed information regarding alteration minerals such as chemical variations of alunite, crystallinity of kaolinite, and aluminum abundance of illite that was unavailable in WV-3 SWIR data. Combining WV-3 SWIR data and field SWIR spectroscopy with conventional exploration methods can narrow the selection between deposit models and facilitate mineral exploration.

On 15 November 2017, liquefaction phenomena were observed around the epicenter after a 5.4 magnitude earthquake occurred in Pohang in southeast Korea. In this study, we attempted to detect areas of sudden water content increase by using SAR (synthetic aperture radar) and optical satellite images. We analyzed coherence changes using Sentinel-1 SAR coseismic image pairs and analyzed NDWI (normalized difference water index) changes using Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 optical satellite images from before and after the earthquake. Coherence analysis showed no liquefaction-induced surface changes. The NDWI time series analysis models using Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 optical images confirmed liquefaction phenomena close to the epicenter but could not detect liquefaction phenomena far from the epicenter. We proposed and evaluated the TDLI (temporal difference liquefaction index), which uses only one SWIR (short-wave infrared) band at 2200 nm, which is sensitive to soil moisture content. The Sentinel-2 TDLI was most consistent with field observations where sand blow from liquefaction was confirmed. We found that Sentinel-2, with its relatively shorter revisit period compared to that of Landsat 8 (5 days vs. 16 days), was more effective for detecting traces of short-lived liquefaction phenomena on the surface. The Sentinel-2 TDLI could help facilitate rapid investigations and responses to liquefaction damage.

A hyperspectral scanning system was developed for three-dimensional (3D) surface mapping in underground spaces, such as mine shafts and tunnels. A hyperspectral line-scanning camera was mounted on the rotating driver unit coaxial with the tunnel to image both the mine wall and the ceiling. Uniform light was illuminated on the target surface to be imaged using a halogen lamp rotating together with the hyperspectral imaging sensor. Inertial Measuring Unit (IMU) was also attached to the sensor unit together with the hyperspectral camera so that sensor’s geometric information could be acquired simultaneously during imaging. All sensor and controller units were mounted on a cart-type platform for easy movement in the tunnel, and a battery mounted on the platform supplied power for system operation and the halogen light source. The developed scanning system was tested in an actual mine, and 3D hyperspectral images of the internal surface of the mine shaft were successfully obtained.

Numerous reports have successfully detected or differentiated carbonate minerals such as calcite and dolomite by using the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). However, there is a need to determine whether existing methods can differentiate magnesite from other carbonate minerals. This study proposes optimal band ratio combinations and new thresholds to distinguish magnesite, dolomite, and calcite using ASTER shortwave-infrared (SWIR) data. These were determined based on the spectral and chemical analysis of rock samples collected from Liaoning, China and Danchon, North Korea and the reflectance values from ASTER images. The results demonstrated that the simultaneous use of thresholds 2.13 and 2.015 for relative absorption band depths (RBDs) of (6 + 8)/7 and (7 + 9)/8, respectively, was the most effective for magnesite differentiation. The use of RBDs and band ratios to discriminate between dolomite and calcite was sufficiently effective. However, talc, tremolite, clay, and their mixtures with dolomite and calcite, which are commonly found in the study area, hampered the classification. The assessment of the ASTER band ratios for magnesite grade according to magnesium oxide content indicated that a band ratio of 5/6 was the most effective for this purpose. Therefore, this study proved that ASTER SWIR data can be effectively utilized for the identification and grade assessment of magnesite on a regional scale.

1. Rising economic and industrial demands have driven recurrent underground engineering activities, including mine development and tunnel construction. These activities have led to various accident...