Types of deposits of which mineralogy and alteration mineralogy is identified by TerraEye

Porphyry Copper Deposits (PCD)

These are large, low-grade deposits associated with volcanic activity. They form in the upper crust when magma rises and cools, leading to hydrothermal alteration. Despite having a relatively low copper content (0.3-2%), porphyry deposits are crucial sources of copper, as well as byproducts like molybdenum, gold, and silver. Their economic significance comes from their vast size, and often low depth which allows for open-pit mining.

Ultramafic-Hosted Deposits 

Found in ultramafic rocks (rich in magnesium and iron), these deposits are commonly associated with nickel, copper, and platinum group elements. The formation occurs when magma derived from the mantle cools, leading to the concentration of these metals. Ultramafic-hosted deposits are key sources for nickel and platinum, essential for industries like electronics and renewable energy technologies

Lateritic Deposits 

Laterites form in tropical environments through the intense weathering of ultramafic rocks, concentrating metals like nickel, cobalt, and iron. These deposits are surface expressions and are typically mined using open-pit methods. Lateritic nickel ores are important for the production of stainless steel and batteries

Lithium-Bearing Pegmatites (LCT)

LCT (Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum) pegmatites are coarse-grained igneous rocks that contain significant concentrations of lithium, typically in the form of spodumene or petalite. These deposits form from highly fractionated granitic melts and are a critical source of lithium, which is essential for battery technologies and the growing electric vehicle market

Hydrothermal Gold Deposits 

These deposits form from hot, mineral-rich fluids that ascend through fractures and fissures in the Earth's crust, precipitating gold along with quartz and other minerals. Hydrothermal gold deposits are often found in association with volcanic and tectonic activity and are a major source of gold globally, especially in regions with significant geologic activity

Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) Deposits 

IOCG deposits are characterized by the presence of copper, gold, and iron oxides (mainly hematite and magnetite). These deposits form through hydrothermal processes where fluids interact with iron-rich rocks, creating large, low-grade ore bodies. In addition to copper and gold, they can contain rare earth elements, making them economically valuable.

Method of identifying different types of deposits

TerraEye uses a mechanism to identify the potential occurrence of individual types of deposits, which consists in detecting specific groups of minerals and individual minerals whose occurrence in the field usually constitutes the occurrence of a given type of deposit.

Porphyry Copper deposits (PCD)

Ultramafic-hosted deposits 

Lateritic deposits 

Lithium-bearing pegmatites (LCT) 

Hydrothermal Gold deposits 

Iron Oxide Copper Gold deposits (IOCG) 

Muscovite

Serpentine (Chrysotile)

Goethite

Muscovite

Muscovite

Amphibole

Biotite

Serpentine (Lizardite)

Hematite

Biotite

Biotite

Amphibole (Hornblende

Hematite

Serpentine (Antigorite)

Kaolinite

Sericite

Hematite

Amphibole (Actinolite)

Goethite

Olivine

Serpentine (Chrysotile)

Goethite

Goethite

Epidote

Jarosite

Pyroxene

Serpentine (Lizardite)

Kaolinite

Jarosite

Sericite

Illite

Talc

Serpentine (Antigorite)

Chlorite EMIT

Illite

Apatite

Kaolinite

Amphibole

Gibbsite

Chlorite (Clinochlore)

Kaolinite

Chlorapatite

Montmorillonite

Amphibole (Hornblende)

Epidote

Montmorillonite

Fluorapatite

Alunite

Amphibole (Actinolite)

Montebrasite

Alunite

Chlorite

Epidote

Hematite

Halloysite

Epidote

Chlorite (Clinochlore

Chlorite

Goethite

Chlorite

Pyroxene

Chlorite (Clinochlore)

Magnetite

Chlorite (Clinochlore)

Pyroxene (Augite)

Sericite

Magnesite

Sericite

Pyroxene (Diopside)

Magnetite

Brucite

Magnetite

Magnetite

Calcite

Chromite

Calcite

Dickite EMIT

Dickite

Pyrophyllite

Pyrophyllite

Buddingtonite

Buddingtonite

TerraEye utilizes advanced algorithms such as Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) and Mixture-Tuned Matched Filtering (MTMF) to accurately identify individual minerals. These algorithms process hyperspectral satellite data to detect and map the presence of specific minerals across large areas, making mineral exploration more precise and efficient. By using these techniques, TerraEye helps streamline the exploration process, reducing costs and improving the accuracy of mineral mapping​​​.

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