34. Exploring Spatial Mineralogy Data

Linking whole rock geochemistry with mineralogy provides tremendous value to exploration and mining projects. We all want high quality, reliable results to make the best maps and models. What are the critical factors in acquiring spectral or geochemical data? How can we be sure our spectroscopy and geochemistry are the best they can be? How do we integrate our mineralogy data sets? Join us to learn the questions you should be asking!

Sebastian Benavides is Discovery Manager for Peru and Ecuador, Anglo American. A geoscientist passionate about generative work, he manages exploration teams and uses spectral data to enhance their capacity to identify targets at multiple scales. Sebastian also shares with us the unusual alteration at the Taca Taca porphyry in Argentina where spectroscopy and mineral chemistry helped to improve understanding of the main ore zone.

Spectroscopy is widely used in a variety of exploration and mining projects. We checked in with Sam Scher of LKI Consulting and podcast host of GeocHemisTea to talk about important issues in spectral data collection. What do we need to know to get good data? Why worry? We also considered how you might vary what options you use depending on the goals of the work.

https://lkiconsulting.com/

To bring it all together, Scott Halley shows us the power of linking whole rock geochemistry and spectral mineralogy – especially mineral chemistry. He provides all the incentive you need to work on getting the best spectral data possible. The conversation is focused on the special synergies between the two data sets, but also on the benefits of bringing the data back to the core shack and the geologist.

https://www.scotthalley.com.au/

Theme music is Confluence by Eastwinds
eastwindsmusic.com

Come join us in Salt Lake City, Utah for SEG 2026, September 30th to October 3rd.

You can expect world-class technical content, including iconic ore deposits and the geological processes of North American Cordillera. The program balances applied case studies, framework geology, and technological innovation. The conference offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and help shape the future of economic geology. See you there.