Hyperspectral Input Models (High Resolution Clay Models)

Key Takeaways

• Hyperspectral clay models rely on two systems that dominate this space: Corescan and CSIRO’s HyLogger. There is no fragmented field of competitors to evaluate.
• CSIRO’s MyLogger is the concrete automated-interpretation step that turns a scanning workflow into a data-driven logging workflow.
• Corescan’s imager collects roughly 800,000 spectral samples per metre of core. That resolution, not just the sensor’s presence, is what enables high-confidence clay models.
• This is a solid “Yes”: mature, deployed technology, not a speculative research direction.

TL;DR

To build hyperspectral clay models, run your core through a hyperspectral scanner such as Corescan HCI or CSIRO HyLogger. Then use automated interpretation software to convert the spectra into clay mineralogy at every sampled point. Finally, connect that output to your block-modelling package.

What Are Hyperspectral Clay Models?

Clay minerals absorb light at characteristic wavelengths in the shortwave infrared, around 2,200 nanometres for many common clays. A hyperspectral scanner records hundreds of narrow wavelength bands at each point on the core. Software then matches each spectrum to known minerals, such as kaolinite, illite or montmorillonite.

A hyperspectral clay model is the result: a dense, point-by-point record of which clays occur along each drillhole. It is the raw data layer that everything downstream depends on. For example, the clay mineral prediction in your block model is only as good as this input.

How Do I Build Hyperspectral Clay Models With AI?

The workflow has three stages: scan the core, interpret the spectra, then integrate the result.

Scan core for hyperspectral clay models

Two systems dominate. Corescan’s Hyperspectral Core Imager (HCI-3 and HCI-4) is now offered as Corescan Powered by Epiroc. It measures VNIR-SWIR reflectance at 250 micrometre pixels and collects about 800,000 samples per metre, according to Corescan’s HCI brochure. CSIRO’s HyLogger adds thermal infrared to the VNIR-SWIR range. Both are vastly denser than any manual sampling regime. For the broader scanning landscape, see our guide to AI core scanning.

Automate the spectral interpretation

That density is the whole point. You are not interpolating between sparse samples. Instead, you classify a near-continuous spectral record. The step that turns raw spectra into usable mineralogy used to need a specialist interpreter. Now it is partly automated. CSIRO’s MyLogger combines CSIRO’s TSG mineral groupings with Data Mosaic boundary detection. As a result, it turns HyLogger thermal-infrared data into a first-pass mineral and lithology log automatically.

Connect scanner output to the block model

Finally, plan the integration. The hardware and interpretation software come from different parties: Corescan and Epiroc on one side, CSIRO’s research programme on the other. Therefore, expect a project that connects your scanner’s output format to your block-modelling package. No single vendor hands you an end-to-end clay-model pipeline.

What to Expect From Hyperspectral Clay Models

Hyperspectral scanning sees the core surface only. It measures what is exposed, so it cannot see minerals inside the core or below the detection limit. It also identifies mineral species better than it measures exact percentages. For that reason, most sites calibrate spectral results against XRD analysis on a subset of samples.

Logistics matter too. Scanners work best with a steady flow of clean, dry core trays. Decide early whether you scan on site or ship core to a service lab.

FAQs

How do hyperspectral clay models work?

A scanner records reflected light in hundreds of narrow bands along the core. Clays absorb at characteristic shortwave infrared wavelengths, so software can identify them from their spectra. The result is a dense record of clay mineralogy along each hole.

What is the difference between Corescan and HyLogger?

Corescan’s HCI is a commercial VNIR-SWIR imaging system, now offered with Epiroc, that captures very high-resolution images of the core. HyLogger is CSIRO’s system and adds thermal infrared, which helps detect minerals such as quartz and feldspars. Many Australian state surveys use HyLogger for public core libraries.

How accurate are hyperspectral clay models?

They are very good at identifying which clay minerals are present. They are less precise at measuring exact percentages. Most operations calibrate them against XRD or other lab mineralogy on selected samples.

Do hyperspectral clay models replace lab mineralogy?

No, they complement it. Scanning gives coverage along every metre of core, while lab methods give precise quantities on fewer samples. Together, they support a stronger clay model than either alone.

Try It With Geocluster

Practical integration questions need grounded comparison. Which scanner fits your core logistics? How does MyLogger-style interpretation compare with Corescan’s own analytics? Geocluster is built to help you work through those questions with sourced evidence.