MENU

Article published by Dawn Zoldi at Autonomy Global on January 1, 2025.

In a groundbreaking development for the mining industry, researchers at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) and the Center to Advance the Science of Exploration to Reclamation in Mining (CASERM) at the Colorado School of Mines have successfully harnessed the power of drone-mounted hyperspectral imaging to transform mineral exploration. This cutting-edge technology enables rapid, non-invasive, and highly accurate mineral prospecting, potentially revolutionizing how mining companies discover and map mineral deposits worldwide. 

Leading the Charge in UAS and Geoscience Education 

Founded in 1903, NDSCS holds a distinguished position as the second oldest public two-year college in the United States. NDSCS additionally boasts a rich history in aviation education as one of the first institutions in the country to offer aviation programs. 

Building on this legacy, NDSCS embraced UAS as an early adopter. In the fall of 2017, the college began offering classes in this technology. This quickly expanded into what has now become offerings of a comprehensive two-year Associate of Applied Science degree and a one-year certificate program. 

According to Seth Simonson, Associate Professor and Program Lead for Land Surveying, Civil Engineering Technology, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems at NDSCS, its programs focus on commercial end-user applications through classroom and experiential learning. Specifically, they provide students with hands-on training in various UAS applications, including: photography, videograph, photogrammetry, LiDAR, thermography and multispectral and hyperspectral imaging. As part of the curriculum, NDSCS also exposes students to UAS-enabled research. 

This holistic and practical approach prepares graduates to enter the workforce as pilots, data analysts or technicians for a wide range of industries utilizing UAS technology. 

Hyperspectral Imaging: The Next Frontier in Mineral Detection 

Given NDSCS’ reputation for UAS research, in 2022, the National Center for Autonomous Technology (NCAT) approached the college with an opportunity to partner with it and the Colorado School of Mines to explore the use of hyperspectral imaging on a UAS platform. The National Science Foundation (NSF) supported this initiative with grant funding. This enabled the purchase of the necessary equipment and funded overall research activities. 

Hyperspectral imaging, an advanced remote sensing technique, captures information beyond the visible spectrum across a continuous range of wavelengths. Unlike traditional multispectral imaging, which focuses on specific bands such as red, green, blue, near-infrared, and red edge, hyperspectral imaging, it provides a much more detailed spectral profile. 

Advanced Equipment: Inside the Drone-Based Hyperspectral System 

The hyperspectral sensor used in this research project, the HySpex Mjolnir VS-620, a state-of-the-art hyperspectral camera system developed by the Norwegian company HySpex, operates in the range of 400 nanometers to 2500 nanometers. This advanced system comprises two separate cameras: a visible and near-infrared (VNIR) camera that covers the 400-1000 nm range with 200 spectral bands and a short-wave infrared (SWIR) camera that operates in the 970-2500 nm range containing 300 spectral bands. Combined, these cameras collect data across 490 total narrow, contiguous spectral bands. This high spectral resolution allows for the identification and mapping of specific minerals in unprecedented detail based on their unique signatures. 

The integration of a Velodyne VLP-32 LiDAR sensor to capture high-resolution topographic data further enhanced the team’s system. This combination of hyperspectral and LiDAR sensors allows for the creation of detailed 3D models of the terrain which remains critical for accurate analysis of the hyperspectral data. 

The entire system is mounted on a BFD SE8 drone outfitted with a Gremsy AEVO gimbal (the team previously used the H16) for stability and precise control. The integration of an Applanix APX-20 IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) ensures accurate positioning and orientation data for each captured image. 

Overcoming Challenges: Field Testing in Diverse Mining Environments 

The research team conducted initial projects in Idaho’s Cobalt Belt in 2022. They immediately faced flight challenges related to high elevations and heavy payloads. These early experiences provided valuable insights and led to improvements in later missions. 

In March 2023, the project expanded to a two-week field campaign that focused on two mine sites: the Kay Mine in Arizona, located about an hour north of Phoenix, and Castle Mountain, situated on the California side of the Nevada border, an hour and a half southwest of Las Vegas. 

During the Arizona portion of the project, the expedition encountered an unexpected hurdle when the hyperspectral camera, sourced from Norway, became delayed in Customs. This setback at the Kay Mine site prompted the team to adapt their plans. They used the opportunity to conduct high-resolution photogrammetry mapping of a large portion of the mine site using multi-rotor and fixed-wing drones equipped with standard cameras. 

At the Castle Mountain site, they had the hyperspectral camera on board the aircraft and the data collection began in earnest. The process consists of a delicate balance of precision and adaptability. They operated the UAS at an altitude of 120 meters (approximately 390 feet) above ground level and flew at a speed of 2.5 meters per second. Flight lines were carefully planned with 32-meter spacing to ensure adequate coverage and overlap. Altitude and sensor availability issues aside, the nature of hyperspectral imaging, even under perfect conditions, presents unique challenges. Flight duration ranks high among them. The weight of the equipment, which necessitates multiple battery changes and careful mission planning, generally limits flights to approximately 10 minutes. 

Environmental factors can also significantly impact data quality. Ideal conditions require specific sun angles, minimal cloud cover and dry ground surfaces. This limits data collection to windows outside of early morning and late afternoon hours, to ensure optimal lighting conditions. 

Simonson explained, “Hyperspectral imaging is very sensitive to different environmental factors. The sun angle has to be correct. Clouds have to be minimal or pretty much nonexistent. We can’t fly if it’s just rained because there’s moisture on the ground evaporating, which causes issues with our imaging.” 

To manage some of the environmental challenges, the team employs a dual-computer setup during flights. One computer controls the drone’s flight path, while another operates the HySpex Air software, This enables real-time monitoring and to adjust the camera’s exposure settings. 

Data Processing: Turning Raw Imagery into Actionable Insights 

The workflow for collecting, and then processing, hyperspectral data is also a complex and time-consuming process. First, as discussed above, hyperspectral cameras and LiDAR sensors must ingest the data. Then orthorectification, which corrects geometric distortions inherent in push-broom sensor data, must occur. Atmospheric corrections must also be made to minimize the impact of atmospheric conditions on the captured spectra. Then, LiDAR data gets integrated to create accurate digital elevation models. The next step involves spectral analysis and mineral mapping. To transform raw data into actionable insights, the research team utilizes a variety of software packages. This comprehensive approach ensures that the final product is a geometrically accurate, atmospherically corrected hyperspectral image that can be used for detailed mineral analysis. 

Drone vs. Traditional Methods: The Competitive Edge in Mineral Exploration 

Despite the inherent challenges in using UAS for hyperspectral imaging, the coupling of these technologies offers distinct advantages over traditional satellite or high-altitude aircraft methods. 

UAS-mounted sensors can achieve resolutions of 6 cm in the VNIR range and 12 cm in the SWIR range at an elevation of 120m.. This is significantly higher than satellite imagery (30 m resolution) or high-altitude aircraft (1 m resolution). Better quality data translates into more informed decision-making. 

Teams can quickly deploy UAS to scan active mining sites, exploratory areas, and tailings facilities, providing timely data for decision-making. This level of flexibility provides a significant value-add to using them. Speaking of flexibility, unlike satellite or aircraft-based systems, UAS can be easily maneuvered to scan vertical mine faces. This provides valuable data on exposed mineral veins and geological structures. 

Finally, for smaller areas or frequent monitoring, UAS-based hyperspectral imaging can be more cost-effective than commissioning satellite or aircraft surveys. 

Future Innovations: Enhancing Drone Capabilities for Mining Applications 

The ongoing collaboration between academic institutions like NDSCS, the Colorado School of Mines and industry partners continues to drive innovation in this field. It promises exciting developments in the future of mineral exploration and environmental monitoring. 

As the field of drone-based hyperspectral imaging for mineral exploration continues to evolve, Simonson expects to see improvements across several areas. For one, his team is actively working on solutions to increase flight duration. This includes exploring higher-capacity batteries and seeking FAA waivers for increased weight limits. Improvements in environmental adaptability remains a priority. Efforts must focus on developing methods to mitigate the impact of environmental factors on data quality. Streamlining the post-processing workflow through automation and machine learning techniques could significantly reduce the time from data collection to actionable insights. Combining hyperspectral data with other sensing modalities, such as magnetometry or ground-penetrating radar, could provide even more comprehensive geological insights. 

In the meantime, as the field continues to evolve, the combination of UAS and hyperspectral imaging promises to unlock new possibilities for resource discovery and sustainable mining operations. 

For more information about this research project or the UAS program at North Dakota State College of Science, please contact: Seth Simonson Associate Professor North Dakota State College of Science. 
Email: seth.simonson@ndscs.edu 
Phone: (701) 671-2345.

Article published by John Anderson at Wahpeton Daily News on December 28, 2024.

For years, Seth Simonson has made headlines for his innovative use of GPS systems and drones. 

It started with approval in 2016 from the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) for Land Surveying Program Coordinator Jeff Jelinek and Simonson to look into drones when new FAA regulations for commercial operations of drones came out. 

By 2017, Simonson, working with students, came up with a groundbreaking concept, as they flew drones and used GPS to locate graves of veterans in Richland and Wilkin counties. 

Today, Simonson, the Associate Professor/Program Lead of the Land Surveying and Civil Engineering Technology/Unmanned Aircraft Systems at North Dakota State College of Science has expanded learning past the classrooms in Wahpeton. 

Students travel to Arizona and work with other colleges through the Center to Advance the Science of Exploration to Reclamation in Mining. 

They are working on an incredible 20,000 acre mining project that will take three more years to complete. The best of the best are working in Arizona on this project. 

For Braden Heuer of Mooreton, a Wyndmere High School graduate, taking the courses at NDSCS and going to Wickenburg, AZ., was not only an incredible experience, but he is looking into a new career field. 

Heuer also took an interest in drones as soon as regulations changed. He flew one during a Wyndmere Football game to make a promotional video for the school. The police came and said he could not fly over people. 

He was able to show the police what he was recording and that he was not flying over people and he was allowed to keep recording. 

This may not be Heuer’s last interaction with police. He might be working with them someday. “Thermal drones are an important tool for finding drug dealers,” Heuer said. 

When asked what benefits there are to drones, he said he didn’t know where to start. “There are benefits in real estate, photography, which I do myself, there is light detection and ranging,” he explained. “There is a sensor on the bottom of a drone, you attach a module that spins, it shoots these lasers that scan an entire area efficiently.” 

And he’s learning in and out of the classroom. “You can use drones to find vegetation, farmers use them to detect weeds in the crops,” Heuer said. “They just came out with new technology where you can fly three feet from the ground and you can detect things 10 feet under. I just learned this three weeks ago.” 

And with drones comes responsibilities. “You have to be a good pilot, you need to know the laws and you have to take (a class and pass a UAG test) to be licensed,” he said. “You need to know airspaces ... it’s a handful of work.” 

Simonson knows about that work all too well. 

Simonson’s start 

When Jelinek and Simonson received approval from their industry advisory committee, they wanted to add drone technology “as a new tool in the Land Surveyors toolbox,” Simonson explains. “That turned into a class in 2017 and a one-year certificate program in 2018, and now we have a 2-year AAS degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) which began last year in the Fall of 2023,” Simonson said. 

In just four years, the NDSCS program was recognized. “I was approached in late 2021 by a representative for the National Center for Autonomous Technology (NCAT) about being a part of an NSF (National Science Foundation) grant funding,” Simonson said. “The funding would lead the exploration of the use of drones to map surface mineralogy with hyperspectral cameras together with the Center to Advance the Science of Exploration to Reclamation in Mining (CASERM) at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO.” 

Racing to Arizona 

Drones are technically called UAS, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems. And those drones were the reason this project started in 2023. “In March 2023, I took eight NDSCS students for two weeks (one week, they were north of Phoenix and one week, southwest of Las Vegas) to work on the application of a Hyspex hyperspectral sensor on a heavy lift drone,” Simonson said. “From this, we have branched off on other projects with CASERM and the Colorado School of Mines like this project we took in November to Wickenburg, AZ.”

The most recent trip was a success. “The project went well and we were able to map approximately 3,300 acres of land creating a high resolution image and surface model of the area, Simonson explained. “Students did well and worked long days and hiked lots of miles up and down mountainsides to get the data. Students learned how difficult it is to work and collect data in areas that are a little more vertical than what they are used to around here.” 

Heuer said the goal of his team was “to map out our section of 20,000 acres of land for mining to see if there is copper there. Geologists came out to check on hot spots.“ 

Typical day 

Heuer said his day was different from others. Each group had a different emphasis on the drone program. 

“Three of us were land surveying. We shot points to get better horizontal and vertical precisions,” Heuer said. “We had to get it down to super-accurate precision. We made a huge orthomosaic image of the entire area, all 20,000 acres — at least we tried to! Out of 12,000 photos we took, we stitched them into one massive image. It took two weeks to process all of it.” 

The mining company that owns the land put Heuer’s team in the best place to start, he said. 

“I learned quite a bit. Besides the rapid temperature changes, the terrain was completely different. I did not expect it to be so hilly,” he said. “Two of us were hiking up an almost vertical cliff of rock to set up the (drone cameras). There were a lot of equipment issues to overcome before we could fly zones.” 

Heuer said one thing he learned was “how to find section corners and the original plats. We were told ‘they were over a bridge.’ But they were not. I had to reference them off a controller, then we would hike and shoot a certain point. It took a good hour, hour-and-a-half to shoot it and walk back.” 

The trip is also a big part of his final graduation project. “The section corners are also for a capstone project we are doing,” Heuer explained. “When we shot them with a GPS I had at the end of a stick, it told us in the software exactly where that would be in a photo. 

Why is it so important to be accurate? “Your data has to be right,” Heuer said. “That’s how you do your job well with drones. Drone jobs are so precise these days.” 

And then there was the weather. Arizona seems like a shorts and t-shirt state, but it is not. “The weather was interesting. It got hot, then it got extremely cold quickly,” Heuer said. “I was definitely not ready for it, I did not have a coat. We thought the mornings would be in the 50’s, but it was in the 20’s. I remember waking up at 7 a.m. and gassing up our Ranger as it was so cold, about 20 degrees!” 

The students returned knowing more about each other, new parts of the country and expanded their knowledge from the classroom into real-world use. 

As a result, more students will benefit from this. “It will probably be closer to a three-year project as we may go twice in 2025 (once in April and again in November),” Simonson explained. “We have a total of approximately 20,000 acres to map, but now that we have permanent survey control monumentation on the site which we set for this trip, we should be able to map more area in our week trips there.” 

The trip has also built personal and professional relationships. 

“We also intend to go back to the original hyperspectral project and collect some data in April 2025 while working on this mapping project,” Simonson said. “We have enjoyed working with the Colorado School of Mines students and faculty and they have enjoyed working with us so I am sure this will be a relationship that will continue many years to come.” 

Future heights 

Heuer is taking land surveying and civil engineering classes at North Dakota State College of Science. 

However, taking the main UAS class with Simonson has opened up new doors. As a freshman, Simonson was impressed that Heuer started flying drones at age 12 and already knew how to fly a Mavic 2 Pro Drone. 

The class was learning the basics on a Mavic 3 Pro Drone, but the two had the same software. Heuer was already ahead of the class. Which will once again get him to the top of the class as his higher-education continues thanks to NDSCS. 

“It was so much fun,” Heuer said. “Now, I am in my second year. I am thinking of transferring to USD for drones or NDSU.”