Advancements and Applications of Short-Wave Infrared Technology in Porphyry Deposit Exploration

Abstract

Porphyry deposits, rich in copper, gold, and other metals, are critical hydrothermal mineral resources with significant exploration
value. Traditional prospecting methods provide essential geological information but are constrained by high costs and low efficiency. Shortwave infrared (SWIR) technology, with its efficiency and non-destructive nature, has gained widespread application in mineral exploration.
By analyzing mineral absorption peaks and reflectance features, SWIR enables precise identification of alteration minerals, delineation of
alteration zones, and insights into hydrothermal processes and mineralization patterns. This supports resource potential assessment and exploration planning. This review systematically summarizes recent advancements in SWIR-based porphyry deposit exploration, focusing on its
applications in mineral identification, alteration zone analysis, hydrothermal genesis studies, and resource evaluation. The advantages, challenges, and future trends of SWIR technology are also discussed.