By: Farmonaut

A recent case study demonstrated how satellite-based exploration is transforming the discovery of chrome deposits in complex geological regions. Applied to a project in South Africa, the method used multispectral satellite data and long-term time-series analysis from platforms like Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8/9 to identify subtle, persistent mineralogical signatures associated with chromite-bearing ultramafic rocks.

The core of the approach was the development of a Chrome Potential Index (CPI), a quantitative model that integrated spectral indicators, terrain, and structural data into a single prospectivity score. This model objectively ranked exploration targets, helping to focus efforts on the highest-confidence zones. Multi-temporal analysis, spanning 2020 to 2025, was crucial for filtering out seasonal vegetation effects and confirming the geological significance of the anomalies.

The program identified six discrete chromite-bearing anomalies within the project area. Based on the analysis, these targets have an estimated potential of 600,000 tonnes of chrome-bearing material. The solution also provided practical guidance for follow-up activities, including estimated mineralization depths and optimal drilling parameters. The study concluded that this satellite-based methodology offers a cost-effective, scalable, and risk-reducing framework that can complement traditional geological exploration, particularly in areas with limited surface exposure.