Pixxel has initiated a partnership with Rio Tinto to assess and develop mineral exploration technologies.
"This partnership will be pioneering in its deployment of hyperspectral satellite imagery for commercial mining operations," Awais Ahme, Pixxel co-founder and CEO, said in a Jan. 13 release. "We're excited to be partnering with Rio Tinto to explore the use of hyperspectral remote sensing technology across their operations at a global scale. Moreover, the exponential leap in image quality (50x more detail than existing multispectral satellite imagery) allows Rio Tinto the ability to assess Pixxel's imagery for monitoring critical mining operations and make key decisions with sustainability in mind."
Rio Tinto will begin its assessment of the technology early this year, the release stated.
Pixxel also confirmed plans to launch a high-resolution hyperspectral satellite. This satellite imagery could significantly cut costs and reduce the time taken to explore and improve the monitoring of active and closed mine sites, according to the release.
Rio Tinto will also analyze Pixxel's hyperspectral imagery, the release stated.
"Rio Tinto is participating in Pixxel's Early Adopter Program because we believe that exploration could benefit from more cost-effective and easier access to hyperspectral satellite data," Dave Andrews, head of exploration at Rio Tinto, said.
Pixxel has worked with several organizations involved in space research including the Indian Space Research Organization, Lockheed Martin, and the U.S. Air Force