In order to achieve the identification of different mineral compositions, a shortwave infrared imaging spectrometer for spectral analysis of the ore are developed. Based on this instrument, the image information and spectral information of the various minerals are obtained. The design principle of imaging spectrometer is described and image quality of the entire system is analyzed based on the result of optical design. The system performance is tested using monochromatic collimated light method and the center wavelength and spectral resolution for each spectral channel are obtained. Test results show that the spectral resolution is better than 10 nm which meets the application requirements. The rock samples are tested using the developed imaging spectrometer and the spectral curves of rock are obtained for spectral analysis. The experimental results show that the imaging spectrometer can identify different components of ore with high accuracy. The new designed shortwave infrared imaging spectrometer has the advantages of high resolution, simple structure, small size, light weight which is facilitate the application in airborne imaging, and it is useful for the application in geological exploration.