Mines, Money, Exploration, and Ore Grade Control

Last month’s Mines and Money London show was as energetic as ever. Over 2,000 attendees from over 150 mining companies ranging from exploration juniors to established producers and majors, as well as over 600 investors and 250 speakers discussed the critical issues shaping the mining industry. There were keynote sessions from expert investors, world renowned analysts, Spotlight speakers from leading mining companies and influential policy makers reviewing and demonstrating the latest trends and technology to help improve mining operations.

I took part in the Technology Spotlight series and presented “How To Leverage Your Portable XRF For Exploration And Grade Control” to an enthusiastic audience. We had quite the crowd at the presentation and were thrilled at the questions attendees brought up during the talk about portable XRF mining exploration technology.

XRF (X-ray fluorescence) is a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. XRF analyzers determine the chemistry of a sample by measuring the fluorescent (or secondary) X-ray emitted from a sample when it is excited by a primary X-ray source. Each of the elements present in a sample produces a set of characteristic fluorescent X-rays (“a fingerprint”) that is unique for that specific element, which is why XRF spectroscopy is an excellent technology for qualitative and quantitative analysis of material composition, including rocks, cuttings, and cores.

If you couldn’t be at the show or the presentation, I have made the slides available at the end of this article, but if you want to get some quick tips, here are some of the bullet points from the presentation:

What does Portable XRF have to offer in Exploration?

Soil survey and outcrop evaluation to map anomalies
Target additional sampling in anomalous areas to identify drill targets
Provide a geochemical data stream to the geologist

Improves confidence in daily decision making

Speed up exploration efficiency, saving time and money

Compliments lab analysis

Pre-screen sample selection for lab analysis
Maximizing analytical budgets
Reduce external assay & freight costs
Eliminate delays associated with analytical turnaround time

What does Portable XRF have to offer in Grade Control?

Improved mine efficiency through optimized extraction and processing

Better ore boundary definition

Instantly flag grade, sub-grade and waste
Prevent grade dilution
Improved stockpile management

Analyze blast hole cuttings

Follow the mineralized veins

Drive efficient excavation decisions
Matrix specific calibrations
Confirm presence of penalty and credit elements
Optimize feed to the mill

Environmental Management

Waste effluent monitoring
Mine decommissioning

Tailings, mineral waste
Soil remediation

Keep in mind that portable XRF analysis will not replace laboratory results; it merely takes the pressure off an over-worked on-site lab and enables geology staff to interact with other departments armed with up-to-date information.

If you couldn’t make it to the show, here’s a link to the presentation slides. Also, feel free to download our free Mining Solutions App – an interactive experience that takes you through the mining process and shows you the latest equipment and technology to help optimize your mining operations.

If you have questions about portable XRF analysis in mining operations, submit it below in the comment box and we will try to address it in a future article, or feel free to contact us through our website form.

Download the slides: “How To Leverage Your Portable XRF For Exploration And Grade Control”