SAMPLING , ANALYSIS AND LAB ASSAY
The Minalyzer CS is providing added value to the standard assaying procedure , with some of the latest work involving the scanning of Chrysos PhotonAssay sample jars to generate multichemistry analysis on the same samples , plus images and point clouds to enable image recognition and grain size distribution
Some of this testing has involved collaboration with LKAB at its mines in Sweden , alongside input from Sentian and its industrial artificial intelligence solutions .
“ Having already generated a lot of interesting results from this work , we are now going through a process of adding more and different types of data while testing the solution ’ s robustness ,” Lundström said .
The incorporation of autonomous core logging will , no doubt , open many more applications for Minalyze ’ s technology , yet the variety of uses is already vast .
“ For one client , the generated drill core data is being used as a sample splitting tool where , based on the criteria we and the client set around the metal concentrations and the sample length , an output is triggered as to what should be sampled ,” Lundström explained . “ That is a tool geologists are using to improve their sampling , making it a much more consistent and objective process .”
Others are using the platform to inform ore sorting models of their own , leveraging the data to predict lithium concentration values and – in the iron ore space – developing a method to accurately calculate volume bulk density measurements .
And the Minalyzer CS is also providing added value to the standard assaying procedure , with some of the latest work involving the scanning of Chrysos PhotonAssay™ sample jars to generate multi-chemistry analysis on the same samples , plus images and point clouds to enable image recognition and grain size distribution .
“ The possibilities are not just based on how the clients adopt the technology , but how we collaborate with clients ,” Lundström said of the
Minalyze technology platform ’ s capabilities . “ We have always worked closely with clients to understand how and why they do things ; some processes clients view as standard practice could potentially be improved by incorporating our technology .
“ We will continue to go through this evolution and , based on the interactions we are already having , expect the next few years to see rapid growth of our technology .”
Digging deeper into the data
Already a leading provider of drilling services , Boart Longyear Group has recently commercialised its own drill core scanning technology , with the establishment of its persons as ever .”
Geological Data Services division driving this forward .
Its in-field drill sample scanning system , McIlvenna Bay project . TruScan™ , was recently awarded the Mining Innovation of the Year at the Resourcing Tomorrow conference in London .
TruScan can , the company says , reduce time to log core by more 60 % and drive logging
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President Geological Data Services , told IM that one of the major hurdles the company has overcome with its
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rollout of TruScan has been reducing the calibration time .
“ With our Matrix Matched Calibration technique , we ’ re currently achieving on-site calibrations to new orebodies in less than six weeks – even faster in copper porphyry deposits – and it doesn ’ t stop our clients from getting started straight away ,” he said .
Despite the successes the company has achieved – it has five projects in North America currently using the technology , for instance – it is still facing an element of resistance at site level .
“ With elements of the logging process like the chain of custody being so influential in the accuracy of sampling , TruScan often outcompetes most operations ,” he said . “ Sometimes they ( mine sites ) are not prepared to hear this .
“ Likewise , while for some elements in certain geologies , the precision of an in-field tool may be less than that of a lab , it is still better than the variability between two pieces of split core – making this solution as reliable for competent
One site where the company has won over hearts and minds is in Canada at Foran Mining ’ s
In May 2022 , Foran contracted Boart Longyear to provide TruScan services , with the data collected currently used for detailed chemostratigraphy in support of the ongoing
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FEBRUARY 2023 | International Mining 45