SAMPLING , ANALYSIS AND LAB ASSAY
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Today ’ s remote exploration site is tomorrow ’ s elemental analysis laboratory , according to Dan Gleeson
There are numerous drivers in place to shift the testing and analysis dynamic from the laboratory to the field , as IM has observed on many occasions over the last few years .
Many of the global commercial laboratories have become increasingly cognisant of this , looking to establish tie-ups with some of the innovators bridging the gap between these two locations .
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One recent example of this came from Calama , Chile , where Bureau Veritas Chile , Veracio and Codelco started testing TruScan technology for automated logging of drill core .
A TruScan™ mobile scanning unit contains sophisticated software and XRF ( X-ray Fluorescence ) scanning equipment that analyses drill core on as small as 15-mm intervals to detect and measure mineral grades in the field . XRF technology is non-destructive and works by measuring the fluorescent ( or secondary ) X-ray emitted from a solid material sample when it is exposed to a primary X-ray source . Each of the elements present in a sample produces a set of characteristic fluorescent X-rays that is unique for that specific element .
Veracio combines the visual analytics of TruScan with software and artificial intelligence ( AI ) to deliver accurate and consistent data , eliminating bias and increasing productivity , it says .
The three companies recently started testing the TruScan solution at Codelco ’ s Ministro Hales division .
Outside of Codelco , the likes of Idaho Copper Corp and Foran Mining went on record in 2024 as being advocates of Veracio ’ s solutions , acknowledging they were also using the TruScan technology to , among other things , improve and speed up decision making associated with exploration .
IMA Engineering is working on a new XRF-based analysis method for the AutoSampler platform that is set to improve both the sample analysis turnaround time and cost of analysing these samples
Veracio used the backdrop of the PDAC 2024 Convention in Toronto , Canada , to unveil new and refreshed orebody knowledge tools set to , it said , improve , automate and digitally transform orebody sciences in exploration , resource definition and production globally .
TruScan 2 , TruProbe ® and Strata™ were all
Bureau Veritas Chile , Veracio and Codelco recently started testing the TruScan solution at Codelco ’ s Ministro Hales division
56 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2025