Field-based XRF for prompt Au analysis

The Challenge

Sample analysis for mining companies previously involved turn-around periods ranging from a few days to many weeks, due to a need to send samples away to laboratories during exploration. This results in inefficient exploration practices and higher costs especially when exploring in remote areas.

Key Findings

A revolutionary in-field gold analytical method, detectORE™, has been developed and is now commercially available for most exploration purposes. Field trials of this new ‘reactive sampling™’ technique demonstrated detectORE™ results from one day’s sampling activities can determine the next day’s sampling location, with gold able to be measured in as little as 6 hours in concentrations as low as 10 parts per billion. The method is non-hazardous, robust, reliable, simple, compact, environmentally-benign, cost-effective and may be easily transported to sites around the world.

Benefit to WA

Technology development achieved through this project and through formation of a new WA based METS company:

• Puts WA at the forefront of an exciting new gold technology
• Accelerates gold analyses and exploration in the field
• Reduces exploration costs through faster turnaround
• Improves exploration efficiencies increasing the potential for future gold discoveries
• Encourages more investment in gold exploration in WA particularly in remote areas