Mining’s old guard needs strong medicine
A new report details subpar investor returns in the mining industry over the last decade, particularly big cap diversified companies which have not adapted to new realities.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – 27 February 2013: MICROMINE, the leading provider of software solutions to the exploration and mining sector, has released new functionality specific to its geological data management solution, Geobank. To help exploration companies drive productivity and cost efficiencies MICROMINE has established a data connection between Geobank and portable geochemical analyser XRF machines.
This time-saving functionality allows MICROMINE clients to gain a rapid interpretation of a mineral’s properties while in the field. Geologists don’t have to wait for lab assay results to know what they are working with. Geobank is compatible with most leading XRF models and accepts XRF data in the popular .csv format. Geobank can be configured to the user’s specific XRF requirements.
XRF Strip Log
An XRF machine is a portable geochemical analyser designed for in-field mining and exploration uses. By scanning a sample, the XRF machine provides users with an immediate analysis of elements. The immediate identification of trends in mineralisation enhances the geologist’s ability to make on-the-spot decisions about geochem lines, drill targets, and sample inclusions or duplications.
Steve Bastick, Geobank Operations Manager, explains “Information generated by the XRF machine can be seamlessly communicated to Geobank, which provides the ideal tool to manage and make sense of the vast quantity of data generated. Geobank brings all the benefits of laboratory-style QAQC to the XRF machine, and allows users to maximise their investment in the XRF”.
“Geobank’s charting and graphic reporting capabilities provide a rapid visualization of the XRF data. Additionally, the centralization of data ensures that XRF results can be compared quickly and efficiently to the actual assay results once they are returned from the lab”. “Geobank’s QAQC tools enable users to provide increased relevance to XRF results included in announcements, building a stronger foundation for investor confidence. Operations can also reduce the amount of time before findings are communicated to the market”.
QAQC Chart XRF
MICROMINE and Olympus, manufacturer of the Innov-X Delta XRF machine, have collaboratively developed a ‘Geobank Export Template’ specific to Innov-X Delta XRF machines. This template simplifies the configuration process, saving time and effort. Todd Houlahan, Director, International Mining Group, Analytical Division, Olympus NDT, explains “Olympus and MICROMINE have been working towards the integration of our offerings for some time now. Because Portable XRF machines allow exploration and mining companies to collect far more geochemical data than traditional laboratory techniques, the effective management of this data is vitally important”.
“Olympus is extremely proud to be innovating with MICROMINE and developing intuitive platforms which will benefit the industry”, Houlahan concludes.
MICROMINE’s Geobank specialists will be available to discuss the connectivity between Geobank and delegates’ XRF Analysers at PDAC 2013, 3 – 6 March, Booth 1203.
Aaron Baensch, International Mining Group’s Principle Geologist, Olympus NDT, is presenting at the PDAC Innovation Forum, Sunday 3 March 2013, 4.40pm, Room 802. Baensch’s presentation, ‘An innovative technology in a ‘boom’ (AU) and ‘bubble’ (REE) world’, will provide insight into the application and a value proposition for using modern Field Portable X-ray Fluorescence (FPXRF) for Au and REE exploration.
