Portugal’s mining strategy may favour copper over lithium
Portugal already has the largest copper mine in the European Union, operated by Lundin Mining.
BILLERICA, Mass. (April 9, 2012) – Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced it will showcase its Thermo Scientific Mining Sample Collection and Preparation Tool kits, comprising the Thermo Scientific Direct Rock Sampler Kit and the Thermo Scientific Electric Hammer Mill Kit, at AAPG 2012 on April 22-25, 2012, at the Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California, booth #1525. Offering the instruments of choice in elemental analysis solutions for mining and exploration, Thermo Fisher is a pioneer in portable XRF technology.
With the proven analytical performance of Thermo Scientific portable XRF analyzers, such as the Thermo Scientific Niton FXL field x-ray lab and the handheld Niton XL3t GOLDD+, in the field at all stages of the exploration, mining and refining processes, the limiting factor in achieving better correlation with laboratory results is proper sample preparation. This limitation is particularly true for the analysis of elements lighter than calcium. For the XRF analysis of geologic materials, the analytical performance is improved by collecting representative aliquots and proper preparation of the sample, which these new tools make possible.
“Whether you’re conducting a grass roots exploration or looking to improve your ore processes at an operating mine, the need for more information, with greater accuracy, precision and speed has driven the call for new tools and new solutions,” said Jon Shein, senior director of marketing communications for Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments.
Shein continued, “With more than 3,000 Thermo Scientific portable XRF analyzers deployed in the global mining markets, we are helping to fulfill those needs. Mining and exploration companies of every size use our analyzers daily to help them make informed decisions, and we recognize that sampling techniques can greatly impact these results. For example, our analyzers are ideal for the light element analysis required for tracing oil-bearing shale layers, while our new sample collection and preparation tools can help ensure a more uniform, representative sample. This is just one more instance of our continuous efforts to bring the lab to the field.”
Complementary Solution to XRF Analysis
Never before presented in a commercially available package, the Thermo Scientific Direct Rock Sampler Kit and the Thermo Scientific Electric Hammer Mill Kit offer a unique, complementary solution for XRF analysis in the field (see video). The Direct Rock Sampler allows the collection of fine powders from a rock face or drill core samples, while the Electric Hammer Mill provides the rapid milling of samples and delivers a homogenized, fine powder in just seconds. These compact, portable, battery-powered tool kits
provide everything needed to deal with geological materials for elemental analysis on-site to help deliver high-quality analytical data within minutes rather than days or weeks. The sample pellet press tool included with both kits generates a sample with a consistent flat surface and density, minimizing matrix effects; requires less than 5 grams of sample, reducing sample collection efforts; does not require sample film, which reduces light element performance.
Niton FXL Field X-ray Lab with Improved Light Element Detection
Combining the advantages of the sample collection and preparation tools with the improved light element detection limits of the Niton® FXL field x-ray lab means that users involved in iron ore, bauxite, nickel laterite, limestone and other types of mining will realize direct benefits with noticeable improvements in accuracy. Housed in a compact, portable package that can be operated virtually anywhere on-site, this elemental analysis lab is both dust- and water-resistant to operate flawlessly in harsh environments. Not only does this breakthrough instrument include advanced batteries that support extended continuous operation on a single charge, it does not need air filters that can clog if not maintained.
Version 8.0 Software Released
Version 8.0 of Thermo Scientific Niton Data Transfer (NDT) software features significant changes and enhancements for Niton XL2 Series and Niton XL3t Series XRF analyzers. Of particular interest to the mining and exploration markets are the following:
Thermo Fisher Scientific customers are served through corporate resources and a dedicated network of more than 70 distributors and 30 factory-trained service centers around the world. Thermo Scientific portable XRF analyzers are available in a range of configurations and with an assortment of optional features and accessories to suit a wide variety of analytical needs.
