Perth, WA, Australia, August 2014. Exploration geochemistry will be transformed thanks to a new method developed by Bureau Veritas’ minerals business. The method is known as Fused Bead Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS).
The laser ablation innovation has key benefits in determining the exact composition of mining samples including:
Fused Bead Laser Ablation ICP-MS utilizes high productivity robotic fusion technology with state of the art laser ablation and ICP-MS instruments to provide a fully extracted quantitative analysis for all elements, platinoids excluded.
The Bureau Veritas Minerals developed the Fused Bead Laser Ablation ICP-MS technique which involves fusing a subsample with Lithium Borate flux to form a homogeneous fused bead. This is exactly the same process used for routine Fused Bead XRF analysis. The combination of XRF and ICP-MS analysis extends the dynamic range of the method from parts per billion (ppb) to percent levels from the same digestion process.
Commenting on the new process, Jon Landau, Vice President of the Geoanalytical division said:
“This new method is the result of two years’ intense effort from our highly skilled laboratory chemists. I see that advances in laser ablation techniques have the potential to revolutionize the laboratory testing of mineral samples. We are continually striving to find new and innovative techniques to improve our service offering.
Discussing the value for customers, Landau went on to say:
‘We are certain that this development will be a major benefit to our customers. They have informed us that this new method will bring significant reduction in hazard, efficiency gains and cost savings.
ABOUT BUREAU VERITAS
Bureau Veritas is a world leader in conformity assessment and certification services. Created in 1828, the Group now has 62,500 employees in some 1,330 offices and laboratories located in 140 countries and posted revenues of €3.9 billion in 2013.
As a trusted partner, Bureau Veritas offers innovative solutions that go beyond simple compliance with regulations and standards, reducing risk, improving performance and promoting sustainable development. Bureau Veritas is recognized and accredited by major national and international organizations and works across a wide range of industries worldwide.
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For further information: www.bureauveritas.com.au