Aachen-based AiNT develops measurement systems based on Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA). It recently developed the drill core analyser CorA for integral elemental analysis of drill cores extracted during exploration of mineral deposits. The neutron activation analysis allows fast determination of integral elements in the core. The system can be used in drill core, drill cuttings or single samples and was presented by Marius Hirsch at the SME Annual Conference & Expo in Denver.

“Conventional geochemical laboratory analyses provide high sensitivity, yet examine small masses. To provide these individual samples for the analyses, portions of the drill core must be extracted. This can be unfavorable, since these samples might not be representative. Moreover, the samples cannot be recovered, and are not available for further examination. CorA will obtain drill cores’ elemental compositions integrally and non-destructively.”

Several non-destructive methods for drill core analysis already exist. However, surface analyses do not provide information about the core’s inner composition. Structural information of drill cores can be gained by the use of radiography, which is to be added to CorA. The development, realisation and utilisation of CorA may enhance today’s methods of drill core exploration by providing an innovative system, which is mobile and equipped with real time telemetry in order to involve experts regardless of geographic position