Australian minerals technology provider, JK Tech has further strengthened its relationship with Barrick Gold through the latter’s purchase of the Mineral Liberation Analyser (MLA). The JKTech MLA software operates a scanning electron microscope to provide automated quantitative mineral analysis. This technology is the latest JKTech innovation to be taken on board by Barrick Gold.

The MLA facility will be set up in Vancouver, Canada and represents a significant addition to the group’s mineralogical and metallurgical capabilities. Barrick’s long running association with the JK Centre extends from the engagement of JKTech comminution and flotation consultants at Barrick operations around the world to research sponsorship of the AMIRA P9 and other projects undertaken by the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) in Brisbane.

Dr Geoff Gault, Managing Director of JKTech said “together with our hardware partner FEI Company, we are pleased that Barrick has selected the MLA technology for its quantitative mineralogy requirements. The MLA system is an integral part of the research agenda at the JKMRC, thereby ensuring that Barrick and other major mining companies that have adopted the MLA technology, will take full advantage from the ongoing developments in methodologies and applications.”

This latest collaboration with Barrick opens up opportunities for both organisations in the field of automated mineralogy.