Tag Archives: mineral analysis

SGS tackles critical mineral testing, pathfinder analysis with new automated pXRF solution

Automation, Base metals, Energy minerals, Environmental, Mineral exploration, Mining services, Mining software, Sustainable mining, , , , , ,

SGS, a leading testing, inspection and certification company, has unveiled Automated pXRF (Portable X-ray Fluorescence) technology to, it says, further support its clients in unlocking future-focused solutions.

Designed and developed by SGS and Evident, this solution marks a significant leap forward from the conventional, manual XRF process or the in-field pXRF service, SGS claims.

The current method of manual XRF analysis requires dedicated operators to load and unload each powder rock sample individually. SGS’s Automated pXRF technology introduces a mechanised solution that streamlines the entire process. This innovation provides a more stable and reliable environment and allows operators to load up to 20 sample trays, improving efficiency of the analysis, according to the company. The new design and capability reduces turnaround time and analysis costs, expediting the delivery of critical insights for geological modelling.

The Automated pXRF system also increases the quality and consistency of sample measurement with high accuracy and repeatability, while reducing human error associated with manual loading and operator involvement during analysis. This advancement improves data reliability and enhances decision making for businesses reliant on precise analysis across critical mineral analysis and gold and lithium pathfinders.

Juan Smith, General Manager of Natural Resources Australia, and Regional Geochem Manager for Southeast Asia Pacific, said: “Our clients are constantly looking at which technologies can deliver better and faster results, and automated pXRF will be a game changer. This innovation aligns seamlessly with our dedication to providing industry-leading solutions that redefine standards. The Automated pXRF system reflects SGS’s unwavering commitment to efficiency, accuracy and safety, ultimately benefiting our clients and the environment.”

SGS said the unveiling of SGS’s Automated pXRF technology is poised to “reshape” critical mineral and pathfinder analysis, setting new benchmarks for efficiency, quality and safety.

SGS in Australia is already providing the service to several Tier One mining companies, ensuring bespoke solutions for each client, it says.

The company concluded: “With its capability to process a high volume of samples while reducing costs and enhancing data reliability, SGS continues to lead the way in technological advancements within the TIC industry.”

Bruker brings benchtop EDXRF into lab automation space

Automation, Environmental, Mineral exploration, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , , , ,

Among several new innovations Bruker has launched is a benchtop X-ray elemental analyser that, the company says, can speed up elemental analysis in mining applications and be integrated into automated laboratory environments.

Originally planned for a launch at the now delayed Analytica 2020, this week, Bruker has proceeded with an online launch of these new products.

The company says its next-generation benchtop energy dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer, S2 PUMA™ Series 2, is equipped with HighSense™ technology for increases in throughput by about a factor of three times.

Bruker’s software, SPECTRA.ELEMENTS™, comes with enhanced features and faster algorithms, leading to circa-40% shorter evaluation times, the company said.

The S2 PUMA Series 2 supports elemental analysis applications from cement, steel, mining and petrochemical, to food analysis and pharma quality control, according to the company.

The benchtop EDXRF instrument is used for solid and liquid samples, prepared or bulk, for the elemental analysis from carbon to americium (C – Am), according to Bruker. “Detectable elemental concentrations in the samples can range from parts per million up to 100%,” it said.

Bruker continued: “The HighSense technology of the S2 PUMA Series 2 combines high-power (50 W), long-life-time X-ray tube with closely coupled optics and the HighSense detectors. The HighSense (for Na to Am) and HighSense LE detector (C-Am) are next generation silicon drift detectors with high count rates, superb energy resolution, and Peltier-cooling for shortest measurement times, excellent data quality and low operation costs

“The unique sample handling options of the S2 PUMA Series 2 make it the perfect fit for many applications in industry and research, where precise and accurate results must be delivered fast on an easy-to-operate instrument.”

Depending on sample type and desired throughput, the versions Single, XY Autochanger, Carousel, Automation, and Mapping-Stage are available, the company said.

And, according to Bruker, the S2 PUMA Series 2 Automation is the only benchtop EDXRF spectrometer ready for full integration into automated laboratory environments.

“The Mapping-Stage enables automated multi-spot analysis collected on small and large samples (up to 152 mm in diameter),” Bruker said.

Scott Technology to automate Koodaideri sampling and analysis process

Automation, Metallurgy, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , ,

Scott Technology says it has been awarded a significant contract by Rio Tinto to design and build the automated mine site laboratory for the Koodaideri iron ore project, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The automation and robotics solutions provider’s contract involves the building construction and equipment supply for the robotic sample preparation and analysis laboratory (graphic above), it said.

The project will be undertaken across multiple Scott manufacturing sites and is scheduled to be installed by mid-2021.

Scott Technology said: “The project leverages recent advancements in automation and digitisation, helping to deliver a safer and more productive mining operation. Once completed and in production in 2021, the Koodaideri laboratory will be the safest, most productive, highest quality iron ore facility in the world.”

Koodaideri, billed by Rio as an “intelligent mine”, will deliver a new production hub for Rio’s iron ore business in the Pilbara, incorporating a processing plant and infrastructure including a 166 km rail line connecting the mine to the existing network.

Construction on Koodaideri Phase 1 started in 2019 with first production expected in late 2021. Once complete, the mine will have an annual capacity of 43 Mt, underpinning production of the company’s flagship iron ore product, Pilbara Blend.

The contract award highlights Scott’s evolution in the mining sector from a leading supplier of sample preparation equipment, to a complete end-to-end automation and analysis solution provider, it said.

“The company’s commitment to R&D is helping to drive efficiency and output of some of the world’s largest mines, and Scott is currently working with multiple global mining companies and commercial laboratories on large scale automation projects, particularly in the Asia Pacific region,” it said. “In recent years, the company has implemented solutions in the mining sector such as robotic refuel, robotic idler change, sampling systems, and automated sample preparation facilities.”

Scott CEO, John Kippenberger, said: “Demand for industrial automation continues to intensify, driven by a continuing focus on health and safety, and to improve productivity, quality and profitability.

“As a global leader in automation and robotic solutions, Scott is well positioned to take advantage of this growing demand and we are progressing a number of opportunities across a range of sectors. With these latest developments in our technology platform, we see the mining sector continuing to play an increasingly important role as a contributor to Scott’s future growth.

“We are looking forward to partnering with Rio Tinto on this innovative project that once complete will set the new benchmark for safety and operational excellence in Iron Ore sample preparation and analysis.”

FLSmidth completes laboratory mining solutions line with IMP Automation Group buy

Automation, Environmental, Metallurgy, Mineral exploration, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, Water management, , , , , , ,

FLSmidth says it has completed its portfolio of automated laboratory solutions for the mining industry with the takeover of IMP Automation Group.

The market for automated laboratories is growing due to a combination of high exploration activity and an increased focus on productivity, automation and digitalisation, according to FLSmidth.

“IMP is the global leader in automated laboratory solutions for the mining industry and has a strong foothold in Australia and South Africa. Its solutions complement the products FLSmidth offers for quality control and optimisation for the mining process,” the company said.

The acquisition includes more than 130 IMP employees, including the Managing Director, Boyne Hohenstein.

Hohenstein said: “In FLSmidth, we have found a partner with the right global sales network to take us to the next level. For years, we have combined profound laboratory process knowledge with automation skills and developed novel and innovative solutions. I am very excited that we now can reach a global audience with our offerings and solutions.”

Manfred Schaffer, President Mining for FLSmidth, said: “Knowing your ore characteristics from the mine and all the way through the processing plant is of increasing importance in mining as declining ore grades make it necessary to increase productivity by process optimisation. We see a strong match between some of our digital initiatives in FLSmidth and IMP’s automation solutions that will help miners get better data on their ore and assist in optimising the processing.”

Included in the transaction is IMP’s 50% share in a joint venture, which provides complete operations and maintenance-based solutions for automated labs.

The acquired parts of IMP Automation Group, including the JV, generated revenues in excess of DKK250 million ($38 million) in 2018, with the acquisition expected to be accretive to FLSmidth Group margins.

The takeover is subject to customary closing conditions and closing is expected in the June quarter.

IMP says it works with like-minded customers to provide innovative robotics and automation solutions from sampling to analysis that improve ergonomics, health and safety for laboratory operators, improve integrity, quality and precision of analytical data and improve efficiencies.

It designs and supplies manual, semi- and fully-automated robotic sample preparation and process control laboratories, turnkey sampling systems and laboratories for mining, metallurgical, cement, non-ferrous industry and steel plants.

Its customers include Anglo American Platinum, Freeport McMoRan, BHP and Rio Tinto