When it comes to mining operations and prerequisite mineralogical testing, it’s important to understand the sample make-up and potential minerals/elements expected to be recovered before being processed on a large scale. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) provides insight about the elemental composition within a sample. XRF works by emitting an x-ray beam into the sample which collides with an atom’s electrons and ultimately may eject them. The resulting energy required to fill that electron space is received back in the detector as a specific element signature of that atom. Methods of testing by XRF are non-destructive and can provide elemental percentages at any point of the mining process – even before it is excavated. In-situ, core, and crushed or pulverized material can all be appropriate sample conditions. Properly equipped and operated, a wide range of elements can be accurately identified using an XRF device. For example, if a client looking to recover gold or clean up uranium tailings needs proof of a suitable elemental percentage in the targeted material pile, XRF gives a good baseline idea of grade and recovery potential.
An Olympus Vanta handheld XRF analyzer is routinely used at Disa Labs to compare result from samples before and after our patented HPSA testing. The resulting elemental suite data from each scan we complete provides essential information for further processing and recovery steps. XRF is just one of the many tools Disa has to provide the best result possible for our clients.
