Finding Buried Treasure: The Stages of Mineral Exploration Explained

The Australian landscape is renowned for being mineral rich and mining operations here have the potential to be quite lucrative. 

However, the country is also extremely vast, making it difficult to identify deposits, particularly of the scale required to make mining economically viable. That’s why experienced prospectors maximise their chances of success by working through several structured stages of mineral exploration.

This process is designed to confirm the quality and quantity of minerals present in an area as efficiently as possible. It generally starts with lower-impact activities and only moves on to more invasive – and expensive – measures if certain criteria are met. This helps limit unnecessary impact on the environment and reduces both the risk and scale of wasted investment.

How are Valuable Minerals Located?

There are a range of characteristics that areas with significant mineral deposits share. Some of these are visible to the trained eye, though most can only be identified through deeper analysis using specialist tools. 

The different stages of the mineral exploration process look for these signs, using increasingly advanced techniques to confirm the exact make-up of the deposit.

Please note: In this article, we focus on the practical steps required to identify, extract, and process mineral deposits. If you are looking to follow these steps, there are some administrative requirements you also need to meet. This includes finding funding and securing the appropriate licences from the relevant State Government department (e.g. the Department of Regional NSW or Resources Victoria).

Working through the Stages of Mineral Exploration

The exact process you need to follow to identify and analyse a mineral deposit will depend on a range of different factors. 

For example, the specific tests you need to perform will be largely based on the mineral you are looking to extract. The geology of the area may also influence the design of both your surveying and extraction activities.

That being said, most mineral exploration projects go through several key stages, which are outlined below.

Initial Mapping and Surveying

You start by carefully examining the area for common indicators of a mineral deposit. This may include mapping the site’s geology, including the location and orientation of exposed rocks. It often also involves water and soil testing to identify sediments present on the surface of the site.

You can then graduate to more advanced surveying methods to get a more detailed view of the minerals present. 

Near-Infrared (NIR) Surveying 

Near-infrared (NIR) surveying in mineral exploration utilises spectral signatures of minerals in the near-infrared range to map their distribution across large areas. 

Analysis devices collect NIR data, enabling rapid identification of specific mineral absorption features and the creation of maps. Overall, it offers a quick and efficient approach to locating potential mineral deposits for further investigation.

Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Surveying

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) surveying identifies and characterises minerals by analysing their unique infrared absorption spectra, and uses the Fourier Transform method to analyse impressively wide spectra. 

FTIR is particularly useful for mapping mineral distributions and identifying alteration minerals associated with ore deposits.

Magnetic Surveying

A magnetometer is used to identify subtle variations in the Earth’s magnetic field. This helps you analyse rock types and determine the presence of metallic minerals.

Electromagnetic Surveying

An electromagnetic field is used to identify subtle variations in the conductivity of the near-surface rocks and soil. This helps you analyse groundwater and salinity, and locate deposits of metallic minerals.

Radiometric Surveying

A spectrometer is used to measure the gamma rays emanating from the top 30cm of earth. Widely considered the most reliable surveying method, this helps you analyse the composition of surface rock and soil, and determine the presence of a range of minerals.

Gravity Surveying

A gravimeter is used to identify subtle variations in the Earth’s gravitational field. This helps you analyse the thickness of rock in the crust and determine the presence of certain minerals and energy sources.

If your exploration area is quite large or difficult to access, low-flying helicopters or aircraft can be used to carry out airborne surveys, or if smaller, ground-based surveying may be more appropriate and effective.

Targeted Drilling and Sampling

If the results of initial exploration activities are positive, targeted testing can help you confirm the presence of a mineral deposit. In particular, core drilling allows you to access below the surface of the site and see what materials are present. 

The depth you need to drill down will depend on your surveying results and will progressively increase as you confirm the presence (or not) of minerals.

Before proceeding to the next stage, you may also choose to carry out bulk sampling. This is quite an invasive process that requires the extraction of a large volume of material to enable further testing. However, it can provide invaluable information on both the quality and quantity of minerals present.

Alternatively, using portable NIR and FTIR analysis devices can shortcut this process because of their ability to take highly accurate, fast and non-invasive readings of samples.  

Detailed Modelling and Design

Using the data gathered through your exploration activities, you can develop intricate models of the size and structure of the mineral deposit. 

These can then be used to help you decide whether to proceed with mining the site. And, if you do, your modelling can also help you optimise the design of your mining activities and infrastructure.

Mineral Extraction and Processing

There are many different ways to get minerals out of the ground, and mining techniques and technologies are constantly evolving. 

Whichever approach you choose, you should expect to invest significant time and money into setting up your operations. You will also need to validate production levels against your modelling and begin further exploration activities well before you reach depletion.

There is also constant innovation in mineral processing, which is helping to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and minimise health and environmental risks.

Choosing the Right Tools for the Job

Having the right equipment at your disposal will make it much easier to progress through the stages of mineral exploration. At Portable Analytical Solutions, we understand this and have the perfect products to help with your exploration efforts:

The ASD TerraSpec 4 

The ASD TerraSpec 4 is a favourite of top geologists, allowing mineralogical analysis to be completed quickly and precisely. A spectrometer that uses near-infrared technology, it provides the highest quality spectral results, supporting the accurate analysis of minerals, even at low concentrations.

The Agilent 4300 Handheld FTIR™

The Agilent 4300 Handheld FTIR™ provides the ultimate combination of convenience, durability, usability, and accuracy. A spectrometer that focuses on the mid-infrared range, it is the ideal complement to the ASD, enabling detailed analysis across a wider spectral range.

For more information on these tools, or to purchase your own, contact the PAS team today.

XRF, NIR and FTIR: Your Complete Mining Solution

In the high-stakes world of Australian mining, accurate and reliable analysis is the bedrock of success.

With evolving technologies, the mining industry has seen a remarkable shift towards non-destructive, portable analysis tools that promise to revolutionise the way you explore, extract and analyse valuable resources.

This article delves into the importance of robust analytical solutions and explores the three most popular and effective technologies: XRF, NIR and FTIR.

What Are The Best Mining Analysis Technologies?

Both greenfield and brownfield mining operations demand precise insights into elemental composition and mineral content.

Robust, portable and non-destructive analysis technologies like XRF, NIR and FTIR empower your team with real-time data that informs critical decisions on-site.

But rather than thinking about them as competing technologies, think of them as complementary.

Each technology is better suited for different applications, so instead of asking which one is better, ask whether XRF, NIR or FTIR are more suited to your needs.

1. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)

What is XRF?

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive analytical technique to determine the elemental composition of materials, making it ideal for elemental analysis. Handheld XRF or Portable XRF (PXRF) is now widely used across the mining industry for real-time, in-field mining analysis.

How does XRF work?

XRF analysers determine the chemistry of a sample by measuring the fluorescent or secondary X-ray emitted when excited by a primary X-ray source.

Every element present in a sample produces a unique set of characteristic fluorescent X-rays (also called a “fingerprint”), which is why XRF spectroscopy is often used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of material composition.

Learn more about XRF.

2. Near-Infrared (NIR)

What is NIR Spectroscopy?

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy is an accurate, reliable, rapid and non-destructive analysis method that requires no sample preparation. NIR is one of the most used procedures as it is both efficient and has a wide range of applications across mining, medicine, agriculture and many other industries.

How does NIR work?

NIR Spectroscopy instruments detect the molecular overtone and combination variations of the specific wavelengths of NIR light absorbed by specific organic molecules.

NIR is best used for mineral analysis in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum (from about 350 nm to 2500 nm) to identify compounds and materials.

Learn more about NIR.

3. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)

What is FTIR Spectroscopy?

FTIR is named for its use of the Fourier transform mathematical process. It is a versatile extension of existing Infrared techniques that provides fast, accurate results in a unique spectral range. This makes it especially complementary when paired with NIR. FTIR is ideal for mineral analysis in the mid-infrared region (4000-400 cm-1).

How does FTIR work?

FTIR uses the mathematical transform called the Fourier Transform, which decomposes functions depending on space or time into functions depending on spatial or temporal frequency. FTIR technology converts raw data into an infrared spectrum of absorption or emission of a solid, liquid or gas.

Learn more about FTIR

The Complete Solution: a Combination of XRF, NIR and FTIR

While each technology shines in its specific domain, the ultimate solution for comprehensive mining analysis is to harness the power of all three.

Together, XRF, NIR and FTIR technologies provide an unrivalled spectral range, covering elemental, mineral, and molecular analyses. This synergy guarantees that your team is equipped with the most versatile toolkit in the industry, adaptable to the evolving demands of mining exploration and processing.

The Leading Analysis Tools for XRF, NIR and FTIR

XRF: The Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyser

The XL5 Plus allows the X-ray source and fluorescence detector to be closer to the sample, improving the limits of detection and shortening measurement time, especially for light elements and rare earth elements (REE).

The Niton XL5 Plus is a compact, lightweight handheld XRF analyser built for the most demanding analytical applications that efficiently measures the elemental composition of all metals, scale, sludge, oil, powders and slurries and other geochemical applications.

Learn more: Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyser

NIR: The ASD TerraSpec 4 NIR Spectrometer

The TerraSpec 4 is trusted by top geologists for performing fast, precise geological exploration, using full-range near-infrared technology.

With enhanced optics providing even higher-quality spectral results, the improved data quality of the TerraSpec analyser allows for accurate assessment of low-concentration and low-reflectance minerals.

Learn more: ASD TerraSpec 4 NIR Spectrometer

FTIR: The Agilent 4300 Handheld FTIR

The Agilent 4300 Handheld FTIR spectrometer offers an unrivalled combination of convenience, portability, ruggedness and versatility. It is light enough (just 2 kg) for easy transport, yet sturdy enough to handle challenging conditions.

With high-performance optics, hardware design and an excellent user experience, the Agilent 4300 is the perfect tool for on-the-spot non-destructive testing in any environment.

Learn more: Agilent 4300 Handheld FTIR

Purchase Your Complete Mining Solution Today

Ensuring your team has the right mining tools is the most important step toward ensuring effective mining analysis. Without it, significant time, resources, and reputation will be exhausted.

By incorporating the XL5 Plus for elemental analysis, the TerraSpec for mineral analysis in the near-infrared region and the Agilent 4300 for mid-infrared mineral analysis, you gain a comprehensive solution that ensures you’re ready for any challenge in the field.

Get in touch with our experienced team at Portable Analytical Solutions today to purchase any or all of these devices as a complete set of complementary mining analysis tools.

Plant phenotyping is a vital aspect of agricultural research and crop management.

It involves the comprehensive study of plant traits and their responses to environmental conditions. Among these traits, root phenotyping stands out as a critical area of focus.

This is especially true for regions like Australia where drought conditions pose significant challenges to crops. The ability of roots to efficiently find and absorb water is paramount in these environments.

In this post, we will explore the importance of accurate and efficient root analysis during the plant phenotyping process, with a special emphasis on Australia’s drought conditions. We will also delve into the current challenges faced in root analysis and how the PhenoAIxpert can revolutionise root phenotyping.

Why is Plant Phenotyping Important?

In Australia’s drought-prone climate, root phenotyping is vital. It helps researchers and farmers understand how plants adapt by assessing root growth and water absorption.

This plays a crucial role in improving crop yields by identifying plants with efficient water-extraction root systems. In this way, accurate root analysis is essential to the agricultural sustainability of these harsh regions.

Challenges Associated with Root Analysis

Vital as it may be, analysing roots can be the cause of many challenges, and these are compounded when trying to perform particularly precise phenotyping. Some of these challenges include:

1. Lack of visibility

Roots are hidden beneath the soil and are difficult to observe directly. Traditional methods of root analysis often require uprooting plants, which not only disrupts the growing process but can also lead to the loss of important data.

2. Sample Destruction

Another issue with digging up plants to analyse their roots is that this will often damage, if not ruin the sample, making it impossible to track changes over time and tainting the accuracy of your results.

3. Hefty Cleaning

Samples preparation can be a time-consuming process as it requires careful cleaning to remove soil and debris without damaging the roots. The traditional methods for root analysis are not only labour-intensive but also lack the ability to perform non-destructive, real-time assessments.

This is where innovative technologies like the Lemnatec™ PhenoAIxpert come into play.

Introducing the PhenoAIxpert

The PhenoAIxpert represents a remarkable advancement in root phenotyping technology, largely thanks to its innovative use of transparent containers. By seamlessly integrating advanced image processing techniques with these containers, it offers a host of benefits that revolutionise the root analysis process.

The Use and Benefits of Transparent Containers

Root Samples in Real Time

By utilising transparent containers, researchers can observe and study root growth in real time without disturbing the plant. This non-invasive analysis method ensures that a plant’s natural development isn’t accidentally affected by the analysis process.

This allows for a more accurate understanding of how it responds to changing conditions. To this end, the transparency of these containers is a critical factor in the PhenoAIxpert’s success.

Capture High-Resolution Images

It also enables researchers to capture high-resolution images of the roots in question.

These images offer precise data on:

• root length
• volume
• branching patterns
• root health
• ability to seek water*

*This level of detail is essential for researchers seeking to comprehensively understand how plants adapt to their environment, particularly in regions like Australia, where water availability is a matter of survival for crops.

The Features and Benefits of the PhenoAIxpert

1. Advanced Image Processing

The PhenoAIxpert uses state-of-the-art image processing algorithms to extract valuable data. These algorithms can analyse root length, volume, branching patterns, and other health indicators.

2. Real-Time Monitoring

With the PhenoAIxpert, researchers can continuously monitor root growth and development. This feature is particularly beneficial for assessing the impact of water availability on root systems over time.

3. User-Friendly Interface

The PhenoAIxpert has been designed with usability and user experience in mind. Its easy-to-use interface allows both researchers and farmers to access and interpret data easily, making it a versatile tool for a wide variety of industrial and academic applications.

4. Customisation

The modern PhenoAlxpert system can be moulded to suit specific research needs and plant varieties. This adaptability ensures that researchers and farmers can collect the most relevant data for their specific applications.

Get in Touch Today to Purchase a PhenoAIxpert

Ensuring your team has the right tools is the most important step toward ensuring effective plant analysis. Without it, significant time and resources will be exhausted.

To ensure that your team, no matter the industry, can reap the rewards of root phenotyping in an increasingly competitive market, you need to acquire the PhenoAlxpert

Get in touch with the experienced team at Portable Analytical Solutions today to purchase a PhenoAlxpert for fast root phenotype analysis.

Portable FTIR Analysis: Revolutionising Industries with the Agilent 4300 Handheld FTIR

In the evolving landscape of analytical solutions, one technology has emerged as a true game-changer.

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, a form of infrared spectroscopy, has taken a wide range of scientific and industrial sectors by storm, offering a portable and versatile solution for a wide range of analytical applications.

In this article, we delve into the world of portable FTIR analysis, including a detailed analysis of its features, how it can be of benefit to a wide variety of industries and a specific dissection of the flagship FTIR device, the Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR.

What is FTIR and Why is it Transforming Industries?

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis allows scientists, researchers, and industry professionals to analyse a wide variety of solid, liquid and gas materials with exceptional precision. This technique capitalises on the interaction between molecules and infrared light to provide in-depth insights into molecular structures, chemical compositions, and material properties.

Unlike traditional methods, FTIR offers a non-destructive and rapid means of analysis, rendering it a revolutionary and indispensable tool across a wide range of industries.

Differences Between FTIR and NIR

Distinguishable from FTIR, Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) is another non-destructive analytical technique that identifies the molecular composition of a sample.

Given NIR is already well-known, you may be wondering why FTIR is necessary and how the two methods differ.

The main difference between NIR and FTIR is the spectral range they use for analysis. Whilst NIR uses light in the near-infrared region (approximately 350-2500 nm), FTIR uses light in the mid-infrared region (approximately 4000-400 cm^-1).

This means that FTIR delves deeper into fundamental vibrations of material, resulting in enhanced accuracy and sensitivity. FTIR’s broader spectral range allows it to identify a wider array of functional groups, making it an ideal choice for more complex sample analysis.

While FTIR is particularly adept at identifying unknown compounds and identifying intricate molecular structures, it’s best used as a complement to NIR technology which can analyse compounds from a different perspective.

Introducing the Agilent 4300 Handheld FTIR: Redefining Portability and Performance

At the forefront of portable FTIR technology is the Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR, the pinnacle of analytical instrumentation.

Portable Analytical Solutions (PAS) proudly partners with Agilent to offer this revolutionary device to industries seeking rapid, on-site material analysis. The Agilent 4300 leverages advanced FTIR capabilities in a portable form, enabling users to undertake spectroscopic analysis directly at the site of the sample, eliminating the need for transportation and laboratory-based testing.

Benefits of the Agilent 4300 Handheld FTIR

The Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR offers a wide array of unique benefits that are redefining the landscape of on-site analysis:

Portability and Convenience

Weighing only approximately two kilograms, the Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR is a truly portable solution, enabling real-time analysis in remote locations and field sites.

Fast Results

The Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR provides rapid and accurate results, reducing analysis time from hours to seconds, in the pursuit of faster decision-making and process optimisation.

Versatility

Applicable to mining, environmental science, agriculture, scrap sorting, and defence sectors, the Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR’s versatility enables users to address a wide range of analytical tasks with a single device. It can also analyse solids, liquids and gases, saving you the hassle of switching devices for different types of samples.

Reduced Costs

By eliminating the need for laboratory analysis and transportation, the Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR not only saves time but also significantly reduces operational costs.

FTIR’s Impact Across Diverse Industries

The versatility of FTIR analysis extends beyond its features and includes its application to a multitude of industries. Thanks to the Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR, a portable solution, this is increasingly the case.

Mining

FTIR analysis assists in the identification of minerals, ores, and exploration of geological formations, enhancing efficiency and resource optimisation across multiple areas inside the wide scope of the mining industry.

Environmental Science

Environmental monitoring, pollution analysis, and soil quality assessment each benefit from FTIR’s ability to detect contaminants and quantify highly complex pollutant concentrations.

Agriculture

When it comes to agriculture, FTIR helps optimise crop yields by analysing soil composition, detecting nutrient deficiencies, and ensuring the quality of agricultural products. It serves as an important and informative precursor to many ongoing agri-business and agriculture decisions.

Scrap Sorting

In the field of recycling and waste management, FTIR technology identifies polymers and materials to assist the public sector and associated organisations in facilitating effective sorting and recycling processes.

Defence

FTIR plays a critical role in identifying hazardous materials, explosives, and chemical agents, aiding security personnel in their mission to ensure public safety.

Detailed Features of the Agilent 4300 Handheld FTIR

The Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR boasts an array of features that elevate its performance:

A User-Friendly Interface

The intuitive interface of the Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR simplifies operations, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users.

Battery-Powered Operation

The device’s swappable 4-hour battery allows for extended field use, enabling relatively uninterrupted analysis even in remote locations.

Real-Time Data Analysis

The Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR assist in real-time on operations, and its near-instant data analysis empowers users to make informed decisions in the field.

Rugged Design

The Agilent 4300 is engineered for durability, with a rugged exterior capable of withstanding demanding environments, as it to be expected from a portable device that thrives in outdoor industries such as mining and agriculture.

Purchase an Agilent 4300 Analyser Today

Ensuring your team has the right tools is the most important step toward ensuring effective material analysis. Without it, significant time, resources, and reputation will be exhausted.

To ensure that your team, no matter the industry, can reap the rewards of material analysis in an increasingly competitive market, you need to acquire the Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR.

Get in touch with our experienced team at Portable Analytical Solutions today to purchase a new Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR for fast and portable compound analysis.

Case Study: Screening for Asbestos in Tuvalu with the MicroPHAZIR AS

NOTE: The MicroPHAZIR AS was discontinued by Thermo Fisher Scientific in December 2024. PAS recommends the ASBpro by PAS Scientific.

The health risks of asbestos are well known, so much so that its use was officially banned in Australia in 2003.

Since then, extensive work has been conducted to remove asbestos where possible or to educate people on how to leave asbestos undisturbed. 

Unfortunately, its widespread presence in buildings and objects make it difficult to identify and avoid. 

The problem is, many smaller nations don’t have the resources or best-practice awareness that Australia has, and these nations remain vulnerable to the scourge of asbestos.

Asbestos on Tuvalu

Tuvalu is a Polynesian archipelago nation in the Pacific, about halfway between Australia and Hawaii. Like many other island nations, asbestos was used widely throughout the country’s infrastructure in the 20th Century and remains a risk for its citizens today. 

The Tuvalu Department of Waste Management (DWM) has been working tirelessly to identify, secure or remove asbestos throughout Tuvalu’s nine islands, but they are facing significant challenges. 

Lack of Labs

Tuvalu doesn’t have the laboratories required to test the large number of asbestos samples taken during clean-up efforts. This means the DWM is constantly being held up by lengthy lab turnaround times.

While these delays are necessary to keep their operators safe, they are still incredibly frustrating and slow down progress. 

Lack of Experts

The other resource shortage in Tuvalu is experts who can safely identify and dispose of asbestos. 

The Tuvalu island chain is relatively isolated and it can be difficult and costly to get experts to visit. That means when they do have them, they need to make the most of it!

A Possible Solution

PacWaste Plus programme technical offers, supported by consultant Ms Samantha O’Callaghan of HIBBs, visited Tuvalu on an asbestos identification mission in March.

What was different this time?

They were trialling a Thermo Fisher microPHAZIR AS Asbestos Analyser.

The Thermo Fisher MicroPHAZIR AS

The MicroPHAZAER AS is an industry-leading asbestos detection tool. With its simple point-and-shoot function, and accurate results delivered in just 10 seconds, it lets operators test for asbestos quickly and safely. . 

To screen a site, operators simply conduct a series of scans at different points, and if the results are negative they can declare an area safe. 

If the results are positive, they can send the sample away for lab confirmation, safe in the knowledge that they haven’t been exposed by needing to take a sample and disturb the contaminated object. 

Screening in Tuvalu

The rapid testing ability of the microPHAZIR AS could make a real impact for the DWM’s initiative. 

“Undertaking asbestos assessments is very difficult in Tuvalu.  We do not have laboratory equipment and it is difficult and expensive for external specialists to visit our outer islands to complete assessments,” said Mr Epu Falenga, Director of Waste Management.

With the microPHAZIR AS, the hope is that much wider areas can be covered in a much shorter time period. 

“By testing this new technology and having our own staff experience the various steps to effectively undertake asbestos sampling, empowers us to roll out an assessment ourselves across our nine islands.” Mr Falenga continued. 

The Trial

While hopes are high that the microPHAZIR AS will be effective, testing must be completed to ensure it is compatible with Tuvalu’s conditions. 

“We need to be certain on the efficacy of this tool, especially in our island settings.” said Mr Falenga. 

As part of the trial, Ms O’Callaghan took samples determined to be ‘positive’ for asbestos and sent them to Australia for laboratory confirmation. A capacity building workshop was also conducted with the DWM team, as well as ten other government stakeholders from the Department of Customs and Department of Surveying.

The hope is that the sample determinations will be corroborated in the lab, and that the combined team in Tuvalu will already have the skills required to operate their devices. 

To Be Continued

The cause to rid Tuvalu of asbestos is a noble one, and the outcome of this trial will be relevant for the wider Pacific Island region.

For the operators at DWM, any developments that make asbestos detection safer, faster and more accurate will be welcome.

Images and information obtained from www.pacwasteplus.org