In mining geology efforts, fast and accurate mineral analysis is essential for any profitable mining operation. From mineral assemblage determination in early stage exploration, to core logging and drill cutting analyses, through sample characterization for block model development, ASD’s near-infrared (NIR) mineral analyzers are essential tools for mining geologists. In contrast to traditional laboratory methods that are expensive and time consuming, ASD’s TerraSpec® line of NIR equipment provides real-time, non-destructive analysis of mineralogy. And with over two decades of meeting the NIR needs for the worldwide mining geology community, ASD is the leader in mineral analysis technology.
Whether at an exploration camp, in the field, in a core shack, on a drilling site, benefaction plant or in the laboratory, ASD’s field portable TerraSpec® 4 Hi-Res mineral spectrometer assists geologists in analyzing mineralogy in a wide range of sample types including outcrops, hand specimens, drill core, RC drill chips, ore feeds and metallurgical pulps providing real-time mineralogical results in seconds. Using an ASD spectrometer, a geologist may characterize and map alteration assemblages, identify and characterize high/low sulfidation environments, reconstruct the thermal and geochemical environments as well as identify and characterize a wide range of minerals such as:
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Iron minerals such as hematite, goethite, jarosite, garnets, and pyroxenes
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Rare Earth Element (REE) minerals
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Ammonium minerals
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Hydroxyl containing minerals such as amphiboles,hornblends, borates, diaspore, gibbsite, gypsum, talc, alunite, and many of the arsenates
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Hydrous silicates such as opal, beryl, and zeolites
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Clays
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Micas
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Other phyllosilicates such as serpentines and chlorites
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Sulfates
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Carbonates
With the ability to rapidly analyze hundreds of samples per day, mining geologists have the data they need to direct drilling programs, locate sample collection, define pathfinder mineral assemblages and create/refine geologic mining models. By providing real time answers to mining geology questions, NIR spectroscopy substantially lowers risk, saves time and save money. ASD’s TerraSpec mineral analyzer is an essential tool for mining geology.