Mining is a risky business. In order to minimize this risk it is crucial to have an in depth and well defined understanding of the geological region when targeting and developing prospective sites. The science of prospecting for deposits large enough for commercial viability involves extensive field work prior to any extraction operation. This includes material sampling and analysis which is costly and time consuming when performed with traditional laboratory based methods.

Reflectance spectroscopy is applicable for rapidly characterizing many of the alteration assemblages associated with economic deposits. Since these assemblages define mineralogical and geochemical halos associated with economic mineralization and can be recognized beyond the obvious limits of ore deposits, they allow remote detection via portable NIR reflectance spectroscopy.

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a consistent, cost-effective alternative technology that has been used worldwide for many years in the analysis of natural resources. As a rapid and reliable analytical technique it has proven to be the ideal tool for geologists and researchers in earth studies and environmental sciences.

• Lower risks
• Save time
• Save money
• Real-time results
• In situ measurements
• Little or no sample preparation required

Reflectance spectroscopy is well suited and commonly used for the identification and characterization of precious metals, gems, and other elements:

• Iron and other transition elements
• Minerals such as hematite, goethite, garnets, and pyroxenes
• Rare Earth Element (REE) minerals
• Ammonium minerals
• Hydroxyl containing minerals such as amphiboles, epidotes, apitites, tourmalines, topaz, diaspore, and many of the arsenates
• Hydrous silicates such as opal, beryl, and zeolites
• Clays
• Micas
• Other phyllosilicates such as serpentines and chlorites
• Sulfates
• Hydroxides
• Carbonates

ASD developed the TerraSpec® Portable NIR Mineral Analyzer as a user-friendly, rapid, field-portable system for characterizing hundreds of mineralogical samples per day. The TerraSpec adapts easily to different environments—the laboratory, the field, or a drilling site—providing the real-time information necessary to optimize your exploration process. The system can be used to develop a wide range of models for analyzing many sample types, including outcrops, hand specimens, core, RC drill chips, and metallurgical pulps—all with little or no sample preparation.

For additional information on ASD’s measurement solutions for mineral exploration please select the links below.

Pipestone Provenance: Sourcing Prehistoric Pipestone Artifacts Within Museum Collections Using Reflectance Spectroscopy

Airborne Hyperspectral Mapping Case Study: Dragon Mine, Tintic District, Utah

Environmental Case Study: Bauer Mill Site, Utah