This paper was presented at the Art, Science and Applications of Reflectance Spectroscopy Symposium sponsored by ASD Inc. and IEEE GRSS, February 23-25, 2010 in Boulder, Colorado.

Proceedings of ASD and IEEE GRS; Art, Science and Applications of Reflectance Spectroscopy Symposium, Vol. II, 13pp, Boulder, CO, www.asdi.com.

Author: Steve Eady
Affiliation: Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold, Safford, AZ  USA

Abstract

Infrared spectroscopy has long been known for its ability as a method to identify minerals that are present in various rocks. The near-infrared range is especially useful for identification of clays and clay-like minerals. Clay minerals can have very detrimental or very helpful properties when associated with metal recovery processes in the mining industry. Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold has developed specific NIR methods and used them for identification of the different clays. This technology allows Freeport to evaluate such critical parameters as crushing, grinding, throughput, permeability, reagent usage, and moisture addition.

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