PRESS RELEASE: Making an informed decision in the minerals discovery process requires reliable information about the geology, including hidden sub-surface information. Reliable geochemical data is a critical component of this. Imdex said its new In-Field Geoanalysis solution - a complete portable sample preparation and analysis system - provides this data and enables geologists to make informed decisions on site and in near real time.
Global product manager - geosciences, James Cleverley said: "As a geoscientist running a drilling or sampling programme, you can be up and running with your own on-site lab, producing consistent and quality samples, managing the analysis and quality control and having confidence the data you are viewing is accurate and repeatable, all in 20 minutes. The key is the preparation of quality samples - it is not just pointing and shooting at rocks."
Cleverley added that Imdex's In-Field Geoanalysis solution addresses a historical industry challenge - that is the protracted exploration lifecycle from sample collection to receipt of information to make critical decisions regarding drilling or sampling programmes.
Typically a sample is collected and transported to an off-site laboratory for preparation and analysis. Resulting data is then interpreted and used to either validate or update a geological model. Based on this model, informed decisions can then be made - for example, drill another hole, change the sampling strategy or move to the next target.
Depending on the style and stage of the programme, this cycle can take three months or more, which often results in decisions being made without having all of the necessary data available.
In Cleverley's view this lifecycle is too long and the risks and associated costs are too high.
Imdex's global manager, integrated solution, Michelle Carey, said the key benefit for clients is timely access to accurate data, which subsequently reduces the total cost of the exploration project.
"It supports the geoscientist's decision process and gives them more time to act on that decision, removing the burden of assay logistics, time delays and data administration. It is another way Imdex is striving to reduce the costs and increase the efficiencies of our clients' operations."
The company's latest solution combines the Reflex Crusher and Reflex Mill - a portable sample preparation system, the Reflex Press - a sample press and die that produces a consistent sample, and the Reflex XRF - a hardware/software solution that delivers controlled assay workflows, QA/QC, together with data management. These technologies integrate with IMDEXHUB-IQ cloud-based software and Imdex ioGAS - data analytics software for the detection of anomalies and relationships in geoscience data.
