The aim of this project was to assess the suitability of various line scan capable technologies for use on drill core as support for hyperspectral scanning machines. Factors assessed include achievable pixel size, acquisition speed, suitability to produce a grain size proxy for gold and base metal sulfides, and accuracy. Data processing of laser Raman, micro-XRF and LIBS technologies were completed on representative samples of drill core. The laser Raman technology was deemed to be unsuitable for analysis of sulfides in drill core. LIBS will only reach its potential in this area after the development of more sophisticated software capable of handling the variable plasma conditions produced by LIBS in this environment. The time required for this development is not easy to predict.

The micro-XRF method, as currently available, is suitable for line scan analysis of sulfides. Analyses collected in 80 milliseconds (200 μm spot size) were suitable for recognition of mineralogy not detected in infrared spectra, for use as training data, and for calculation of the CuS grain size that might be suitable as a proxy for flotation recovery. A gold grain size proxy requires hardware development and is still a few years away. The results were presented to Corescan in 2018 and they are considering options for commercial scale testing.

The aim of this project is to assess the suitability of various line scan capable technologies for use on drill core. Factors being assessed include achievable pixel size, acquisition speed, suitability to produce a grain size proxy for base metal sulfides, and accuracy.

Data processing of Laser Raman, micro-XRF, LA-ICP-MS and LIBS technologies were completed on representative samples of drill core with the following outcomes:

• The laser Raman technology was deemed to be unsuitable for analysis of sulfides in drill core.
• LIBS and micro-XRF data suggest that currently available technology will be suitable for line scan analysis of sulfides.
• LA-ICP-MS data suggests that while currently not appropriate for rapid analysis by line scan, it may be viable for offline, non-continuous sample analysis.

Results of testing will be presented to Corescan in mid-2018 with an aim to discuss an upscale trial of micro-XRF.

The aim of this project is to assess the suitability of various line scan capable technologies for use on drill core. Factors being assessed include achievable pixel size, acquisition speed, suitability to produce a grain size proxy for base metal sulfides, and accuracy.

Initial scope of the technology assessment concentrated on 50 micron pixels, however this pixel size was not achievable with the available equipment. As a result, work during the year has been based on 100 to 300 micron pixels, and the application of sub-pixel analysis. This analysis aims to produce a grain size proxy reflecting the proportion of metals present in sulfide grains larger than 50 microns.

Laser Raman, micro-XRF and LIBS technologies were tested on representative samples of drill core with the following outcomes:

• The laser Raman technology was deemed to be unsuitable for analysis of sulfides in drill core.
• Initial analysis of the LIBS data suggests that it may be suitable for line scan analysis within the life of the TMVC.
• Early indicators suggest that micro-XRF should adequately assess grain size as well as being the only technology-ready option of those tested.

LIBS and micro-XRF data processing will continue into 2017, with the possibility of expanding the assessment to new technologies as they become available.