:: Spectra-Map Launches Real-Time Mineral Analysis Logging Service

UK based company Spectra-Map Ltd is now offering an unique service to the mineral exploration and processing industries in real-time minerals analysis using the new SpecCam infrared spectrometer. The SpecCam has a rugged design with no moving parts, which allows the camera to be used in many mineral based applications including:

• 24 hour monitoring of mill feed (conveyor belt) concentrate in mineral processing plants
• Grade control at surface and underground mine faces
• Drill core, RC chip and blast hole logging

The advantages of this imaging spectrometer include the ability to identify a specific mineral type or group of minerals, and carry out ‘stand-off’ mineral measurement and identification over a large area in real time. These features plus its flexibility to modify speed of data collection - thanks to the full software control of its measurement parameters - mean that much greater productivity in terms of mineral identification is possible. The spectral measurements can be stored for future processing or displayed in real time as an image with optional audio alarm if a threshold is exceeded.

“By processing and displaying the image data in real time a target mineral, or group of minerals, can now be monitored in real time. Geologists and engineers would then be able to make rapid decisions about a variety of mineralogical issues, such as the type and amount of mineralogical contaminant in an ore feed”, said Dr Gavin Hunt, technical director of Spectra-Map. “It offers mineral processing plants an opportunity to improve grade control and significantly increase their operating efficiency.”

The leading-edge, field-portable mineral spectrometers currently use the Near Infrared spectral region for mineral identification. However, they are point sampling (non-imaging) contact instruments, which preclude their use for on-line monitoring or large area mineral mapping tasks. Typical productivity of these instruments are limited to about 100 ‘point’ readings per day.

The SpecCam imaging spectrometer can make millions of spectral reading per day using its novel imaging technology. Each scan records a line of 100 data points, or pixels, and by moving the camera relative to a core tray for example, or by positioning it above a moving conveyor belt a spectral image is rapidly built up which can be viewed and analysed in real time.