:: JKTech’s Mineral Liberation Analysis Group Progresses

JKTech's Mineral Liberation Analysis Group has gone through some fundamental changes in the past twelve months, including the creation of a dedicated mineralogy assessment service JKMineralogy, enhanced software and techniques for mineral analysis, and new staff to provide an unparalleled level of service delivery, JKTech's Software Development leader Dr Ying Cu has taken on the role of MLA Group Manager, supported by experienced mineralogist Eugene Louwrens who coordinates the JKMineralogy team.

A major improvement to the service provided as part of JKMineralogy has been in the area of precious and base metals investigation.

Eugene Louwrens is being supported by a team of dedicated professionals with expertise in geological ore characterisation, instrument operation and development, and sample preparation and analysis. According to Mr Louwrens the size and scope of JKTech's mineralogy service has increased by 25 per cent since 2003. "The overall adaptability of the Mineral Liberation Analyser has also improved to become the most versatile instrument of its type," he said. "The MLA software is now easily adaptable for MLA users, from both production and mineralogical research roles."

The MLA is an automated system which provides mineralogy details such as mineral portions, grain sizes and the locking and liberation in each sample. Overall it provides a comprehensive mineralogy picture of almost any type of sample.

Mr Louwrens said the traditional way of getting mineralogy information is by optical microscopy, which unfortunately provides limited data: "The number of technical people who are trained or available for optical microscopy has decreased." But the demand for quantitative mineralogy is increasing all the time. "The industry is realising the value of having or getting access to a Mineral Liberation Analyser," he said.

"Some universities have formed partnerships with mining companies or other tertiary institutions to acquire an MLA," he said. "For example, the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom recently ordered an MLA with support from the European Union." Nottingham is the first University to buy its own MLA analyser.

Mr Louwrens believes mineralogy is a science riding on the crest of a wave of demand in the minerals industry- "In 2005 we will start looking beyond applications in the minerals field, in particular waste recycling and other environmental projects."