Advanced mineral analysis and logging technology developed by the CSIRO has been licensed to Australian mining, equipment, technology and services firm Corescan.
The technology, named HyLogger, can provide additional information on ore bodies and the changes they are undergoing.
Corescan has a network of hyper-spectral mineralogy labs across Australia, South-East Asia, Canada, the US, Mexico, Peru, Chile and Argentina.
HyLogger uses reflected light spectra from mineral surfaces to understand the material's mineralogy and is more reliable for identification than the visual techniques that are used in most drilling programmes.
{loadposition sam08}The analysis is close to automatic, meaning that costs and delays that accompany laboratory analysis are reduced.
HyLogger uses visible and infrared light to characterise selected minerals from drill cores, chips and pulps that are often difficult or impossible for human observers to interpret correctly.
CSIRO research director Dr Rob Hough said: “Through our partnership with the Australian state geological surveys, the National Virtual Core Library and AuScope, hyperspectral data is now routinely acquired at government core repositories and is generating new knowledge on mineral systems.
“Transferring the technology and ongoing development to Corescan, an Australian SME, will enable CSIRO to focus on the application and integration of hyperspectral information with other data sets to support mineral exploration through cover and for rapid resource characterisation in deposits.”
Corescan managing director Neil Goodey said the company planned to integrate HyLogger into its existing suite of advanced hyperspectral imaging equipment.
“Corescan will also be offering support services to the existing HyLogger community and will leverage its global reach to bring the technology to new international markets,” he said.
The company would be "working closely with the Australian geological surveys and the National Virtual Core Library to continue on the great work that CSIRO has done in this area over the last decade".
Photos: Damien Smith photography, provided by the CSIRO.