Page 34 - pd284-July20-mag-web_Neat
P. 34
Market ready to sample accelerator. Similar accelerators
are commonly used in hospital
new MinAnalytical radiotherapy units, and for
industrial sterilisation of products
such as medical supplies. The
innovation PhotonAssay X-ray source contains
no radioactive material.
ChrysosTM PhotonAssay provides Unlike the low-energy X-rays used
a unique, chemistry-free approach in conventional assay methods like
to material analysis. It hits samples XRF, the X-ray beam used to excite
with high-energy X-rays, causing the samples and the resulting
short-lived excitation of atomic elemental signature gamma-rays
nuclei of targeted elements. are very penetrating, meaning that
These excited nuclei then give off large samples can be measured.
a characteristic signature that can A true bulk reading is returned,
be detected and used to calculate independent of the chemical
metal grade. or physical form of the sample.
Rock chips, powdered or crushed
The X-rays are produced using samples, and solutions or slurries
a device called an electron
can be directly analysed.
After three years of testing and technology for the last three years enduring value,” James says. “Fire
validation Perenti Global Ltd across a variety of sample types and assaying has been the established
company MinAnalytical is particle sizes. The new technique process for 500 years, and there is
delivering what is the most has ultimately proved quicker, more still a purpose for it, but we believe
dramatic step-change in gold reliable and as accurate as fire assaying PhotonAssay can enhance client
analysis in centuries. but without the toxic waste. outcomes in ways not possible with fire
Perenti – Investments Chief assays. It allows us to provide reliable
The Chrysos PhotonAssay technology Operating Officer Donald James information faster and with cleaner
– originally developed by CSIRO sees PhotonAssay as a vital part of safer outcomes. It is an opportunity to
and brought to market by Chrysos the group’s push to provide end-to- better integrate ourselves with clients
Corporation – is an alternative, end services to clients through the by enhancing their value creation.”
chemistry-free approach to gold mining cycle with the new technology MinAnalytical has installed three
assaying, offering a faster, safer coexisting with the traditional suite PhotonAssay units – one at its Canning
and more environmentally-friendly of services that MinAnalytical already Vale facility and two at its Kalgoorlie
alternative to the conventional fire offers. centre – as it increases capacity for a
assay techniques. MinAnalytical “We aspire to be indispensable to our full industry launch this year.
and Chrysos have been refining the
clients’ by delivering certainty and
