Process Mineralogy

Helford Geoscience LLP are UK leaders in the application and interpretation of automated SEM-EDS mineralogical data based on QEMSCAN® technology, which is widely considered to be the leading automated mineral analysis system available globally. We have used automated SEM-EDS analysis in a very wide range of mineralogical applications, and have developed specialised sample preparation, analysis and processing systems to ensure that our clients get the best results possible. Key areas of expertise are:

• Characterisation and analysis of ore deposit mineralogy
• Analysis and evaluation of industrial rocks and minerals
• Analysis of mineral processing products to quantify mineral composition,
  grain size, liberation characteristics, mineral associations and metal balances
• Identification and characterisation of impurities in mineral or other products

Mineralogical characterisation is carried out utilising a wide range of techniques, including transmitted and reflected light microscopy, digital photo-micrography, cold cathodo-luminescence, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, wavelength dispersive electron microprobe, low vacuum scanning electron microscopy with EDS and image analysis, and automated SEM-EDS mineral analysis using QEMSCAN® technology. Recent projects have included: characterisation of tailings to allow ore reprocessing; identification of impurities in mineral products; characterisation of copper and lead ore concentrates; liberation characteristics of complex copper, lead and zinc ore concentrates.

Recent scientific publications
Pirrie, D., Power, M.R., Andersen, J.C.Ø. & Butcher, A.R. 2000. Platinum-group mineralization in the Tertiary Igneous Province; new data from Mull and Skye, Scottish Inner Hebrides, UK. Geological Magazine, 137, 651-658.

Power, M.R., Pirrie, D., Andersen, J.C.O. & Butcher, A.R. 2000. Stratigraphical distribution of platinum-group minerals in the Eastern Layered Series, Rum, Scotland. Mineralium Deposita, 35, 762-775.

Power, M.R., Pirrie, D., Jedwab, J. & Stanley, C.J. 2004. Platinum-group element mineralisation in an arsenic-rich magmatic sulphide system, Talnotry, southwest Scotland. Mineralogical Magazine, 68, 395-411.

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