New Laser Ablation Method from Bureau Veritas Set to Transform Exploration Geochemistry

Perth, WA, Australia, August 15, 2014 – Exploration geochemistry will be transformed a new method developed by Bureau Veritas’ minerals business. The method is known as Fused Bead Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS).

The laser ablation innovation has key benefits in determining the exact composition of mining samples including:

Faster results – elimination of multiple fusion and acid digestion methods simplifies the process and speeds up assay turnaround

Improved accuracy and precision
Environmental, health and safety benefits – no use of dangerous, harmful acids

Highly cost effective

Fused Bead Laser Ablation ICP-MS utilises high productivity robotic fusion technology with state of the art laser ablation and ICP-MS instruments to provide a fully extracted quantitative analysis for all elements, platinoids excluded.

The Bureau Veritas Minerals developed the Fused Bead Laser Ablation ICP-MS technique which involves fusing a subsample with Lithium Borate flux to form a homogeneous fused bead. This is exactly the same process  used for routine Fused Bead XRF analysis. The combination of XRF and ICP-MS analysis extends the dynamic range of the method from parts per billion (ppb) to percent levels from the same digestion process.  

Commenting on the new process, Jon Landau, Vice President of the Geoanalytical division said:

 “This new method is the result of two years’ intense effort from our highly skilled laboratory chemists. I see that advances in laser ablation techniques have the potential to revolutionise the laboratory testing of mineral samples. We are continually striving to find new and innovative techniques to improve our service offering.

Discussing the value for customers, Landau went on to say:

 
‘We are certain that this development will be a major benefit to our customers. They have informed us that this new method bring significant reduction in hazard, efficiency gains and cost savings. 

Media Contact:

Duncan Ruane

General Manager, Sales & Marketing
Bureau Veritas Minerals Pty Ltd

Tel:  +61 8 6218 5707

Duncan.Ruane@au.bureauveritas.com