Hyperspectral scanning of drill core for precious metals, vectoring minerals, critical minerals, rare earth metals
The Hyperspectral Scanning Unit (HSU) Laboratory is a mobile laboratory that offers world-class, high-resolution hyperspectral imaging capabilities over most currently accessible EM spectral ranges, spanning the Visible Near Infrared (VNIR) to the Longwave Infrared (LWIR) regions. The primary focus of the HSU is to investigate geological materials, but there are no restrictions on the type of samples that can be analyzed - from organic samples to industrial materials.
Working in close collaboration with our mining industry partners, the HSU is primarily investigating mineralogical or other physio-chemical variability within geological samples. The HSU is designed to quickly scan diamond drill core using a 5 camera system with a scanning speed of a single box (1.5 m long) in under a minute. Other sample types, including hand samples, blast hole cuttings, and thin section offcuts can also be scanned and characterized using the HSU system. Providing a better understanding of the geology and mineralogy of a mineral deposit allows our partners to improve their processes, from initial exploration stages through to final ore-processing and even end-of-mine-life reclamation.
- In-house hyperspectral scanning
- Hyperspectral data analysis
- Characterization of deposit geology (allowing vectoring towards mineralization)
- Applied research in ore-processing
- Clean technology
- Forestry and forest-based industries
- Manufacturing and processing
- Mining, minerals and metals
- Tourism and hospitality
Specialized labs and equipment
| Specialized lab | Equipment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Hyperspectral Laboratory | Photon etc. self-contained 20ft Sea Can:
| Cameras:
|
| Applied Mineralogy Laboratory | Applied Spectra J200 LIBS | Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument. |
| Applied Mineralogy Laboratory | Zeiss Polarizing Microscope | To characterize the mineral makeup and textures of both ore and regular rock samples. |
| Applied Mineralogy Laboratory | Agilent Gas Chromatograph and Agilent Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer system | |
| Mineral Processing Laboratory | Malvern Instruments Mastersizer MSS Particle Size Analyzer | Laser diffraction particle size analyzer to determine particle size distributions of both wet and dry dispersions. |
| Mineral Processing Laboratory | MOLS Autosampler | Mine On-Line Service (MOLS). An automatic sorting and bagging device to improve sample representation from blast hole and RC drilling. |
| Mineral Processing Laboratory | Knelson Gravity Concentrator | To understand mining processes. |
| Mineral Processing Laboratory | RO-TAP Sieve Shaker | Standardized particle sizing test methods instrument. |
| Geomatics Laboratory | Hyperspectral Drone | Remotely operated aerial drone with a short-wave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral camera to collect images of surfaces for materials present. |
| Geomatics Laboratory | ExynAero UAV | Autonomous uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) used for mapping high-risk, GPS denied, environments. |
| Geomatics Laboratory | GeoSLAM 3D Mapping Scanner | Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). Handheld 3D mapping instrument to create a 3D image of an area or structure. |
| Geomatics Laboratory | GeoSLAM Cradle system | To mount the GeoSLAM 3D mapping scanner for vertical deployment underground and difficult to access or hazardous areas such as manholes, vent shafts, silos, sinkholes, and bridges. |
| Geomatics Laboratory | GeoSLAM Pano | Combine mobile LiDAR with 360-degree panoramic imagery ideal for producing floorplans and virtual walkthroughs of sites. |
| Geomatics Laboratory | Creaform Metrology Scanner | Handheld self-positioning laser scanner system for metrology and reverse engineering. |
| Geomatics Laboratory | Leica BLK360 G2 terrestrial laser scanner | 3D scanner with integrated high-speed high dynamic range (HDR) spherical imaging systems and Visual Inertial System (VIS) for real-time pre-registration. |
| Geomatics Laboratory | GeoSLAM Discovery Kit | Backpack mounted mobile mapping system that combines high-resolution 360-degree imagery with LiDAR. |
| Geomatics Laboratory | ASTRALiTe Edge Topo-Bathy Scanning LiDAR System | For UAV mount. Capable of performing topo-bathymetric scans from a UAV. |
Private and public sector research partners
- Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)
- Agnico Eagle Mines
Additional information
| Title | URL/Hyperlink |
|---|---|
| Groundbreaking project ongoing in Baie Verte | https://www.cna.nl.ca/news/news-article.aspx?messageid=1379 |
| College of the North Atlantic introduces cutting-edge technology to mine new opportunities | https://www.cna.nl.ca/news/news-article.aspx?messageid=1362 |
| CNA ranks first in Atlantic Canada for college applied research | https://www.cna.nl.ca/news/news-article.aspx?messageid=1340 |
| Dr. Gary Thompson named Geoscientist of the Year | https://www.cna.nl.ca/news/news-article.aspx?messageid=1302 |