The Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has developed a new, cutting edge technology that may minimise the effects of mining by making it more efficient.
Using ‘Dingo’, one of the highest-intensity neutron imaging machines in the world, ANSTO scientists have figured out how to greatly reduce the time needed to measure the exact mineral content of core samples. Senior Instrument Scientist at ANSTO’s Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering Dr Joseph Bevitt developed the technology, which has the potential to significantly change the way minerals are explored around the world.
“At the moment, many drill core samples are X-rayed for surface mineral content, which is essentially a guesstimate,” says Bevitt. “While some drill cores are fully 3D-imaged with X-rays, many cannot be studied in this way because X-rays do not have sufficient penetrating power. Our neutron-imaging technology creates a full 3D map of the core, delivering the total mineral content for metal-rich and dense ores.”
The procedure is non-destructive and as quick as traditional X-rays, meaning the search for valuable minerals and their processing can be carried out in a more targeted manner, resulting in reduced environmental impacts of mining.
“If you take gold for example, current X-ray technology is limited as to what it can reveal, especially when more abundant heavy metals such as lead are present in the ore as these prevent 3D X-ray imaging,” Bevitt explains. “Our 3D neutron tomography measures the exact gold content of a mining core, with neutrons able to image through lead, iron and other abundant metals, allowing parties to know the exact size of the lode underground through core samples without breaking earth.”
An upcoming upgrade to ANSTO’s 3D neutron imaging facility will also ensure simultaneous 3D neutron and X-ray imaging is achievable, enabling even more accurate mineral identification and quantification.
“This technology is revolutionary and a first for Australia,” says Bevitt.
3D neutron tomography also has enormous benefits across numerous academic fields including environmental science, palaeontology, engineering, and cultural heritage. Speeding the method up opens the possibility for more, and deeper, research opportunities.
“By examining fossils, for example, we can learn how animals and plants evolved to thrive through changing environmental conditions,” says Bevitt. “This research is essential as we seek solutions to the problems caused by climate change. The device also can look for material imperfections down to a tenth of a human hair without damaging a sample. This is an integral part of ensuring the safety of materials being used for space and ocean exploration.”