Chrysos PhotonAssay technology Credit: Chrysos
Kirkland Lake Gold has signed a deal with Chrysos, to install the company’s PhotonAssay technology at its Fosterville mine in Australia.
Chrysos PhotonAssay is a chemistry-free replacement for fire assays – it uses high-energy X-rays to excite atomic nuclei for enhanced analysis of gold, silver, and complementary elements, in as little as two minutes.
Chrysos PhotonAssay allows measurements of samples that weigh up to 500 grams and provides a true bulk reading, independent of the sample’s chemical or physical form. The process is non-destructive, and all samples can be retained for further testing or analysis.
“We believe the PhotonAssay method has potential benefits for our business that include simple sample preparation, fast turnaround times for high-quality results, and improved outcomes related to health, environment, and the community,” Wess Edgar, Kirkland Lake Gold’s chief geologist for Australia, said in a release.
“The sample charge used in the PhotonAssay method is approximately 10 to 20 times larger than existing fire assay, and thus has potential for a more representative assay result of the entire crushed sample, which is considered important for samples containing high gold grades and/or visible-gold, as are often found at Fosterville.”
“We are seeing increasing interest in Chrysos PhotonAssay from both laboratories and miners. Recent developments across the sector are driving a desire for technological solutions that deliver measurable productivity gains and true competitive advantage,” added Dirk Treasure, CEO of Chrysos.
The PhotonAssay unit has been delivered to Fosterville, and is expected to be fully operational by early October. On-site laboratory services will staff and operate the unit for Kirkland Lake Gold.
(This article first appeared in the Canadian Mining Journal)
