SGS Canada Adds TESCAN TIMA-X Technology to an Existing Suite of Automated Mineralogy
LAKEFIELD, ON, April 30, 2019 /CNW/ - SGS is pleased to announce that it has officially incorporated the TESCAN Integrated Mineral Analyser (TIMA-X) into its suite of automated mineralogy offerings across Canada. Through this move, SGS is able to offer its clients better detection limits, superior imaging and faster turnaround time and results. "Combining TIMA-X technology with our existing QEMSCAN capabilities, allows us to bolster the trusted automated mineralogy services we provide to the mining industry across the mining value chain by offering a holistic solution," Said Stephanie Downing, Mineralogy Manager at SGS Canada.
The TIMA-X system utilizes both the EDX and BSE signals to identify minerals at each measurement point (or each homogenous segment of a grain, depending upon the analysis mode) and it is optimized to deal with rapidly acquired low-count spectra. These EDX spectra (and BSE data) are compared to entries in a mineral library on a first match principle to identify the mineral phase automatically, where this mineral library is based on theoretical mineral/phase composition or created by the user based on both BSE intensity and X-ray spectral windows counts and/or ratios.
Also, the TIMA-X' innovative Field Emission Gun (FEG) allows SGS to offer high resolution capability with fast acquisition detectors for quicker throughput and better detection of trace elements. The real-time collection of mineral chemistry allows direct reconciliation of minerals to assays. Developed software applications allows for the determination of mineral concentrations, elemental distributions and mineral textural properties such as:
- Grain size
- Liberation and locking parameters
- Association and exposure
- Mineral release and predictive grade-recovery response
The incorporation of the TIMA-X in Canada illustrates SGS' ongoing commitment to serving the global metals and mining industry through advanced technologies. Canada will be the second installation of a TIMA-X into the network, the first being in Chile which has been operational since 2018. During the last five years, SGS has been continuously expanding and developing automated mineralogy capabilities and solutions. It is through these solutions that SGS unlocks the potential of projects globally.
SGS' technical expertise is at the forefront of the mining industry. The company has positioned itself as the benchmark in mining related services by offering trusted solutions at every stage of the project life cycle. SGS' team of experts provide fit-for-purpose solutions and testing capabilities. SGS services encompass the skills of qualified geologists, geostatisticians, chemists, mineralogists, metallurgists and mining engineers, brought together to provide accurate and timely mineral evaluation and consulting services. Learn more at sgs.ca/mining.
ABOUT SGS
SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 97,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.
SOURCE SGS Canada Inc.
Stephanie Downing, M.Sc., Mineralogy Manager - Canada, SGS Canada Inc., 185 Concession Street., Lakefield, Ontario, Canada, K0L 2H0, Telephone: +1 705-652-2019, E-mail: [email protected]; Lawrence Ng, Vice President, Minerals, SGS Canada Inc., 3260 Production Way, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, V5A 4W4, Telephone: +1 604-638-2349, E-mail: [email protected]
Share this article