On-Site Bauxite Analysis Using Handheld XRF

Bauxite is the world’s main source of aluminum (Al) ore, underpinning a major industry in a wide range of countries, including Australia, China, and Brazil. Grading Al concentration in the mine is, therefore, of utmost importance, alongside the need to determine concentrations of penalty elements. These analyses must be performed in a way that consistently maximizes productivity.

Application

Aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and silicon (Si) analysis presents distinct challenges. It is necessary to accurately analyze all three elements for ore grading, and it is important to understand their impact on the production and processing of the primary metal of interest.

In bauxite mining operations, solely relying on lab analysis typically involves waiting hours, or even days and weeks for results, potentially resulting in expensive time delays and reduced productivity.

The ruggedized, dust- and splash-proof Thermo Scientific^™ Niton^™ XL3t GOLDD+ Handheld XRF Analyzer offers near lab-quality analysis of Al, Fe, and Si on-site, enabling rapid decisions at even the most remote mines.

The Niton XL3t GOLDD+ analyzer delivers fast, accurate elemental analysis of bauxite ore, enabling real-time mapping of chemical concentrations and supporting the identification of excavation hotspots and the detection of penalty elements.

Handheld XRF Analyzer

Thermo Scientific’s range of Niton Handheld XRF analyzers, including the Niton XL3 GOLDD+ analyzer, meets exploration and mining requirements by confidently analyzing a wide range of elements from magnesium (Mg) to uranium (U).

These instruments facilitate simple trend analysis by averaging readings in real-time or by allowing results to be downloaded for further analysis.

They deliver rapid, accurate elemental analysis suitable for intensive metals exploration and production, whether working with precious metals, base metals, or even rare earth elements.

These powerful instruments offer an array of advantages, including:

• Instant chemistry for rock, ore, or drill chips
• A considerable reduction in the number of samples sent for laboratory analysis
• Immediate access to decision-making tools
• Instant tracking of ore concentration
• Simultaneous analysis of Al, Si, and Fe, as well as 26 other elements
• Fast analysis of impurity concentration

Method

A total of 14 certified reference materials (CRMs) and in-house standards were packed into standard XRF sample cups fitted with polypropylene film. The Niton XL3t GOLDD+ analyzer was used to measure the samples for 120 seconds (on the light filter for Si and Al) and 30 seconds (on the main filter for Fe). This analysis time may differ depending on specific precision requirements.

The Thermo Scientific Niton XL3t GOLDD+ is an ideal instrument for fast mine or field analysis. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Handheld Elemental & Radiation Detection

Results

Figures 1, 2, and 3 display the correlation curves for Al, Si, and Fe, with certified results shown alongside the Niton XL3t 950 GOLDD+ Handheld XRF results.

The figures also provide the coefficient of determination (R²) for each element. The R² value is a measure of how closely the data sets correlate with one another, whereby a perfect correlation would exhibit an R² of 1.

Table 1 features repeatability data, highlighting the Niton XL3 950 GOLDD+ analyzer’s excellent precision.

Figure 1. Correlation curve for Al – CRM vs. the Niton XL3 950 GOLDD+. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Handheld Elemental & Radiation Detection

Figure 2. Correlation curve for Si – CRM vs. the Niton XL3 950 GOLDD+. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Handheld Elemental & Radiation Detection

Figure 3. Correlation curve for Fe – CRM vs. the Niton XL3 950 GOLDD+. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Handheld Elemental & Radiation Detection

Summary

The combination of correlation coefficients and repeatability data for the primary elements investigated in bauxite analysis showcases the exceptional precision and accuracy of the handheld Niton XL3 950 GOLDD+ analyzer, confidently confirming that the Niton XL3 GOLDD+ instrument is highly suited to rapid field or mine analysis.

The provision of instant chemical information allows the operator to make essential decisions with minimal downtime, ensuring projects maintain consistent productivity while increasing savings by minimizing the cost and time of shipping samples for analysis.

Overall, a Thermo Scientific Niton XRF analyzer is an excellent addition to any process in a mine.

Thermo Scientific Niton XL3t GOLDD+ analyzers deliver fast analysis for intensive metals, precious metals, or even rare earth elements. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Handheld Elemental & Radiation Detection

Table 1. Repeatability data for Al, Si, and Fe in sample BXT-14. Source: Thermo Fisher Scientific – Handheld Elemental & Radiation Detection

Acknowledgments

Produced from materials originally authored by Thermo Scientific.

This information has been sourced, reviewed, and adapted from materials provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific – Handheld Elemental & Radiation Detection.

For more information on this source, please visit Thermo Fisher Scientific – Handheld Elemental & Radiation Detection.