AU2010100162A4 - Sampling System and Method - Google Patents

Description

P/00/009 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2 SPECIFICATION FOR PATENT APPLICATION TITLE: Sampling System and Method APPLICANT: Drew Bellamy COUNTRY: Australia TYPE: From Provisional to Innovative NUMBER: Provisional 2009905180 DATE : 19 February 2010 -1- P/00/009 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2 ORIGINAL AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 Conversion from: Provisional Specification No. 200995180 to INNOVATIVE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: Sampling System and Method The Invention is described in the following statement: -1- -3 SAMPLING SYSTEM AND METHOD Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a mineral sampling system and method. 5 Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to mining and mineral exploration drill hole sampling, it will be appreciated that the invention may be used for other sectors of the resource industry. For example, it may also be used within the oil and gas industry during mineral sample collection. 10 Background Art A typical mining or mineral exploration drill hole sampling operation involves using a suitable drilling rig to drill one or more holes into the ground in a target area to obtain subterranean rock samples at predetermined depths. Reverse circulation drilling sampling, diamond bit drilling sampling, and open pit 15 mining blast hole rig sampling are examples of some of the drill sampling techniques that can be used to obtain subterranean rock samples in mining or mineral exploration drill hole sampling operations. Typically, each sample that is obtained from a drill hole during a sampling operation is placed in its own sample bag, and all of the sample bags for the hole 20 are numbered sequentially with paint, ink stencil or plastic collars on the bag for identification purposes. For each sample bag, a record is kept of the drill hole from which the sample contained in the bag was obtained, the depth at which the sample was obtained, the particular drill rig that was used to drill the hole, etc. This information is often 25 recorded on a computer in a spreadsheet or similar. After drilling of a hole is completed, the sample bags containing the samples from the hole are sent to an assay lab to assay the samples. In addition, numbered sample bags containing control material are also sent to the assay lab for quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) purposes.

-4 The control material that is placed in a particular QAQC sample bag is usually selected from standard, blank, or duplicate material. Standard material is material that contains a known percentage of a certain mineral or minerals. Such material is used to assist in determining whether the assay lab may be over or 5 under reporting the mineral content of the samples. Blank material is material that does not contain certain minerals at all. Such material is used to assist in determining the cleanliness of the assay lab's equipment. Duplicate material is material that is taken from a drill hole sample. Such material is used for the purposes of determining the consistency of the assay results. 10 For each of the supplied sample bags, the assay lab assays the material contained in the bag, and provides the assay results for the material contained in the bag along with the number of the bag. The assay results for each sample bag are then added to the other recorded data for the drill hole, and a geologist carries out a QAQC check of each record. 15 A drawback of the above-described sample method is that it relies on the use of numbered sample bags. The sampling method is susceptible to human typographical and handling errors which can reduce the integrity of the data that is obtained. Also, the samples that are obtained using the method are susceptible to being 20 mixed in the field or in the lab. Further, the method is susceptible to human spreadsheet input errors. In addition, it requires the usage of manual checklists in the field, which can be problematic and time consuming. Furthermore, the numbers of the sample bags that contain control material are 25 often out of sequence with the numbers of the other sample bags due to the sample bags containing the control material being inserted later. As a result, the sample bags containing the control material can consequently be easily identified by the assay lab so that the QAQC integrity at the lab is questionable. In an effort to address at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks, bar- -5 codes and bar-code scanners are now being used to identify drill hole sample bags. However, the use of bar-codes and bar-code scanners to identify drill hole sample bags can be problematic because bar-code scanners rely on optics and 5 are unable to read a bar-code that is covered in mud, dust or water, damaged, or that is obscured by an object. Also, bar-code scanners are prone to failing when temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius. It would therefore be desirable to have a means of identifying drill hole samples that overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies, and that is able to increase the 10 effectiveness of the mining and mineral exploration drill hole sampling process. The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of 15 the application. Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art mentioned above, or to provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. 20 Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. According to a first broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a 25 sampling method comprising the steps of: Associating each one of a plurality of radio-frequency identification devices with a respective sample; Writing sample identification data to each of the devices; Storing the sample identification data along with other data for each 30 sample; -6 Testing each of the samples; Reading the sample identification data on the device associated with each of the samples; Storing the test result for each sample along with the sample 5 identification data read from the device associated with the sample; and Combining the test result with at least some of the other stored data for each sample. Preferably, the samples are mineral or soil samples, or samples from the oil and 10 gas industry. In a particular preferred form, the samples are drill hole mineral samples. Preferably, the step of associating the radio-frequency identification devices with the samples comprises securing, attaching or affixing the devices relative to the samples. For example, if the samples are stored in bags, the devices may be 15 radio-frequency identification tags that may be secured to the bags, or the devices may be radio-frequency identification adhesive labels that may be detachably secured to the bags, or in the preferred form the radio frequency identification devices may be incorporated into the bags via a sewn pocket on the edge of the bag. 20 In a preferred form, one or more the samples may be QAQC samples. For example, one or more of the samples may be a standard, blank or duplicate sample. Preferably, the method comprises the additional step of writing QAQC data to some of the radio-frequency identification devices. 25 In a particular preferred form, the other data that is stored with the sample identification data includes memory position, hole identification, rig identification, date and time, depth, and/or sample type data. Preferably, the step of testing the samples comprises assaying the samples at a commercial chemical laboratory. 30 Preferably, the step of combining the test result with at least some of the other -7 stored data from the radio frequency identification device for each sample comprises merging the test result with the other stored data for each sample. According to a second broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sampling system comprising a plurality of radio-frequency identification devices 5 for associating with a plurality of samples, a radio-frequency device-reading apparatus for writing sample identification data to each of the devices, a storage means for storing the sample identification data along with other data for each sample, a radio-frequency device-reading apparatus for reading sample identification data from the device associated with each of the samples, a 10 storage means for storing a test result for each sample along with the sample identification data read from the device associated with the sample, and a combining means for combining the test result with at least some of the other stored data for each sample. According to a third broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a 15 radio-frequency identification device for use with the above-defined method or system. Preferably, the radio-frequency identification device includes an integrated circuit. It is preferred that the device also includes an antenna coupled to the integrated circuit. In a preferred form, the device also includes protective 20 housing for at least partially housing at least the integrated circuit. In one particular preferred form, the radio-frequency identification device is in the form of a radio-frequency identification tag. In another particular preferred form, the radio-frequency identification device is in the form of a radio-frequency identification adhesive label. 25 According to a fourth broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a radio-frequency identification device-reading and writing apparatus for use with the above-defined method or system. According to a fifth broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a container assembly comprising a container and a radio-frequency identification 30 device incorporated into the container.

-8 Preferably, the container is a bag. It is preferred that the bag is a mining and exploration mineral sample bag, in industry use these bags can be either calico cotton or plastic bags. In a particular preferred form, the bag is a calico cotton material or similar non woven synthetic material. 5 Preferably, the radio-frequency identification device that is incorporated into the container includes an integrated circuit. It is preferred that the device also includes an antenna coupled to the integrated circuit. The radio-frequency identification device may be incorporated into the container in any suitable manner. For example, if the container is a bag, the radio 10 frequency identification device may be secured relative to the bag such that the device is located inside a pocket sown onto the long side of the bag or if a plastic bag then adhered to the side of the bag as a sticker. In a particular preferred form, the radio-frequency identification device is sown into the bag pocket during manufacture of the bag. 15 Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 depicts a mining sample bag that can be synthetic or non synthetic 20 material; shown with side pocket and side pocket window. Figure 2 depicts a radio-frequency identification device; sitting outside its protective housing revealing its integrated circuit and antenna. Figure 3 depicts the bag illustrated in figure 1 with the radio-frequency identification device illustrated in figure 2 positioned near a seam of the bag 25 where a pocket containing the radio frequency identification device could be located; and Figure 4 depicts the radio frequency identification device located in the bag sown pocket with the bag open ready to receive mineral sample. Figure 5 depicts a roll of radio frequency identification adhesive labels that can -9 be adhered to, but not limited to plastic bags. Figure 6 depicts a first type of radio-frequency identification device-reading and writing apparatus; 5 Figure 7 depicts a second type of radio-frequency identification device-reading and writing apparatus; Figure 8 is a flow-chart of a sampling method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for reverse circulation drill hole samples; Figure 9 is a flow-chart of a sampling method according to a preferred 10 embodiment of the present invention for diamond drill hole samples; Figure 10 is an example of a table of data which is captured in the field by a radio-frequency identification device-writing apparatus for a plurality of drill hole mineral samples; Figure 11 is an example of a table of data which is captured in an assay lab 15 when the radio-frequency identification devices of the samples listed in the table depicted in figure 10 are read by a radio-frequency identification device-writing apparatus; Figure 12 is an exarnple of a table produced by combining the data table depicted in figure 10 with the assay results of the samples listed in that table; 20 Best Mode(s) for Carrying out the Invention Referring to figure 2, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device in the form of a radio-frequency identification tag 150 includes a housing 153. Tag 150 contains various electronic components including an antenna for receiving and transmitting a radio frequency (RF) signal, and an integrated circuit/micro-chip for 25 storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating the RF signal, and other specialised functions. The technical specifications of the tag 150 are as follows: - 10 Micro-Chip Tag Technical Specification Chip type: EPC Gen 2 512 bits (96 bits EPC number, 224 bits user memory, 192 bits special function) 5 Frequency 860-950 MHz Polarization: Linear Reading Range: 1 meter Physical Dimension: 230 mm x 5 mm 10 Application Mining sample bag identification The integrated circuit/micro-chip of the tag 150 may include GPS tracking technology. The tag 150 will not be described any further here as the construction and 15 operation of such tags are well-known in the art. A first type of RFID device-reading and writing apparatus 30 is depicted in figure 7. Apparatus 30 includes a flat housing 31. Housing 31 is a very heavy duty and robust type that is particularly suitable for heavy industry and mining environments. Housing 31 contains the various electronic components of the 20 apparatus 30, including electronic components that enable it to read and write information to and from the tag 150 or 170, as well as electronic components such as memory that enable it to store information internally. A digital display 32 and a keypad 33 are located on an upper surface 34 of the housing 31. Display 32 is operable to display information related to the 25 functioning of the apparatus 30 such as information that the apparatus 30 reads from and/or writes to the tag 150 or 170. Keypad 33 is operable to control the functioning of the apparatus 30 and includes a numeric keypad 35, a POWER button, a NEW HOLE button, a NS button, a DUP button, a STU/STD button, a BLK button, a CLR button, a -> button, an OK button, and a <- button. 30 A plurality of feet 36 project from the upper surface 34 so that the feet 36 are able to support the upper surface 34 above a support surface when the feet 36 - 11 rest on the support surface. A handle 37 for a user to hold the apparatus 30 by extends from the housing 31. Apparatus 30 also includes a universal serial bus (USB) interface (not depicted) for enabling information to be uploaded to and downloaded from the memory of 5 the apparatus 30. The technical specifications of the apparatus 30 are as follows: Mounted RFID Unit Technical Specifications Approvals: FCC 15C VLUPR510; CE/ EN 300220 Reading: 10 Tag protocols: IS016000-6B and ISO 18000 - 6C (EPC C1 Gen 2) Data read and write: IS016000-6B and IS016000-6C tags (EPC C1 Gen 2) Read range: up to 5 meters (tag dependent) Write range: 50% of read range Frequency range: 869.53 MHZ for EU; 905.685 - 916.685 MHz for FCC 15 (FCC Part 15; ETSI/EN 300220) Polarization: Circular Antenna gain: 5dBi power: EIRP 100 mW on 5dBi circular antenna Interface: 20 Keyboard: 20 keys + START key Display: Graphic LCD PC interface: USB; BT optional (PR 100BT) Others: Power Supply: rechargeable batteries, charger 12V DC @ 500 mA 25 Operating temperature: -20" to +500 C (-40 to +122" F) Storage temperature: -350 to +70 C (-310 to +1580 F) Humidity: 0-95%, non-condensing Protection class: IP 33 Dimensions of reader: 155 (W) x 220 (H) x 270 (D) mm 30 Dimensions of box: 340 (W) x 205 (H) x 300 (D) mm Weight of reader: 0.83 kg (1.8 lb) - 12 Accessories: USB cable switch mode power supply adapter 12V 1.25A CD ROM with control software, drivers and User manual A second type of RFID device-reading and writing apparatus 70 is depicted in figure 6. The preferred use of this device (but not limited to indoors or excluding 5 it from outdoor use) is indoors in chemical assay laboratories and the like. Apparatus 70 includes a very heavy duty and robust housing 71 that is particularly suitable for heavy industry and mining environments. Housing 71 contains the various electronic components of the apparatus 70, including electronic components that enable it to read and write information to and from 10 the tag 150 or 170, as well as electronic components such as memory that enable it to store information internally. Housing 71 includes a plurality of holes 72 and a plurality of threaded holes 73 for securing the housing 71 to a table or bench top. Apparatus 70 also includes a USB interface (not depicted) for enabling 15 information to be uploaded to and downloaded from the memory of the apparatus 70. It also has a USB cable 74 for connecting the apparatus 70 to a USB port of a personal computer (not depicted) so that the computer and the apparatus 70 are able to communicate with each other via the cable 74. The computer provides a user interface for the apparatus 70. 20 The technical specifications of the apparatus 70 are as follows: Bench Top Reader Technical Specification Physical dimension: Size 195 (W) x 155 (H) x 40 (D) mm Weight of reader: 600 g (1.3 lb) 25 Protection class: IP 64 Reading: Tag protocols: IS01 8000-6B and EPC C1 Gen 2 (ISO18000-6C) Data read and write: for IS01 8000-6B and EPC C1 Gen 2 (ISO1 8000-6C) tags 30 Read range: up to 7meters or 21 feet (tag dependent) Write range: 70% of read range - 13 Frequency range: 862-955 MHz (programmable for local regulation compliance) Polarization: Circular Antenna gain: 5dB RF power: EIRP 1.5 W with 0.1 dB control steps 5 Interface: PC interface: Standard - RS-232 (on request LAN, WLAN) Others: Power Supply: external switch mode 9VDC 2A Operating temperature: -20( to +50( C (-4 to +1220 F) 10 Storage temperature: -350 to +70( C (-310 to +158) F) Humidity: 0-95%, non-condensing Accessories: switch mode power supply adapter 9VDC 2A CD ROM with control software, drivers and User One or more of the tags 150 or 170 together with apparatus 30, 50 and/or 70 15 form at least part of a sampling system. The apparatus 30, 50, 70 are able to read data from over 100 tags 150 or 170 in a single minute, which is twice as fast as a bar-code scanner. The apparatus 30, 50, 70 are water and dust-proof, however they are not fully submersible in water. 20 Also, the apparatus 30, 50, 70 are able to read data stored on the tag 150 or 170 through other objects, e.g. a benchtop. Although the apparatus 30, 50, 70 as described above are radio-frequency device-reading and writing apparatus, they may alternatively be configured as dedicated radio-frequency device-reading apparatus, or dedicated radio 25 frequency device-writing apparatus. When the apparatus 30, 50, 70 are configured as dedicated radio-frequency device-reading apparatus, they are only able to read data from the tag 150 or 170, and are unable to write data to the tag 150 or 170. Conversely, when the apparatus 30, 50, 70 are configured as dedicated radio-frequency device-writing apparatus, they are only able to write 30 data to the tag 150 or 170, and are unable to read data from the tag 150 or 170.

- 14 Figure 11 depicts a flowchart of a sampling method 90 for reverse circulation drill hole samples. After starting the method 90, the next step is for a mining company to order/purchase the above-described sampling system. This is usually done only 5 once, as the same system can be used at different times on multiple drilling campaigns. During the order and preparation step, the company orders enough bags 160 (tags sown into sample bags FIGURE 4) or adhesive tags 170 for the drill campaign they wish to undertake. In particular, the number of bags 160 ordered 10 by the company is enough so that there is at least one bag 160 or tag 170 for each sample obtained during the campaign. Upon receiving the bags 160, a field assistant of the company removes some of the bags 160 for quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) purposes. Typically, the field assistant will remove up to 12% of the bags 160 for QAQC. 15 Each bag 160 or tag 170 that is removed for QAQC purposes has data written to it at the office which indicates whether the bag 160 or tag 170 is for associating with a standard material sample or a blank material sample. In particular, a bag 160 or tag 170 which is for associating with a standard material sample has STD written to it by the apparatus 30, 50, or 70, a bag 160 or tag 170 which is for 20 associating with a blank material sample has BLK written to it by the apparatus 30, 50 or 70, and a bag 160 or tag 170 which is associated with a duplicate material sample has DUP written to it by the apparatus 30, 50 or 70. Each bag 160 or tag 170 that has STD written to it has a standard material sample inserted into the respective bag. Likewise, each bag 160 or tag 170 that has BLK written 25 to it has blank material sample inserted into the respective bag, and each bag 160 or tag 170 that has DUP written to it has duplicate material inserted into the respective bag. Instead of the STD, BLK and DUP data being written to the QAQC bags 160 or tags 170 by the field assistant in the office, this may be done by a drill offsider or 30 other person in the field e.g. at the drilling rig.

- 15 The bags 160 that are set-aside for QAQC are placed in a separate box to the blank sample tags ready for drilling deployment. The method 90 then proceeds to a drilling step. In that step, the drill rig receives an appropriate apparatus 30 or 50, along with a table/workbench or supporting 5 bracket, the blank bags 160 or tags 170, and the QAQC bags 160 or tags 170. The table/workbench or supporting bracket is used to house/support the apparatus 30 or 50 as well as the table/workbench creating a work area for the sampling procedure. The drill rig personnel are provided with instructions on how often to insert the 10 QAQC bags 160 or tags 170 for standard and blank material into the sequence of samples that are obtained from each hole that is drilled during the campaign. They are also instructed on how often to insert QAQC bags 160 or tags 170 for duplicate material into the sequence of samples. Each time the rig begins drilling a new hole, a drilling offsider who is present at 15 the rig pushes the NEW HOLE button on the apparatus 30, 50, enters the hole identification (ID) for the hole and the rig identification (ID) for the drill rig into the apparatus 30, 50 using the numeric keypad 35, 54, and presses the OK button of the apparatus 30, 50 so that it stores the entered information into memory. Each new sample has a sequential bag 160 written as the bag 160 or bag with 20 tag 170 adhered passes the apparatus 30, 50 during the drilling process. The tags 150 or 170 are written with the company sample sequence and any other required information. With reference to figure 6, each sample bag 140 containing a sample from the drill hole has a swiped tag 150 from the apparatus 30, 150 sown into its pocket,(known as bag 160). Alternatively the tags 150 or 170 may 25 be pre-numbered during manufacture or at the company office before drilling and swiped via the scanner for data storage during drilling. For duplicate samples, the drill offsider presses the DUP button on the apparatus 30, 50 before swiping the bag 160 or a bag with tag 170 adhered. Next, the method 90 proceeds to an end of drilling step. During that step, the 30 drill rig crew disconnect the electrical power from the apparatus 30, 50 and pack- - 16 up the apparatus 30, 50 as well as the table/workbench with the rig. The field assistant picks-up the sample bags 160 or bags with tags 170 in a vehicle such as a truck. Also, the field assistant visits the rig and downloads the sample and drill hole 5 data from the apparatus 30, 50 to a USB data storage device. The apparatus 30, 50 is able to store sample and hole data for up to 450 holes. The data is stored in a .csv file. The field assistant then dispatches the sample bags 160 bags with tags 170 to an assay lab. 10 After returning to the office, the field assistant downloads the .csv file from the USB data storage device, and sends the file to a database manager. The next step in the method 90 occurs at the assay lab. At the lab, the bag 160 or tag 170 is swiped/read using the apparatus 70 to obtain the hole ID and sample sequence information of the sample. The apparatus 70 and/or the 15 computer it is connected to via the cable 74 is/are configured so that the lab is unable to read QAQOC or location data from the bags 160 or tag 170. The lab processes the samples contained in the bags 160 or bags with adhesive tag 170 affixed, and attaches the assay results to a sample .csv file which is stored in the computer that the apparatus 70 is connected to. The assay results 20 for each sample, along with the hole ID and sample ID for that sample which are read from the bag 160 or tag 170 for the sample by the apparatus 70 are stored in the .csv file. The lab then sends the .csv file to the database manager. In the next step of the method 90, the database manager receives the .csv file from the lab and merges the information contained in that file with the information 25 contained in the .csv file provided by the field assistant to produce a database. The database contains a record for each sample containing the hole ID, rig ID, sample ID, any QAQC data, and the assay results for the sample. Thus, the database reveals which samples are actually QAQOC samples. A geologist then carries out a QAQOC check of each record in the database.

- 17 Also, the field assistant makes sure that there are enough tags 170 or mining sample bags 160 in the company's stockpile for the next round of drilling. Figure 8 depicts a flowchart of a sampling method 100 for diamond drill hole samples. 5 After starting the method 100, the next step is for the mining company to order/purchase the above-described sampling system. This is usually done only once, as the same system can be used at different times on multiple drilling campaigns. In the order and preparation step, the company orders enough bags 160 or tags 10 170 depending on company preference for the drill campaign they wish to undertake. In particular, the number of bags 160 or tags 170 ordered by the company is enough so that there is at least one bag 160 or tag 170 for each sample obtained during the campaign. Upon receiving the bags 160, a field assistant of the company removes some of 15 the bags 160 for QAQC purposes. Typically, the field assistant will remove up to 12% of the bags 160 for QAQC. The QAQC bags 160 or tags 170 are written at the core-yard as STD, DUP or BLK using the apparatus 30, 50 or 70. Each of the QAQC bags 160 or tags 170 is then inserted with the appropriate QAQC material. 20 Instead of the STD, BLK and DUP data being written to the QAQC bags 160 by the field assistant at the core-yard, they may be written somewhere else by the field assistant or another appropriate person. Method 100 then proceeds to a drilling step. In that step, the personnel/crew at the diamond drill rig do not use the RFID system comprising the bags 160 or tags 25 170 and apparatus 30, 50 or 70. The crew use the rig in the usual manner to obtain diamond drill core samples. The core samples that are obtained are placed in trays as per current practice. The apparatus 30, 50 is set-up at the core yard next to a core cutter. The apparatus 30, 50 is used to assign a unique sample ID to each core sample.

- 18 Next, the method 100 proceeds to a core processing step in which the cores are cut by the core cutter, and then bagged. As a core goes through the cutting and bagging process, a core-yard assistant uses the apparatus 30, 50 to write sample ID information to the bag 160 or according to the preference of the 5 company may instead adhere tag 170 to a sample bag for a sample interval of the core after the interval is cut. During this step of the process, the core-yard assistant inserts QAQOC bags 160 or tags 170 in sequence as necessary. The cut and bagged core samples are then dispatched to an assay lab. 10 The next step in the method 100 occurs at the assay lab. At the lab, the bag 160 or adhesive label tag 170 secured to each sample bag is swiped/read using the apparatus 70 to obtain the hole ID and sample sequence information of the sample contained in the bag. The apparatus 70 and/or the computer it is connected to via the cable 74 is/are configured so that the lab is only able to read 15 the sample ID information from the bag 160 or tag 170, and is unable to read the location data or any QAQC data which is stored on the bags 160 or tags 170. The lab processes the samples contained in the bags, and attaches the assay result to a sample .csv file which is stored in the computer that the apparatus 70 is connected to. The assay results for each sample, along with the hole ID and 20 sample ID/serial number for that sample which are read from the bag 160 or tag 170 for the sample by the apparatus 70 are stored in the .csv file. The lab then sends the .csv file to the database manager. In the next step of the method 100, the database manager receives the .csv file from the lab and combines/merges the information contained in that file with the 25 information contained in another .csv file which contains hole ID, rig ID, sample ID, and any QAQC data for each sarnple so that the database also contains the assay results for each sample and identifies whether a sample is a QAQC sample. A geologist then carries out a QAQOC check of each record in the database. 30 Figure 10 is a table 110 which contains data captured by the apparatus 30, 50 - 19 when the bags 160 or tags 170 are initially scanned at the drilling rig or core yard. The data for each sample occupies its own row in the table 110. Each row of data includes the memory position of the data for the sample, the hole ID of the drill hole from which the sample was taken, the rig ID of the drilling rig 5 which was used to obtain the sample, the date and time on which the sample was taken, the depth (in metres) down the drill hole at which the sample was taken, the type of the sample (i.e. whether it is a normal sample, or a QAQC sample), and the serial number of the sample. The depth data is incremented by a preset amount each time a bag 160 or tag 10 170 for a genuine non-duplicate sample is written at the rig or core-yard using the apparatus 30, 50. Figure 11 is a table 120 which contains data captured when the bags 160 or tags 170 of the samples are read by the apparatus 70 at the assay lab. The data for each sample occupies its own row in the table 120. Each row of data includes 15 the hole ID of the drill hole from which the sample was taken, and the serial number of the sample. Figure 12 is a table 130 which combines the sample data contained in table 110 with the assay data for each sample. The assay data for each sample includes the gold, arsenic, copper, aluminium, silica, phosphorus and iron content of each 20 sample in parts per million (ppm). It will be appreciated that the particular elements included in the assay data will vary from case to case, depending upon which particular elements are of interest. Due to the fact that the sample bags are not numbered, and because the assay lab is only able to read the hole ID and serial number of each sample from the 25 bag 160 or tag 170 associated with the sample, it is difficult, if not impossible, for the assay lab to determine from the data that they are able to read from the bag 160 or tag 170 whether the sample is a genuine sample, or whether it is a QAQC sample such as a standard, blank or duplicate sample. Consequently, it is more difficult for the assay lab to manipulate the assay result data to take account of 30 any errors or inaccuracies in that data. As a result, there can be greater confidence in the assay results provided by the lab.

- 20 The system and methods as described above are able to increase the efficiency of drill hole sample data management in mining and mineral exploration operations. This is achieved by: reducing the amount of data that needs to be manually entered; reducing the amount of data that needs to be manually 5 collected; and reducing the data collection time so as to thereby reduce the number of errors and free-up resources. In the embodiment described, the invention is used in mineral sampling, and so the testing comprises an assay procedure. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the testing is appropriate to the material being sampled, as is the data 10 or information collected. For example, in the case of oil and gas exploration and extraction sampling, the testing may comprise a biological or mineral analysis of the samples, and the data recorded is relevant thereto, such as location, depth and time of sample. Instead of attaching a separate radio-frequency identification tag such as 15 adhesive radio identification device 170 to each sample bag, each of the radio frequency identification devices may be incorporated into the bags at the time the bags are manufactured. Figure 1 depicts a calico mining sample bag 140 of the type that is typically used for storing mineral samples. Bag 140 is sewn from a single piece of cloth and 20 includes a bottom 141, a pair of opposing sides 142, a pair of stitched side seams 142 where the sides 143 are sewn together, an open top 144, and a draw-string 145 for closing the top 144. 146 is a pocket, approximately 24cm long and 1.5cm wide sown into the side of the bag for the purposes of housing 150. 25 Mining sample bags such as the bag 140 usually have a width of 45 cm and a height of 30 cm, and can hold up to 15 kg of sample material, however the size of the bags can vary depending on the density of the sample material. Figure 2 depicts a radio-frequency identification device 150 that comprises an RFID read/writeable integrated circuit 151, and an antenna 152 coupled to the 30 circuit 151 and a plastic housing to protectively encase the circuit 153.

- 21 Antenna 152 can be any suitable length. Typically, antenna 152 is up to 23 cm long. However, some radio-frequency identification devices have an antenna that is shorter, or have no antenna at all. Referring to figure 3, the radio-frequency identification device 150 can be 5 incorporated into the bag 140 by sowing a pocket approximately 24cm long and 1.5cm wide, next to the seam of the bag and then inserting into the device 150 into the pocket. A user of the sampling system according to the present invention has the option to purchase separate radio-frequency identification devices such as adhesive 10 tags 170 to attach to bags, or to purchase sample bags such as bag 140 that already have a radio-frequency identification device such as device 150 incorporated into the bag. Having the radio-frequency identification device 150 incorporated into the bag 140 and possibly pre-numbered with a sample number or pre-written with other 15 desirable information (e.g. drill hole location data, drill rig identification data etc.) means that at the drill rig the offsider only has to swipe the bag past the scanner before filling the bag, and does not have to attached the device 150 to the bag 140. Eliminating the step of having to attach the device 150 to the bag 140 saves time for the drill offsider. Pre-writing information to the device 150 is 20 advantageous as it reduces the amount of work the drill offsider has to do, and reduces the possibility of erroneous information being written to the device 150 by the drill offsider. The radio-frequency identification devices may alternatively be in the form of radio-frequency identification adhesive labels that can be attached to the sample 25 bags. Figure 5 depicts a roll 170 of radio-frequency identification adhesive labels 161. Each label 171 includes an RFID read/writeable integrated circuit, an antenna coupled to the circuit, a substrate that the circuit and antenna are secured to, and an adhesive layer for adhering the label 161 to an object (e.g. a sample bag), the adhesive layer being applied to the substrate. Each label 171 30 has dimensions of 300 mm x 35 mm x 2.5 mm. The labels 171 on the roll 170 are adhered to a backing strip that they can be peeled off from.

- 22 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications to the invention described herein will be apparent without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The variations and modifications as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit 5 of the invention as herein set forth. Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. 10 Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms. Also, future patent applications maybe filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of, or claiming priority from, the present application. It is to be understood that 15 the following provisional claims are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future application. Features may be added to or omitted from the provisional claims at a later date so as to further define or re-define the invention or inventions.

Claims (5)

1. A sampling method comprising the steps of: Associating each one of a plurality of radio-frequency identification devices with a respective sample; 5 Writing sample identification data to each of the devices; Storing the sample identification data along with other data for each sample; Testing each of the samples; Reading the sample identification data on the device associated with 10 each of the samples; Storing the test result for each sample along with the sample identification data read from the device associated with the sample; and Combining the test result with at least some of the other stored data for each sample. 15

2. A sampling system comprising a plurality of radio-frequency identification devices for associating with a plurality of samples, a radio frequency device reading apparatus for writing sample identification data to each of the devices, a storage means for storing the sample identification data along with other data for each sample, a radio-frequency device-reading apparatus for reading sample 20 identification data from the device associated with each of the samples, a storage means for storing a test result for each sample along with the sample identification data read from the device associated with the sample, and a combining means for combining the test result with at least some of the other stored data for each sample. 25

3. A radio-frequency identification device for use with the method of claim 1 or the system of claim 2.

4. A radio-frequency identification device-reading and writing apparatus for use with the method of claim 1 or the system of claim 2.

5. A container assembly comprising a container and a radio-frequency 30 identification device incorporated into the container.