NZ615332B2 - Method, system and apparatus for use in locating subsurface ore bodies - Google Patents
Method, system and apparatus for use in locating subsurface ore bodies Download PDFInfo
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- NZ615332B2 NZ615332B2 NZ615332A NZ61533212A NZ615332B2 NZ 615332 B2 NZ615332 B2 NZ 615332B2 NZ 615332 A NZ615332 A NZ 615332A NZ 61533212 A NZ61533212 A NZ 61533212A NZ 615332 B2 NZ615332 B2 NZ 615332B2
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- dust
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- samples
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
- G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
- G01N1/04—Devices for withdrawing samples in the solid state, e.g. by cutting
- G01N1/08—Devices for withdrawing samples in the solid state, e.g. by cutting involving an extracting tool, e.g. core bit
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01V—GEOPHYSICS; GRAVITATIONAL MEASUREMENTS; DETECTING MASSES OR OBJECTS; TAGS
- G01V9/00—Prospecting or detecting by methods not provided for in groups G01V1/00 - G01V8/00
- G01V9/007—Prospecting or detecting by methods not provided for in groups G01V1/00 - G01V8/00 by detecting gases or particles representative of underground layers at or near the surface
Abstract
method and system for locating subsurface ore bodies. Samples of near surface soil are collected over a predetermined geographical area. The samples are analysed to discover any chemical anomalies in the dust particles as a way of identifying possible subcropping mineralization. A tine (22) and collection tube (24) engage into subsurface soil and samples are drawn up the tube into a dust collection module (12). Sub 5 micron particles are captured on an electrostatically charged tape (within 12, not shown). Consecutive samples are indexed on the tape e.g. with a barcode. Collected dust samples are ablated by a laser ablation cell and the ablated sample analysed by a mass spectrometer for presence of ions indicating presence of a resource body, such as a body of ore, minerals or hydrocarbons. llection tube (24) engage into subsurface soil and samples are drawn up the tube into a dust collection module (12). Sub 5 micron particles are captured on an electrostatically charged tape (within 12, not shown). Consecutive samples are indexed on the tape e.g. with a barcode. Collected dust samples are ablated by a laser ablation cell and the ablated sample analysed by a mass spectrometer for presence of ions indicating presence of a resource body, such as a body of ore, minerals or hydrocarbons.
Description
METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR USE IN LOCATING
SUBSURFACE ORE BODIES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method, system and apparatus for
identifying indicators of the presence and/or location of subsurface ore bodies.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Current methods of locating subsurface ore bodies involve collecting soil
samples from a number of locations across a prospective site and sending those
samples for laboratory analysis to identify the potential for sub-surface ore
deposits. Aerial surveys of the selected geographical area may also be
conducted to assist in identifying likely deposit sites.
Known ways of collecting soil samples are labour-intensive and time-
consuming, with significant potential for human error in the correct identification
and accurate locating of soil samples across a site, as well as a risk of
contamination of the samples. Transportation of soil samples to a laboratory is
likewise expensive and fraught with the same potential for human error, as well
as the protracted time in getting the samples from the site to a laboratory for
analysis, analyzing each sample using a variety of instrumental techniques and
more traditional techniques such as fire assay and then returning the results.
Typically a period of several days or even weeks is needed to complete the
analysis of all of the samples and return the results. Most analytical techniques
involve the use of either mineral acid extractions, or fusion followed by
spectrometric analysis. Fire assay procedures involve fusion for the sample with
collection for gold and certain precious metals in a lead button, this button is then
cupelled and either parted to remove silver and weighed or dissolved in mineral
acid and subjected to spectrometric or spectrophotometric analysis for
quantitation of the recovered precious metals. In more recent years, partial
chemical leaches have also increasingly been used. These are based around the
removal of a labile “coating” or a specific type of adsorbed chemical compound
from a bulk soil matrix and in this way isolating the recently emplaced
hydromorphic anomaly which, at the surface indicates the presence of deep or
blind mineralization at depth. However, identification of hydromorphic anomalies
is extremely difficult due to the extremely low concentration of hydromorphically-
imposed ions compared to background levels of elements present in
“background” soils or sediments. It has thus been found desirable to provide a
method, system and apparatus to improve identification of, or to determine
presence of, elements or compounds of interest in soil samples by detection of
hydromorphic anomalies. The ability to determine the presence of
hydromorphically emplaced anomalies above buried or blind ore bodies and in
areas that are geochemically sterile as a result for thick and/or high iron content
overburden opens up enormous areas of the world where exploration has
heretofore been impractical, with particular reference to southern hemisphere
countries such as Australia, South Africa, India and South American countries, for
geochemical exploration. In addition, the fast and effective delineation of buried
mineralization opens up the next generation of geochemical exploration through
the possibility of determining the presence of mineralization that is not amenable
to discovery through more traditional means of both geochemical and geophysical
exploration.
One known system is disclosed in US patent document 4,056,969 to
Barringer Research Limited. That document discloses a method and apparatus
for geochemical exploration for mineral deposits in which particles contained on
the surface of the earth are collected and analysed. A surface dust traverse is
carried out whereby a land based vehicle, such as a truck, or aerial vehicle, such
as a helicopter, trails a tube behind it over an area of land to be surveyed for
presence of mineral deposits. Dust from the top millimetre of surface soil is
collected by suction up the tube for analysis approximately every 105 metres.
The background section of US 4,056,969 discusses previous practices of
sampling soil from 10 centimetres to 1 metre below the surface and the top 1cm
to 2cms of soil are discarded to avoid contamination from animals or deposition of
wind swept matter into the sampling area. US 4,056,969 focuses on taking rapid
samples from the very surface (top 1 millimetre) in order to identify by analysis the
presence of micro-organisms that may indicate the presence of hydrocarbon
deposits, or sampling from the same 1 milimetre or from vegetation to identify the
presence of particulate materials. Even on water the method and system of US
4,056,969 is only sampling the very surface of the water for particulates and
micro-organisms as indicators of the presence of minerals or hydrocarbon
deposits. There are obvious problems with such a sampling regime. Wind blown
particulates can contaminate an area, particularly if there are mineral sands or
other ore bodies being worked or transported within the region. Likewise,
animals, such as farmed animals (cattle, sheep, goats etc.) or numbers of wild
animals (kangaroos, horses, camels) using the area prior to sampling can
contaminate the area. This can lead to erroneous analysis results.
US 4,056,969 also only proposes the sampling and analysis of relatively
large particles. Particles are sucked up the tube; however, particles above 200
micron (μm) are sieved out by a mesh screen. A jet spaced 2-3cm away from a
sampling tape allows large relatively heavy particles from within the 200 micron
sample to impact the tape to capture a sample. Smaller, lighter particles below
50 micron size do not make it across the 2-3cm space and are blown away from
the tape as rejected material. Consequently, the system and method of US
4,056,969 is only sampling particle sizes of between 200 micron and 50 micro
size from the at surface soil. Such particles can be wind blown surface particles
from another area, or may be carried in or deposited by vehicle movements or
animals traversing the land. Such particles would not form part of the original soil
surface but would be sampled and analsyed as if they were. US 4,056,969 does
not teach or disclose distinguishing original soil particles from foreign soil
particles, and does not sample below the very surface of the soil, which could
lead to erroneous results.
The collection tape used in US 4,056,969 relies on an adhesive and an
additional plastic cover tape to hold and protect the collected samples on the
tape. The cover tape is rolled up with the collection tape once samples are blown
onto the collection tape. This requires two tapes that must be aligned and rolled
up together. There is a risk of one tape not properly covering the other, or the
tapes not rolling up together. Either way, collected samples are at risk of
contamination or damage.
Furthermore, the tube trailed behind the vehicle can get caught up as it is
drawn across the surface, particularly on uneven or rocky ground or where there
is vegetation. This can endanger the vehicle, particularly if a helicopter is used.
The present invention was developed with the aforementioned in mind. It
provides a more efficient system, apparatus and method for identifying indicators
of the presence and/or location of subsurface ore bodies that is less susceptible
to the problem of human error or delay found in known systems.
References to prior art in this specification are provided for illustrative
purposes only and are not to be taken as an admission that such prior art is part
of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method
for locating subsurface ore bodies, the method comprising:
taking near surface soil samples from a depth below the surface of up to 1
metre over a predetermined geographical area; and
capturing and analysing material collected in the samples to discover any
superimposed hydromorphic anomalies on dust particles of up to 25.0 microns in
size as a way of identifying the possible presence of subsurface ore bodies.
Typically the dust particles, taken with each sample are micron, or
preferably submicron, in size and as such have an extremely large surface area
to volume ratio.
Preferably the samples are collected from sub-surface, such as within
several centimeters from the actual surface. Preferred collection depth is
between 75mm and 150mm.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method for detecting subsurface ore bodies, the method comprising:
taking a dust sample at each waypoint from an array of waypoints across a
geographical area and recording location coordinates of each waypoint;
storing the dust samples in a contamination-free environment for
subsequent analysis of any hydromorphic anomalies imposed onto the dust
samples as a way of identifying the likely mineralisation associated with
subsurface ore bodies. The array of waypoints may be in a regular grid pattern or
may be an irregular pattern. Past and present practice is to take samples from
tens or hundreds of waypoints across an area of interest. The location of each
waypoint may be determined by GPS coordinates.
One or more embodiments of the present invention proposes taking
samples from thousands of waypoints across a similar sized area. Automation of
sample collecting reduces the number of people involved in collecting samples
and increases speed of sampling. Improved speed of sampling and analysis
techniques reduces the delay between obtaining the samples and outputting
results of the analysis.
The position of each waypoint may be identified by a unique geographic
position identifier or by an identifier relative to at least one reference point, such
as a position relative to one or more other waypoints and/or to a fixed reference
or datum point.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method of collecting dust samples from a predetermined geographical area for
detecting subsurface ore bodies, the method comprising:
transporting a sample collection apparatus over the geographical area
according to a predetermined array of waypoints;
sampling the surface overburden at each waypoint using a probe;
in sampling the surface overburden, drawing a sample of dust from the
surface overburden into a dust collection apparatus;
storing the dust sample from each waypoint in the dust collection
apparatus; and,
recording a unique location identifier corresponding to the geographical
coordinates of each waypoint;
indexing each sample to the unique location identifier for that sample;
analysing components in the dust samples to generate a plan of the
geographical area identifying the indicated location of subsurface ore bodies
based on the presence or of the components from each sample.
If an area is found to be depleted in a particular metal then that metal has
been leached from the area. Knowing this gives insight into looking for the place
where the leached metals have been deposited. Depletion has been found to be
very useful as a potential indicator of localized enrichment somewhere else. If a
metal is absent over a large area, this may be an indication to look somewhere
close for a depositional environment where the leached material has been
dumped to form an actual ore body.
Analysis may look for hydromorphic anomalies of components within the
sample(s) taken.
According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided
a method of generating a visual representation of the presence of subsurface ore
bodies in a geographical area, the method comprising:
collecting dust samples from the geographical area;
simultaneously recording geographical coordinates of the location of each
dust sample collected;
analyzing fine particles of dust from the dust samples to discover any
superimposed hydromorphic anomalies in the dust particles as a way of
identifying the possible presence of subsurface ore bodies;
processing the results of the analysis and combining the geographical
coordinates of the dust particles with the results superimposing on a map of the
geographical area the processed results
A variety of colours may be used to generate a visual effect indicating the
possible mineralisation of subsurface ore bodies.
The visual effect may take the form of plots or maps in two or three
dimensions. The geographical coordinates or location may be defined by global
positioning system (GPS) coordinates.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method of collecting, locating and storing and subsequently identifying dust
samples and relating analytical data back to a specific dust sample from a
geographical area for detecting subsurface ore bodies, the method comprising:
storing particles of dust onto a substrate from a dust sample collected from
at least one waypoint on the geographical area;
transporting the substrate in a controlled environment from a substrate
feed device to a substrate receiver;
obtaining the geographical location of each dust sample across the
geographical area from which the dust particles have been collected;
reading a unique identifying code for each dust sample from the filter tape;
and,
storing the geographical location together with the unique identifying code
for each dust sample whereby, in use, subsequent analysis for any components
of interest within the dust samples are used to identify the potential presence of
subsurface ore bodies.
The components within the dust may be hydromorphic components
indicating the potential mineralization of subsurface ore bodies.
The substrate may include or form a filter medium, and may be in the form
of a tape. The substrate may be a continuous strip of a material incorporating a
filter medium. For example, the substrate may be a tape wound onto opposed
reels or spools such that the tape travels from one reel/spool to the other when
the system and method are implemented.
The controlled environment may include a contamination free environment,
temperature controlled or humidity controlled environment, or one of more
thereof.
The substrate feed device may include a first reel or spool, and the
substrate receiver may include a second reel or spool. As above, the substrate
may therefore act as a tape medium fed between the first and second
reels/spools.
The geographical location may be determined from GPS coordinates or
other reference(s) as mentioned above.
According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided
a system for collecting dust samples from a depth below the surface of up to 1
metre from a geographical area for locating subsurface ore bodies, the system
comprising:
a dust collection module for storing dust samples in a controlled
environment;
means for transporting the dust collection module over terrain in the
geographical area;
a sampling probe connected to the dust collection module and arranged to
be inserted into the surface overburden at selected locations to a depth of up to 1
metre; and,
a sampler associated with the sampling probe to, in use, draw a sample of
dust up into the dust collection module from each selected location; and
indexing means matching each sample with the corresponding location
from within the geographical area.
A further aspect of the present invention provides a system for collecting
dust samples from a geographical area for locating subsurface ore bodies, the
system comprising:
a dust collection module for storing the dust samples in a controlled
environment;
means for transporting the dust collection module over terrain in the
geographical area;
a sampling probe mechanically coupled to the dust collection module;
an insertion means actuated in use to insert the probe into the terrain
surface to collect dust samples from a depth below the surface of up to 1 metre at
selected locations; and,
means provided in connection with the sampling probe for drawing the
sample of dust up into the dust collection module and
means for capturing dust particles of up to 25.0 microns from the dust
samples for analysis to discover any superimposed hydromorphic anomalies on
the captured dust particles, whereby, in use, subsequent analysis of the dust
particles of up to 25.0 microns in size for any hydromorphic components in the
dust samples can be performed for identifying the potential presence of sub-
surface mineralization.
The dust samples are captured for subsequent analysis. Such analysis
may look for the presence, concentration and/or variety of hydromorphic
components in the dust samples in order to identify potential mineralization.
A yet further aspect of the present invention provides a dust collection
module for collecting dust samples from a geographical area for locating
subsurface ore bodies, the module comprising:
a dust sample storage container for storing dust samples in a controlled
environment;
a transport mechanism arranged to index a substrate of dust sample
retaining material housed within the container;
means for drawing dust particles from a dust sample onto the substrate,
each dust sample indexed to a sequential position on the substrate; and,
means for reading a unique identifier on the substrate identifying each dust
sample at the indexed position, such that each dust sample can be identified with
its geographical location and subsequently analyzed for indicators within the dust
sample that may suggest the presence or mineralisation of subsurface ore
bodies.
The dust sample retaining material may be a filter paper or a web of
material supporting a filter paper.
The indicators may be chemical elements.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
sampling probe for collecting dust samples from a geographical area for locating
subsurface ore bodies, the probe comprising:
a tine adapted to penetrate surface overburden soil;
a dust collection tube provided in connection with the tine for transporting
dust samples from the tip of the tine to a dust collection module whereby, in use,
the dust samples can be subsequently analyzed for any hydromorphic
components that may indicate the mineralisation of subsurface ore bodies.
Preferably the sampling probe further comprises a depth-control
mechanism for controlling the depth to which the tine penetrates the soil.
Preferably the tine penetrates to a depth of between 50 mm to 150 mm; more
typically about 80mm to 120mm.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method of analysing dust samples from a geographical area for locating
subsurface ore bodies, the method comprising:
ablating particles of dust from a dust sample;
analysing the chemical composition of the ablated dust particles for the
presence of elemental anomalies associated with mineralization; and
using the analysis to determine the potential presence of subsurface ore
bodies.
Analysis may be carried out by either or both spectrometric and
spectroscopic techniques. The use of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass
Spectrometric (ICP-MS) techniques is preferred. This s technique can detect
presence of elements at levels down to parts per trillion for a wide range of
elements (i.e. 60+ elements) almost simultaneously.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method of processing dust samples collected from a geographical area for
detecting subsurface ore bodies, the method comprising:
providing an indexed filter medium having particles of dust deposited
thereon from each dust sample collected
transporting the filter medium in a contamination-free environment through
a laser ablation cell;
ablating particles of dust from each dust sample;
providing a unique identifying code for each dust sample from the filter
tape;
performing geochemical analysis of the ablated materials to determine the
potential presence of any elemental anomalies; and,
digitally recording the results of the geochemical analysis, the unique
identifying code, and the GPS coordinates of the location for each sample from
which the dust particles have been obtained whereby, in use, the recorded data
can be used to identify the mineralization presence of subsurface ore bodies.
The elemental anomalies may be hydromorphic anomalies, such as ions of
particular elements or compounds attached to dust particles.
The indexed filter medium may be coded at each index point such that
each index point is uniquely identifiable from another index point. Coding may be
by way of a unique serial number, barcode or other readable unique indicator.
The filter medium may be a filter paper tape, such as provided between
two reels or spools. However, the filter medium may have a backing substrate
with a continuous or discontinuous filter medium applied thereto. The backing
substrate may have apertures corresponding to indexed positions for the
respective samples such that a dust sample is applied to the filter medium over
an aperture in the substrate. Thus, the filter medium may be a laminated
material, such as a synthetic plastics or natural material based backing substrate
and a paper based filter medium.
According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided
a method of processing data relating to dust samples collected from a
geographical area for detecting subsurface ore bodies, the method comprising:
retrieving data relating to geochemical analysis, a unique identifying code,
and GPS coordinates of the location of each dust sample; and,
generating a map of the geographical area from which the dust samples
were collected and superimposing on the map a graphical representation of the
analytical data.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
system for analysing dust samples from a geographical area for locating
subsurface ore bodies, the system comprising:
an ablation means for ablating particles of dust from a dust sample and,
analysis means for analysing the chemical composition of the ablated dust
particles for the presence of hydromorphic anomalies that may indicate the
mineralogy of subsurface ore bodies.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a
system for analyzing dust samples collected from a geographical area for use in
detecting subsurface ore bodies, the system comprising:
a sample reel with a coded filter tape having particles of dust deposited
thereon from each dust sample collected;
a tape transport mechanism for receiving the sample reel and transporting
the filter tape in a controlled environment to a take-up reel;
a laser ablation means provided in connection with the tape transport
mechanism for ablating particles of dust from each dust sample as the tape
passes there through; means for reading a unique identifying code for each dust
sample from the filter tape.
The system may include analysis means for performing geochemical
analysis of the ablated materials for elemental anomalies. The anomalies may be
hydromorphic anomalies. Finding hydromorphic anomalies will indicate sub-
cropping mineralization.
The analysis means (equipment) may be adjacent or near to the tape
transport and laser ablation means or may be provided remotely. For example,
analysis may be carried out in situ with sample collection and ablation or the
samples may be removed to a remote location for analysis, such as at a
laboratory. Removal to a remote location can allow the rest of the system to be
used in the field (in situ) to collect further samples from the same site or the
system can be removed to a fresh site, means for digitally recording the results
of the geochemical analysis, the unique identifying code, and the GPS
coordinates of the location for each dust sample from which the dust particles
have been obtained whereby, in use, the recorded data can be used to identify
the potential for subsurface mineralization.
The controlled environment may be a contamination-free environment,
such as in a sealed container. The sealed container may be an openable hard
case containing the transport mechanism, the reels and the laser ablation means.
With the aforementioned in view, one or more forms of the present
invention provides a method for locating subsurface ore bodies, the method
comprising:
taking dust samples of near surface soil over a predetermined
geographical area; and analysing particles of dust from the dust samples to
discover any hydromorphic anomalies in the dust particles as a way of identifying
the possible mineralisation of subsurface ore bodies.
The method may include establishing a grid pattern of waypoints for taking
the dust samples in a preselected geographical area; and
taking a dust sample at each waypoint according to the grid pattern and
simultaneously recording the GPS coordinates of each waypoint.
A preferred embodiment includes storing the dust samples in a
contamination-free environment for conducting the analysis for hydromorphic
anomalies in the dust samples.
The method may include transporting a dust collection apparatus over the
terrain in the geographical area according to predetermined waypoints;
inserting a sampling probe into the surface soil at selected ones of said
waypoints;
drawing a sample of dust up into the dust collection apparatus;
storing the dust sample from each waypoint in the dust collection
apparatus in a contamination-free environment; and,
recording the GPS coordinates of each selected waypoint whereby, in use,
the analysis for any hydromorphic components in the dust samples is used to
determine the potential mineralisation of subsurface ore bodies.
Preferably the present invention includes generating a visual
representation of possible subsurface ore bodies in the geographical area based
on results from the analysis.
Recording GPS coordinates of the location of each dust sample may be
conducted substantially simultaneously with the collecting and storing of the dust
samples.
Statistical manipulation of the results of the analysis may be conducted.
The method may include combining GPS coordinates of the dust particles
with the results of the statistically manipulated data; and,
superimposing on a map of the geographical area the results of the
statistically manipulated data to generate a map indicating the possible location
of subsurface ore bodies.
Statistical manipulation of data may include averaging data results.
Preferably one or more embodiments comprises storing the particles of
dust from each dust sample collected at a respective waypoint onto an indexed
filter medium.
The or each dust sample may be sucked onto, blown onto or otherwise
delivered onto the filter medium.
The dust samples taken for analysis will preferably be fine grained and
preferably in a size range below 1.0 micron but may be larger than 1.0 micron.
The method may include transporting a tape containing filter medium from
a first reel onto a second reel in a contamination-free environment.
Preferably the method includes reading a unique identifying code for each
dust sample from the filter tape; and
storing GPS coordinates together with the unique identifying code for each
dust sample whereby, in use, subsequent analysis for any hydromorphic
components in the dust samples is used to identify mineralisation of subsurface
ore bodies.
A system for collecting dust samples from a geographical area for locating
subsurface ore bodies, the system comprising:
a dust collection module for storing dust samples in a controlled
environment;
means for transporting the dust collection module over terrain in the
geographical area;
a sampling probe mechanically coupled to the dust collection module;
an insertion means actuated in use to insert the probe into the terrain
surface at selected locations; and,
sample retrieving means provided in connection with the sampling probe
for drawing a sample of dust up into the dust collection module whereby, in use,
subsequent analysis for any hydromorphic components in the dust samples can
be performed for identifying the potential mineralisation of subsurface ore bodies.
The dust collection module may comprise a container for storing dust
samples in a contamination-free environment; and a transport mechanism for an
indexed filter medium housed within the container.
Dust particle drawing means to draw fine particles of the dust onto the filter
medium may be employed.
The system may further include a unique code provided for each dust
sample indexed on the filter medium; and a code reader provided on the filter
medium.
The sampling probe may comprise a tine adapted to penetrate surface
overburden soil and a dust collection tube provided in connection with the tine for
transporting dust samples from adjacent the tip of the tine to the dust collection
module.
An ablation means may be provided arranged to ablate particles of dust
from a collected dust sample. The ablation means may be housed in the dust
collection module.
The collection module may house a sample reel with a coded filter tape
having particles of dust deposited thereon from each dust sample collected, and a
tape transport mechanism for receiving the sample reel and transporting the filter
tape in a contamination-free environment to a take-up reel.
The system may include an analyzer for performing geochemical analysis
of ablated dust particles for detecting hydromorphic anomalies.
Digital recording means to record results of the geochemical analysis may
be provided as part of the system.
The system may include providing a unique identifying code and GPS
coordinates of the location for each dust sample from which the dust particles
have been obtained. To this end, a code imprinting means may be provided to
mark the filter medium at or to create indexed positions.
Throughout the specification, 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.
Likewise the word "preferably" or variations such as "preferred", will be
understood to imply that a stated integer or group of integers is desirable but not
essential to the working of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The nature of the invention will be better understood from the following
detailed description of a specific embodiment of the method and system for
locating subsurface ore bodies, given by way of example only, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a view of a system for collecting dust samples in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tine and
collection tube in a raised position;
Figure 2 shows a view of the system of Figure 1 as it starts to penetrate
the soil with the tine and collection tube in a partially lowered position;
Figure 3 shows a view of the system of Figure 1 in an operational position
with the tine engaging the ground ahead of the collection tube;
Figure 4 illustrates in a graphical format a method of collecting dust
samples in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a top perspective view of a dust collection module employed in
the system of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is an enlarged top perspective view of the dust collection module
of Figure 5;
Figure 7 shows a top perspective cut-away view through the line A-A in the
dust collection module of Figure 6;
Figure 8 shows an enlarged side elevation cut-away view through the
system for collecting dust samples of Figures 1 to 3;
Figures 9a-9o are schematic drawings showing stepwise employment of a
system for collecting dust samples for use in analysis, in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 9p-9u are schematic drawings showing steps in retraction of the
tine from the ground, and purging of the tube prior to collection of a subsequent
sample according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 10a-10d show loading of a medium bearing collected samples into
part of a system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system
including a laser ablation device and a mass spectrometer, and diagrammatic
steps in purging the laser ablation device and carrying out spectroscopy on the
collected samples.
Figure 11 illustrates a method of processing dust samples in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention; and,
Figure 12 illustrates a typical map generated in accordance with a
preferred method of the present invention, giving a graphical representation of the
potential mineralisation of subsurface ore bodies derived from analyzing the
collected samples.
Figures 13 and 14 show an alternative arrangement of the filter medium on
spools or reels of an embodiment of the present invention using a shuttle
mechanism.
Figures 15 and 16 show the shuttle mechanism of Figures 13 and 14 in
two positions. Figure 15 shows the shuttle mechanism in a cleaning position, and
Figure 16 shows the shuttle mechanism in a sampling position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
The present invention is based on the discovery that geochemical analysis
of hydromorphically deposited ions on fine dust particles from near surface soil
samples can be used to predict with some accuracy the mineralisation of
subsurface ore bodies. Preferably the deposited ions are sampled within a depth
of less than 1 metre from the soil surface, and more preferably within a depth of
20cm from the surface.
The dust particles can be collected and stored in a controlled environment,
such as a contamination-free environment. It has been realized that the presence
of subsurface ore bodies can be identified to depths of up to 150m or more.
The dust particles may be in the micron to sub-micron size, preferably less
than 10 micron, and more preferably between about 0.1 to 4.0 micron in size.
Embodiments of the present invention collect sub 5 micron particle size
ions from below the surface, that form around the sub 5 micron particle at depth,
and are thereto transported to the surface via a hydromorphic effect. The smaller
the particle the larger the mass of ions coating the particle surface, the greater
the potential to show an anomalous find. The system and method disclosed in
known US 4,056,969 discards these sub 5 micron particles, and does not sample
below the surface.
It has been realized that sub 5 micron size particles have accumulated a
greater density of ions than larger particles. Thus, a greater proportion of a given
sample will have ions attached, thereby giving improved sampling results than the
use of larger particles.
By collecting 'small' micron size dust particles, the much higher ratio of
hydromorphic deposits of elements on such "small' particles compared to the
larger particles and grains collected in conventional geochemistry, leads to
stronger differentiation of each element from "background" and thus to improved
acuity and depth of detection.
Because of the relatively small size of the dust particles, the
hydromorphically deposited elements of each particle will comprise a far greater
percentage of the entire mass of the particle. The ratio of the volume of
hydromorphically deposited elements to the volume of the grain is much greater
for each small grain of dust than it is to larger grains of dust and soil. It has been
realized that the smaller the particle the greater percentage a specific thickness of
imposed coating will be of the entire mass. The coating comes from liquids that
are carried past and through any deeply buried mineralization and consequently
the greater the percentage of the material that you are analyzing is from buried
mineralization the clearer will be the indication of that mineralization in the
analytical data. Therefore the hydromorphic component of the material will be
proportionally larger leading to an increase in the likelihood of successfully
discovering buried and blind subsurface ore bodies.
Buried ore bodies are ore bodies that are covered but have no material in
that covering which will limit the movement of abraded material to the surface soil,
blind ore bodies have coverings of rock that will prevent mechanical incorporation
of ore material into the surficial soil.
An important feature of one or more embodiments of the present invention
is the ability and means to collect dust samples efficiently in the field and to store
and transport them in a contamination-free environment for subsequent analysis.
A preferred embodiment of a system for collecting dust samples from a
geographical area for locating subsurface ore bodies in accordance with the
invention, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, comprises a dust collection module 12
for storing dust samples in a contamination-free environment. The dust collection
module 12 includes a casing 14 housing an apparatus for storing the dust
samples, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 5 to
The system 10 for collecting dust samples also includes means for
transporting the dust collection module 12 over the terrain in the geographical
area. In the illustrated embodiment the transporting means comprises an
adjustable support assembly 16 mounted on the rear of a motor vehicle (not
shown) such as a 4WD or specialised all-terrain vehicle. The transporting means
may be of any suitable form including an aerial vehicle such as, for example, as
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The transporting means may also take the form
of a back-pack for transporting the system 10 by foot.
In the illustrated embodiment the adjustable support assembly 16 is
hydraulically operated and is provided with its own power pack 18 for lowering
and raising the system 10 to/from an operating position. In Figure 1 the system
is shown in it raised position, where it is held during transport to the
geographical area where dust samples are to be collected, and between
waypoints in the geographical area when the dust samples are being collected.
A power take off (PTO) of the vehicle can be used to drive a compressor
and/or hydraulic pump to supply compressed air and/or hydraulic pressure to
lower/raise the tine. The system can therefore be self contained and powered on
the vehicle without requiring an additional power supply. The compressed air can
also be used to provide filtered, de-humidified air to clean the collection tube.
The system 10 for collecting dust samples further comprises a sampling
probe 20, mechanically coupled to the dust collection module 12, and adapted to
be momentarily inserted into the surface overburden at selected locations. The
sampling probe 20 may be handheld device. In the illustrated embodiment the
sampling probe 20 comprises a tine 22 adapted to penetrate surface overburden
soil, and a dust collection tube 24 provided in connection with the tine 22 for
transporting dust samples from adjacent the tip of the tine 22 to the dust
collection module 12. It will be appreciated that the collection tube follows directly
behind the tine. The tine acts to create a groove through the surface soil while
the collection tube provides a conduit for a soil sample to be sucked up to the
collection module. A collecting head 26 provided at a lowermost extremity of the
dust collection tube 24 is located immediately behind the tip of the tine 22, and
has a mouth (not visible) that faces in the opposite direction to the direction of
travel of the tine 22, which assists in preventing blockage of the end of the
collection tube.
Preferably the sampling probe 20 also comprises a depth-control
mechanism 28 with hydraulic actuator for controlling the depth to which the tine
22 penetrates the soil. The depth-control mechanism 28 includes a jockey wheel
29. The height of the jockey wheel can be readily adjusted to set the penetration
of the tine to the required depth. Such height adjustment may be by way of a
rotary actuator with height position settings, such as notches indexing different
height settings.
Preferably, in use, the tine penetrates to a depth of between 2 mm to 150
mm; more preferably between about 80mm to 100mm. A load cell 38, mounted in
connection with tine 22, provides additional important information relating to soil
compression for the geologists.
The load cell pressure is collated with each sample and represented as a
measurement in Newton (N) (force). Measurements of ambient humidity and air
temperature are also provided for the geologists to interpret.
The tine 22 is mounted on a break-away leg with an adjustable break-away
pressure. The break-away leg is designed to allow the tine 22 to swing 20
upwards away from any obstacle it may encounter in the soil, such as a rock, so
as to avoid damaging the collecting head 26. Typically the break-away pressure
is set at about 250 kg, though the break-away pressure may be adjusted to suit
types of overburden soil and rock content.
The system 10 further comprises means provided in connection with the sampling
probe 20 for drawing a sample of dust up into the dust collection module 12
whereby, in use, subsequent analysis for any hydromorphic components in the
dust samples can be performed for identifying the potential mineralisation of
subsurface ore bodies. In this embodiment the means for drawing the dust
samples comprises a vacuum pump 30 which is adapted to draw a sample dust
stream into the mouth of the collecting head 26 and upwards through the dust
collection tube 24 to the dust collection module 12. The dust collection module
12 comprises a casing 14 for storing dust samples in a contamination-free
environment, as can be seen most clearly in Figures 5 to 8. The casing 14 is
preferably a heavy-duty military back pack with removable lid that can be
clamped shut to form an airtight enclosure. The casing 14 is preferably mounted
on four Barry Mounts 15. The ‘Barry Mounts’ 15 are anti-vibration devices that
employ an oil cushion to isolate the casing 14 from vibrations transported
upwards from the sampling probe 20. A tape transport mechanism 32 is housed
within the casing 14 for transporting a coded filter tape 40 from a sample reel 36
to a take-up reel 38. The coded filter tape 40 is made from a special porous
material that captures dust particles greater than about 0.45 micron in diameter in
the pores of the material. The filter tape 40 preferably has barcodes printed onto
its surface at spaced intervals to permit each sample captured on the tape to be
uniquely identified. The tape is preferably a composite polymer that, during
manufacturing or post manufacturing, is subject to being rolled and rolled. This
causes an electrostatic charge that attracts the sub 5 micron particles to stick to
backing or webbing in the tape. The electrostatic charge remains when the
particles are impinged onto the tape. Thus no adhesive is required, and no
additional cover tape is required. The electrostatic charge on the tape readily
retains the smaller (sub 5 micron) particles and does not hold many, if any, larger
particles. Thus, the technological benefits of the tape having an electrostatic
charge to hold particles provides benefits over adhesive tapes. Also, only
requiring one layer of tape, rather than the adhesive tape and second roll of cover
tape, of US 4,056,969, allows rolls of tape to either be longer in length for a given
thickness or take up less room in the ablation unit.
Tape spools or reels can be each be orientated vertically rather than
horizontally within the tape housing’s sealed container. In use, the tape is moved
into position and sealed within the collection tube ready to receive the dust
stream and take the sample. The tape and its reels/spools 9preferably housed in
a cartridge) are moved horizontally, approximately 100mm, away from and sealed
from the dust collection tube whilst the collection tube is blasted with high
pressure dehumidified pre-filtered compressed air. This prevents damage to the
tape and contamination during the high pressure cleaning process. At the same,
time the control system advances the tape to the next sample ready for
repositioning during cleaning. This speeds up the entire sample collection
process because two processes are completed at the same time.
The tape transport mechanism 32 can include a tension step motor (not
visible) for rotating the sample reel 36, and maintaining a predetermined tension
on the filter tape 40, and a take-up step motor (not visible) for rotating the take-up
reel 38 and for winding the tape 40 onto the take-up reel 38 in stepped
increments. The step motors are typically brushless 12 volt DC motors which
enable remote computer adjustable torque, tension and speed control. Drive to
one or both of the reels within the casing may be provided externally of the
casing, such as by one or more corresponding externally mounted motors. This
can reduce the overall weight of the casing and complexity of the equipment
therein. A tape pinch stepper 42 also helps to maintain the tension on the filter
tape 40. The tape can be held and advanced rather than relying on rotation of
reels/spools as an advancing mechanism. For example, the reels/spools may be
freely rotating or have low rotational resistance, and the holding mechanism is
sufficient to retain the tape and move it such the reels/spools rotate in synch with
that movement. A combination of driven reel(s)/spool(s) and tape holding
advancement may be employed.
A barcode reader 44 is also provided in the casing 14 for reading the
unique barcodes printed on the filter tape 40 for identifying each dust sample.
Although barcodes are preferably used, other unique sample identifiers can be
used, such as unique alphanumeric codes or other optical machine readable
codes.
The dust collection module 12 further comprises a means for drawing dust
particles from a dust sample onto the filter tape 40. In this embodiment, a stream
of dust particles from the dust sample is drawn upwards through the dust
collecting tube 24 into an elbow-shaped tube 46 inside the casing 14. As can be
seen more clearly in Figure 7, the elbow-shaped tube 46 has a mass suction fan
48 provided within it at the point where the tube 46 exits the casing 14. The mass
vacuum fan 48 draws the main stream of dust particles through the dust collection
module 12. A small sample tube 50 extends into the interior 13 of the elbow-
shaped tube 46 (see Figure 7) for taking a sample of dust particles from the main
dust stream. A sample vacuum fan 52 is provided for sucking the sample of dust
particles through a small channel 54, which passes through the transport path of
the filter tape 40, into an evacuation chamber 56.
The strength of the respective vacuums created by the fans 48 and 52
respectively is carefully calibrated to ensure that only fine dust particles within the
preferred particle size range (0.1 to 10.0 micron, preferably up to 4.0 micron) are
suspended in the air stream that passes through the filter tape 40. A significant
number of these fine dust particles are deposited on the filter tape 40, in a
designated area on the tape adjacent a barcode, for storage and subsequent
analysis. The series of vacuum suction tubes thus provided eliminate dust
particles with a size greater than 4 micron, using a four zone stepped vacuum
system with adjustable vacuum controls in each zone.
After each sample of fine dust particles is collected, the entire four zone
dust transport pathway has to be cleaned of residual dust particles to prevent
contamination of the next dust sample. For this purpose an air nipple 58 is
provided in fluid connection with the dust transport pathway. A source of
compressed air is connected to the air nipple 58, and after each dust sample
collection sequence, a blast of compressed air is sent through the dust transport
pathway to evacuate it of any residual dust particles. As can be seen most
clearly in Figure 7, a pivotable cylindrical member 62 is provided in the dust
transport pathway, adjacent to the point where the fine dust particles are directed
onto the filter tape via the small sample tube 50. The cylindrical member 62 has
a T-shaped channel provided through it for redirecting the flow path from the filter
tape to the air nipple 58. The cylindrical member 62 is pivoted after each sample
is collected, so that a blast of compressed air is sent back through the dust
transport pathway in the opposite direction to that in which it flowed when
collecting the sample. Any residual dust particles are thus evacuated back out
through the dust collection tube 24.
The dust collection module 12 preferably includes a GPS receiver for
obtaining the GPS coordinates of the location of each dust sample collected by
the system 10. A microprocessor-based controller 60 controls the operation of
the various components of the dust collection module 12. The microprocessor-
based controller 60 records the barcode from the filter tape 40, together with the
GPS coordinates for each dust sample collected before the tape transport
mechanism is activated to incrementally move the tape 40 ready for the next
sample. Figure 4 illustrates graphically a typical sequence of steps involved
when collecting each dust sample.
With the sampling probe 20 in its raised position as shown in Figure 1, the
vehicle on which the system is transported may typically travel over the ground at
km/hr. Between dust samples, the system is purged of all dust particles to
avoid contaminating subsequent samples. This is done by turning on both the
mass fans 30 and 48. As the system 10 draws close to the location of the next
sampling waypoint, the transport vehicle will typically slow down to 10 km/hr as
the sampling probe 20 begins to be lowered to its operating position and
penetrates the soil as shown in Figure 2. When the tip of the tine on the sampling
probe 20 reaches its full depth of about 100mm, the vehicle slows to about 5
km/hr and the system 10 is ready for collecting a sample. The tine can be biased
to engage into the surface of the ground a required amount. Depth maintenance
can be used to ensure required depth of sampling consistently for quality control
and collection purposes. Depth maintenance can be provided by a biasing
means which positively encourages the tine to engage downwards into the soil,
and a control means, such as a trialing wheel (e.g. wheel 29) can be used to
maintain that required depth. Other depth maintenance means may be
employed, such as a depth gauge and tine lifting/lowering control means, which
may be motor controlled.
All the vacuum fans are turned on and a dust sample is drawn up into the
dust collection module 12. Some of the fine dust particles from the main dust
stream are deposited onto the filter tape 40 beside a unique barcode.
Simultaneously the GPS coordinates of the location of the dust sample are
obtained and recorded together with the unique barcode for that sample read
from the filter tape 40. All the fans are turned off and the sampling probe 20 is
lifted back to its raised position. The dust cleaning sequence is initiated using a
blast of compressed air. The filter tape 40 is then stepped through by the tape
transport mechanism 32 to the next barcode sample area ready for next dust
sample collection. Then the operating sequence is repeated for the next dust
sample.
The operator is typically guided by a digital positioning screen that tracks
his 30 path and records sample locations, while showing his position relative to a
pre-planned path and distance on the screen. The digital positioning screen also
includes a guidance light bar which provides a visual cue for the operator to
maintain the heading of the vehicle in the correct direction. The light bar includes
two zones coloured orange and red either side of a green circle in the centre of
the bar, which represents the true heading. If the vehicle is heading in the correct
direction the green circle in the centre lights up. If the direction of the vehicle
starts to deviate to one side of the true heading the orange bar on that side lights
up indicating caution. If the direction of the vehicle is not corrected the red bar on
the same side lights up, warning the operator that on the current heading the
vehicle will miss the next waypoint. One sample reel can typically hold up to
2000 samples, which is the expected sample collection rate per day. One
cassette should therefore contain one day's worth of samples, which avoids
multiple cassette changes in a days work. When the cassette is full a field
collection SO memory card (see Figure 11) is removed from the computer and
placed with the cassette in a sealed cassette pod and delivered to a laboratory for
analysis.
The system 10 for collecting dust samples enables automatic continuous
or periodic sample collection at required speeds , such as between 2km/hr to
50km/hr. The speed can vary depending on the terrain (gradients, obstacles,
type of soil, soil wetness etc).
The location of each sample is automatically determined with reference to
a state-of-the-art GPS system. The sample collection system 10 can be
programmed to collect samples according to a pre-determined grid pattern of
waypoints, or simply by taking samples over the sampling area at points that can
be recorded as when collection occurs. In this way it is possible relocate sample
waypoints if initially unrecognised obstacles are encountered during sampling,
and to increase the sampling density if in the field a particular area is considered
worthy of a more detailed sampling regime.
In the option where the transporting means is a UAV, a suitable UAV
would be a (computer or line of sight) controlled or autonomous UAV, such as a
ducted fan craft or a miniature helicopter. The UAV can carry a lightweight dust
collection module and employs fully automated preprogrammed sample waypoint
coordinates in its camera-operated obstacle avoidance navigation system. It
collects dust samples utilising a miniature compressed air driven probe (such as a
‘dart’) and dust collection head, or a weighted head that penetrates the soil to a
required depth. The head or probe might be deployed from the UAV on a line,
such as a wire, or on an extendable tube or rod. It is envisaged that soil sampling
from a distance off up to 1.0 metre above the soil surface will be carried out. Any
perceived problem of downdraft from the UAV displacing light soil from the soil
surface is negated by the probe sampling below the surface. The UAV may be
configured to travel and sample over land or over water. For example, over water
the UAV may lower a sampling probe down through the body of water and take a
sample from below the underlying bed. Over water the sampling may be carried
out by the flying above contact with the water or by a vessel floating in contact
with the water. Alternatively, sampling may be carried out from a manned vessel
or craft on or over the water. The dust collection module 16 can be similar to the
4WD vehicle-mounted design but reduced in size and weight to reduce payload
for the UAV. The power source is a NiCad or lithium ion type battery system that
feeds the power to the UAV. The UAV can be operated by a single person sitting
in the air-conditioned comfort of a control vehicle or remote building. The dust-
proof case and reels are removed from the UAV and transported by air to the
laboratory for subsequent analysis, same as the conventional 4WD design. The
UAV allows locations that are otherwise difficult to access to be reached, for
example, pockets of wooded terrain. The UAV might be fitted with visual means,
such as monocular or binocular camera system, which can either record sampling
operations or feed video data back to an operator for “real time” viewing and
control purposes.
The 4WD-mounted system 10 for collecting dust samples can be
incorporated onto a purpose-built fully integrated tray body that incorporates the
hydraulic and pneumatic power-pack and controls. This design allows the
sampling probe 20 to be mounted within the 1 metre overhang limits set by the
Australian Department of Transport industry safety standards. The standard tray
of a dual cab 4WD is removed and the fully integrated tray body bolted onto the
4WD chassis. This design optimises mechanical strength, whilst improving
operator safety, portability to any location in the world. It also places all the
equipment and cable looms in a single transportable package that can be AS
checked prior to shipment.
Alternatively the system 10 for collecting dust samples can be mounted on
a bogy trailer with airbag suspension. A hitch-mount adjuster can be used to
maintain the correct ground engaging height of the depth-control mechanism 28
to ensure the depth of the tine 22 is maintained at 100mm below ground at al
times. The pneumatic and hydraulic power-pack and all other equipment is also
mounted in the trailer unit which is of similar design to the fully integrated tray
body for the 4WD described above. The trailer unit can be towed by any suitable
vehicle, and thus is not restricted to 4WD terrain - an all-terrain vehicle can be
employed that has the ability to tow and operate in hostile conditions and difficult
terrain. The trailer unit also permits a 0.03 micron air filtration system to be
incorporated, using a chiller operated by a 240 volt or 12 volt diesel powered
generator mounted on the trailer. This filtered and dehumidified air is used to
clean any residual dust remaining in the dust collection pathway to prevent
contamination of the dust samples.
A preferred embodiment of a system and method of collecting and
analysing dust samples from a geographical area for locating subsurface ore
bodies will now be described with reference to Figures 9a to 12.
Figures 9a-9o show stepwise employment of a system for collecting dust
samples for use in analysis. The system 10 is mounted to the rear of a vehicle as
shown in Figure 1, and the same reference numerals are used.
As the vehicle moves forward (i.e. to the right as shown in the figures), the
tine 22 is gradually lowered and engages into the soil surface. At figure 9g the
tine 22 is in its lowermost position and the sample (dust) collection tube 24 is
upright with the sample collection tube opening at approximately 100mm from the
soil surface.
As shown in figure 9h, the mass fan is running and a soil sample is
traveling up the sample collection tube 24 from the opening at the bottom of the
collection tube. In figure 9i, the sample is passing through a cyclonic separator
to remove larger particles of soil.
In figures 9j to 9o, the sampling fan is running in the dust collection module
12. This fan extracts dust from the sample above the cyclonic separator.
In figure 9m, a vacuum fan 12A is run to extract fine dust particles from the
sample via a capture medium, such as a tape. The fine dust particles are
essentially blown onto and captured by the medium. Each fine dust particle
sample is indexed with a unique reference identifier. In figure 9n, GPS
positioning equipment 12B is used to obtain coordinates for the soil sample
collection location.
Figure 9o shows the system 10 with vacuum turned off – sample collection
and transfer of fine dust particles to the capture medium (eg tape) is completed
for that sample.
Figures 9p to 9u show various stages of lifting the tine 22 after sample
capture. Figure 9s shows the mass fan cleaning out the collection tube by
blowing particles back through the cyclonic separator and down the tube to be
exhausted at the tube inlet/outlet. This process ‘cleans’ the collection tube and
separator ready for the next sample and avoids contamination of that next sample
by dust from a previous sample.
Dehumidified and pre-filtered gas (preferably air, though nitrogen may be
used) at pressure may be employed to clean the collection tube (and preferably
other zones) of contaminant. The air is pre-filtered of any contaminant and
dehumidified to prevent moisture and material depositing in the moist zones
which could build up and cause a block or contamination.
The system 70 for analysing dust samples, as shown in Figures 10a to
10d, typically comprises an ablation means 76 for ablating particles of dust from
the dust sample collected in the field and analysis means for analysing the
chemical composition of the ablated dust particles for the presence of
hydromorphic anomalies that may indicate the mineralogy of subsurface ore
bodies.
In the illustrated embodiment shown in figure 10b, a laser ablation cell 72
is provided for extracting dust particles deposited on the filter tape 40 and
ablating the particles in an atmosphere of inert gas 100 (argon). The ablated
material is then conveyed to a mass spectrometer 74 for analysis of the chemical
components, including any hydromorphic anomalies that may be present in the
sample. The laser ablation cell and the mass spectrometer are first purged via a
purge means 102 with argon gas prior to analyzing a sample. This removes any
contamination that may linger from a previous sample or from ambient air. One
bar pressure of argon may be used. Loss of argon gas and contamination during
auto ablation of the samples is prevented by utilising a pressure vessel that
contains the argon and the tape holding the samples for ablation. A gas lock
valve arrangement within the ablation unit can be used to maintain a
contamination free zone immediately surrounding the ablation zone within the
ablation unit. This gas lock valve arrangement involves at least one valve
between the supply of argon and the ablation unit, whereby the gas supply and
the ablation unit become isolated from one another during ablation. This prevents
matter during ablation from entering back towards the gas supply and
subsequently contaminating the next sample ablation.
A valve can be used to seal argon at a sample to be ablated. The valve
can be air operated or electrically operated. The sample on the tape is subjected
to approximately 1 bar argon pressure, such that any oxygen or air is purged
away from the sample to be ablated. Once ablation of that sample is complete,
the valve can be opened to allow for the next sample.
Figure 10c illustrates in more detail the arrangement of the auto ablation
assembly 76 for the system 70 of Figure 10a. The auto ablation assembly 76
comprises means for receiving a sample reel 78 with the coded filter tape 40
having particles of dust deposited thereon from each dust sample collected. It
includes a tape transport mechanism 80 for receiving the sample reel 78 and
transporting the filter tape 40 in a contamination-free environment to a take-up
reel 82. The laser ablation cell 72 is provided in connection with the tape
transport mechanism 80 for ablating particles of dust from each dust sample as
the tape passes through the cell. A barcode reader 84 is provided for reading the
unique identifying code for each dust sample from the filter tape 40 as the tape is
stepped through the ablation cell 72.
Figure 10d shows the arrangement of figure 10b with the ablated sample
being analysed by the mass spectrometer to detect presence of hydromorphic
anomalies. Analysis is carried out in the inert gas environment, such as in argon,
preferably at up to one bar gas pressure.
Ablation may be continuous or stepwise, as may be sample collection. For
example, instead of periodic sampling the system may continuously sample and
obtain a continuum of samples and analyse such samples to obtain an indication
of continuity of presence of anomalies.
Figure 11 illustrates a typical sequence of steps involved in the method of
processing the collected dust samples in a laboratory. The cassette containing
the coded filter tape 40 with the particles of dust deposited thereon is placed 100
in the auto ablation assembly 76. The filter tape 40 is then transported in a
contamination-free environment through the laser ablation device 72, and dust
from each dust sample are ablated. The unique identifying code for each dust
sample is also read from the filter tape. After ablation the tape transport
mechanism 80 moves the tape 40 along, and accurately positions the tape ready
for the next laser ablation process. Analysis 102 of the ablated materials is
performed in the mass spectrometer 74 to obtain concentrations that can be used
for detecting chemical anomalies.
A system computer programme 80 digitally records 104 the results of the
geochemical analysis, the unique identifying barcode, and the GPS coordinates
of the location for each dust sample from which the dust particles have been
obtained whereby, in use, the recorded data can be used to identify the potential
mineralisation of subsurface ore bodies. The recorded data can be used for
generating a visual representation of possible subsurface mineralization in the
geographical area from which the dust samples were collected. A sample map is
illustrated in Figure 12 showing the results of the geochemical analysis and the
location of sampling waypoints.
Once the results of the geochemical analysis of the fine particles of dust
are known, the indications of mineralisation suggested by any superimposed
hydromorphic anomalies in the dust particles are averaged 106 and combined
with the GPS coordinates of the dust particles. The results of the averaging are
then superimposed 108 on a map of the geographical area using different colours
to generate a "halo effect", as shown in Figure 12, indicating the possible
mineralisation of subsurface ore bodies. Live data from the laser ablation
analysis can be automatically downloaded to a digital mapping system that shows
up to 80 elements as a halo effect around mineralisation "hotspots."
Thus the location of subsurface ore bodies can be quickly identified whilst
the geologist is still on site. Additional samples can then be collected in potential
hotspots to verify and provide a more complete picture of the potential
mineralisation of subsurface ore bodies.
As illustrated in Figure 11, proprietary client software is employed to
access the mass spectrometer client application and to transfer the results of the
chemical analysis to a Coordination and Collation Interface using the 19 Dynamic
Data Exchange (DOE) protocol. The data is transmitted to the Coordination and
Collation Interface via an Ethernet as UDP data packets. The data from the field
collection memory device (an SD card in this embodiment) is also provided to the
Coordination and Collation Interface and the results are emailed to the server.
The server decodes the email and stores the data in a database.
Sample waypoint coordinates can be preloaded prior to arriving at a site to
be surveyed, or immediately prior to commencing surveying, or can be loaded
consecutively as the sampling is progressing provided at least the next required
coordinates are loaded prior to being needed. The field collection unit uses a
digital navigation system to track the sample collection zone and collect each
sample .
A Control PCB is designed to control operation of the auto ablation
assembly 76. A DOE laser control software application is employed to control the
laser ablation cell 72.
Hence the system is capable of automatically advancing each sample on
the filter tape 40, controlling the ablation device 72 and controlling the flow of gas,
including purging when necessary. It reads the barcode, initialises the mass
spectrometer and the laser ablation unit. Then it ablates the sample, obtains the
results from the mass spectrometer and records the results into the proprietary
GSS database. Typical database records for each sample 15 include Customer
, Sample 10, Collection Unit Serial Number, GPS coordinates, Time and Date
of sample, Sample Vacuum, Sample Collection Time Interval and Ablation
Results. The system 70 for analysing the dust samples can be built as a
transportable unit and taken into the field to improve sample analysis and
turnaround time.
One or more digital images of the topography to be surveyed can be
captured before, during or after sampling, preferably before sampling. Each
image can be associated to one or more samples collected and analysed. For
example, images of 40 sq metre areas can be imaged, whereby each image
relates to an individual sample. Each image can therefore be indexed to the
respective identifier for each respective sample e.g. an image can be matched to
a barcode associated with a particular sample on the tape. The images can be
used by a Geologist to assist greatly in the interpretation of the digital data sets of
the corresponding sample.
Now that a preferred embodiment of the system and method for locating
subsurface ore bodies has been described in detail, it will be apparent that the
described embodiment provides a number of advantages over the prior art,
including the following:
i) The methodology is based on analysis of dust particles as they
occur in nature and therefore there is no sample preparation of collected material
required prior to analysis.
ii) The potential for contamination of preparative reagents is therefore
eliminated.
iii) Since only a small portion of each dust sample is destroyed during
the analytic process, a significant amount of the collected sample remains for
future or repeat analysis.
iv) Dust samples can be collected rapidly and in large quantities over a
sizable geographical area in a single day, significantly improving the efficiency
and reducing the costs of sample collection.
v) Small size dust particles means that the ratio of hydromorphically
deposited ions to the particle mass when both are ablated is much greater than
for larger dust and soil grains. The focus on fine dust particles (preferably less
than 4.0 micron size) allows greater differentiation from background levels of
ions/elements
vi) The dust collection module is relatively lightweight (typically no more
than 5kg) and therefore can be easily transported on a variety of vehicle platforms
or carried by foot.
vii) Laboratory analysis of dust samples can also be fully automated to
increase the speed at which the samples are processed and analytic data is
available for mapping.
Collect samples on tape
Seal and transfer tape to analytical laboratory
Introduce tape into newly designed tape holder in LA-ICP-MS instrument
Calibrate system using Certified Reference Materials(CRM’s)
Set up software so that the instrument will analyze the tape samples and
relate each sample to its geographical location
Run all samples on tape
Remove all data from instrument electronically and either run through
expert system (yet to be designed or manually look at data to determine if
there are any anomalous readings that are the result of photon incidents
during the analytical run
Take final data set and plot data in terms of northing's and easting’s for
individual elements relevant to t he particular type of investigation being
undertaken (there are different element profiles indicating subcropping
mineralization for different exploration initiatives.
Plot combined elemental profiles in the same manner (there are different
multi-element suites representing different types of mineralization)
Overlay relevant plots on known subcropping geology (manually or with
program when developed)
Identify areas of potential subcropping mineralization (manually or with
program when developed)
Draw relevant exploration maps identifying areas of potential subcropping
mineralization on the map.
Figures 13 and 14 show an alternative embodiment of the filter medium
arrangement. The filter medium 100 is a tape on two reels/spools 102A, 102B.
The tape is advanced and indexed by a tape indexer 104. The tape indexer 104
grasps or holds the tape and advances it a required distance from one reel/spool
onto the other reel/spool. There are two positions for the mechanism holding the
reels/spools. The first is a cleaning position and the second is a sampling
position. The mechanism moves on shuttle guides, such as rails 109. Thus, this
mechanism shuttles the reels/spools from one position to the other and back. A
drive means, such as a motor or air drive can be employed to effect movement.
Tape is spooled from reel/spool 102A to 102B while at its cleaning position and
the barcode is read. The tape is advanced one sample position. While this is
happening, the sampling tube and dust chamber are cleaned (position at Figure
). When tape indexing and cleaning are complete, the shuttle assembly 106
(mounted on a mounting plate 107) is moved relative to the mounting plate to the
sampling position (position at Figure 16). At the sampling position, the sample
vacuum 108 advances and dust is sucked up the sampling tube 110. When dust
flow is established, the vacuum is turned on and dust is sucked onto the sample
filter medium (tape 100). When complete, the sample vacuum retracts, the
shuttle is returned to the cleaning position and the cycle is repeated for the next
sample. A laser barcode scanner identifies the indexed mark on the tape relating
to a particular sample. Excess dust is extracted via an excess dust extraction
tube 114.
It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various
modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in
addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive
concepts of the present invention. For example, in the described embodiment
ablation is carried out in argon in order to permit the dust particles deposited on
the filter tape to be ablated in an inert atmosphere. However, the same result may
be achieved by placing the entire auto ablation assembly, including the tape
transport mechanism, in a sealed enclosure, evacuating the enclosure and filling
it with an inert gas. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention
is not limited to the specific embodiments described.
Claims (34)
1. A method for locating subsurface ore bodies, the method comprising: taking samples of sub-surface soil from a depth below the surface of up to 1 metre over a predetermined geographical area, capturing and analysing particles of dust of up to 25.0 microns in size from the samples to discover any chemical anomalies in the dust particles as a way of identifying possible subcropping mineralization.
2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: establishing waypoints for taking the dust samples in a preselected geographical area; and taking a dust sample at each waypoint and simultaneously recording the GPS coordinates of each waypoint.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising storing the dust samples in a contamination-free environment for conducting the analysis for hydromorphic anomalies in the dust samples.
4. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: transporting a dust collection apparatus over the terrain in the geographical area according to predetermined waypoints; inserting a sampling probe into the surface soil at selected ones of said waypoints; drawing a sample of dust up into the dust collection apparatus; storing the dust sample from each waypoint in the dust collection apparatus in a contamination-free environment; and, recording the GPS coordinates of each selected waypoint whereby, in use, the analysis for any hydromorphic components in the dust samples is used to determine the potential mineralisation of subsurface ore bodies.
5. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: generating a visual representation of the distribution of possible sub-surface mineralization in the geographical area based on results from the analysis.
6. A method according to claim 4, whereby recording the GPS coordinates of the location of each dust sample is conducted substantially simultaneously with the collecting and storing of the dust samples.
7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising averaging the results of the analysis.
8. A method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising combining GPS coordinates of the dust particles with the results of the statistical manipulation of data, and superimposing on a map of the geographical area the results of the statistical manipulation of data to generate a plot to indicate the potential presence of sub-surface mineralization.
9. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: storing the particles of dust from each dust sample collected at a respective waypoint onto an indexed filter medium.
10. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the dust sample is sucked onto or blown onto the filter medium.
11. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, whereby the dust samples are obtained from between 75mm and 200mm below the surface.
12. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, whereby the dust particles for analysis include dust particles up to 10 micron in size.
13. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dust particles of the or each sample for analysis predominantly include dust particles sub 10.0 micron in size.
14. A method according to claim 13, whereby sub 5.0 micron dust particles form the greatest proportion of the dust particles for analysis.
15. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising transporting a tape including a filter medium from a first reel onto a second reel in a contamination-free environment.
16. A method as claimed in claim 15, further comprising reading a unique identifying code for each dust sample from the tape, and storing GPS coordinates together with the unique identifying code for each dust sample whereby, in use, subsequent analysis of dust samples may be used to identify potential sub-surface mineralisation.
17. A system for collecting dust samples from a geographical area for locating subsurface ore bodies, the system comprising: a dust collection module for storing the dust samples in a controlled environment; means for transporting the dust collection module over terrain in the geographical area; a sampling probe mechanically coupled to the dust collection module; an insertion means actuated in use to insert the probe into the terrain surface to collect dust samples from a depth below the surface of up to 1 metre at selected locations; and, means provided in connection with the sampling probe for drawing the sample of dust up into the dust collection module, and means for capturing dust particles of up to 25.0 microns from the dust samples for analysis to discover any superimposed hydromorphic anomalies on the captured dust particles,whereby, in use, subsequent analysis of the dust particles of up to 25.0 microns in size for any said hydromorphic components in the dust samples can be performed for identifying the potential presence of sub- surface mineralization.
18. A system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the dust collection module comprises : a container for storing dust samples in a contamination-free environment; a transport mechanism for an indexed filter medium housed within the container.
19. A system as claimed in claim 17 or 18, further comprising dust particle drawing means to draw the particles of the dust including dust particles of less than 10.0 microns onto the filter medium.
20. A system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising a unique code provided for each dust sample indexed on the filter medium; and a code reader provided to read the unique code for each dust sample indexed on the filter medium.
21. A system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the sampling probe comprises: a tine adapted to penetrate surface overburden soil; a dust collection tube provided in connection with the tine for transporting dust samples from adjacent the tip of the tine to the dust collection module.
22. A system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 21, further an ablation means arranged to ablate the particles of dust for analysis including the dust particles of less than 5.0 microns from a collected dust sample.
23. A system as claimed in claim 22, the ablation means housed in the dust collection module.
24. A system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 23, further comprising: the collection module housing a sample reel holding the filter medium as a a coded filter tape having particles of dust deposited thereon from each said dust sample collected; a tape transport mechanism for receiving the sample reel and transporting the filter tape in a contamination-free environment to a take-up reel.
25. A system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 24, further comprising an analyzer for performing geochemical analysis of ablated dust particles for detecting hydromorphic anomalies.
26. A system as claimed in claim 24 or 25, the system providing a unique identifying code and GPS coordinates of the location for each dust sample from which the dust particles have been obtained.
27. A system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein the filter medium includes a webbing allowing relatively large particles through, the filter medium being eletrostatically charged to retain relatively smaller particles.
28. A system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the tape has an electrostatic charge that retains the collected samples.
29. A system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 28, including a valve arrangement to isolate a said dust sample in an argon rich atmosphere during ablation.
30. A system as claimed in claim 29, the at least one valve including an air or electrically operated valve.
31. A system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 30, further including image capture means arranged and configured to capture at least one image of an area of topography to be sampled, each collected dust sample is identified with a particular image to locate that respective sample to the particular area of topography.
32. A system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 31, the system collecting a greater proportion of sub 5.0 micron particles in a dust sample for analysis than any larger collected particle.
33. A method according to claim 24, wherein the tape is moved away from and sealed from the dust collection tube, and the dust collection tube undergoes cleaning with pressurised, dehumidified, pre-filtered compressed air.
34. A method according to claim 33, wherein a control system moves the tape to a next sample ready position during the cleaning. GLOBAL SCIENTIFIC SERVICES PTY LTD WATERMARK PATENT AND TRADE MARKS ATTORNEYS P34025NZPC
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2011900683A AU2011900683A0 (en) | 2011-02-25 | Method, system and apparatus for use in locating subsurface ore bodies | |
AU2011900683 | 2011-02-25 | ||
PCT/AU2012/000182 WO2012113032A1 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2012-02-24 | Method, system and apparatus for use in locating subsurface ore bodies |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ615332A NZ615332A (en) | 2015-09-25 |
NZ615332B2 true NZ615332B2 (en) | 2016-01-06 |
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