In an effort to streamline the acquisition of assay results relevant to the prospectivity of areas being explored by the company, PMC earlier this year acquired a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) analyser through the Exploration Division.

The device performs XRF analysis, a rapid, non-destructive method producing assay results by using the characteristic fluorescent radiation of an element when hit by X-rays, the intensity of which is proportional to its concentration. Production of assay results is reduced to a minimum three-day task, allowing for faster recognition of exploration targets and more cost-efficient decision-making.

The Exploration Division has used the device for the past few months in its exploration activities. It can analyse various samples such as drill cores, rock slabs, soil, and stream sediments. The analyser is set to detect gold and silver as well as essential pathfinder elements. The division minimizes the cost by only sending samples that initially detected gold to laboratories for confirmatory purposes.

The use of the device has been integrated into the division’s standard procedures conforming to the company’s EMS. Measures have been put in place to ensure safety of employees using the device and to prolong the service life of the unit. A robust sampling and quality assurance program has also been adopted to ensure reliability of the geochemical data provided by the device.

The Exploration Division expresses its gratitude to the PMC management for approving the acquisition of the XRF analyser and for their support in initiatives promoting the cost-efficiency of our work.