Compact X-Ray Fluorescence probe for uniquely flexible, efficient and accurate underground material analysis

Project Information

IBERIA XRF

Grant agreement ID: 945804

DOI

10.3030/945804

Project closed

EC signature date 12 February 2020

Start date 1 March 2020

End date 28 February 2022

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 1 316 466,25

EU contribution

€ 921 526,38

Coordinated by

J&C BACHMANN GMBH
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - IBERIA XRF (Compact X-Ray Fluorescence probe for uniquely flexible, efficient and accurate underground material analysis)

Reporting period: 2021-03-01 to 2022-02-28

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

In mining, environmental and geologic research, exploration investigations are frequently accompanied by large scale drilling and blasting to extract large samples of material. This material then needs to be transported to laboratory facilities in order to investigate the chemical composition. The entire process is expensive and time consuming, and involves a significant amount of environmental damage. Exploration activities are extremely time and resource consuming, resulting often in contamination, negative impact on landscape and ecosystem, as well as friction with the local population. To minimize exploration impact and maximize efficiency and flexibility, we are developing a miniaturized probe that uses X-Ray Fluorescence to determine with outstanding accuracy the ground’s composition along small, low-impact boreholes. The probe does not require radioactive sources, directly collecting precise and real-time information about the composition along the borehole.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In terms of technical development, the probe window and detector alignment have been optimized, consolidated, tested and validated, while the necessary operational calibration steps have been automated. The compact probe configuration has also been validated, including full electronics and cooling setup. The probe's operational software has been improved with highly adaptable and highly compatible data reporting options and increased portability features. Finally, the entire probe system has been fully validated under real conditions through field tests in multiple mining locations around the world.

In terms of commercial development and industrialization, the distribution network has been expanded across key countries, the probe documentation and detailed manuals have been completed, while the website and overall online strategy has been largely improved and expanded in order to reach a larger audience.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The IBERIA XRF probe provides an outstanding exploration solution that is well beyond the current state of the art. By using X-Ray Fluorescence instead of radioactive sources, our probe is extremely compact and does not generate any environmental hazards. Our probe can be used directly and in real-time in low-impact boreholes, for a fraction of the cost of traditional exploration and with minimal environmental impact. Through our probe, we will help the mining industry maximize exploration efficiency, reduce financial risk and achieve higher employee safety. Both mining companies and operators will considerably reduce investment risk, while also expanding exploration capacity and efficiency. Our probe will also facilitate and simplify metal exploration, requiring only the use of a small truck to load and operate the probe and the drilling equipment. As an environmentally friendlier and fully European solution, our probe paves the way towards efficient and sustainable metal exploration. It will improve the EU’s position on the industry, and ensure a larger supply of essential metals for the European industry.

IBERIA XRF