New X-ray technology detects hidden gold

● A breakthrough X-ray technology that can detect and analyse unseen gold is now up and running in Australia, with plans to bring it to Africa.

The technology, developed by Australia’s national science agency, uses high-powered X-rays to bombard rock samples and activate atoms of gold and other metals. A highly sensitive detector picks up unique signatures to determine their concentrations.

The system is operational at Ausdrill’s MinAnalytical facility in Perth, with two more to be established in the Kalgoorlie goldfields in coming months, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation said this week.

Ausdrill has longer-term plans to take it to Africa.

“We’ve seen the introduction of autonomous machinery in mines, the adoption of ore-sorting technology in mineral processing, and now X-ray technology to help further up the chain,” said Gavin Wendt, senior analyst at MineLife.

“Meaningful gold discoveries are much harder to identify, so a process that could dramatically enhance the exploration process will be welcomed.”

The photon assay system will analyse at least 50 000 samples a month, at a similar cost to conventional methods, and can also be applied to a range of other minerals, the CSIRO said.