Record gold prices are driving mining companies to accelerate exploration, resource expansion and project development, with portable analytical technologies increasingly being used to support faster decision-making in the field, says analytical equipment provider SciAps – Scientific Applications sales director Pieter du Preez.

Handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analysers are helping exploration teams to generate real-time geochemical data, consequently enabling improved drill targeting and more efficient resource evaluation.

The higher gold prices are also increasing activity across the broader precious metals value chain, including refiners, recyclers, bullion dealers, assay laboratories and technology suppliers.

As exploration activity increases, demand for portable analytical tools is also rising, with portable XRF technology being increasingly adopted as part of established exploration workflows, complementing laboratory analysis rather than replacing it, elaborates Du Preez.

On-site elemental analysis provides immediate geological information that helps exploration teams to identify alteration zones, vector towards mineralised systems and prioritise samples for laboratory testing.

“Portable XRF technology is also used to identify pathfinder elements associated with gold mineralisation, including arsenic, antimony, bismuth, tungsten, copper, lead and zinc. These indicators help geologists [to] improve targeting efficiency, particularly in complex geological environments.”

For example, gold can be measured at parts-per-billion levels in the field using analytical instrumentation supplied by SciAps – Scientific Applications and a methodology developed by mining technology company Portable PPB.

This is a significant development because it allows for the rapid screening of low-level gold anomalies and can help geologists identify prospective targets sooner, he adds.

While laboratory analysis still remains essential for verification and resource reporting, Du Preez says Portable PPB workflows can reduce turnaround times and improve exploration efficiency, with exploration companies increasingly combining elemental analysis with mineralogical analysis to gain a better understanding of geological systems.

“While elemental analysis identifies a sample’s chemical composition, mineralogical analysis provides insight into alteration systems and ore-forming processes.”

In addition, portable near-infrared technology enables for the rapid identification of alteration minerals in the field, helping geologists map hydrothermal systems, understand geological controls on mineralisation and target areas with potential for gold discoveries, he notes.

Du Preez expects continued adoption of real-time analytical technologies, advanced data analytics, AI-driven geological modelling and portable low-level detection methods to have a significant impact on gold exploration and mining over the next five years.

“Access to high-quality field data will become increasingly important as companies seek to make faster and more informed decisions throughout the exploration and mining process,” he concludes.