I know that the Russians did a
lot of work on using muons back over thirty years ago and even got into using satellites
to advance the work. It is certainly
helpful to detect density changes when exploring for minerals as most of our
important minerals do form in denser deposits, but not always.
Most copper is mined from large disseminated
deposits and the copper content is often as low as three to ten pounds per
ton. That sure will not show a change of
density.
Massive sulphide deposits are
quite another matter. Yet they are often
developed in the presence of substantial uneconomic magnetite deposits. So none of this is a free ride at all. Yet the ability to plausibly map density from
deep underground sensors is certainly attractive.
It may well allow us to redevelop
many of the old silver vein type mines were the ore is very dense. Perhaps it can be used to give the old
Comstock a second look.
CAT Scans for the Earth
For Immediate Release
Scientists Use Cosmic Rays To Develop Images of Mine Deposits.
Similar to medical imaging machines, the technology, initiated from the
research of Dr. Douglas Bryman, J.B. Warren Chair at the University of British
Columbia Department of Physics and Astronomy, is being further developed by
Advanced Applied Physics Solutions (AAPS), a Centre of Excellence for
Commercialization and Research (CECR), funded under the federal Networks of
Centres of Excellence program. AAPS, the commercialization partner of
Vancouver’s TRIUMF - Canada’s national laboratory for nuclear and particle
physics - brings together academics, government and industry from across Canada
AAPS is commercializing muon geotomography, which relies on the
detection of cosmic ray muons (highly energetic electron-like particles created
in the upper atmosphere) which penetrate deep within the earth. “The
underground muon sensor system is able to detect and differentiate regions of
high density, from which 3D images can be created of potentially valuable ore”,
explained Dr. Bryman.
The technology has been initially tested in a mine on Mt. Myra ,
near Campbell River
“Mining is a major contributor to our resource-based economy. By
investing in this project, our Government is ensuring that our key sectors
develop the tools necessary to grow and provide highly-skilled jobs for Canadians,”
said Minister Yelich. "Our Government will continue to do its part to help
build a more globally competitive and productive mining sector.”
AAPS is completing first round proof-of-principle tests in
collaboration with NVI-Breakwater at its Myra Falls mining operations on
Vancouver Island, as well with TRIUMF, university partners, the Geological
Survey of Canada and BC Ministry of Energy and Mines.
“The mining sector is a critical part of a competitive Canadian
economy, and certainly is key to the BC economy,” said Jack Scott, President
and CEO of AAPS. “We are proud that with the help of this multi-sector
collaboration we are able to advance a technology that may benefit the
industry. The partnership created for this project is a strong example of the
work that AAPS, as a CECR was established to do”, Mr. Scott explained.
"The centres of excellence help translate leading-edge research
into practical solutions for Canadians, addressing many of our country’s
greatest health, environmental, social and economic challenges," said Dr.
Suzanne Fortier, Chair of the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) Steering
Committee and President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research
Council of Canada, “The CECR program plays an integral role in the government’s
science and technology strategy for a more prosperous, advanced and competitive
Canada.”
Further tests will validate that the technology can be used to explore
a broad range of mineral deposits. The initial tests to identify massive
sulfide deposits at Mt.
Myra Asia .
NVI-Breakwater spokesman Rick Sawyer lauded the new technology as a
breakthrough for the industry. “Mineral exploration and mine development is an
expensive and time-consuming process and anything that makes it easier and less
costly is more than welcome by the industry”, said Sawyer. “Also, because this
technology has the potential to detect and image deposits at depth, it will
refine the exploration search area which will reduce the amount of drilling
required and further efforts to minimize environmental impact.”
The mining industry contributed $32 billion to Canada
About Advanced Applied Physics Solutions
Advanced Applied Physics Solutions Inc. (AAPS) is a national Centre of
Excellence for Commercialization and Research focused on developing and
commercializing advanced physics technologies for the social and economic
well-being of Canadians and people around the globe. AAPS collaborates with
academic, government, and industry stakeholders to develop promising new
technologies emerging from research at TRIUMF, Canada
The CECR program is an initiative of three federal granting
agencies—the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes for
Health Research (CIHR), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
of Canada (SSHRC)—in
partnership with Industry Canada
###
For additional information, contact:
Catherine Ducharme
Media Representative
Advanced Applied Physics Solutions (AAPS)
604-637-6372
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