Applied mineralogy is crucial in various industries, including mineral exploration, processing, waste management, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and refining.

At Intertek Minerals, our state-of-the-art facilities and expert technical specialists deliver accurate and reliable mineralogical analysis, supporting operations worldwide.

Our Expertise in Mineralogical Analysis

With a proven track record in delivering precise mineral data, our team specialises in advanced techniques such as XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) and XRD (X-ray Diffraction). Our services cater to local and global projects, providing comprehensive mineral analysis with industry-leading accuracy.

Bulk Mineralogy Analysis

Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
XRD is a powerful analytical technique for identifying and quantifying crystalline materials in bulk samples. Each crystalline solid has a unique "fingerprint," aiding accurate identification through search-match processes against the ICDD database. This method provides both qualitative (sample description) and quantitative results, including the non-crystalline (amorphous) content.

Advanced Infrared Spectroscopy Techniques

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR)
Our TerraSpec NIR spectroscopy enables rapid identification and characterisation of minerals, including hematite, garnet, and rare earth minerals. NIR analysis helps map alteration zones associated with ore-forming processes, and for optimal accuracy, it is recommended to pair NIR with XRD analysis.

Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)
FT-IR offers a rapid, non-destructive method for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of materials. Using regression and calibration, we determine the mineralogical composition with minimal sample preparation. In addition, we work with clients to develop quantitative predictive models from FTIR data.

Micro Mineralogy with Automated Analysis

QEMSCAN Analysis
Our automated mineralogy using QEMSCAN (Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron Microscopy) identifies mineral phases at the micron scale. This technique delivers detailed insights into the textural and spatial arrangement of minerals, helping determine grain sizes, mineral associations, and elemental deportment.

Key Benefits of QEMSCAN Analysis:

  • Identification of in situ minerals
  • Detailed textural mapping
  • Grain size and shape analysis
  • Elemental mapping for comprehensive insights

Specialised Clay Mineralogy Testing

Clays, as key components in soils and certain ores, play a significant role in recovery processes. At Intertek, we offer specialised clay mineralogy analysis to identify and evaluate their impact on processing.

Our Clay Mineralogy Services Include:

  • Clay Separation: Extracting clays from bulk materials for analysis.
  • XRD Analysis: Qualitative and quantitative analysis for clay identification.
  • High-Resolution Microscopy: SEM-EDS/QEMSCAN for detailed mineral characterisation.
  • Swelling Index Testing: Assessing clay swelling in various solutions.