Heavy Mineral Analysis (HMA)

Introduction

Heavy mineral analysis, also known as the heavy sand method, is a valuable technique in resource exploration. It identifies mineral deposits by analyzing sediment samples for specific mineral content.

The Process

1. Sample Collection: Sediment is collected from riverbeds or geological features.

2. Sieving and Separation: Sediments are sieved to remove larger particles, and the remaining sample undergoes heavy-liquid separation.

3. Microscopic Analysis: Heavy minerals are analyzed under a microscope to determine their types and concentrations.

Role in Drilling Decisions

Using Diamond core drilling tools, core samples are extracted from areas identified as rich in heavy minerals. This ensures targeted drilling, minimizing time and cost.

Benefits of HMA

• Identifies valuable deposits like gold, platinum, and rare earth minerals.

• Provides critical data for effective use of portable full-hydraulic core drilling rigs in follow-up exploration.

Conclusion

Heavy mineral analysis is a powerful exploration tool that complements advanced drilling technologies, ensuring efficient resource discovery.