X-Ray Mineral Services has benefited from £86,765 financial support from the Welsh Government’s SMARTCymru programme, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
This project will evaluate the potential for rapid, in situ analyses of unconventional Li-bearing rocks using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF), and Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instruments. The proposed project will generate:
- FTIR, pXRF, and LIBS calibration/models for Li-bearing minerals and an integrated package that builds upon Hafren’s already outstanding FTIR models.
- A unique workflow that utilises Hafren’s analytical capability and applies our expertise to a novel concept outside of oil and gas. This workflow will have strong export potential and will be applicable to wider battery mineral exploration (not just Li).
- Low cost, rapid, accurate analytical package that is considerably faster than lab-based analyses.
- An investigation into unconventional sources of Li to combat projected shortfall in supply.
If successful, this evaluation could turn Hafren and Wales into world leaders in unconventional Li mineral exploration and on-site analytical solutions for the mining industry.