Ghana has made another significant and giant stride in the deployment and the use of cutting-edge technology in guaranteeing a more sustainable and an environmentally sound exploration and exploitation of its natural resources with the commissioning of the Intertek Minerals PhotonAssay Laboratory in Tarkwa in the Western Region.
The PhotonAssay technology is a revolutionary analytical technique that ushers in a new dispensation of speed but accurate and safety means of gold analysis.
It replays the traditional fire assay methods and employs a high-intensity X-rays to excite gold atoms, to produce a unique gamma-ray signatures that are then measured to determine gold content.
This innovative approach delivers results in a fraction of the time required by conventional methods while also significantly reducing the use of hazardous chemicals.
“These days gold refinery is becoming difficult and people also need the results to make quick decisions,” Sampson Kodua, General Manager Intertek Minerals Limited, said.
‘With the PhotonAssay, you get your results for your sample in two minutes. Remember we are all aiming at mining sustainably. With the fire assay, there is a lot of lead waste involved but with this new technology there is no such thing, the sample is not destructive and its very sustainable as it is green. So, it is a game changer for mining and exploration companies moving forward.”
This new technology’s ability to minimize the environmental impact of testing procedures sits well within the corridors of government’s broader sustainability agenda for the mining sector.
Assaying minerals is a vital process in the determination of grade and purity standards of deposits, which has also become a critical requirement in decision making.
Mineral-rich countries that are able to deploy the right technologies to harness the full benefits of their resources continue to earn a competitive advantage over others that have not.
A Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mining, George Mireku Duker, is, therefore, elated with the commissioning of the PhotonAssay Laboratory particularly in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution where digital technology presents countries like Ghana the unique opportunity to expedite economic growth and development.
“The mining industry is going through a digital transformation process, which is already impacting the industry and will continue to do so…A functioning mining industry, therefore, requires an equally functional assay laboratory services at all stages of the minerals value chain, from resource estimation, ore optimization studies to mine rehabilitation after closure,” he said when he joined other stakeholders to commission the Intertek Minerals PhotonAssay Laboratory.
The deputy minister stressed that the potential capital intensive and risky nature of any mining venture requires optimization, cost control, innovation and resilience as essential pillars of the mining development strategies and along its entire value chain and applauded Intertek Minerals limited for introducing the PhotonAssay which gives rapid yet accurate results in an environmentally friendly manner while also aiding in “making real-time decisions”.
He emphasized that government will continue to work with all stakeholders in formulating policies that create the enabling environment and benefit sharing.
“…let me reiterate that the wave of energy transition is sweeping across the globe, with Ghana and, by extension Africa holding such significant critical minerals in commercial quantities to exploit. Recently, the US, Canada and Australia’s Geological Authorities are unifying their geological data to create synergies. Also, the Saudi and US governments are planning to source over US$15 billion worth of mineral assets in Africa…”
Western Region Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah encouraged mining and exploration companies to explore the capabilities of the PhotonAssay technology and gain deeper understanding of its potential impact on their activities and the mining industry at large.
“The benefits of the PhotonAssay technology are manifold. Not only does it provide accurate and precise results, but it also significantly reduces analysis time. This enables Intertek Minerals Limited to provide swift turnaround times, allowing their clients to make well informed decisions promptly. Furthermore, the non-destructive nature of PhotonAssay technology ensures that samples can be preserved for further analysis or retesting.”
Intertek Minerals Limited is a leading total quality assurance provider to industries worldwide with expertise in mineral testing services throughout the mining life cycle from exploration geochemistry, mine site laboratory services, minerals inspection, sampling and analysis, robotic laboratory solutions, environmental services and metallurgical testing services.
Recent works done by Intertek Minerals Limited contributed to the discovery of the Ewoyaa Lithium portfolio owned by Atlantic Lithium in Central Region.
By Eric Yaw Adjei