Thermo Scientific Comprehensive Solutions for the Mining Industry

"For success in the laboratory or in the field, mining companies are focused on improving efficiencies and controlling processes so that they can realize increased margins, verify the quality of their end products and maintain adherence to local environmental, governmental or other regulatory requirements, such as ISO 17025. Thermo Scientific informatics solutions and instruments deliver the automation, scalability and reliability our mining customers are looking for," says Dave Champagne, vice president and general manager of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Informatics business.

Thermo Scientific instruments and laboratory software have been serving the needs of the mining industry for decades, helping to improve efficiency and quality and thereby ensuring profitability. The Thermo Scientific range of products for the mining industry, which covers exploration through processing, is proven to handle industrial conditions and provide high levels of accuracy and availability year after year. From complete bulk weighing and monitoring systems and automatic sampling systems to online sampling and analysis stations, our instruments and informatics solutions use the latest technology and software to ensure optimum accuracy and performance.

In the Laboratory

Thermo Scientific Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Chromatography Data Systems (CDS) have proven capabilities in rugged environments, providing real-time feedback on sample deviations, reducing paper and automating processes to increase efficiencies and enable faster decision-making. Thermo Scientific informatics solutions for the mining industry also provide the foundation for a complete laboratory automation solution by integrating with instruments and laboratory and business systems, including PIMS, MES and ERP solutions. A LIMS is a critical component of any mining operation for quality control, optimized efficiencies, throughput of continuous processes, and compliance with product and environmental safety standards.

Informatics Solutions

Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS enables field or onsite laboratory and plant managers to continuously track, monitor, measure, analyze and report on all of their activities. Enhanced compliance features tie instrument and operator information to calibration samples and results so that instrument configuration, along with operator name and training level, can be automatically rendered. Managers can produce a full audit trail for ISO 17025 or regulatory requirements and gather, review and quickly drill down on real-time data in a dynamic environment. SampleManager LIMS provides interactive graphs, charts, tables, maps and many other data mining tools that deliver real time information and enable decision making. SampleManager is flexible and configurable to accommodate various workflows, and integrates easily with other applications and instruments in and out of the lab, providing one standard user interface that helps mining companies maintain process standardization across multiple labs.

Technical Information

SampleManager 10 Technical Information Bulletin (PDF 547 kb)

SampleManager LIMS Capabilities (PDF 749 kb)

Webinar

Introducing SampleManager 10 (36 minutes) (password is SampleManager)
SampleManager 10.0 delivers more information to management, provides dramatic new functionality to users, and offers a comprehensive .NET tool kit for systems administrators to develop, streamline and extend your lab workflows.

Published Articles

Business Benefits of LIMS in the Metals Laboratory, Steel Times International

Managing Lab Data: Colin Thurston at Thermo Fisher Scientific looks at applications and benefits of laboratory information management systems in modern mining, Mining Magazine

Case Studies

Minera San Cristobal S.A. Utilizes SampleManager LIMS for Laboratory Integration and Automation: Minera San Cristobal SA is the largest mining company in Bolivia and is considered to be one of the worlds largest silver-zinc-lead development projects.

Codelco Selects Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS to Improve Productivity and Efficiency: The Corporacion Nacional del Cobre de Chile (Codelco) is the main copper producer in the world, controlling approximately 20 percent of the worlds copper reserves.

In the Field

Portable Elemental Analysis Solutions

The instruments of choice in elemental analysis solutions for mining and exploration, Thermo Scientific portable XRF analyzers have the ability to instantly determine the elemental composition of sample data at all stages of the exploration process. With more than 3,000 analyzers already deployed in the global mining industry, this family of analyzers, including the handheld Niton^® XL2 and Niton XL3t GOLDD+ Series and the portable Niton FXL field x-ray lab, allows mining companies of any size to access a range of products that are engineered from the ground up to withstand harsh mining environments, reduce laboratory costs, and improve efficiency. Further, the recently introduced Thermo Scientific Mining Sample Collection and Preparation Tools helps users to generate high-quality analytical data within minutes. Never before presented in a commercially available package, these tools allow the collection of fine powders from a rock face or drill core samples as well as the rapid milling of samples and deliver a homogenized, fine powder in just seconds. In addition, users are offered the choice of an out-of-the-box field mapping option or the flexibility of seamless integration with their existing mapping packages. Thermo Scientific portable XRF analyzers excel at storing results that are matched to GPS coordinates which can be downloaded to existing GIS and data analysis packages.

For more information about Thermo Scientific Portable XRF Analyzers call +1 800-875-1578 (toll-free US), +1 978-670-7460, e-mail niton@thermofisher.com or visit http://www.thermoscientific.com/niton.

The Nitus Gamma Backscatter Gauge measures the density or level of thick, highly viscous process materials in the largest tanks and pipes with unmatched precision. Unlike traditional sensors, the durable gauge uses non-contacting, non-intrusive technology that is unaffected by corrosive, abrasive, high temperature and/or high pressure process materials to ensure minimal maintenance and long instrument life. The system features groundbreaking technology that is powered by a small source to ensure a safer working enviroment and lower capital costs. The new Nitus density and level gauge delivers significant benefits to the mining industry, including control for flocculant feed, clarifiers, solids and output control on hydrotreaters, as well as density control at specific levels on settling tanks and measurement of soda ash and process materials in pipes.

For more information about the Thermo Scientific Nitus Gamma Backscatter Gauge call +1 800-437-7979 (toll-free US) or +1 713-272-0404, by e-mail at sales.process.us@thermofisher.com or by visiting the website at http://www.thermoscientific.com/nitus.

Bulk Weighing and Monitoring Systems

The complete line of Thermo Scientific bulk weighing and monitoring products offers a comprehensive portfolio of conveyor scales, automatic sampling systems, weighbelt feeders, tramp metal detection, coal and mineral sampling systems, level indicators and conveyor safety switches. For accurate and reliable measurement, the broad offering includes process control software, specialty process control instruments and a range of continuous and point-level measurement equipment for the mining industry. All Thermo Scientific products for the mining industry are ISO 9001 certified.

For more information about Thermo Scientific Bulk Weighing and Monitoring Products, call +1-800-445-3503, e-mail sales.bulk.us@thermofisher.com or visit www.thermoscientific.com/bulkhandling

Mineral Analyzers and Sampling Systems

A comprehensive range of Thermo Scientific elemental and particle size analyzers for mineral beneficiation and flotation plants, coupled with leading sampling systems, provides an integrated solution that maximizes availability and accuracy with minimal head loss. Our analysis and sampling systems can be configured for all plant sizes to meet technical constraints and to provide the lowest total cost of ownership. Our instruments supply reliable and accurate process data, providing the critical input to the process control system, which leads to improved recovery, lower costs and environmental compliance. This allows operators to optimize their process, while serving as a foundation for significant savings and improved profitability.

For more information about Mineral Analyzers and Sampling Systems, call +61 8 8208 8200, e-mail sales.auadl@thermofisher.com or visit www.thermoscientific.com/minerals