Ultrafine+™

LabWest has developed the UltraFine+™ analysis process in conjunction with CSIRO since 2017.

Analysis of the reactive 2-micron clay fraction, with microwave digestion and using the latest low detection level ICPMS technology, has proven to be useful for geologists and geochemists to help see through shallow to moderate cover.

UltraFine+™ is now an established approach to surface exploration analysis using proven geochemical methods to identify sensitive signals at surface.

A range of clients across Australia and the world are now using this innovative and efficient surface analysis, taking advantage of sensitive detection for gold, base metals, rare-earth and lithium exploration.

Find out more in this introductory video or see below for analysis options available in our UltraFine+™ packages, plus research reports and case studies.

An introduction to UltraFine+™

Effective and Efficient Exploration Analysis

Increased Signal to Background Ratio

Enhanced Sensitivity

Smaller Sample Requirements

Nugget-Effect Eliminated

A CSIRO/MRIWA Project Sponsored by LabWest

The significant potential of the UltraFine+™ approach to gold and base metals exploration in Australia was successfully demonstrated in a combined CSIRO/MRIWA project.

CSIRO/MRIWA Project M462 “Multi-scaled near surface exploration using ultrafine soils”, led by Dr. Ryan Noble, was completed in September 2018, with LabWest as a project participant and its commercial partner.

The technique delivers multielement analysis, mineralogy and several related parameters derived from the ultrafine (< 2 μm) fraction of soil samples. Concentration of gold and related metals in the ultrafine fraction gives stronger signals, generally well above instrumental detection limits, and increased signal-to-background ratios. Excellent reproducibility means smaller samples can be collected, leading to reduced sampling and transport costs, and lending itself to extracting significant additional value from historical sample libraries.

Click here to read a more detailed research report summarising the effectiveness of Project M462. As participant and sponsor of the project, LabWest assisted in development of the UltraFine+™ process. The method adds to our expertise in a wide range of regolith geochemical techniques.LabWest is now pleased to offer UltraFine+™ and related techniques to the wider minerals exploration community. A selection of UltraFine+™ packages is available in addition to our suite of Regolith Geochemical Analysis services.

Our UltraFine+ Analysis Services

UltraFine+™ Package with 53 Elements including Au Pt Pd, and additional CSIRO data

Separation and collection of <2μm fraction
Analysis by ICP-MS and OES
pH and electrical conductivity of the sample
Head sample particle size distribution
Clay fines mineralogy by NIR reflectance spectroscopy
REEs can be included with scheme code UFF+PER

Elements Package Option: UFF-PE, 53 Elements Including Au, Pt, Pd

Collection of <2μm fraction from soil samples
Analysis by ICP-MS and OES
REEs are included in the UFF-PER scheme

Contact LabWest on 08 9248 9321 or enquiries@labwest.net for further information

View Detection Limits

Ultrafine+™ Sampling Advice for Wet Conditions

Sampling for Ultrafine+™ analysis during wet weather requires careful adaptation to ensure high-quality results. LabWest provides specific guidance to maintain sample integrity across various soil types under wet conditions.

Key Guidelines:

Residual Soils (~5% clay):
Do not screen. Remove larger rocks and organic matter. Record that the sample was not screened.
Sandy Soils & Low Clay Content (Stream Sediments, Sand Dunes):
Again, no screening. Remove coarse material and perform a field test: mix with water and let it settle for 10 minutes. If the water remains cloudy, proceed with sampling.
Clay-Rich Soils (>10% clay):
Do not screen. Just remove large debris. These are typically easier to process, even in wet conditions.

Packaging:

Always collect 200g (or 100g for international submissions) in a standard paper geochem bag.
This approach ensures we meet the requirement of recovering 0.2 grams of <2 micron clay from approximately 40g of raw sample, even in challenging field conditions.

For more instructions, download our Ultrafine Sampling Options PDF