Grants and Contributions:
Title:
Geophotonics: Advanced Analytics for Efficient Gold Mining
Agreement Number:
967255
Agreement Value:
$25,000.00
Agreement Date:
Mar 11, 2021 - Sep 30, 2022
Description:
In this project, we will apply optical spectroscopy and data analytics technique to address problems in gold mining process. Gold processing by cyanidation can be limited by the presence of specific gangue materials in the ore. The aurocyanide complex, Au(CN)2-, can be partially removed from solution by carbonaceous materials (CM) in the ore, thus reducing yields and profits. We propose to combine the hyperspectral imaging tools of coherent Raman microscopy, Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) plasmonic sensors, and advanced machine learning for the rapid screening of CMs with respect to their preg-robbing ability. This novel platform technology will eliminate the need for extensive sample preparation and metallurgical testing, offering Canada’s gold mining sector a rapid, automated, in situ proxy for slow and expensive industry-standard lab-based screening approaches. This potentially disruptive tool for the real-time assessment, operation, and optimization of gold processing will help increase efficiency while reducing environmental impacts.
Organization:
National Research Council Canada
Expected Results:
In the short term, anticipated outcomes will be strengthened collaborations across industry, academia, and government to support research excellence. In the medium term, anticipated outcomes will be the development of new and potentially disruptive technologies with collaborators.
Location:
Ottawa, Ontario, CA K1N 6N5
Reference Number:
172-2020-2021-Q4-967255
Agreement Type:
Grant
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Business Number:
119278877
Recipient Type:
Academia
Recipient's Legal Name:
University of Ottawa
Federal Riding Name:
Ottawa–Vanier
Federal Riding Number:
35078
Program:
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program – Ideation Fund
Program Purpose:
The Ideation Fund is intended to encourage, test and validate transformative research ideas generated by teams of NRC scientific personnel and external collaborators with complementary capabilities, acting as a demonstration phase for a continually-evolving suite of research and development (R&D) deliverables at the NRC. The fund supports exploratory research through two mechanisms: the New Beginnings Initiative and the Small Teams Initiative.
NAICS Code:
541710 - R&D in the physical, engineering and life sciences