Minerals sector to benefit from lab

At a new laboratory at the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) in Ottawa, experts will be able to date mineral samples in minutes instead of days.

The first of its kind in North America, and only the fourth in the world, the Sensitive High Resolution Ion Microprobe Laboratory is being used to analyze data from the GSC’s geological and mapping assessment program.

Using a beam of oxygen ions, the microprobe creates a tiny crater in a mineral sample. The equipment then analyzes the excavated sample in order to determine its isotopic composition and radiometric age.

The technology is expected to benefit prospectors, government agencies and universities.