Geochemical Sampling & Services
Our geochemical sampling toolkit collects data over large areas to identify anomalies that guide follow-up geological, geophysical, and geospatial investigations.
We bundle pXRF real-time geochemical testing with any of our sampling procedures and offer LIBS for enhanced analysis.
Overview of Services
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Soil Sampling: We collect soil from the ‘C horizon’ decomposing bedrock layer to detect geochemical signatures linked to underlying mineralization. More Details …
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Lake Sediment Sampling: Sediments are collected from the bottom of lakes, where particles settle over time, providing a broader view of geochemical patterns within the drainage basin. More details …
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Till Sampling: We collect glacial till to analyze its transported material, offering insights into potential mineralization up-ice from the sampling location. More Details …
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Rock (Grab) Sampling: We collect rock samples directly from surface outcrops or near-surface environments to assess the source of geochemical anomalies. More Details …
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pXRF Geochemistry: Real-time elemental analysis using portable XRF technology provides immediate insights into the geochemical composition of samples in the field. This fast, cost-effective method acts as a screening tool ahead of lab results or can replace ICP-MS analysis in certain applications. More Details …
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LIBS Geochemistry: Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) offers high-resolution elemental analysis, particularly for light elements that are challenging to detect using other methods, complementing pXRF testing. More Details …
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GeoProbe Sampling: We directly sample below the surface using a probe that reaches into the bedrock interface to collect material for geochemical analysis. More Details …
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Trenching: Trenches are excavated to access subsurface materials, exposing in-situ geological structures for detailed investigation. More Details …
Soil Sampling
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Systematic, multi-scale ‘C horizon’ soil sampling of in-situ decomposing bedrock has proven an effective primary tool for deposit discovery.
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Our globally exclusive resource includes over 1 million soil samples collected by our historically cost-effective layout and sampling process.
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Samples are collected using an Eijkelkamp soil auger along ridge-and-spur lines or grids, penetrating depths of 0.3 to 1.5 meters, depending on the overlying soil structure and bedrock depth.
Lake Sediment Sampling
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We offer lake sediment sampling using both traditional and shoreline-based methods.
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For deep-water sampling, we utilize a traditional helicopter-deployed device to collect sediment from the deepest part of the lake, providing a thorough geochemical record of the basin.
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For shoreline sampling, we use a QA/QC-approved shovel or an extendable Eijkelkamp soil auger, depending on access and budget.
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These methods target fine particles that have settled over time, offering a historical geochemical record and capturing geochemical signatures from the surrounding area, including upstream sources.
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Lake sediment sampling is ideal for assessing mineralization within large drainage basins.
Till Sampling
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Glacial till sampling traces mineralization in regions influenced by past glacial activity.
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Samples are collected using Eijkelkamp augers or shovels, targeting transported material from depths of 0.5 to 2 meters, depending on the glacial stratigraphy and overburden.
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Till sampling provides insights into the dispersion of mineralized material, helping our exploration team identify high-priority up-ice targets.
Rock Sampling
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Once a zone is identified, geologists follow up by collecting rock samples directly from the rock source of the anomaly.
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Field loggers carefully check for soil creep or float during sampling to ensure the samples are from in-situ rock rather than displaced material.
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This step is essential for identifying the mineral and rock types responsible for geochemical anomalies in the area and provides critical geological context for interpreting magnetic signatures identified through geophysical surveys.
pXRF Geochemistry
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Portable XRF (pXRF) analyzers provide real-time elemental analysis in the field, reducing reliance on laboratory results during early-stage exploration.
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This technology is effective for screening soil, rock, and till samples, enabling rapid identification of geochemical anomalies.
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pXRF analysis is cost-effective and versatile, guiding sampling strategies and refining drill targets for more efficient exploration.
LIBS Geochemistry
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Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is an advanced geochemical analysis tool ideal for detecting light elements such as lithium, beryllium, and boron.
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LIBS offers high-resolution, precise elemental data, complementing pXRF results for a comprehensive geochemical profile.
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This technology is particularly useful for projects targeting critical minerals and rare earth elements, expanding the scope of exploration data.
GeoProbe Sampling
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The GT Probe is a powerful direct push probe mounted on a low-impact, rubber-tracked platform.
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A rod is driven 2 to 4 meters into the bedrock interface, where 2-inch and 3-inch interlocking split spoons collect soil and rock chip samples.
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Rock chips are logged by an on-site geologist, while the lower fraction of the rod column is collected for analysis.
Trenching
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Once targets are identified by soil and probe sampling, our heli-portable Can-Dig excavators dig direct pits above anomalies, reaching depths of 3 to 5 meters, and avoiding the need for traditional in/out surface tracking routes.
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While trenching is now less commonly used due to the efficiency of our GT Probe, it remains a valuable tool for gathering in-situ data in areas with substantial soil creep or minimal rock exposure.
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Trenches provide cross-sections of subsurface geology, assisting with mapping and drill planning. Cross-sectional structural measurements and rock grab samples taken from trenches are particularly useful for determining the orientation and attitude of mineralized structures.
