INRTU Siberian School of Geosciences Has Launched Sample Preparation Workshop for Comprehensive Support of Mining and Drilling Operations
The Chemical and Analytical Laboratory of the Siberian School of Geosciences (SSG) at INRTU has opened a sample preparation workshop for core and channel samples as part of the Priority 2030 Program. Using modern equipment, researchers can now quickly break down large rock samples, minimizing analytical interferences at the preparation stage. This will improve the quality of laboratory research and support large-scale drilling operations.
The units installed in the workshop are integrated into a technological system, eliminating the need to transfer samples from the crusher to the splitter. This reduces dust formation and shortens processing time. The equipment is also suitable for crushing and pulverizing bulk samples.
"We didn't have a crushing workshop before, and the available pulverizers could only handle small lithochemical samples. Now, the Siberian School of Geosciences can provide the entire cycle of sample preparation and chemical-analytical support for drilling operations and channel sampling. Accurate analytical data form the basis for decision-making and reserve estimation,"
notes Alexander Parshin, INRTU Vice-Rector for Geology, Earth and Environmental Sciences.
Staff members of the Siberian School of Geosciences and second-year students who took part in fieldwork in Zabaykalsky Krai (Zabaykalsky Region) and Bodaybo district of the Irkutsk Region work in the sample preparation workshop.
"We believe it is important to involve students at all stages. They independently collect samples, deliver them to the workshop, dry, crush, and pulverize them, and conduct chemical analysis, such as X-ray fluorescence. By obtaining and processing results, and dealing with errors, students recognize the importance of their work, gain valuable skills, and become prepared to grow into qualified experts," added Alexander Parshin.
One of the students working in the new workshop is future geophysicist Saveliy Masarnovskiy. He prepares samples delivered from gold exploration expeditions.
"I sieve lithochemical samples, crush bulk samples in jaw crushers, and prepare them for pulverization and subsequent chemical analysis. This helps me understand the practical work of geologists. I will have a strong understanding not only of geophysical technologies but also of various methods used to search for and exploring mineral deposits," says Saveliy Masarnovskiy.The Siberian School of Geosciences plans to accredit its natural water analysis sector within the Rosakkreditatsiya system. INRTU also intends to increase the productivity of its precious metals analysis sector and establish a classroom fully equipped for optical microscopy.
