CAT Scans for the Earth

I know that the Russians did alot of work on using muons back over thirty years ago and even got into using satellitesto advance the work.  It is certainlyhelpful to detect density changes when exploring for minerals as most of ourimportant minerals do form in denser deposits, but not always.

Most copper is mined from large disseminateddeposits and the copper content is often as low as three to ten pounds perton.  That sure will not show a change ofdensity.

Massive sulphide deposits arequite another matter.  Yet they are oftendeveloped in the presence of substantial uneconomic magnetite deposits.  So none of this is a free ride at all.  Yet the ability to plausibly map density fromdeep underground sensors is certainly attractive.

It may well allow us to redevelopmany of the old silver vein type mines were the ore is very dense.  Perhaps it can be used to give the oldComstock a second look.

CAT Scans for the Earth

For Immediate Release

Scientists Use Cosmic Rays To Develop Images of Mine Deposits.

Vancouver: March 18, 2011— A Vancouver based centre of excellence isadvancing the development of a new mineral exploration technology that can takethree-dimensional “pictures” of dense ore deposits, towards commercialapplication. The technology could increase the success of exploration while atthe same time making it less expensive and reduce itsenvironmental impact.

Similar to medical imaging machines, the technology, initiated from theresearch of Dr. Douglas Bryman, J.B. Warren Chair at the University of BritishColumbia Department of Physics and Astronomy, is being further developed byAdvanced Applied Physics Solutions (AAPS), a Centre of Excellence forCommercialization and Research (CECR), funded under the federal Networks ofCentres of Excellence program. AAPS, the commercialization partner ofVancouver’s TRIUMF - Canada’s national laboratory for nuclear and particlephysics - brings together academics, government and industry from across Canadato bring Canadian innovation to market.

AAPS is commercializing muon geotomography, which relies on thedetection of cosmic ray muons (highly energetic electron-like particles createdin the upper atmosphere) which penetrate deep within the earth. “Theunderground muon sensor system is able to detect and differentiate regions ofhigh density, from which 3D images can be created of potentially valuable ore”,explained Dr. Bryman.

The technology has been initially tested in a mine on Mt. Myra,near Campbell River,and further testing will be undertaken at a number of sites to prove itseffectiveness with different types of mineral deposits. To develop and fieldtest this specialized system and undertake these tests, as well as helpindustry adopt the technology, AAPS has received $1.8 million in federalproject funding from Western Economic Diversification. The funding wasannounced yesterday by the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State forWestern Economic Diversification.

“Mining is a major contributor to our resource-based economy. Byinvesting in this project, our Government is ensuring that our key sectorsdevelop the tools necessary to grow and provide highly-skilled jobs for Canadians,”said Minister Yelich. "Our Government will continue to do its part to helpbuild a more globally competitive and productive mining sector.”

AAPS is completing first round proof-of-principle tests incollaboration with NVI-Breakwater at its Myra Falls mining operations onVancouver Island, as well with TRIUMF, university partners, the GeologicalSurvey of Canada and BC Ministry of Energy and Mines.

“The mining sector is a critical part of a competitive Canadianeconomy, and certainly is key to the BC economy,” said Jack Scott, Presidentand CEO of AAPS. “We are proud that with the help of this multi-sectorcollaboration we are able to advance a technology that may benefit theindustry. The partnership created for this project is a strong example of thework that AAPS, as a CECR was established to do”, Mr. Scott explained.

"The centres of excellence help translate leading-edge researchinto practical solutions for Canadians, addressing many of our country’sgreatest health, environmental, social and economic challenges," said Dr.Suzanne Fortier, Chair of the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) SteeringCommittee and President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering ResearchCouncil of Canada, “The CECR program plays an integral role in the government’sscience and technology strategy for a more prosperous, advanced and competitiveCanada.”

Further tests will validate that the technology can be used to explorea broad range of mineral deposits. The initial tests to identify massivesulfide deposits at Mt. Myra are a major sourceof zinc, copper, lead, gold and silver. With today’s high prices for mostminerals, both types of deposits are being actively explored by Canadian miningcompanies throughout North and South America as well as Africa and Asia.

NVI-Breakwater spokesman Rick Sawyer lauded the new technology as abreakthrough for the industry. “Mineral exploration and mine development is anexpensive and time-consuming process and anything that makes it easier and lesscostly is more than welcome by the industry”, said Sawyer. “Also, because thistechnology has the potential to detect and image deposits at depth, it willrefine the exploration search area which will reduce the amount of drillingrequired and further efforts to minimize environmental impact.”

The mining industry contributed $32 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2009 and employs anestimated 306,000 workers.

About Advanced Applied Physics Solutions

Advanced Applied Physics Solutions Inc. (AAPS) is a national Centre ofExcellence for Commercialization and Research focused on developing andcommercializing advanced physics technologies for the social and economicwell-being of Canadians and people around the globe. AAPS collaborates withacademic, government, and industry stakeholders to develop promising newtechnologies emerging from research at TRIUMF, Canada’s national laboratory fornuclear and particle physics research and related sciences, and other leadinginstitutions. As a CECR, AAPS is a recipient of close to $15 million dollars inFederal Funding.

The CECR program is an initiative of three federal grantingagencies—the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes forHealth Research (CIHR), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Councilof Canada (SSHRC)—inpartnership with Industry Canada.For more information visit:

 www.aapsinc.com

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For additional information, contact:

Catherine Ducharme

Media Representative

Advanced Applied Physics Solutions (AAPS)

604-637-6372