GA SHRIMP Scientist Richard Stern hands ASI CEO Ed Roberts a signed copy of the factory acceptance test report for the GA SHRIMP, with ASI Chief Scientist Ian Williams
Factory Testing of GA SHRIMP
ASI have successfully completed the factory acceptance testing of the Geoscience Australia (GA) SHRIMP IIe. The SHRIMP is now being re-assembled in GA's new SHRIMP laboratory, 5 km from ASI in Canberra. ASI will retain part-ownership of the instrument, in order to provide hands-on access to a SHRIMP for customer evaluation, its use as a technology development testbed, and for limited commercial access.
For GA, acquisition of the ion microprobe will increase the organisation's ability to provide vital information on geochronology as a framework for exploration investment, particularly in greenfield regions and in areas under extensive regolith cover.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to locate new world-class mineral deposits in Australia. Geochronology provides crucial information about the geological processes which form mineral deposits and gives explorers a comprehensive understanding of mineral systems within current and prospective areas. Data from the new ion microprobe will provide another avenue to help scientists understand the geological potential of onshore Australia. It will be a valuable support for GA's activities under the new Onshore Energy Security Initiative.
GA currently obtains all of its geochronology data through ion microprobe instruments located in external laboratories. The new, in-house facility will allow greater control over the quantity of, and timing for, collecting age data for the organisation as well as delivering information to its partners in the State and Territory geological surveys.
The facility will see GA join the Geological Survey of Canada, the United States Geological Survey, the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, the All Russian Geological Research Institute, and other major national research agencies in recognising the importance of ion microprobe geochronology as a key resource in
supporting mineral exploration.