Determining gold content of mined rock - by irradiation with neutrons and measurement of intensity of resultant gamma rays produced by gold reaction

摘要

The gold content of gold-bearing material is determined by irradiating the material with neutrons. The reaction Au-179 (nn') Au-179 m takes place, producing gamma rays of energy 279 keV. The intensity of the gamma rays is measured and gives an indication of gold content. The method is used for selecting samples of gold-bearing ore for further treatment and extraction. The method can cope with a high throughput of material, and is accurate since a property of the gold itself is used as an indication.