In the world of cement production, the availability and quality of raw materials play a crucial role in determining the efficiency and sustainability of operations. Conducting thorough raw material analysis during cement production not only ensures the quality of the final product but also contributes to extending the life of the quarry. While the life of a cement plant quarry is by its very nature finite, it can be extended by means of a quarry plan that takes into account the mix of raw materials required and mines them according to a mining plan. Effective raw material analysis can thus hel ..read more

This blog often discusses the advantages of utilizing portable X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology for providing immediate, actionable data for mining and exploration. But what is XRF, and how does it work? XRF is a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. XRF analyzers determine the chemistry of a sample by measuring the fluorescent (or secondary) X-ray emitted from a sample when it is excited by a primary X-ray source. Because this fluorescence is unique to the elemental composition of the sample, XRF is an excellent technology for qualit ..read more

Despite growing scrutiny, petroleum products are a core part of the global energy mix. At COP28 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, global parties agreed that we had entered the “beginning of the end” for the fossil fuel era. Yet, demand for oil products remains high. Medium-term market forecasts predict a 6% hike in global demand by 2028. This is driven by population growth, urbanization, and industrialization, especially in emerging economies. Factors such as the expanding transportation network and escalating mobility needs further amplify this demand, creating an urgent need for efficie ..read more

The analysis of bulk materials is critical in industries such as mining, metallurgy, and materials engineering. Techniques like X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA)/Pulsed Fast and Thermal Neutron Activation (PFTNA) are pivotal in understanding and optimizing material properties. This blog post compares these leading techniques, highlighting their unique capabilities and application areas. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) XPS, a significant tool in surface analysis, dates back to 1907 with the pioneering work of P.D. Innes. The techn ..read more

Cement manufacturing processes can be complex and require a lot of energy to be completed. By fully controlling all aspects of these procedures, such as any constructive interference or even the setting time of the cement, they can create quality products. X-ray analysis tools can help with this. This includes X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). These tools can help you to understand the composition of different materials and their crystal structures. They can also provide crucial insights to optimize the industrial processes behind making cement. XRF in Cement Manufacturing ..read more

Cement is a vital component in the construction industry and is used to make a wide range of products, including concrete, mortar, and grout. The quality and performance of these materials depend on the crystalline structure and chemical composition of the cement used. It is certain that optimizing the cement composition and structure can help in energy savings and benefit the environment. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a widely used analytical technique for analyzing the composition and structure of materials, including cement.  It is a non-destructive technique that provides valuable inform ..read more

Different minerals need to be mined in order to make cement. Limestone (containing the mineral calcite), clay, and gypsum make up most of it.  The US Geological Survey notes that cement raw materials, especially limestone, are geologically widespread and (luckily) abundant.  In 2022, U.S. portland cement production increased slightly to an estimated 92 million tons, and masonry cement production increased to an estimated 2.5 million tons, according to the U.S. Geological Survey 2023 Cement Mineral Commodity Summary. The overall value of sales of cement was about $14.6 billion, with a ..read more

Come on in and explore our Cement Production, Coal-fired Power Generation, and Mining and Minerals pages. You can grab some free goodies for your trick-or-treat bag, like application notes, interactive apps, videos, and even some eBooks.  Here are a few to start: A Practical Guide to Improving Mining and Mineral Operations A Practical Guide to Improving Cement Manufacturing Processes and Production A Practical Guide to Improving Coal-fired Power Generation Operations Happy Halloween! The post Fill Your Trick-or-Treat Bags with Free eBooks for Mining and Cement Operations appeared first ..read more

Editor’s Note: One of our readers recently asked: “How does pyrite come to be mined? How do people get it to produce things like jewelry and other items…”  Here’s our answer below. Introduction Pyrite, also known as “fool’s gold,” has captivated humanity for centuries with its golden luster and unique properties. This remarkable mineral not only serves as an intriguing geological curiosity but also finds its way into various industries, including jewelry and decorative items. In this blog article, we will explore how pyrite is mined and transformed into exquisite pieces of jewelry and oth ..read more

The realm of mineral exploration and mining has significantly evolved over the years, with a keen shift towards innovative technologies that improve efficiency and yield. Among these, portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology has emerged as a vital tool, becoming a mainstay in the search for precious metals, rare earth elements, and in greenfield exploration. Portable XRF is not just a peripheral gadget in the mining toolkit, but rather a comprehensive solution that amplifies value across the entire mining value chain. Traditional portables were designed to deliver the top-grade performance ..read more