2025-10-27 – Weekly Mining News : Handheld LIBS vs pXRF debate

Last week’s forum activity covered a range of topics that highlight the evolving landscape of the mining industry. Discussions were lively around the practical challenges of balancing long shifts with family life, while technology enthusiasts debated the merits of handheld LIBS versus pXRF for field analysis. The community also shared valuable insights on optimizing remote operations and enhancing crew safety with offline data capture tools.


This Week’s Hot Topics

Would You Take This Job? Mining Foreman
There’s a lively debate about the pros and cons of a mining foreman role. If you’re considering a career move, this thread might offer some real-world insights.
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Handheld LIBS vs pXRF in the field
Fieldwork tools are always a hot topic. This discussion pits LIBS against pXRF to see which tech is proving more effective in mining operations.
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Long shifts and missed bedtimes
Balancing demanding work hours with personal life is a common challenge. This thread shares personal stories and tips from those who’ve been there.
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Remote failover for warehouse bots
A technical discussion on ensuring warehouse operations continue smoothly, even when things don’t go as planned. Useful for those interested in automation.
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Offline data capture kit for crews
Staying connected in remote areas is crucial. Members discuss tools and techniques for capturing data when offline, a must-read for field crews.
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2025-10-24 – Weekly Mining Jobs: Remote roles on the rise in mining
Remote work is extending into mining, too. This thread offers insights into emerging job types and what skills are in demand.
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Training that pays off this cycle
Investing in the right training can make a big difference. Community members share which courses have had the most impact on their careers.
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Your resume isn’t a rock hammer
A thread full of practical advice on crafting a mining-specific resume that stands out to employers.
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Which tools actually impress hiring managers
For those on the job hunt, this discussion highlights which skills and tools are catching the eye of hiring managers.
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Refuge chamber and drill resources
Safety and efficiency in mining are paramount. This thread dives into resources and best practices for managing refuge chambers and drilling operations.
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Thanks for staying engaged with the community. Keep sharing your experiences and learning from each other as we navigate the complexities of mining together.

On pegmatite traverses we carry both: pXRF for pathfinders (Rb, Cs, Nb) and LIBS for Li, but only after a quick fresh grind and a firm press — repeatability jumps. For the “handheld LIBS vs pXRF” debate, keep a SiO2 blank and a Li-bearing CRM handy and recheck every about 20 shots; LIBS drifts with heat, while pXRF gets cranky on wet clays — two tools, two quirks. Anyone else see LIBS shift after lunch when the gun’s hot?

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We caught our pXRF drifting after lunch because it baked in the truck, so now we run a quick two-point CRM plus blank every 4 hours and jot it right in the sample notes. LIBS is great for Li, but if chips are damp it gets moody — wipe, air-blast, and bump shot count to about 50; if you can’t prep, I lean pXRF with a longer dwell as @geochem_jane suggested.

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I log a ‘moisture note’ — LIBS hates damp chips; pXRF tolerates, barely. Saves reruns, @GeoRae.

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LIBS argon boost helps Li on coarse chips; budget cartridges, they vanish on long shifts. pXRF unaffected, @GeoRae.

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