In this episode of GeOCHemISTea, host Sam Scher sits down with Steve Tambanis, Managing Director at STX Consulting and Director at RealTime Priority Limited, to explore the challenges and innovations in field-based geochemical analysis using portable XRF (pXRF) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Steve shares his journey from traditional exploration geology to pioneering real-time assays, recounting how he and his team set out to develop a portable field laboratory for immediate sample analysis in remote settings. Together, they dive into the highs and lows of calibrating and optimizing pXRF and LIBS, discussing the meticulous sample preparation and calibration required to achieve accuracy and reliability, even in challenging field conditions.

From overcoming unexpected hurdles, like creating custom calibration pellets to ensure consistent LIBS results, to exploring the practical limits and advantages of each technology, this episode sheds light on the adaptability required to make these devices work effectively in geochemical exploration. Sam and Steve also touch on the importance of engaging with vendors for technical support and the value of sharing field-tested insights with other users to advance best practices. Whether you're an experienced geochemist or new to the field, Steve's experiences offer invaluable guidance for anyone interested in applying portable assay technologies to improve exploration outcomes.

For this episode we read:

Reliable and Repeated Field Assays

LIBS and pXRF in Lithium Exploration

What does this rock carry - know in the field

Let's learn about upscaling LA-ICP-MS pyrite results to whole rock geochemistry data using PCA. On the way we'll hear about the life and times of an early career geochemist and some of the ins and outs of being a geochemical consultant.

For this episode we read: Using whole rock and in situ pyrite chemistry to evaluate authigenic and hydrothermal controls on trace element variability in a Zn mineralized Proterozoic subbasin (Magnall et al., 2022)

For this episode we read: Archean Lode Gold Deposits in Ontario (Colvine et al., 1984) aka the Greenstone Bible.

We talk about Simon's transition from working from large mining companies to opening his own consultancy for all those considering this as part of their future.

Our tea... have you ever been late to your flight, anxious on the shores of Lake Victoria, Tanzania?

As for the heart of the show? We talk about the applications of geochemistry to greenstone gold exploration. This one is dedicated to the fans of the show in Dubreuilville (Canada) who wanted some extra insight on geochemistry in greenstones. I hope you enjoy this one!

This is our second episode on GeOCHemISTea where we have branched out from geochemistry into a sister geoscience - spectral geology. For this episode take a look at another of the spectral ecosystem's end-members: hyperspectral core imaging.

Join us as we talk about hyperspectral imaging, the data load, and some interesting applications to porphyry geoscience.

For this episode we read: Hyperspectral Core Imaging Applications in Porphyry Deposits (Corescan)

Herein we present a general microanalytical technique rant, at least three soap boxes (my favorite being "I want to also rant about bulk chemistry techniques and why if these techniques are “so routine” that we still have some labs that suck at understanding (or respecting) how to do basic chemistry well"), and the story of how a geologist with a graduate degree in geochemistry found themself crushing rocks at the USGS and living in both Omaha, Nebraska and ::shudder:: Newark, New Jersey.

If you are an aspiring analytical geochemist or generally have questions / concerns about analytical techniques... this episode is for you!

In lieu of a paper we looked at some notes from a short course that Alan presented in 2016 on LA-ICP-MS.

This is our first episode on GeOCHemISTea where we have branched out from geochemistry into a sister geoscience - spectral geology. For this episode we start from one of the spectral ecosystem's end-members: remote sensing, or satellites and airborne.

Join us as we talk about the newest developments in sensor tech and data processing, while still paying proper attention to the role of remote sensing in the mining value chain.

For this episode we read: Improvements in Mineralogical Classification with Increased Spectral Resolution: A Case Study over Cuprite, Nevada comparing Fused Bare Earth Composite and EnMAP Data (Wickert and Casement, 2024)

Hyperspectral Imaging for Mining: EnMAP Satellite Data versus SpecTIR Airborne Data (Wickert and Casement, 2024) And we'd like to give a shout out to @LucaCongedoGIS on YouTube who we referenced numerous times in the podcast as the "Italian guy." You are a legend!

Want to hear some more of Rob's thoughts? But also just general silliness from before we started to record? Enjoy!

For this episode we read Rob's paper: Natural attenuation in the vadose zone: Nature's gift to mine closure (Bowell, 2023) From rethinking the green economy to recovering metals and ores in naturally occurring ways, this episode encompasses a lot of topics currently in the news but a uniquely Rob perspective.

Along the way, we may even learn about the vadose zone and the potential to remediate sites naturally.