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Mobile Metal Ion


The Mobile Metal Ion (MMI) Process™ is a totally integrated geochemical approach to precious metal, base metal and kimberlite exploration.

It uses a weak extraction and ICP-MS ultra trace element analysis to improve the conventional geochemical response over buried ore deposits.

MMI anomalies are sharply bounded and, in most cases, directly overlie and define the surface projection of buried primary mineralized zones. Its effectiveness has been documented in over 1000 case histories on six continents and it has been responsible for numerous commercial successes.

The MMI Process™ consists of:

  • A simple sample collection procedure in which approximately 250 to 350 grams of sample is collected at a continuous interval of 10-25 cm below the living organics layer regardless of which horizon this depth corresponds to
  • Samples that are not otherwise prepared or dried
  • A weak extraction using a multi-component solution to release the mobile ions
  • A high sensitivity ICP-MS analysis which provides part per billion range results

MMI™ geochemistry is exclusively available at SGS laboratories. Please contact your local laboratory if you have specific questions, or visit our MMI™ Orientation Surveys page to get started. To see the available elements and MMI™ packages, please visit our MMI™ Process page.

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