MEFFA Lab Oy

MEFFA Lab Oy is a service company providing soil and sediment geochemical surveys to exploration companies and geological survey institutions using the MEFFA (Multi-Element Fine Fraction Analysis) method developed in Finland. The MEFFA method consists of two stages: express analysis with handheld XRF in the field for gold pathfinder and base metals assessment, and fine fraction elutriation followed by MEFFA analysis using laser ablation and ICP-MS for elements with high detection limits on XRF. The fine fraction of soil is analyzed because fine fractions passing through a 10 µm sieve produce reproducible and reliable results with higher concentrations of valuable elements and provide better representation of local geochemical signatures in both residual and covered terrains.

The MEFFA technique offers cost-effectiveness through exclusion of chemical sample preparation, high sensitivity from direct material analysis without leaching or solutions, environmental friendliness with no acids or chemicals in sample preparation, ease of sample collection and transportation through analysis of smaller samples, no requirement for special facilities, and rapid analysis enabling high-productive field sampling. Services are tailored to customer-specific needs depending on local landscape, geological environment, type of targeted mineralization, and project scale, with the company operating worldwide. MEFFA Lab Oy offers free-of-charge MEFFA analysis of up to 100 customer-provided samples for testing. The soil and sediment sampling and MEFFA sample preparation can be done by the customer’s team under supervision of a company specialist, with Stage 1 consisting of express XRF analysis and pathfinder anomaly mapping at a field base camp, Stage 2 consisting of gold and other precious metals analysis in the laboratory using ICP-MS and laser ablation, and Stage 3 consisting of mapping, results interpretation and modelling. The company also offers GERDA mobile service providing geochemical pXRF and/or mineralogical vNIR assays at drilling sites or base camps using a mobile unit that can be placed in a van, car cargo trailer, tent, or container and can assay approximately 130 m of core in an 8-hour shift. GERDA leasing and rent options are available, with the service including technician, data interpretation, and optional 3D modelling.