Canadian mining firm Foran Mining has introduced real-time geochemical scanning technology at its McIlvenna Bay project in Saskatchewan, aiming to shorten decision-making timelines in one of North America’s most advanced critical metals exploration programs.
The move comes as global demand rises for minerals essential to the clean energy transition, including copper and zinc. During the winter 2025 drilling season, Foran completed more than 30,000 metres of drilling across multiple high-potential targets, including the Tesla and Bridge zones. The scale and remoteness of the campaign underscored the need for faster geological interpretation and more precise data.
To meet these demands, the company deployed Scan by Veracio, an on-site geochemical scanning system formerly known as TruScan™. The tool provides near-immediate geochemical insights, reducing reliance on external laboratories where analyses typically take several weeks.
Faster Decisions, Improved Geological Modelling
Foran’s Principal Orebody Knowledge Geologist at McIlvenna Bay, Johan Krebs, said the system has helped accelerate the company’s workflow and improve the quality of drill planning.
According to Krebs, the near-real-time data allows the technical team to make informed decisions on drill targeting and sampling, while also offering continuous coverage compared to traditional spot sampling. He noted that faster data availability strengthens reporting and decision-making, ultimately lowering project costs when correctly applied.
Tangible Results in the Field
The technology enabled geologists to determine whether to extend or terminate drill holes while still onsite, refine which samples should be prioritized for laboratory testing, and identify mineralized intervals that may not be visible during initial core inspection.
One of the campaign’s most significant outcomes was the identification of a 52.6-metre intersection averaging 2.54% copper equivalent in the Tesla Zone, with sections reaching 4.65%. The result represents the highest grade-thickness recorded at McIlvenna Bay to date. Importantly, this interpretation was made even before full geological logging, using data generated by the scanning system.
Technology Provider Sees Broader Implications
Technology provider Veracio described the project as a strong demonstration of the practical benefits of real-time geochemical scanning. The company noted that delivering reliable onsite data allowed Foran to make critical decisions more quickly, enhancing the value of each metre drilled.
The McIlvenna Bay case reflects a wider trend in exploration, particularly in remote jurisdictions where logistical challenges often delay analysis. As the race to develop strategic mineral resources intensifies, immediate onsite data is emerging as an important tool for improving operational efficiency, strengthening geological confidence, and reducing early-stage development risks.
