The CAMEVA system is based on a specially adapted reflected light microscope that allows the acquisition of multispectral specular reflectance in the visible and near-infrared bands, which are associated to a system of vision that implements some procedures of calibration, acquisition and correction. These ones could guarantee the obtaining of images in units of reflectance absolute with a perfect record between the different bands.

This allows to recognize the metal ores in a sample with high reliability, without the intervention of an expert. It is a breakthrough in the field of the geometallurgy because it provides comparable information to those more advanced scanning electron microscopy systems at a fraction of their cost. 

"Optimize the exploitation of mineral resources, while safeguarding the environment"

• Energy
  • SEM (scanning electron microscopy) systems that are currently used for the characterization of ores have such a high price and high environmental requirements that they are only available to large mining companies and some universities. This system would have less strict environmental requirements and a lower cost, so it would be possible to use it in a large number of medium or small size companies and universities, even in developing countries. It provides a tool for a systematic quantitative analysis of ores, which would optimize the use of mineral resources, improving energy consumption and decreasing possible harmful effects on the environment.
  • There are currently about 300 SEM systems worldwide, and the market is nearly saturated. 
  • This system estimated price would be three to six times lower than current ones; their market potential should be at least five to ten times higher.
•  ICT
• The proposed system could be adapted to characterize other types of materials characterized by its reflectance or even its transmittance; this broadens its scope of application

“CAMEVA provides a solution to the characterization of   ores in mining companies or universities that are located, for instance, in developing countries”

• Power

• If we consider a "high price" of 120 k€ for the proposed system (including hardware and software), and the hypothesis that competitors SEM systems are kept in the same order of price that currently have (≈500 k€), it could be estimated a market of about 150 systems (≈5 - 10% of the potential market) in five years, with a total of 18 M€ turnover. 
• If we consider that new low-cost desktop systems SEM will incorporate in the future the ability to do analysis of ores, price would be reduced (≈80 k€), the market will be reduced considerably, since it would be considered as a complementary system (and not alternative one) to the MEB. Estimated market: 60 systems, 4.8 M€ total turnover.

• Much lower cost than the classical SEM systems (QEMSCAN, MLA). 
• Capacity to clearly discriminate minerals of similar composition (for example: iron ores) that are not distinguished by SEM systems.
• Faster analysis.
• Much less restrictive environmental requirements.
• Easier samples preparation.
• Capacity for learning new minerals by the user, without having to make major configuration changes.