NEW Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF – Mining & Soil Geochemistry Analyzer

The Niton XL5 Plus is Thermo Scientific’s most sensitive handheld XRF for geochemical analysis, delivering exceptionally low limits of detection for mining and soil applications. Configured specifically with Mining Mode and Soils Mode, this analyzer is engineered for exploration geologists, mining engineers, and environmental professionals who need fast, defensible elemental data in the field.

Key Benefits for Mining & Exploration

• Industry-leading LODs for geochemical samples, including light elements
• Mining Mode + Soils Mode included (other modes available as add-ons)
• Large-area SDD detector with optimized geometry for trace detection
• Real-time, in-field decision making—no lab delays
• Rugged design for hostile mining environments (IP-rated)
• Ideal for exploration, grade control, soil surveys, and pathfinder analysis

Designed for Real-World Geochemistry

The Niton XL5 Plus is purpose-built for field geochemistry, combining a 5W X-ray tube, advanced beam filtering, and proprietary Fundamental Parameters (FP) calibration. Compared to previous-generation handheld XRF systems, the XL5 Plus delivers substantially lower detection limits across the periodic table, extending the practical use of handheld XRF into applications that historically required laboratory analysis.

Mining Mode dynamically optimizes beam conditions across multiple energy ranges, significantly improving signal-to-background ratios for both light and heavy elements, while maintaining speed and repeatability in heterogeneous geological matrices.

Included Analytical Modes

This configuration is intentionally focused on geochemistry. Modes included:

• Mining Mode
• Soils Mode

Optional Modes (Available as Add-Ons)

• General Metals
• Precious Metals
• User Mode (custom calibration)
• REE Mode (Rare Earth Elements)

Standard Element Suite (Mining & Soils)

Below is a concise overview of the standard elemental coverage available in Mining and Soils modes. Actual reporting limits depend on matrix, preparation, and measurement time.

Mining Mode – Typical Elements (41)

Sb, Sn, Cd, Pd, Ag, Mo, Nb, Zr, Y, Sr, Rb, U, Th, Bi, As, Se, Hg, Au, Pb, W, Zn, Cu, Re, Ta, Hf, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Cr, V, Ti, Ca, K, Ba, Al, P, Si, Cl, S, Mg

Soils Mode – Typical Elements (33)

Ag, Mo, Zr, Sr, Rb, U, Th, As, Se, Hg, Au, Pb, W, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Cr, V, Ti, Sc, Ca, K, S, Ba, Cs, Te, Sb, Sn, Cd, Pd

Industry-Leading Limits of Detection

The Niton XL5 Plus delivers some of the lowest published LODs in handheld XRF for mining and soils analysis. Typical detection limits reach single-ppm levels for many economically and environmentally critical elements, calculated at 99.7% confidence using multi-filter beam optimization 

This sensitivity advantage allows:

• Better discrimination of low-grade mineralization
• Improved confidence in pathfinder and penalty element analysis

Typical Mining & Geochemical Applications

• Mineral Exploration for Cu, Ag, Au, Fe, Zn, and more!
  
• Soil surveys and anomaly mapping
• Pathfinder element analysis for Au exploration
• Ore Grade control and discrimination
  
• Instant results before waiting for lab assays

Hardware & Platform Highlights

• 5W miniaturized X-ray tube
• Large-area silicon drift detector (SDD)
• Integrated GPS for GIS workflows
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth data connectivity
• Dual cameras (macro + micro)
• Touchscreen interface with NitonConnect software support
• Compatible with portable test stands and soil accessories

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Weight	2.8 lb (1.3 kg) with battery
X-Ray Source	Ag anode X-ray tube, 6–50 kV, up to 500 µA, 5 W max
Detector	Extra-large area SDD (GOLDD+) with graphene window
Spot Size	8 mm
Analytical Range	Mg–U
Calibration Modes	Mining Mode, Soils Mode, other modes available upon request
Display	Tilting color touchscreen (glove-friendly)
Cameras	Integrated macro + micro CCD cameras
Data Transfer	Wi-Fi, USB-C, Bluetooth
GPS	Internal GPS (external optional via Bluetooth)
Storage	16 GB industrial storage (~130,000 readings w/ spectra)
IP Rating	IP54 (dust & splash resistant)
Operating Temp	0–50 °C (fan recommended >33 °C)
Power	Hot-swap lithium-ion batteries
Software	NitonConnect™ PC software
Compliance	CE, RoHS, FCC, IEC 61010-1

What’s Included

• Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer
• Mining Mode calibration
• Soils Mode calibration
• x2 Rechargeable Li-ion batteries
• Battery Charger
• Integrated cameras and GPS
• Hard, Ruggedized Carrying case
• NitonConnect Software and PC connectivity tools
• 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty

Exact configuration based on final quotation and options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What analytical modes are included with this Niton XL5 Plus?
This configuration includes Mining Mode and Soils Mode only. Other modes (such as General Metals or Precious Metals) are available as optional add-ons if needed later.

What elements can be measured in Mining and Soils modes?
Mining and Soils modes cover a broad range of major, minor, and trace elements, including light elements and critical pathfinder elements commonly used in exploration and geochemistry. Typical coverage includes Mg through U, depending on mode, matrix, and conditions.

How low are the limits of detection?
The Niton XL5 Plus offers some of the lowest limits of detection available in a handheld XRF, with many elements reaching single-ppm detection levels under typical mining and soil analysis conditions. Actual LODs depend on matrix, preparation, and analysis time.

Can this instrument be used for gold exploration?
Yes. While handheld XRF does not directly replace fire assay for gold, the Niton XL5 Plus is widely used for gold exploration via pathfinder elements (such as As, Sb, Bi, Ag, and others) to rapidly identify mineralized zones and prioritize samples.

Is sample preparation required?
Sample preparation is not strictly required, but pulverizing and homogenizing samples significantly improves data quality—especially for light elements. Accessories such as test stands, soil guards, and sample cups can further enhance performance.

How does this compare to older mining handheld XRF systems?
Compared to earlier generations, the Niton XL5 Plus delivers substantially improved sensitivity, faster analysis times, and better light-element performance, making it suitable for applications that previously required laboratory analysis.

Can additional modes be added later?
Yes. Additional analytical modes can be added after purchase, allowing the analyzer to evolve with your operational needs.

Is this suitable for harsh field environments?
Yes. The Niton XL5 Plus is designed for rugged mining and exploration environments, featuring a durable housing, integrated GPS, wireless connectivity, and an ergonomic handheld form factor developed specifically for field use by Thermo Scientific.