AU2010227015B2 - Sampling system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A sampling system and method wherein the sampling system comprises a plurality of RFID tags devices for associating with a plurality of samples, a RFID apparatus capable of writing sample identification data to each of the devices, a RFID apparatus capable of reading sample identification data from the device associated with each of the samples. The sampling method comprising at least the steps of associating a radio-frequency identification device with a respective sample, electronically writing sample identification data to the radio-frequency identification device and electronically reading the sample identification data from the radio-frequency identification device to form a second set of data. Associating a RFID device with 50 one of a plurality of sample con tainers Writing a unique sample identifier to each of a plurality of RFID de vices associated with a sample Storing a copy of the data gener ated during the association stage Reading the sample identification data associated with a plurality of samples Storing test results relating to each of the associated samples with the sample identification data for each sample Combining the test results with at least some of the sample identifi cation data for each sample Figure 4

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT (Original) APPLICATION NO: LODGED: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION LODGED: ACCEPTED: PUBLISHED: RELATED ART: NAME OF APPLICANT: Mr Drew Bellamy ACTUAL INVENTOR(S): Mr Drew Bellamy ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: LORD AND COMPANY, Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, of 4 Douro Place, West Perth, Western Australia, 6005, AUSTRALIA. INVENTION TITLE: "SAMPLING SYSTEM AND METHOD" DETAILS OF ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION NO'S: Australian Provisional Patent Application Number 2009904935 filed on 9 October 2009 Australian Provisional Patent Application Number 2009905180 filed on 23 October 2009 The following Statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me/us: TITLE "SAMPLING SYSTEM AND METHOD" 5 The present invention relates to a sampling system and method. Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to mining and mineral exploration drill hole sampling, it is to be understood that the present invention may be used for other purposes. For example, it may also be used in the oil and gas 10 industry. A typical mining or mineral exploration drill hole sampling operation involves using a suitable drilling rig to drill one or more holes into the ground in a target area to obtain subterranean rock samples at predetermined depths. 15 Typically, each sample that is obtained from a drill hole during a sampling operation is placed in its own sample bag, and all of the sample bags for the hole are numbered sequentially for identification purposes. 20 For each sample bag, a record is kept of the information such as drill hole from which the sample contained in the sample bag was obtained, the depth at which the sample was obtained and the particular drill rig that was used to drill the hole. This information is often recorded on a computer in a spreadsheet or the like. 2 After drilling of a hole is completed, the sample bags containing the samples from the hole are sent to an assay lab to assay the samples. Additionally, it is common practice to insert sample bags containing control material which are also sent to the assay lab for quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) purposes. 5 The control material that is placed in a particular sample bag for QAQC purposes is usually selected from standard, blank, or duplicate material. Standard material is material that contains a known percentage of a certain mineral or minerals. Such material is used to assist in determining whether the assay lab is correctly reporting the mineral content of 10 the samples. Blank material is material that does not contain certain minerals at all. Such material is used to assist in determining the cleanliness of the assay lab's equipment. 15 Duplicate material is material that is taken from a drill hole sample. Such material is used for the purposes of determining the consistency of the assay results. For each of the supplied sample bags, the assay lab assays the material contained in the sample bag, and provides the assay results for the material contained in the sample bag 20 along with the number of the sample bag. The assay results for each sample bag are then added to the other recorded data for the drill hole. It is then normal practice for a geologist to carry out a QAQC check based upon the inserted samples to ensure the integrity of the results, 3 A drawback of the above-described sampling method is that it relies on the use of numbered sample bags. The sampling method is susceptible to human typographical and handling errors which can reduce the integrity of the data that is obtained. Also, the 5 samples that are obtained using the method are susceptible to being mixed in the field or in the lab. Further, the method is susceptible to human spreadsheet input errors. 10 In addition, it requires the usage of manual checklists in the field, which can be problematic. The use of manual checklists is time consuming and any error may reduce the confidence in the sample data generated. Furthermore, the numbers of the sample bags that contain control material are sometimes 15 of sequence with the numbers of the other sample bags due to the sample bags containing the control material being inserted later. As a result, the sample bags containing the control material can consequently be easily identified by the assay lab so that the integrity of the assay results produced by the lab is questionable. 20 In an effort to address at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks, barcodes and bar-code scanners are now being used to identify drill hole sample bags. However, the use of bar-codes and bar-code scanners to identify drill hole sample bags can be problematic because bar-code scanners rely on optics and are unable to read a bar 4 code that is covered in mud, dust or water, damaged or obscured by an object. Further, it is known that the use of bar-code scanners introduces an additional manual handling step as the operator must manipulate the bag to make the bar-code readable if it is obscured. 5 It would be desirable to have a means of identifying drill hole samples That at least partially alleviates the aforementioned deficiencies, and that is able to increase the effectiveness of the mining and mineral exploration drill hole sampling process. The present invention seeks to at least alleviate, one or more of the deficiencies of the 10 prior art mentioned above, or to provide the consumer with a useful commercial choice. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a sampling method comprising the steps of: Associating each one of a plurality of radio-frequency identification tag devices 15 with a respective sample; Electronically writing sample identification data to each of the plurality of radio frequency identification devices; Electronically reading the sample identification data on the device associated with each of the samples to generate a second set of data; 20 Preferably, the samples comprise samples of minerals or samples from the oil and gas industry. In a particular preferred form of the present invention, the samples are drill hole mineral samples. 5 Preferably, the step of associating the radio frequency identification tag devices with the samples comprises securing, attaching, or affixing the devices relative to the samples. If the samples are stored in bags, the devices may be RFID tags that may be secured to the 5 bags, or the devices may be incorporated into the bags, or the devices may be RFID tags in the form of adhesive labels that may be detachably secured to the bags. More preferably, one or more of the samples may be QAQC samples. For example, one or more of the samples may be standard, blank or duplicate sample. 10 Yet more preferably, the method of the present invention further comprises the additional step of writing QAQC data to some of the RFID tags devices. Yet more preferably, the method of the present invention further comprises the step of 15 storing additional data with the sample identification data on the RFID device. Additional data that is stored with the sample identification data may comprise sequence number, hole identification, rig identification, date and time, depth, and/or sample type data. 20 More preferably, the method of the present invention further comprises the step of sending the samples generated for testing. Yet more preferably, the step of testing the samples comprises assaying the samples. 6 Still yet more preferably, the step of combining the test results with at least some of the additional stored data for each sample comprises merging the test result with the additional stored data for each sample. 5 According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a sampling system comprising a plurality of RFID tags devices for associating with a plurality of samples, a RFID apparatus capable of writing sample identification data to each of the devices, a RFID apparatus capable of reading sample identification data from the device associated with each of the samples. 10 Preferably, the RFID device includes an integrated circuit. It is preferred that the device also includes an antenna coupled to the integrated circuit. Preferably, there is provided an RFID device-reading and writing apparatus for use with 15 the above-defined method or system of the present invention. More preferably, there is provided a container assembly comprising a container and a RFID device incorporated into the container. 20 Still more preferably, the container is a bag. It is preferred that the bag is a mining or mineral sample bag. In a particular preferred form, the bag is a standard mining sample bag. 7 Still yet more preferably, the RFID device that is incorporated into the container includes an integrated circuit. It is preferred that a device also includes an antenna coupled with the integrated circuit. 5 The RFID tags device may be incorporated into the container in any suitable manner. For example, if the container is a bag, the RFID tags device may be secured relative to the bag such that the device is located inside the bag adjacent to a seam of the bag. In a particular preferred form, the RFID tags device is sown into the bag. 10 In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 depicts a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag device in form of a radio 15 frequency identification (RFID) tag; Figure 2 depicts a first type of RFID device - reading and writing apparatus; Figure 3 depicts a second type of RFID device - reading and writing apparatus; 20 Figure 4 is a flow-chart of a sampling method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for reverse circulation drill hole samples; Figure 5 Depicts a sample bag tagged with a respective RFID device of the type depicted 8 in figure 1; Figure 6 is a flow chart of a sampling method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for diamond drill hole samples; 5 Figure 7 is an example of a table of data which is captured in when the apparatus 30 is configured in read only mode. Figure 8 is an example of a table of data which is captured in an assay lab when the radio 10 frequency identification devices of the samples listed in the table depicted in figure 8 are read by a radio-frequency identification device-writing apparatus; and Figure 9 is an example of a table produced by combining the data table depicted in figure 8 with the assay results of the samples listed in that table; 15 Referring to figure 1, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag device in the form of RFID tags 20 comprising a housing 21 is shown. The housing 21 contains various electronic components including an antenna for receiving and transmitting a radio frequency (RF) signal, and an integrated circuit/micro-chip for storing and processing 20 information, modulating and demodulating the RF signal, and other specialised functions. Preferably, the RFID tags 20 are capable of storing data that is encrypted. Further, the RFID tags 20 may be able to hold data in password protected memory allocations. Such memory allocations requiring the correct password to be entered on an RFID device 9 reading and writing apparatus before transmission of data stored therein. A first type of RFID device-reading and writing apparatus 30 is depicted in figure 2. The apparatus 30 includes a housing 31. The housing 31 is a heavy duty and robust type that 5 is particularly suitable for heavy industry and mining environments. The housing 31 contains the various electronic components of the apparatus 30; including electronic components that enable it to read and write information to and from the RFID tags 20, as well as electronic components such as memory that enable it to store information internally. The Apparatus 30 may further comprise Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) 10 equipment necessary to produce location data to be written to the RFID tags 20 as they are associated with a sample. The Apparatus 30 further comprises a digital display 32 and a keypad 33 which are located on an upper surface 34 of the housing 31. The display 32 is operable to display 15 information related to the functioning of the apparatus 30 such as information that the apparatus 30 reads from and/or writes to the RFID tags 20. The keypad 33 is operable to control the functioning of the apparatus 30 and includes a numeric keypad 35, as well as other buttons, such as QAQC buttons to allow the operator to enter information as required. 20 The apparatus 30 is afforded a handle 37 which extends from the housing 31 so that the apparatus 30 may be held by an operator. The Apparatus 30 further comprises a data transmission means (not shown). The data 10 transmission means (not shown) enables information to be uploaded and downloaded from the memory of the apparatus 30. In a particular preferred form the data transmission means could take the form of a USB 5 Memory Stick, Bluctooth, SD memory card, Ethernet or Wireless (IEEE802.11 family) connection. Preferably, the data transmission means (not shown) comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. 10 Further, the data transferring means (not shown) may enable the apparatus 30 to be connected to a personal computer (not shown) so that the computer and the apparatus 30 are able to communicate with each other. Whilst connected to a personal computer, it is expected that the personal computer will provides a user interface for the apparatus 30. 15 Although the apparatus 30 as described above are radio-frequency device-reading and writing apparatus, they may alternatively be configured as dedicated radio-frequency device-reading apparatus, or dedicated radio- frequency device-writing apparatus. Such configuration changes to the apparatus 30 may be achieved through the entering of a 20 password using the keypad 33 or may be set at the time of manufacture of the apparatus 30. When the apparatus 30 is configured as dedicated radio-frequency device-reading apparatus, it is only able to read data from the RFID tags 20, and is unable to write data to 11 the RFID tags 20. Further, the apparatus 30 may be configured to only be able to read selected data from the RFID tags 20. Conversely, when the apparatus 30 is configured as dedicated radio-frequency device-writing apparatus, it is only able to write data to the RFID tags 20, and is unable to read data from the RFID tags 20. 5 Preferably, the level of information made available to an operator of the apparatus 30 may be dependent upon a password being entered prior to scanning an RFID tag 20. As would be apparent when the apparatus 30 is configured as a RFID device reader it can not transmit password data back to the RFID tags 20 and hence the amount of information 10 readable by the operator is limited. A second type of RFID device-reading and writing apparatus 40 is depicted in figure 3. The Apparatus 40 comprises a housing 41. The housing 41 is a heavy duty and robust type that is particularly suitable for heavy industry and mining environments. The housing 41 contains the various electronic components of the apparatus 40; including is electronic components that enable it to read and write information to and from the RFID tags 20, as well as electronic components such as memory that enable it to store information internally. The Apparatus 40 may further comprise Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) equipment necessary to produce location data to be written to the RFID tags 20 as they are associated with a sample. 20 The Apparatus 40 further comprises a digital display 42 and a keypad 43 which are located on an upper surface 44 of the housing 41. The display 42 is operable to display information related to the functioning of the apparatus 40 such as information that the 12 apparatus 40 reads from and/or writes to the RFID tags 20. The keypad 43 is operable to control the functioning of the apparatus 40 and includes a numeric keypad 45, as well as other buttons, such as QAQC buttons to allow the operator to enter information as required. 5 The Apparatus 40 further comprises a data transmission means (not shown). The data transmission means (not shown) enables information to be uploaded and downloaded from the memory of the apparatus 40. 10 In a particular preferred form the data transmission means could take the form or a USB Memory Stick, Bluetooth, SD memory card, Ethernet or Wireless (IEEE802.11 family) connection. Preferably, the data transmission means (not shown) comprises a Universal Serial Bus 15 (USB) interface; Further, the data transferring means (not shown) may enable the apparatus 40 to be connected to a personal computer (not depicted) so that the computer and the apparatus 40 are able to communicate with each other. Whilst connected to a personal computer, it 20 is expected that the personal computer will provides a user interface for the apparatus 40. Although the apparatus 40 as described above are radio-frequency device-reading and writing apparatus, they may alternatively be configured as dedicated radio-frequency device-reading apparatus, or dedicated radio- frequency device-writing apparatus. Whilst 13 configured in one of these alternate modes the apparatus 40 operates in the same manner as the apparatus 30 when in similar modes as described above. Figure 4 depicts a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of the sampling method 50 for 5 reverse circulation drill hole samples. Preferably, the RFID tags 20 are associated with the sample bag during manufacture. The RFID tags may be sewn into the sample bag as to be incorporated into the sample bag. 10 As samples are prepared by known means the RFID tags 20 are associated with respective samples by the apparatus 30 writing a unique identifier to the RFID tags 20. Preferably, as the apparatus 30 or 40 writes a unique identifier to the RFID tags 20 any associated additional data is also written to the RFID tags 20. 15 The additional data associated with the unique identifier may include but is not limed to memory position, hole identification, rig identification, GPS coordinates, date and time, depth, and/or other sample type data. The step of associating the RFID tags 20 and sample is repeated until such time as the 20 drill hole reaches the required depth. Once the drilling operation is completed all the samples generated by the drilling cycle are again scanned by the apparatus 30 or 40 and the data contained on the RFID tags 20 14 captured as a means of verification against that generated as the samples were created. The data transfer means of the apparatus 30 or 40 then transmits the data captured to an appropriate means of data storage. It should be appreciated that this transmission may be 5 directly to an appropriate means of data storage such as a database, or alternatively it may be transferred to a portable means of data storage prior to being transmitted to a database. Optionally, the method may further comprise the step of associating additional data with the data captured and stored in the database. Additional data that may be associated with 10 the data stored in the database may comprise results from any form of testing performed on the samples, Quality Assurance or Quality Control data or any other data that may be determined to be useful with regard the sampling. Additional data that can be linked to the sample such as the results of analysis of the 15 sample or any other additional information may be combined with and stored with the sample data in the means of data storage of the present invention. Figure 5 depicts a calico mining sample bag 52 of the type that is typically used for storing mineral samples. The sample bag 52 is sewn from a single piece of cloth and 20 includes a bottom 53, a pair of opposing sides 54, a pair of stitched side seams 55 where the sides 54 are sewn together, an open top 56, and a draw-string 57 for closing the top 56. 15 Figure 6 depicts a flowchart of a sampling method 58 for diamond drill hole samples. In accordance with this preferred embodiment of the present invention the step of associating the samples with a respective sample occurs after the core produced by the diamond drill hole sampling process first undergoes the step of core processing. 5 Figure 7 is a table 60 which contains data captured by the apparatus 30 or 40 when the RFID tags 20 of the samples are read by apparatus 30 or 40 when it is configured as a RFID device reader. The data captured for each sample occupies its own row in the table 60. Each row of data at least includes the hole ID of the drill hole from which the sample was taken, and the serial number of the sample. 10 By way of example, this would be the level of information that would be made available to a testing facility or other third party. Figure 8 depicts a table 62 which contains data captured by the apparatus 30 or 40 when the RFID tags 20 of the samples are read by apparatus 30 or 40 when it is configured as a RFID device reader and writer, with the correct password being entered. 15 By way of example, this would be the level of information that would be made available at the drilling rig or core yard. The data for each sample occupies its own row in the table 62. Each row of data includes the memory position of the data for the sample, the hole ID of the drill hole from which the sample was taken, the rig ID of the drilling rig which was used to obtain the sample, the date and time on which the sample was taken, the depth (in 20 metres) down the drill hole at which the sample was taken, the type of the sample (i.e. 16 whether it is a normal sample, or a QAQC sample), and the serial number of the sample and any other information gathered at the drilling rig or core yard. Figure 9 depicts a table 64 which contains the data collected for each sample in accordance with this method. Each sample is contained within a single row of the table 5 64 as it would be stored on the storage means of the present invention. By way of example, this would be the level of information that would be made available to a geologist or the database manager and represents all of the data captured regarding that sample. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, table 64 combines 10 the data contained in table 60 with the testing results relating to each sample. In this preferred embodiment of the present invention the testing results is assay data relating to a drilling operation. The assay data for each sample comprises the gold, arsenic, copper, aluminum, silica, phosphorus and iron content of each sample in parts per million (ppm). It will be appreciated that the particular elements included in the testing results will vary 15 from case to case, depending upon which particular elements are of interest. In use, the method of the present invention will be described wherein the samples are generated by hole drilling, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the RFID tags 20 are incorporated into the sample bags 52 during construction. The drill rig receives an apparatus 50 and the empty sample bags 52 containing the RFID 20 tags 20. 17 Each time the drill rig begins drilling a new hole, an operator at the drill rig pushes the NEW HOLE button on the keypad 43 of the apparatus 40 and enters the hole identification (hole ID) for the hole and the rig identification (rig ID) for the drill rig into the apparatus 40 using the numeric keypad 45, and presses the OK button of the 5 apparatus 40 so that it stores the entered information into memory. If the hole is a re-drill of an existing hole the operator may also enter the start depth of the new drilling cycle. The drill rig personnel are provided with instructions on how often to insert the QAQC samples for standard, blank and duplicate material into a sequence of samples that are 10 obtained from each hole that is drilled during the campaign. Each new sample has a unique identifier written as the RFID tags 20 passes the apparatus 50 during the drilling process. Preferably, as the unique identifier is written to the RFID tags 20 additional information to be associated with the sample is written to the RFID tags 20. After writing the unique identifier to each RFID tags 20 the depth counter of the 15 apparatus 50 is increased. At the intervals that they have been instructed to, the operator will insert a QAQC sample into the sequence of samples being generated. When inserting the QAQC sample, the operator presses one of the QAQC buttons on the keypad 43 of the apparatus 40 bring the RFID tags 20 into proximity of the apparatus 40. Pressing one of the QAQC buttons and 20 writing sample data to the RFID tags 20 will not cause the depth count on the apparatus 40 to increase after the scanning of a QAQC sample. 18 Preferably, additional QAQC data is written to the RFID tags 20 including the sample type. Once drilling is completed, data collected on the apparatus 40 comprising the sample and hole data is downloaded via the data transfer (not shown) means to a storage device such 5 as a USB storage device or a computer. The data collected from the apparatus is then transmitted by appropriate means into the data storage means of the present invention. Preferably, the samples generated by the sampling process are then collected to be sent for testing. 10 Preferably, the apparatus 30 is used to read the sample identification data on the RFID tags 20 as they are collected to be sent to the testing facility. The data collected by the apparatus 30 is then able to be used in logistical control of the samples generated or as a further verification step to ensure integrity of the data generated by the method of the present invention. 15 At the testing facility, the apparatus 30 is used to read the RFID tags 20. Preferably, the apparatus 30 is configured to be a RFID device reader only. As such the apparatus 30 is unable to transmit the required password to the RFID tags 20 and therefore unable to read the additional data that is stored on the RFID tags 20, Preferably, the apparatus 30 is configured to be in communication with a personal 20 computer (not shown) via the data transmission means (not shown). 19 As each sample's associated RFID tags 20 are read by the apparatus 30 the information read by the apparatus is stored in an electronic file on the attached personal computer. Preferably, the personal computer is configured such that any data read by the apparatus 30 is stored in the electronic file generated on the personal computer. This will provide 5 an additional means of ensuring that the apparatus 30 provided to the testing facility has not been tampered with to allow the reading of additional data associated with each sample. Preferably, the electronic file is generated by data being retrieved directly into a propriety software package. 10 The testing facility processes the samples contained in the bags 52 by known means and enters the test results into the electronic file. The testing results for each sample, along with the sample ID read from the RFID tags 20 for the sample by the apparatus 30 is stored in the electronic file. Upon completion of testing the testing facility then sends the electronic file to the combining means of the 15 present invention. Upon receiving the electronic file containing the testing results for each sample the combining means of the present invention combines the information contained in the electronic file from the testing facility to the data already held in the data storage means. The data set generated by the combining means of the present invention is then stores in 20 the storage means of the present invention. The storage means of the present invention 20 contains a record for each sample comprising a unique identifier and the test results for each sample. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, additional data associated with each sample allows identification of QAQC samples. 5 The information contained in the data storage means is sufficient to allow someone skilled in the art to carry out a QAQC check of each record in the database and make a determination of the quality of the test results made available from the testing facility. Due to the fact the fact the bags are electronically numbered and because the testing facility is only able to read the Hole ID of each sample from the RFID tags 20 associated 10 with the sample because of encryption and password protection, then, it is difficult if not impossible for the testing facility to determine from the electronic and physical label data available to them, whether the sample is a genuine or whether it is a QAQC sample. Unlike previous sampling methods where manual tag numbering is used, QAQC samples cannot be identified simply through being out of sequence order. 15 Consequently, it is more difficult for the Testing Facility to manipulate the testing result data to take account of any errors or inaccuracies in that data. As a result, there can be greater confidence in the assay results provided by the Testing Facility. The system and methods as described above are able to increase the efficiency of drill hole sample data management in mining and mineral exploration operations. This is 20 achieved by: 21 reducing the amount of data that needs to be manually entered; reducing the amount of data that needs to be manually collected; reducing the data collection time so as to thereby reduce the number of errors and free-up resources; and 5 Reducing the likelihood that QAQC samples can be identified by the testing facility. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the RFID tags 20 may have the sample number attached to the sample bag 52. Although the samples generated will be in consecutive order unlike previous methods the insertion of the QAQC samples occurs at 10 the drill rig as the samples are being generated. Therefore the QAQC samples will not be identifiable by simply being out of sequence. In the embodiment described, the invention is used in mineral sampling, and so the testing comprises an assay procedure. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the testing is appropriate to the material being sampled, as is the data or information 15 collected, For example, in the case of fish sampling, the testing may comprise a biological analysis of the samples, and the data recorded is relevant thereto, such as location and time of catch. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications to the invention described herein will be apparent without departing from the spirit and scope 20 thereof. The variations and modifications as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth. 22

Claims (10)

1. A sampling system comprising a plurality of radio-frequency identification devices capable of storing sample identification data for associating with each one of a respective plurality of samples, the radio frequency identification devices being able to store additional data in protected memory allocations, at least one radio-frequency device reading and writing apparatus for reading and writing sample identification data and additional data to the radio-frequency identification devices at a testing facility, at least one authorised radio-frequency reading and writing apparatus for reading and writing sample data and additional data stored in protected memory allocations from the radio-frequency identification devices, wherein at least some of the additional data stored in the protected memory allocations on the radio-frequency identification device allows for the identification of quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) samples, a storage means for storing the sample identification data along with any additional data associated with each one of the respective plurality of samples, and a combining means for combining a set of data generated by a testing facility with data held in the storage means, the QAQC data only being readable by the at least one authorised radio frequency reading and writing apparatus, wherein in use, the QAQC samples are inserted into the plurality of samples at instructed intervals, the arrangement being such that it is difficult if not impossible for the testing facility to determine whether a sample is genuine or whether it is a QAQC sample, therein enabling a subsequent quality audit of the testing regime applied to the samples by the testing facility to be conducted.

2. A sampling system in accordance with claim 1, which further comprises a second storage means for storing test results along with the sample identification data read from the radio-frequency identification devices associated with each sample and a means for combining test result data with at least some of the additional data stored on the radio-frequency identification device associated with each sample. 23

3. A sampling system in accordance with claim 1 or 2, in which the radio frequency identification device reading and writing apparatus may be configured as either a radio-frequency identification device reading apparatus or a radio-frequency identification device writing apparatus through the entering of a password.

4. A sampling system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, further comprises radio frequency identification devices wherein the level of information made available to an operator of a radio frequency identification device reader is dependent upon a password being entered into the radio frequency identification device reader prior to scanning a radio frequency identification device.

5. A sampling method comprising the steps of: Associating each one of a plurality of radio-frequency identification tag devices with each one of a respective sample; Electronically writing sample identification data to the radio-frequency identification devices; Associating additional data along with the sample identification data when writing data to the radio-frequency identification devices, wherein the additional data contains information relating to quality assurance and quality control samples; Storing the additional data associated with the samples along with the sample identification data read from the radio-frequency identification devices associated with respective sample ; Electronically reading the sample identification data on the devices associated with respective samples to generate a second set of data; Testing the samples generated in accordance with the sampling method; 24 Combining the second set of sample identification data, and testing results data with the original set of sample identification data and additional data; and Conducting a quality audit of the testing regime applied to the samples by the testing facility, using the sample identification data, the additional data and the test results to determine the accuracy and reliability of test results.

6. A sampling method according to claim 5, wherein the additional data associated with the sample identification data is used for identifying a quality assurance and/or quality control sample.

7. A sampling method according to claim 5, wherein the additional data associated with the sample data includes GPS coordinate data of the location where the sample is generated.

8. A sampling method according to claim 5, wherein the additional data associated with the sample data includes hole depth data of the location where the sample was generated.

9. A sampling method according to claim 5, which further comprises the step of reading the data associated with the plurality of samples as verification means.

10. A sampling method according to claim 5, which further comprises the step of using the sample identification data as a means of logistical control of the samples. 25