History

1946

Scintrex is like a tree with two main roots and many branches. The oldest root dates back to 1946, when Edgar Sharpe, an inventive mechanical instrument designer, set up a machine shop to produce fine mechanical instruments and components. Through his association with Dr. Arthur Brant, then Professor of Geophysics at the University of Toronto, he designed and built a vertical force magnetometer. This young company, then known as Sharpe Instruments Limited, grew over the years, producing a number of innovative, mechanical magnetometers, several electrical measuring devices and electromagnetic systems, for the purposes of mineral exploration. Sharpe Instruments also acquired the technology of a quartz element gravity meter and started to produce it. In 1961, the company went public under the name of E.J. Sharpe Instruments of Canada Ltd.

1956

The second root of the company dates back to 1956, when Dr. Harold 0. Seigel, then a consulting geophysicist, founded Seigel Associates Limited, a company providing consulting and contracting services to the mineral exploration industry. Dr. Seigel became a member of the Board of Directors of E.J. Sharpe Instruments of Canada Ltd., when it became a public company in 1961 and was appointed President in 1964. In 1967, E.J. Sharpe Instruments of Canada Ltd. acquired Seigel Associates Limited and the two companies merged under the new name of Scintrex Limited, an acronym for Scientific Instruments, Research and Exploration. The combined company grew so rapidly that in 1969, Scintrex moved into a new plant located at 222 Snidercroft Road, Concord, which remains its current location. During the 1960’s, the company introduced a line of induced polarization equipment, fluxgate magnetometers, airborne and ground electromagnetic systems for base metal exploration, and gamma ray spectrometers for airborne, ground and borehole exploration for uranium, all developed through its own efforts.

1970

During the 1970’s, Scintrex further developed its 1960’s technology and expanded its product lines by producing a field-portable mercury spectrometer and a time-resolved, laser-induced fluorescence analyzer for uranium exploration. In addition, Scintrex developed the magnetic induced polarization method and the Metalog neutron-prompt gamma, in-situ analysis system, unique in both concept and execution. In the 1980’s, Scintrex’s technological base was further expanded, with the launch of an atomic absorption spectrometer, and the development of the revolutionary Luminex system, used for airborne and ground exploration for minerals. In 1982, the company purchased the Cesium High Sensitivity Magnetometer division of Varian Associates Inc., thus bringing this valuable technology in-house, for use in both ground and aerial UXO applications. In 1988, the company purchased the Earth Science Division of EDA Instruments Ltd., adding their line of exploration, seismology, and radon detection and monitoring instruments to its already extensive line of earth science instrumentation. In 1989, Scintrex developed a quartz-based relative gravimeter, the CG-3, based on the PhD thesis of Dr. Andrew Hugill, who was Scintrex’s Director of Engineering. In the 1990’s, Scintrex developed a new, automated resistivity imaging system (SARIS) and a new Cesium magnetometer (CS-3).

1999

In 1999, Scintrex merged with Denver based Micro-g Solutions, a manufacturer of absolute gravimeters, and Auslog Pty. Inc., an Australian based borehole logging company, in order to expand its already diverse line of instrumentation. In 2001, LaCoste & Romberg, based in Austin, Texas, a longtime producer of metal, spring-based land and air /sea relative gravimeters, and Scintrex merged to form a new company known as LaCoste & Romberg – Scintrex, Inc., operating out of headquarters in Concord, Ontario.

2002

Scintrex introduces a new gravimeter called the CG-5 Autograv™ Gravity Meter, building upon and enhancing the popular quartz-based gravimeter, the CG-3.

2005

Scintrex has once again shifted our focus back to our core based technologies. With the restructuring and new corporate look, Scintrex and our Sister company Micro-g LaCoste are placing our full effort and resources into advancing the technologies for the Gravity and Magnetic markets.

LaCoste & Romberg – Scintrex, Inc. produce over 90% of the world’s gravimeters in addition to the extensive geophysical instrumentation product line at Scintrex. The new company has offices in Concord, Ontario (Scintrex) and Colorado, USA (Micro-g LaCoste).

2008

Scintrex develops the first slim hole gravity probe called the Gravilog™. The Gravilog™ can be used in a NQ drill rod size hole. For the first time bore hole gravity can now be used by the Mining and Geotechnical industries.

2010

Scintrex develops an underwater gravity meter called the INO. The INO uses the CG-5 Autograv™ technology and can work up to depths of 5,000 meters (16,405 ft) on the sea floor. The INO fills a much needed void in the market place.

2011

Scintrex introduces the new CS-VL, the High Sensitivity Cesium Magnetometer Sensor, Very Light, for use on UAV’s where weight is a concern.

2012

Scintrex introduces the new ENVI Cs, a portable Cesium Magnetometer with continuous readings at high sensitivity.

2016

Scintrex introduces a new gravimeter called the CG-6 Autograv™ Gravity Meter redesigning the popular quartz-based CG-5 Autograv™ using the latest technologies and advancements.

2017

On May 25th, 2017, Scintrex Limited celebrates 50 years of providing state of the art sensors and solutions to the Industry.

2019

Scintrex introduces a new gravimeter called the ‘RG-1 Remote Operating Gravity Meter’ utilizing the Gravilog sensor technology and designed for use in autonomous underwater or terrain vehicles for the purpose of acquiring micro gravity data remotely.