Core Scanning for Mineral Exploration

Non-destructive elemental and mineral logging of core provides objective high-resolution analytical data to identify sweet spots, mineralization, and alteration. Bruker portable and handheld analyzers are used to collect depth-registered geochemical and mineralogic data in the field or the core shack. The high-resolution nature of this data means that even small prospective zones of mineralization or alteration can be identified without dilution, improving distal identification of ore systems. Field collection of data provides near-instantaneous geochemistry that can be used for:

• Objective and quick identification of minerals and mineral associations
• Identifying trends in primary target and indicator elements
• Delineating target zones based on mineralization or alteration
• Geochemical referencing of core improving correlation to other holes
• Real-time directing of drilling programs, optimizing drill hole placement and reducing the number of holes required to find and fully characterize a deposit
• High-resolution preliminary grade identification, reducing the number of barren of samples sent to the assay lab
  

空间分布的可视化, minor and trace elements in core feeds an understanding of the processes of mineralization and alteration. Micro-XRF provides large-sample geochemical mapping at resolutions less than <20µm that can contextualize features within a geologic process framework. The addition of automated mineralogy to micro-XRF is an emerging field that promises to add the new dimension of rapid and repeatable petrologic characterization. For core analysis Bruker’sM4 TORNADOseries of instruments can be set for rapid data collection on-site or in the core shack:

• Rapid-scanning of sample material of minimally prepared surfaces, no need for sample coating or polishing
• Enables a data-based approach to selecting sampling locations for methods requiring more costly sample preparation
• Quick-look assessment of mineralization and alteration to constrain ongoing near-real time iteration of conceptual exploration models
• Provide “ground truth” and complementary data to hyperspectral technology by measuring elemental concentrations at comparable scales

Many mineralization processes leave a record at the micron scale. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization is the most accurate method available to visualize and analyze processes at this scale. Bruker’s automated mineralogy and large area elemental mapping solutions by automatedEDSX-ray mapping with backscatter election (BSE) imaging, provides detailed analysis at resolutions down to ~1 µm. Click here to learn more about rock characterization for exploration with microanalysis.

Traditional mineral analysis of rocks views a 3D world in 2D. Analysis of thin sections and core slabs in optical microscopes, SEMs and micro-XRF all require extrapolation from a single plane to understand a 3D object. High-resolution 3D X-ray Microscopy studies on core allow for non-destructive observations of the third dimension. Bruker’sSKYSCAN seriesof X-ray microscopes works with other methods to produce detailed information on the shape, size and inter-relationships of geologic features. When combined with automated mineralogy from SEM or micro-XRF the possibility opens to develop fully comprehensive models of ore distribution at the micron-scale, better defining mineralization processes and predict comminution and other processing behaviors.