Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy—An Emerging Analytical Tool for Mineral Exploration

• Published in: Minerals (Basel) Vol. 9; no. 12; p. 718
• Main Authors: Harmon, Russell, Lawley, Christopher, Watts, Jordan, Harraden, Cassady, Somers, Andrew, Hark, Richard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.12.2019
• Subjects: Analytical chemistry; Analytical methods; Atomic properties; Chemical analysis; Chemical fingerprinting; Commodities; Cost analysis; Data acquisition; Decision making; Environmental conditions; Exploitation; Fingerprinting; geochemical exploration; geochemical fingerprinting; Geochemistry; Geological history; Geology; Grain size; grain size analysis; Image resolution; Imaging techniques; Laboratories; Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy; Lasers; libs; Light elements; Mass spectrometry; micro‐imaging; Mineral exploration; Mineral reserves; Mineral resources; mineral texture; Mineralization; Mineralogy; Plasma; Quality control; Scientific imaging; Spectroscopy; Trends

The mineral exploration industry requires new methods and tools to address the challenges of declining mineral reserves and increasing discovery costs. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) represents an emerging geochemical tool for mineral exploration that can provide rapid, in situ, composi...