Automated Mineralogy Applications in Geoscience
Summary
Automated mineralogy encompasses high‐throughput, quantitative characterisation of mineral assemblages through integrated imaging and analytical technologies. Central to such approaches are scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and, increasingly, three-dimensional imaging via X-ray computed tomography. Together with sophisticated software routines and emerging machine-learning algorithms, these methods deliver detailed modal analyses, particle and liberation studies, and textural quantification at micro- to nanometre scales. Automated mineralogy has transformed disciplines ranging from ore deposit evaluation and geometallurgical modelling to metamorphic and igneous petrology, environmental assessment and archaeological science. By offering reproducible, rapid and spatially resolved mineral maps, these tools support sustainable resource development, critical raw-material exploration and improved understanding of mineral controls on geochemical processes.
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Automated Mineralogy Applications in Geoscience publication trend
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Technical terms
Backscattered electron (BSE) imaging: Electron‐microscope mode detecting electrons reflected from atomic nuclei, providing material‐contrast images.
Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS): Analytical technique measuring characteristic X-rays emitted by a sample under electron bombardment to determine elemental composition.
Mineral liberation analysis: Quantitative assessment of grain size, association and exposure of mineral phases relevant to beneficiation and processing.
X-ray computed tomography (XCT): Non‐destructive technique reconstructing three‐dimensional internal structures from X-ray attenuation measurements.
Stereological error: Distortion arising when two-dimensional observations are used to infer three-dimensional properties of heterogeneous materials.
References
- SEM-Based Automated Mineralogy and Its Application in Geo- and Material Sciences. Minerals (2020).
- Multi-Scale X-Ray Computed Tomography Analysis to Aid Automated Mineralogy in Ore Geology Research. Frontiers in Earth Science (2021).
- Deep-XFCT: Deep Learning 3D-Mineral Liberation Analysis with Micro-X-ray Fluorescence and Computed Tomography. Energies (2022).
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