Oral Presentation 26th ACMM “2020 Visions in Microscopy”

Large scale X-ray mapping and mineral analysis of drill core (#14)

Timothy D Murphy 1 , Michael Alderson 1 , Bruce Schaefer 1
  1. Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia

The incorporation of micro X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) X-ray mapping and mineral mapping into geological workflows can provide rapid, qualitative and quantitative characterisation of geological samples, mineral systems and ore bodies. Our understanding geological and mineralogical events can be greatly enhanced by providing context to the phenomena being studied and ultimately the decisions made by mining companies to invest time and money into a potential site. The use of µXRF, along with existing exploration strategies and methods, can provide context on a larger scale. This paper presents the findings from large area X-ray and mineral mapping of geological drill core using µXRF, alongside complementary techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy and Electron Microprobe analyses.