Quantifying common rock-forming minerals in routine mineral exploration has historically been challenging. While infrared spectral mineralogy has supported applied geoscience, its use has been largely qualitative and limited to hydrous mineral phases. To overcome the limitations of quantitative applications, ALS uses machine learning algorithms trained on an extensive library of geological materials. This approach enables accurate predictions of quantitative mineralogy using multi-band infrared spectra and high quality multi-element geochemical data.
Designed to quantify major rock-forming and alteration minerals, this method delivers accurate mineral abundances, including key lithium-bearing phases such as spodumene. It is well suited for exploration programs, lithological characterisation, and early-stage project assessments, offering consistent results across a wide range of geological environments.
Code | Analytes | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
FTIR-MIN |
Quartz | Magnetite | Calcium Sulfates | Alunite |
Plagioclase | Goethite | Chlorite | Garnet | |
K Feldspar | Hematite | Epidote | Spodumene | |
Biotite | Calcite | Pyrite | Talc | |
Amphibole | Siderite | White Mica | Zeolite | |
Pyroxene | Ankerite-Dolomite | Kandite-Kaolinite | ||
Developed for bauxite evaluation, this method focuses on the quantification of alumina phases like gibbsite and boehmite, along with reactive silica, iron oxides, and other refining-relevant parameters. It provides valuable data to support bauxite classification, processing strategies, and feedstock optimisation—without requiring customised calibration models.
Code | Analytes | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
FTIR-BAUX |
Al2O3 | Rx SiO2 | C organic | % Magnetic |
Al2O3avl | Fe2O3 | Carbonate | Boehmite | |
SiO2 | Oxalate | Sulphate | Gibbsite | |
Il n’existe pas de méthode analytique unique capable de déterminer tous les éléments d’une roche. ALS propose des ensembles de méthodes pour analyser les éléments par la méthode la plus appropriée.
PLUS D’INFORMATIONSLorsque de faibles niveaux de détection sont nécessaires pour les éléments-traces, la méthode ME-MS89L™ peut être utile. Cette méthode utilise un flux de peroxyde de sodium pour permettre la détermination du Li dans le cadre de l’analyse.
PLUS D’INFORMATIONS