Inside ores:The application of high-resolution X-Ray computed tomography to Ni-Cu-PGE deposits

摘要

High-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT) is a non-destructive technique that allows exploration of the 3-dimensional (3-D) distribution of minerals in natural and synthetic rock samples.Recent technology developments allow the characterization of samples (up to few centimetres in diameter) at a detail resolution down to 0.7 μm.This,combined with the development of dedicated workflows,algorithms and softwares,is opening new doors for the quantitative 3-D characterization of ores at the sample scale.Over the past few years,HRXCT and quantitative 3-D image analysis have been applied to a range of geological materials hosting magmatic ore deposits and provided improved understanding of ore mineralogy and ore-forming processes,which had not been recognised previously using traditional 2-D techniques.This contribution presents the principle and methodology of HRXCT and proposes a range of applications to Ni-Cu-PGE ores,with benefit for both academic studies and mineral industry applications.