Comparison of automated particle search techniques for platinum group elements (PGE) and minerals (PGM):μ-XRF and electron-microprobe

摘要

Geochemical and mineralogical studies were conducted on polished sections of PGE-bearing ore and concentrate samples of the Great Dyke, Zimbabwe, using different instruments and analytical programs, namelyμ-XRF-MegaScan and electron-microprobe (Turbo-Scan program). Both methods provide valuable information on the presence and distribution of platinum-group elements (PGE) and minerals (PGM) in the samples. The two methods are compared and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed.