Automated Mineralogy: Applications to secondary resource characterisation

摘要

While FEI's MLA system is a staple in ore characterization and ore process assessment, automated mineralogy systems have been used for a multitude of other materials as well. When looking at ashes, the high amount of X-Ray amorphous components have prevented a thorough characterization using XRD. Wet chemistry testing has been employed to assess the elemental content of this material, but fails to reflect the nature of ashes. Previous studies of ashes have occasionally highlighted interesting elemental compositions, which encouraged recycling efforts. However, turning waste into a resource requires an intimate knowledge of these materials. Evaluating particles - their morphologies and compositions - of ashes is essential in devising treatments for a targeted approach. MLA, involving polished blocks of epoxy-stabilised ashes allow for analysing particle cross-sections instead of surfaces. Accompanying treatment steps by MLA sampling allows for studying particle morphology changes and assessing the performance of the routine.