The progress and prospect of in-situ observation and microanalysis techniques applied in the ore deposit research
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In recent years, significant progresses of researches on ore deposits have been achieved through the application of in-situ observation and microanalytical approaches. They have greatly enhanced our deep understanding of mineralization processes and mineral microstructures. High spatial-resolution techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy, nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry, atomic probe tomography and in-situ analyzers of metal stable isotopes, applied in researches of ore deposits have unique advantages in discovering new minerals, revealing mineral crystal structures, studying mineral growth histories and occurrence states of ore-forming elements, exploring the evolution of ore-forming fluids, and tracing the source of ore-forming elements. The continuous development and comprehensive application of in-situ observation and microanalysis techniques are expected to provide innovative approaches and methodologies for future researches of ore deposits. The combined application of various microanalytical techniques allows researchers to acquire comprehensive microscale data which will provide deeper insights into the migration and enrichment of ore-forming elements, the influences of isotope distribution characteristics and microstructures on ore-forming mechanisms. This kind of cross-domain analytical approaches can be used to focus on studying the nature and behavior of elements or substances themselves, which is expected to promote the development of mineralogy and ore deposit geology to material science. As such, it will not only bring new opportunities for innovation and breakthrough in the metallogenic theory researches and prospecting exploration of mineral resources, but also accelerate the efficient development of techniques and technologies in fields of mineral materials, mineral processing and smelting, providing important support for the safe and green utilization of mineral resources.
Authors: Peng LIU, Cheng-yao JIANG, Feng-shang ZHAO
Institutions: Northwest University, Chang'an University
Language: English
Subfield: Geophysics
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4407774823