Critical validation of portable LIBS for ore-grade evaluations

CMI Highlight: Critical validation of portable LIBS for ore-grade evaluations

CMI researchers at Oregon State University conducted the research for this highlight.

Innovation
Validation of field-portable LIBS for Li ore characterization using LA-ICP-MS reference analyses.

Achievement
Results show that while fresh drill-core samples exhibit only slightly higher Li by LIBS than ICP-MS, near-surface samples (with one outlier) show a strongly elevated LIBS-Li response compared to the high-precision LA-ICP-MS analyses.

Significance and Impact
Accurate ore-grade evaluation is critical for mine planning and extraction, but LIBS may overestimate Li in field applications.

Hub Target Addressed
Recovery or purification processes to expand U.S. lithium production.

diagram compares lithium concentration in different types of samples — Comparison of Li concentrations in surface samples and drill core samples of Hectorite-rich claystone, quantified using repeat LIBS and LA-ICPMS spots on side-by-side analytical regions. Challenges in characterizing hectorite standards due to conflicting reference composition data highlights the need for the development of improved standards.