The University of Texas at Austin

Analytical Facilities

The CMRC will have access to a wide range of cutting-edge mineral analytical systems that enable macro- to nano-scale characterization of critical mineral–rich samples, including scanning electron microscopes, an electron microprobe, a micro-CT scanner, and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) systems.

Scanning electron microscopy with automated mineralogy software (AMICS) allows for fast identification of mineral phases, textures, and spatial distributions over a selected area on mounts or thin sections (red rectangle, top right image). The shown sample is from the Fei di Doccio lower crustal magmatic sulfide deposit in the Ivrea-Verbano Zone in Italy. Understanding the sample mineralogy and deportment of critical minerals in different mineral phases is pivotal to informing mineral extraction flowsheet development.

The University of Texas at Austin Energy Institute

Bureau of Economic Geology

University of Texas

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