Image Analaysis Coupled With A SEM-EDS Applied To The Characaterization Of A Zn-Pb Partially Weathered Ore

Abstract

The image analysis coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) analysis on a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was applied to the characterization of a Zn and Pb ore as an efficient tool for mineral quantification and for the assessment of the degree of mineral liberation. Screened size fractions of mineral particles were mounted on polished thin sections and, later on, analyzed by a SEM coupled with an EDS. This is important for the discrimination of different mineral phases, particularly when two minerals have similar average atomic numbers, such as willemite and pyrite. Two images per field were collected - backscattered electrons image and a multi-element X-ray dot mapping images. The results were utilized for quantification and liberation analysis of two valuable minerals in the ore -sphalerite and galena.