Experts from leading Russian scientific centers have proposed an innovative way to study the structure of ore, which will make it possible to more accurately determine the location of minerals and increase the efficiency of their extraction. The method combines 3D scanning and mathematical analysis, which opens up new possibilities for the mining industry.
A group of scientists from the Kola Science Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow State University, Skoltech and Murmansk Arctic University conducted a unique study of a rock sample – meimechite. Using 3D X-ray microtomography and algebraic topology techniques, they were able to study in detail the distribution of minerals in the rock. This will allow you to create more accurate models deposits and improve production technologies.
Traditional analysis methods provide only average data on the composition of the ore, without taking into account the relative position of the minerals. The new approach solves this problem: it does not destroy the sample and is applicable at different scales. Scientists identified key parameters – volume, surface area, curvature characteristics and the number of cavities. Their combination gives an accurate picture of the structure of the rock.
The practical value of the method lies in the ability to determine exactly how useful minerals are distributed in the ore. For example, if valuable elements are enclosed in hard shells, standard analysis methods will not show this. The new method reveals such features that will help select optimal processing technologies for each section of the field.
The scientists’ development opens up prospects not only for geology and mining, but also for materials science, biology and archaeology. The introduction of this method will reduce the cost of ore processing and increase the volume of extracted minerals.
The material was prepared with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the Decade of Science and Technology
Source: minobrnauki.gov.ru
