Micro X-ray diffraction as a discrimination tool for diamond exploration, using the mineral structures of ilmenite and chromite

利用钛铁矿和铬铁矿的矿物结构，微 X 射线衍射作为钻石勘探的辨别工具

• 批准号: 533705-2018
• 负责人: Flemming, Roberta
• 金额: $ 1.82万
• 依托单位: University of Western Ontario
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Engage Grants Program
• 财政年份: 2018
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2018-01-01 至 2019-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=650849
• 关键词: Micro; ray; diffraction; discrimination; tool

In 2017, the minerals industry in Canada saw $44 billion in mineral production as well as $4 billion in capital investments for mineral processing; Hundreds of millions of dollars was spent on research and development and the minerals industry has created 634,000 jobs for Canadians (NRCAN 2018). Headquartered in Vancouver, BC, North Arrow Minerals Inc. is a dynamic Canadian company exploring for diamonds across Canada. Conventional exploration methods employ chemical analysis of Kimberlite Indicator Minerals (KIMs) to determine the presence of kimberlites and their diamond potential. We propose to team up with North Arrow to test the application of micro X-ray diffraction (microXRD) as a new exploration tool, using Flemming's proposed two-mineral structural approach. We propose that microXRD/unit cell refinement of ilmenite and chromite populations in tandem will be a powerful new reconnaissance tool for diamond exploration. If a population of ilmenite grains have c-axis < 14.02 (±.01) Å, this indicates a kimberlitic origin. In combination with a positive kimberlite identification provided by the unit cell of ilmenite, a population of chromite grains with a-axis = 8.32 (±.01) Å indicates that the kimberlite is diamondiferous. (The chromite unit cell parameter by itself, however, is not definitive.) Our innovative two-mineral structural approach will provide North Arrow with a new method of kimberlite reconnaissance (via ilmenite unit cell) and estimation of diamond potential (via chromite unit cell), which will give them a competitive advantage in the field of diamond exploration. This method has the potential to save thousands of dollars from North Arrow's exploration budget as it reduces the necessity to process the complete suite of KIMs by Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA). This technique, once implemented into their exploration program, would streamline operations and may enable estimation of diamond potential of the resource prior to drilling. New exploration methods could lead to new diamond discoveries, which would provide wealth to Canada. High caliber HQP trained in Canada will be at the forefront of the next generation of diamond discoveries.********

2017 年，加拿大矿产行业的矿产产量为 440 亿美元，矿产加工资本投资为 40 亿美元；研发支出达数亿美元，矿产行业为加拿大创造了 634,000 个就业岗位（NRCAN 2018） North Arrow Minerals Inc. 总部位于不列颠哥伦比亚省温哥华，是一家充满活力的加拿大公司，在加拿大各地勘探钻石，其传统勘探方法采用金伯利岩指标的化学分析。我们建议与 North Arrow 合作，使用 Flemming 提出的两种矿物结构方法来测试微 X 射线衍射 (microXRD) 作为新勘探工具的应用。我们认为，如果钛铁矿颗粒群具有的话，钛铁矿和铬铁矿群的微 XRD/晶胞精炼将成为钻石勘探的强大新勘察工具。 c 轴 < 14.02 (±.01) Å，这表明金伯利岩起源，结合钛铁矿晶胞（a 轴 = 8.32 (±.01) Å 的铬铁矿颗粒群）提供的金伯利岩正鉴定。 （然而，铬铁矿晶胞参数本身并不是决定性的。）我们创新的两种矿物结构方法将提供指北针采用金伯利岩勘察（通过钛铁矿晶胞）和估计钻石潜力（通过铬铁矿晶胞）的新方法，这将使他们在钻石勘探领域具有竞争优势，该方法有可能节省数千美元。 North Arrow 的勘探预算，因为它减少了通过电子探针微量分析 (EPMA) 处理整套 KIM 的必要性。该技术一旦实施到他们的勘探计划中，将简化操作，并可以在之前估计资源的钻石潜力。新的勘探方法可能会带来新的钻石发现，这将为加拿大提供财富，在加拿大接受培训的高素质高级人才将处于下一代钻石发现的前沿。