Source, transport and deposition of critical minerals using trace metal and isotope systematics: Denver High Resolution Laboratory Active
The project objective is to develop and apply solution and in situ isotopic and trace element methods to emerging research opportunities to gain a better understanding of the processes controlling critical mineral deposits, metal mobility, and other geological inquiries.
Science Issue and Relevance
Critical minerals are essential for technology including green energy, defense, and communication, but our Nation is dependent on sources that may have potential supply chain disruptions. Identifying the sources of critical minerals and the chemical and physical processes that concentrate them is a primary objective of the Mineral Resources Program. This is a major task because it is a new focus in economic geology and a complex problem. To make significant strides towards this goal, innovative applied research techniques must be coupled with more traditional tools. Advancement in analytical capability beyond nontraditional stable isotopes has presented the opportunity to focus on specific analytical method development and application of high precision isotope ratio and trace metal measurements by laser ablation and solution introduction.
Methods to Address Issue
The project objective is to develop and apply solution and in situ isotopic and trace element methods that have emerging applications in understanding processes controlling critical mineral deposits, metal mobility, and other geological problems. We will use solution multicollector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS), laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and laser ablation-multicollector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) expertise to develop precise and accurate simultaneous or stand-alone trace metal and isotope measurements and multiple solution isotope systematics. The significance of our new capability for in situ split flow measurements focuses on concurrent processes in otherwise complex systems. The project:
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provides new capabilities for constraining chemical and geological processes that influence mineral deposit formation,
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develops a better understanding of heavy metal mobilization, migration and pathways into the ecosystems and waterways,
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works in collaboration with existing projects to support USGS goals.
Project work is conducted through several tasks:
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Laboratory facility management
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High spatial resolution single and dual isotopic analyses determining chemical and geological processes related to ore deposit formation
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Trace metals, ligands and concurrent isotope ratios measurements in complex mineral systems of potentially strategic significance
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High precision solution isotope ratios for mineral deposit and metal transformation and mobility studies
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Assessing metal mobility and migration in ore deposits, waters, and abandoned mine areas
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Innovative isotopic applications to constraining ore-forming processes of REE deposits
Other USGS research projects related to our work
Non-Traditional Stable Isotopes
Systems Approach to Critical Minerals Inventory, Research, and Assessment
Macro and Micro Analytical Methods Development
- Overview
The project objective is to develop and apply solution and in situ isotopic and trace element methods to emerging research opportunities to gain a better understanding of the processes controlling critical mineral deposits, metal mobility, and other geological inquiries.
Science Issue and Relevance
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsNu Instruments NP3 model of Multi Collector ICP Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS), Denver High Resolution Laboratory. Critical minerals are essential for technology including green energy, defense, and communication, but our Nation is dependent on sources that may have potential supply chain disruptions. Identifying the sources of critical minerals and the chemical and physical processes that concentrate them is a primary objective of the Mineral Resources Program. This is a major task because it is a new focus in economic geology and a complex problem. To make significant strides towards this goal, innovative applied research techniques must be coupled with more traditional tools. Advancement in analytical capability beyond nontraditional stable isotopes has presented the opportunity to focus on specific analytical method development and application of high precision isotope ratio and trace metal measurements by laser ablation and solution introduction.
Methods to Address Issue
The project objective is to develop and apply solution and in situ isotopic and trace element methods that have emerging applications in understanding processes controlling critical mineral deposits, metal mobility, and other geological problems. We will use solution multicollector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS), laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and laser ablation-multicollector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) expertise to develop precise and accurate simultaneous or stand-alone trace metal and isotope measurements and multiple solution isotope systematics. The significance of our new capability for in situ split flow measurements focuses on concurrent processes in otherwise complex systems. The project:
-
provides new capabilities for constraining chemical and geological processes that influence mineral deposit formation,
-
develops a better understanding of heavy metal mobilization, migration and pathways into the ecosystems and waterways,
-
works in collaboration with existing projects to support USGS goals.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsMulti Collector ICP Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) plasma shield upgrade between models NP2 to NP3 (Nu Instruments). Project work is conducted through several tasks:
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Laboratory facility management
-
High spatial resolution single and dual isotopic analyses determining chemical and geological processes related to ore deposit formation
-
Trace metals, ligands and concurrent isotope ratios measurements in complex mineral systems of potentially strategic significance
-
High precision solution isotope ratios for mineral deposit and metal transformation and mobility studies
-
Assessing metal mobility and migration in ore deposits, waters, and abandoned mine areas
-
Innovative isotopic applications to constraining ore-forming processes of REE deposits
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsLaser ablation sport sizes: 65 µm, 35 µm, 10 µm, 5 µm, and 3 µm. The resolution approaches 3 micron resolution for sulfur isotope ratios measurements in sulfides.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsThe short video is of a post laser ablation crater using a nanosecond 193nm laser ablation system of a glass slide using a 210 micron spot diameter and 250 shots. It shows a flat bottom crater indicative of a homogenized laser beam, though the measured diameter of the crater appears to be 25 microns smaller the diameter set. The 3D crater image was created using a Keyence 3D digital microscope. -
- Science
Other USGS research projects related to our work
Non-Traditional Stable Isotopes
Understanding the genesis of ore deposits and their behavior in the environment is a subject of great importance to the Nation. A relatively new tool to aid in these efforts to investigate the origin and environmental effects of ore deposits is the use of "heavy" metal stable isotopes. Our research objectives are to utilize various isotopic systems to advance our understanding of ore genesis and...Systems Approach to Critical Minerals Inventory, Research, and Assessment
This project supports the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (EarthMRI) by developing a mineral systems approach for defining focus areas. This project is investigating domestic sources of critical minerals in three sequential stages: inventory, research, and assessment. 1) Inventory the abundance of critical minerals in ore, minerals, and processed materials from major deposits in each system...Macro and Micro Analytical Methods Development
The Macro and Micro Analytical Methods Development Project (MMAMD) provides access to the expertise of highly experienced research scientists and state of the art analytical instrumentation to develop new and unique analytical capabilities to solve complex problems beyond routine analysis. - Data
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