Borehole neutron activation: The rare earths

Neutron-induced borehole gamma-ray spectroscopy has been widely used as a geophysical exploration technique by the petroleum industry, but its use for mineral exploration is not as common. Nuclear methods can be applied to mineral exploration, for determining stratigraphy and bed correlations, for m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE transactions on nuclear science 1988-02, Vol.35 (1), p.833-838
Main Authors: Mikesell, J.L., Senftle, F.E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemical analysis
Chemical elements
Geologic measurements
Geology
Minerals
Mining industry
Neutrons
Ores
Petroleum industry
Spectroscopy
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Summary:Neutron-induced borehole gamma-ray spectroscopy has been widely used as a geophysical exploration technique by the petroleum industry, but its use for mineral exploration is not as common. Nuclear methods can be applied to mineral exploration, for determining stratigraphy and bed correlations, for mapping ore deposits, and for studying mineral concentration gradients. High-resolution detectors are essential for mineral exploration, and by using them an analysis of the major element concentrations in a borehole can usually be made. A number of economically important elements can be detected at typical ore-grade concentrations using this method. Because of the application of the rare-earth elements to high-temperature superconductors, these elements are examined in detail as an example of how nuclear techniques can be applied to mineral exploration.< >
ISSN:0018-9499
1558-1578
DOI:10.1109/23.12841