Combined X-Ray Computed Tomography and X-Ray Fluorescence Drill Core Scanning for 3-D Rock and Ore Characterization: Implications for the Lovisa Stratiform Zn-Pb Deposit and Its Structural Setting, Bergslagen, Sweden

We present the results of a pilot study that integrates automated drill core scanning technology based on simultaneous X-ray computed tomography (XCT) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses to provide high-spatial-resolution (<0.2 mm) information on 3-D rock textures and structures, chemical composition, and density. Testing of its applicability for mineral exploration and research was performed by scanning and analyzing 1,500 m of drill core from the Paleoproterozoic Lovisa stratiform Zn-Pb sulfide deposit, which is part of a larger mineral system also including Cu-Co and Fe-(rare earth element) mineralization, hosted by the highly strained West Bergslagen boundary zone in south-central Sweden. The obtained scanning data complements data derived from structural field mapping, drill core logs, and chemical analysis as well as from multiscale 3-D geologic modeling at Lovisa. Data integration reveals macroand mesoscopic folding of S-0/S-1 by asymmetric steeply SE-plunging F-2 folds and N-striking vertical F-3 folds. Stretching lineations, measured directly from the scanning imagery, trend parallel to F-2 fold hinges and modeled ore shoots at the nearby Hakansboda Cu-Co and Strassa and Blanka Fe deposits. The textural character of the Lovisa ore zones is revealed in 3-D by XCT-XRF scanning and highlight remobilization of Zn and Pb from primary layering into ductile and brittle structures. The downhole bulk geochemical trends seen in scanning and traditional assay data are generally comparable but with systematic variations for some elements due to currently unresolved XRF spectral overlaps (e.g., Co and Fe). The 3-D deformation pattern at Lovisa is explained by D-2 sinistral transpression along the West Bergslagen boundary zone in response to regional north-south crustal shortening at ca. 1.84-1.81 Ga. Local refolding was caused by D-3 regional east-west crustal shortening resulting in dextral transpression along the West Bergslagen boundary zone, presumably at ca. 1.80-1.76 Ga. Based on polyphase ore textures and modeled ore shoots aligned to F-2 fold hinges, we postulate that D-2 and D-3 transpressive deformation exerted both a strong control on ore remobilization and the resulting orebody geometries at Lovisa and neighboring deposits within the West Bergslagen boundary zone. We conclude that the combined XCT-XRF drill core scanning technique provides a valuable tool for 3-D ore and rock characterization, generating continuous downhole data sets, with the potential for increasing precision and efficiency in mineral exploration and mining.

Automated summary

In this study, a pilot study integrating automated drill core scanning technology based on simultaneous X-ray computed tomography (XCT) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses was conducted. The results showed that this technique provides valuable information on 3-D rock textures and structures, chemical composition, and density, which is useful for mineral exploration and research.