In Situ Assessment of Rare Earth Ore Grades and Veins in Rare Earth Mining via Portable X‐Ray Fluorescence and Gamma‐Ray Spectrometry

Abstract

In this paper, a method for the in situ assessment of rare earth ore grades and veins via x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry and gamma‐ray spectrometry is discussed. Experiments were carried out on the Maoniuping rare earth deposit of Sichuan Province. The measurement results reveal that the contents of La and Ce in the rare earth vein are significantly greater than those in the other measurement areas, with the highest content of Ce being 3.31% and the highest content of La being 2.1%. Additionally, the contents of uranium and thorium corresponding to the rare earth vein are significant greater than those in the other measurement areas, and the rare earth elements La and Ce are symbiotic or associated with the radioactive elements U and Th. The accuracy of the in situ measurement results is verified via ICP–OES and laboratory low‐background gamma‐ray spectrum measurements. This method can be used to delineate ore veins and guide rare earth mining.