The geosciences atom probe is a microscope sensitive at the atomic level expected to provide a more advanced way to study ore deposits.
The technology has previously been applied in the fields of materials science and nanotechnology but its use in geosciences remains in its infancy.
The probe is part of the advanced resource characterisation facility in Perth, which represents a partnership between Curtin University, CSIRO and the University of WA.
Announcement of a focused effort to develop the probe follows on last week’s grant of $A12.4 million by federal Science and Research Minister Kim Carr.
Curtin applied geology professor Steve Reddy said the geosciences atom probe would provide a new way of characterising minerals associated with ore deposits.
“The instrument will provide a means of characterising the fine scale distribution of economically important metals and help understand the fundamental processes responsible for element transport in ore minerals,” Reddy said.
“It will help support future mineral exploration as well as the optimisation of production from known deposits.”
Curtin research and development deputy vice-chancellor Graeme Wright described the probe as a “revolutionary” tool that would provide a three-dimensional picture of atom distribution in small volumes of natural materials.
“There is a strong history of collaboration between each of the three ARCF partners and I look forward to seeing these partnerships grow from strength to strength, starting with this new equipment as we make Perth the hub for resource capability,” he said.
“Curtin has a great track record in minerals and energy sciences and this newly announced investment will definitely build on Western Australia’s capability to undertake industry-relevant science and innovation, providing a bright future for the sector and our graduates.”
ARCF work in geosciences technologies is also expected to include a Maia mapper for chemical mapping of drill core and nanoSIMS for elemental and isotopic mapping of minerals at sub-micron resolutions.
