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BOREHOLE NEUTRON ACTIVATION: THE RARE EARTHS.

January 1, 1987

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.

Publication Year 1987
Title BOREHOLE NEUTRON ACTIVATION: THE RARE EARTHS.
DOI 10.1109/23.12664
Authors J.L. Mikesell, F. E. Senftle
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science
Index ID 70014632
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
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