On a Unified Core Characterization Methodology to Support the Systematic Assessment of Rare Earth Elements and Critical Minerals Bearing Unconventional Carbon Ores and Sedimentary Strata

Journal Article · 14 September 2022 · Minerals

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/min12091159 · OSTI ID:1913807

Montross, Scott N. ^[1]; Bagdonas, Davin ^[2]; Paronish, Thomas ^[3]; Bean, Andrew ^[1]; Gordon, Andrew ^[1]; Creason, C. Gabriel ^[4]; Thomas, Burt ^[5]; Phillips, Erin ^[2]; Britton, James ^[6]; Quillian, Scott ^[2]; Rose, Kelly ^[5]

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1. National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Albany, OR (United States). Research Support Contractor
2. University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (United States)
3. National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Morgantown, WV (United States). Research Support Contractor
4. National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Albany, OR (United States); Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR (United States)
5. National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Albany, OR (United States)
6. West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey, Morgantown, WV (United States)

A significant gap exists in our understanding and ability to predict the spatial occurrence and extent of rare earth elements (REE) and certain critical minerals (CM) in sedimentary strata. This is largely due to a lack of existing, systematic, and well-distributed REE and CM samples and analyses in United States sedimentary basins. In addition, the type of sampling and characterization performed to date has generally lacked the resolution and approach required to constrain geologic and geographic heterogeneities typical of subsurface, mineral resources. Here, we describe a robust and systematic method for collecting core scale characterization data that can be applied to studies on the contextual and spatial attributes, the geologic history, and lithostratigraphy of sedimentary basins. The methods were developed using drilled cores from coal bearing sedimentary strata in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming (PRB). The goal of this effort is to create a unified core characterization methodology to guide systematic collection of key data to achieve a foundation of spatially and geologically constrained REEs and CMs. This guidance covers a range of measurement types and methods that are each useful either individually or in combination to support characterization and delineation of REE and CM occurrences. The methods herein, whether used in part or in full, establish a framework to guide consistent acquisition of geological, geochemical, and geospatial datasets that are key to assessing and validating REE and CM occurrences from geologic sources to support future exploration, assessment, and techno-economic related models and analyses.

• Research Organization: National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA, Morgantown, WV, and Albany, OR (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE)
• Grant/Contract Number: 89243318CFE000003
• OSTI ID: 1913807
• Journal Information: Minerals, Journal Name: Minerals Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 12; ISSN 2075-163X
• Publisher: MDPICopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English