Abstract

Handheld Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectrometry (hLIBS) is capable of simultaneous multi-element analysis of a variety of geological materials such as rocks, minerals, ores, soils, sediments, and water. This is a transformative analytical technology that is currently revolutionizing the field of critical mineral exploration studies. By providing real-time, in situ elemental analysis in the field with detection and quantitative determination capabilities for light elements (such as Li, Be, and B), where other handheld techniques like portable XRF struggle, hLIBS empowers geologists to make faster and more informed decisions in the field, significantly accelerating the exploration process from prospecting to target delineation. Several important practical examples of the exploration of critical metals, such as lithium, rare earth elements, copper, cobalt, and titanium, are presented. In particular, the detection capability of indicator minerals and pathfinding elements by hLIBS is extremely valuable for critical mineral exploration studies. Similar instruments have also been successfully used in recent years in challenging environments like space and deep-sea environments. The capability of remotely operated miniature LIBS in hostile environments such as the deep sea, Moon, and Mars is discussed with examples. LIBS has become a key technology for in situ chemical analysis in both space and deep-sea exploration because of its ability to identify elemental composition rapidly and without physical contact.

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