DataSheet1_Exploration for Byproduct Critical Element Resources: Proxy Development Using a LA–ICP–MS Database.xlsx

The transition towards zero-CO2 energy generation, storage and transport will require a range of metals that are often considered critical and are produced as byproducts of the production of other metals. This means that the reliance of some critical elements on the production of main metal commodities, such as Cu and Ni, is a significant source of supply risk. However, how can we evaluate resource scarcity and supply risks for elements that we do not routinely analyze for and characterize in present day mined ores? Here we demonstrate a method for exploring for and assessing the byproduct critical element potential of magmatic sulfide and volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits using a LA–ICP–MS database. Our results indicate there are significant enrichments of Sb, Bi, Cd, Co, Se and Te in pentlandite (Ni sulfide), chalcopyrite (Cu sulfide) and sphalerite (Zn sulfide) within these systems, demonstrating the need for a holistic approach to critical element research with unrecovered byproducts in existing mining supply chains having the potential to solve perceived resource scarcity challenges.

向零二氧化碳能源生产、储存与运输转型的进程，将依赖一系列被视为关键矿产的金属；这类金属常作为其他金属生产过程的副产物产出。这意味着，诸如铜（Cu）与镍（Ni）等主要金属大宗商品的生产，导致部分关键元素对其存在依赖，这是供给风险的重要来源。然而，对于当前开采矿石中未常规开展分析与表征的元素，我们该如何评估其资源稀缺性与供给风险？本研究提出一种基于激光剥蚀-电感耦合等离子体质谱（LA-ICP-MS）数据库的方法，用于勘查与评估岩浆硫化物及火山成因块状硫化物矿床的副产物关键元素潜力。研究结果表明，此类矿床中的镍黄铁矿（Ni硫化物）、黄铜矿（Cu硫化物）与闪锌矿（Zn硫化物）内，锑（Sb）、铋（Bi）、镉（Cd）、钴（Co）、硒（Se）及碲（Te）均存在显著富集。这表明，针对关键元素的研究需采用整体性方法；现有采矿供应链中尚未回收的副产物，或可解决当前认知中的资源稀缺难题。