Abstract
In this work, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analyses were applied to samples of quartz, montebrasite, and turquoise hydrothermal veins in the Argemela Tin Mine (Central Portugal). Montebrasite (LiAl(PO4)(OH,F)) is potentially the main ore mineral; with its alteration, lithium (Li) can disseminate into other minerals. A hand sample was cut and analyzed by XRF and LIBS for several elements of interest including Cu, P, Al, Si, and Li. Although XRF cannot measure Li, results from its analysis are effective for distinguishing turquoise from montebrasite. LIBS analysis complemented this study, making it possible to conclude that turquoise does not contain any significant Li in its structure. The difference in spot size between the techniques (5 mm vs. 300 mu m for XRF and LIBS, respectively) resulted in a poorer performance by XRF in accurately identifying mixed minerals. A thin section was petrographically characterized and mapped using LIBS. The mapping results demonstrate the possibility of the successful identification of minerals and their alterations on a thin section. The results of XRF analysis and LIBS mapping in petrographic sections demonstrate the efficacy of these methods as tools for element and mineral identification, which can be important in exploration and mining phases, complementing more traditional techniques.

Abstract
One of the caveats of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy technique is the performance for quantification purposes, in particular when the matrix of the sample is complex or the problem spans over a wide range of concentrations. These two questions are key issues for geology applications including ore grading in mining operations and typically lead to sub-optimal results. In this work, we present the implementation of a class of clustered regression calibration algorithms, that previously search the sample space looking for similar samples before employing a linear calibration model that is trained for that cluster. For a case study involving lithium quantification in three distinct exploration drills, the obtained results demonstrate that building local models can improve the performance of standard linear models in particular in the lower concentration region. Furthermore, we show that the models generalize well for unseen data of exploration drills on distinct rock veins, which can motivate not only further research on this class of methods but also technological applications for similar mining environments.

Abstract
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy allows fast chemical analysis of light elements without significant sample preparation, turning it into a promising technique for on-site mining operations. Still, the performance for quantification purposes remains its major caveat, obstructing a broader application of the technique. In this work, we present an extensive comparison of the performances of distinct algorithms for quantification of Lithium in a mining prospection stage, using spectra acquired with both a commercial handheld device and a laboratory prototype. Covering both linear and non-linear methodologies, the results show that, when covering a wide range of concentrations typical on a mining operation, non-linear methodologies manage to achieve errors compatible with a semi-quantitative performance, offering performances better than those obtained with linear methods, which are more affected by saturation and matrix effects. The findings enclosed offer support for future applications in the field and may possibly be generalized for other elements of interest in similar mining environments.

Abstract
Apart from radiation, which constitutes the primary source of information in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, the process is accompanied by secondary processes such as shock wave generation and sound emission. In this manuscript, we explore the possibility of relating plasma properties with the sound from the shock waves in multiple materials, from metals to minerals. By analyzing the behavior of shock wave sound from homogeneous reference metallic targets, we investigate the relation between plasma properties and sound signal, demonstrating that distinct materials and plasma characteristics correspond to distinct plasma sound fingerprints. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.

Abstract
While laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is often used as a standalone technique, recent years saw an increasing interest in their combination with additional techniques towards multimodal sensing solutions capable of enhancing the capabilities of this technological solution. In this work, we try to identify possible synergies that arise from merging the analysis of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy with that from a hyperspectral scanning of the sample, comparing it with the performance of standalone solutions. Having investigated the multimodal approach for a case study involving the identification of lithium minerals, our preliminary results demonstrate that while both solutions can provide reasonable results for qualitative mineral identification, they feature advantages and disadvantages that shall be taken into further consideration. Nevertheless, when working in collaboration, the results enclosed suggest that an integrated tandem solution can be an interesting tool for material analysis for research and industrial applications, combining the best of both instruments. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.

Abstract
The possibility to map the element distribution on a sample surface is one of the interesting applications of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy that has been extensively explored in recent years. In this manuscript, we explore the combination of photogrammetry and LIBS techniques for the creation of a three-dimensional model of the map of the elements on the surface of the sample. Using a dedicated photogrammetry solution and software, we reconstruct the three-dimensional model of the mineral sample whose mesh is later exploited for the interactive interpretation of the results. Then, making use of Paraview software, which integrates production algorithms and computing performance in a unified solution for scientific purposes, we establish a process pipeline that allows the creation of an interactive three-dimensional model with the spatial distribution of the target elements on top of the sample surface. Our results demonstrate that combining these two techniques can give us a valuable resource for better qualitative analysis and insight, providing an innovative three-dimensional modeling solution that may open the door to a new range of possibilities, from quality control technology involving alloys and mechanical parts to interactive teaching environments for geo and biosciences, just to name a few examples. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.