Quantification of copper, nickel and other elements in copper-nickel ore samples using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

This article discusses multi-element quantification in pressed pellets of copper-nickel ore powders using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Thirty-two copper-nickel samples were used in this study. 10 ml (similar to 14-17 g) of each sample of copper-nickel powder was granulated using a hydraulic press. The samples were then analyzed using commercial LIBS analyzer. A comparison between univariate and multivariate (based on partial least squares regression) calibration models to determine the concentration of copper, nickel, cobalt, iron, magnesium, and sulfur in the samples is discussed. Six independent samples were used as blind samples to test the accuracy and robustness of the calibration models. This paper demonstrates the ability of the LIBS technique to measure accurately the concentration of several elements of interest in copper-nickel ore samples rapidly with minimal sample preparation.