WP2: Exploration datasets for the Saramäki VMS system were compiled and integrated. Structural interpretations were updated and incorporated into a refined 3D model that constrains the ore body and brittle faults. A mineral system description was completed and reported in Deliverable 2.1. Triple quadrupole ICP MS methods were advanced. Switching from O2 to NO2 as reaction gas was shown to suppress Rb interference and improve 87Sr/86Sr precision. The Sr workflow was established after chromatographic separation. A drone assisted sampling design was developed. After loss of a UAV, LiDAR data were used with object based analysis and classical machine learning to map tree species and tree heights, and preliminary data interpretations were generated. A three step geochemical targeting framework was formulated and applied to the VMS context. Test vegetation sampling was carried out, including the first deployment of a drone mounted canopy sampler. Field pXRF on tree bark was performed. ICP MS of paired spruce canopy samples showed element pattern differences between upper and lower canopies, with Co-anomalies above suboutcropping mineralization. Two mushroom campaigns yielded 143 mycorrhizal samples, which were prepared for µXRF and wet chemistry. A prototype of a mobile XRF–LIBS bench was constructed. Till samples were collected and analyzed; oven drying improved spectra, and 15 kV–0.8 mA was identified as optimal for Cu and Ni. A generic workflow (DyWo VMS) was completed and delivered as Milestone 2.5.
WP3: For regional scale, granite related Li/Sn/W mineralizations in the Erzgebirge, geologic, gravity, and magnetic datasets were standardized and merged across the Czech-German border. A 10 week stream sediment survey was completed, laboratory analyses and QA/QC were performed, and preliminary statistics were produced. Drillholes with inclination were compiled. A database of mineralization indicators was created (approximately 11,200 veins, 4,700 dikes, 115 stratiform bodies, and 10,300 intercalations). An initial 3D model with 32 intrusive bodies was assembled. Regarding the development of handheld devices, a dynamic partial calibration for portable LIBS/XRF was implemented and validated, reducing Ca MAE from 6.0 to 1.2 wt% and overall MAE by 38%. On the test site Zinnwald-Altenberg, drill core targeting along brittle structures was executed and seven samples were prepared in order to characterize the host rock and use them as input for the sampling strategy for surface chemistry.
WP4: For the Čistá–Jesenice alkaline metasomatic REE system, literature, maps, and boreholes were digitized (485 holes). A regional 3D model was initiated. Core logging, XRF geochemical logging, and hyperspectral scanning were conducted, and initial plant samples were processed. A re-interpretation of legacy geophysical data was performed through subcontracting. A prototype of a variance based sampling strategy was formulated based on first field data. A working relationship with the local community was established through several community events.
