Material Analysis · Microscopy & Imaging

Mineral Liberation Analysis (MLA)

Characterise mineral abundance, liberation and locking, and grain size, association, and particle composition using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.

  • Mineral abundance
  • Liberation and locking
  • Grain size, association, and particle…
  • Particle mode
Configure & Book Check Sample Requirements
Representative Mineral Liberation Analysis (MLA) equipment selected for the TESTDOG service catalogue
Price
from£60
per sample, excl. VAT
Turnaround
10 working days
Preparation and scope dependent
Available platforms
TESCAN TIMAZEISS Mineralogic MiningFEI MLA Mineral Liberation Analyzer
Typical outputs
Mineral map and classified particle imagesModal mineralogyLiberation, association, and grain-size tablesMethod-specific images

Why this test

What MLA can help you understand

Mineral Liberation Analysis is selected when the project needs defensible information on mineral abundance, liberation and locking, or grain size, association, and particle composition. Automated SEM imaging and EDS…

01

Mineral abundance

particle mode

02

Liberation and locking

field/image mode

03

Grain size, association, and particle composition

targeted rare-mineral search

Choose the scope

Start from the question, not the instrument

The measurement mode, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to learn from the sample.

Particle mode

mineral abundance

Best used when
mineral abundance
Typical result
Mineral map and classified particle images
Preparation note
Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review.

Common outputs

A result package matched to the decision you need to make

Fields, measurement conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.

StandardMineral map and classified particle images

Mineral map and classified particle images reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.

StandardModal mineralogy

Modal mineralogy supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.

OptionalLiberation, association, and grain-size tables

Liberation, association, and grain-size tables provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.

OptionalMethod-specific images

Method-specific images included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.

Example results

What MLA results can look like

MLA result: Backscattered electron image and colour-coded automated SEM-MLA mineral classification map of a polished thin section
Mineral classification map

Backscattered electron image and colour-coded automated SEM-MLA mineral classification map of a polished thin section.

Bernhard Schulz et al. · source · CC BY
MLA result: Modal mineralogy and mineral liberation results for REE carbonatite ore after 45 and 90 minutes of comminution
Liberation distribution

Modal mineralogy and mineral liberation results for REE carbonatite ore after 45 and 90 minutes of comminution.

Bernhard Schulz et al. · source · CC BY

Sample requirements

What to send

Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the region, feature or comparison that matters.

Suitable sample or inputSubmission requirementPlanning note
Powder / particlesProvide a dry, homogeneous and clearly labelled sample in a sealed container.Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review.
Liquid / solutionProvide a sealed, compatible container labelled with composition, concentration and solvent.Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement.
Solid / componentProvide a clean, stable and clearly labelled specimen with the target face or region identified.Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved.

Region of interest: include a marked image, sketch or reference when the target feature is localised.

Handling: declare hazardous, magnetic, volatile, moisture-sensitive, beam-sensitive or temperature-controlled material before dispatch.

Questions and answers

Common planning decisions

Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope or interpretation.

What should I send for Mineral Liberation Analysis?

Provide powder / particles, liquid / solution, solid / component as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.

Which analysis option should I choose?

Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For mineral abundance, start with particle mode; add field/image mode when comparison or quantification is required.

How long will the test take?

Typical turnaround is 10 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.

What can limit the result?

Minerals with similar EDS spectra or atomic-number contrast can require expert validation. Results depend on representative splitting and polished-section preparation.

Configure the service

Send the information needed to scope MLA correctly

  • Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
  • Feature or decision the result must address
  • Marked region of interest where relevant
  • Required comparison, output and reporting depth
MLA analysisfrom£60

Typical turnaround: 10 working days

Configure & Book