Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a fast in-situ analytical technique based on spectroscopic analysis of atomic emission in laser-induced plasmas. Geochemical mapping at macroscopic scale using LIBS was applied to a decimetric Zn-Pb ore sample from east Belgium, which consists of alternating sphalerite and galena bands. A range of elements was detected with no or minimal spectral correction, including elements of interest for beneficiation such as Ge, Ag and Ga (although the detection of gallium could not be confirmed), and remediation, especially As and Tl. The comparison between LIBS and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses showed that LIBS intensities reliably relate to elemental concentration although differences in spot size and detection limits exist between both techniques. The elemental images of minor and trace elements (Fe, Cu, Ag, Cd, Sb, As, Tl, Ge, Ni and Ba) obtained with LIBS revealed with great detail the compositional heterogeneity of the ore, including growth zones that were not visible on the specimen. In addition, each mineral generation has a distinct trace-element composition, reflecting a geochemical sequence whose potential metallogenic significance at the district scale should be addressed in further work. Although qualitative and preliminary, the obtained LIBS dataset already produced a wealth of information that allowed to initiate discussion on some genetical and crystallochemical aspects. Above all, LIBS appears as a powerful tool for screening geochemically large samples for the selection of zones of particular interest for further analysis.

Phosphate rocks and rare earth elements (REEs) as potential by-products are listed as Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) by the European Commission. In Europe, igneous-related phosphate deposits are associated with carbonatites, alkaline complexes, (ultra)mafic intrusions, iron oxide–apatite (IOA) and iron oxide–copper–gold (IOCG) mineralization, and granites or are formed in a metasomatic/hydrothermal context. To provide an overview of these deposits and assess their potential in CRMs, a database gathering in situ analyses of apatite was compiled. The data emphasize the significant REE enrichment of apatite related to alkaline complexes and carbonatites. They also guide the use of apatite in mineral exploration, based on distinct geochemical characteristics. Among the latter are the Sr, Mn, total REE and Y contents of apatite, the degree of light and middle REE enrichment, the Eu anomaly, and the tetrad effect. Additional bulk-rock analyses combined with estimates of reserves/resources of the deposits indicate a sub-economic potential of REEs to be exploited as by-products of phosphate mining at Kodal, Bjerkreim–Sokndal and in the northern Norrbotten district (Sweden). This study helps to identify new deposits/areas of interest for CRM exploration in Europe that could contribute to decreasing the supply risk for these raw materials through domestic production.