Uncertainties in quantitative mineralogical studies using scanning electron microscope-based image analysis

•Bootstrap resampling provides robust statistical uncertainties.•Method applied to quantitative mineralogical studies of an Au-Cu porphyry ore.•High uncertainties on textural attributes and Au content, in contrast to Cu.•Highlights the need for uncertainty assessments in automated mineralogy studies.•The approach is applicable to all minerals, textural attributes and deposit types.