Development of a genetic model for targeting gold mineralisation in the Scottish Dalradian

该项目是一个独特而及时的机会，可以与金矿公司Scotgold Resources合作，定义苏格兰达拉迪安金矿化形成和定位的基本控制。继2007年Scotgold收购Cononish矿床，并进行进一步勘探和研究后，一座金矿计划于2010年投产。这将是英国唯一的金属矿，也是苏格兰的第一座金矿。尽管之前对苏格兰高地进行了数十年的深入研究，但Scotgold的研究发现，目前对该地区地质和矿化本身的理解存在缺陷（考虑到具有挑战性的地形和气候，这也许并不奇怪）。Scotgold已经在该地区发现了许多新的金矿，并相信可能还存在与Cononish类似的其他矿床，但成功勘探其他矿床需要开发一种新的成矿成因模型。我们建议，发展这种模式的最佳方式是通过一个博士项目，其中包括一位有才华的地质学研究生，并有专家监督。学生将可以访问该地区的所有现有信息和材料，以及该地区和Cononish矿床本身的新数据；后者从它被开采的第一天开始——这对博士生来说是一个难得的职业发展机会。这种方法得到了项目合作伙伴的热烈支持，他们为学生提供了广泛的培训和财政支持。该项目将使学生直接体验现代矿产勘探工业中使用的方法。为了建立成因模型，我们将：(1)通过对矿化和火成岩事件的精确测年来评估两者之间的联系。(2)通过详细的岩心测井、测绘、岩石学和GIS分析，以及流体包裹体显微测温和稳定同位素测量，检查成矿系统内的几何形状和流体流动路径。(3)检查苏格兰高地的新金矿，并将这些和Cononish的数据与现有数据相结合。学生将接受地下测绘、岩心测井、矿化野外测绘、岩石学（透射和反射光、扫描电镜、阴极发光和电子探针）、各种数据集的GIS分析（航空照片、结构数据、岩石地球化学、河流沉积物和分析数据）、流体包裹体显微测温、Ar-Ar和U-Pb测年、稳定同位素（O、H、S）测量和解释等方面的培训。除了与Scotgold的主管进行正式会议外，该学生每年将在Tyndrum的Scotgold工作4个月。项目合作伙伴将监督学生的持续专业发展计划。这项工作将导致廷德拉姆和西南高地黄金的持续负责任的开发，可持续地支持当地经济。以目前的金属价格计算，Cononish矿床的价值超过1.5亿美元，将对经济产生重大的积极影响。预计该矿将直接雇用60人，并在当地创造两倍于此的间接就业机会。此外，还有机会利用当地黄金制造珠宝，这种黄金价格不菲。国家公园（矿产规划当局）正在鼓励开发，以帮助当地经济多样化。这种培训将有利于英国经济，因为它将培养出高就业能力的博士毕业生，他们可能会在英国注册或伦敦经济学院上市的采矿或勘探公司工作（见主管在这方面的记录），不仅勘探黄金，还勘探低碳经济所需的许多其他矿产商品。本项目成果对全球其他晚造山期金矿的找矿具有一定的指导意义。

This project is a unique and timely opportunity to work with a gold mining company, Scotgold Resources, to define the fundamental controls that form and locate gold mineralisation in the Scottish Dalradian. Following acquisition of the Cononish deposit by Scotgold in 2007, and further exploration and research by them, a gold mine is scheduled to come on-stream in 2010. This will be Britain's only metalliferous mine and Scotland's first gold mine. Despite decades of previous intensive study of the Scottish Highlands, Scotgold's research has identified shortcomings in current understanding of the geology of this area and of the mineralisation itself (perhaps not so surprising given the challenging terrain and climate). Scotgold have located numerous new gold showings in the area and believe that other deposits similar to Cononish may also exist, but that successful exploration for other deposits requires the development of a new genetic model for the mineralisation. We propose that the best way to develop this model is a via a PhD project that involves a talented geology graduate, with expert supervision. The student will have access to all existing information and materials from the district, plus new data from the area and on the Cononish deposit itself; the latter from the very first day that it will be mined - a rare and career-making opportunity for a PhD student. This approach is enthusiastically supported by the Project Partners who are providing extensive training and financial support for the studentship. The project will give the student direct experience of the methods used in the modern mineral exploration industry. Key Objectives To develop the genetic model we will: (1) Assess the linkage between the mineralisation and igneous events by precise dating of both. (2) Examine the geometry and fluid flow paths within the mineralising system by detailed core logging, mapping, petrography and GIS analysis followed by fluid inclusion microthermometry and stable isotope measurements. (3) Examine new gold occurrences across the Scottish Highlands and integrate data from these and Cononish with existing data. The student will receive training in underground mapping, drill core logging, field mapping of mineralisation, petrography (transmitted and reflected light, SEM, cathodeluminescence and electron microprobe), GIS analysis of a variety of datasets (air photographs, structural data, lithogeochemistry, stream sediment and assay data) fluid inclusion microthermometry, dating by Ar-Ar and U-Pb methods, stable isotope (O, H, S) measurements and interpretation. The student will spend 4 months per year working with Scotgold based in Tyndrum, in addition to formal meetings with Scotgold supervisors. The Project Partner will oversee a programme of Continuing Professional Development for the student. Benefits to the UK economy This work will lead to continued responsible development of gold in Tyndrum and the SW Highlands which sustainably supports the local economy. At current metal prices the Cononish deposit alone has a value of over $150 m and will have a significant positive economic impact. The mine is predicted to directly employ 60 people and create twice times that number of indirect employment opportunities locally. There is also the opportunity for creation of jewellery fabrication using local gold, which commands a premium price. The National Park (the mineral planning authority) are encouraging the development to help diversify the local economy. The training will benefit the UK economy by producing a highly-employable PhD graduate who is likely to work with a UK-registered or LSE-listed mining or exploration company (see track record of supervisors in this respect), exploring not only for gold but also for many other mineral commodities required for low-carbon economies. Results of this project will be applicable to exploration for other late-orogenic gold deposits across the world.