Crustal fluids and ore deposits

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Although we have made substantial progress in understanding the role of crustal fluids in forming base and precious metal ore deposits, changing societal needs and technological developments require that we expand our enquiry to include other metals and new paradigms of ore genesis. Research of this type provides the starting point for the development of any successful mineral exploration strategy. The main objectives of my research are to: 1) investigate the genesis of deposits of the rare metals, notably the REE, which are in high demand because of their use in electric and hybrid cars; 2) test the hypothesis that aqueous vapour may be an important agent of metal transport in the formation of magmatic hydrothermal ore deposits, e.g., porphyry copper and epithermal gold deposits; and 3) evaluate the possibility that liquid petroleum may constitute an ore fluid for some metallic mineral deposits of zinc, gold, the platinum group elements and mercury. My research will involve a combination of field studies, theory, and experiments. I and my students will document the nature of selected mineral deposit types using petrology/geochemistry (field relationships, petrography, mineral/rock geochemistry, and fluid/melt inclusion studies). We will also investigate active hydrothermal systems in volcanic settings and geothermal systems. Two particularly important aims of this field-based research will be to obtain quantitative information on the concentrations of metals in ore fluids and assess the metal transporting potential of aqueous vapours and hydrocarbons. Our laboratory experiments will be designed to: 1) determine the stability of complex species that may control the solubility of selected metals in aqueous liquids; 2) evaluate metal solubility and speciation in aqueous vapours; and 3) measure the solubility of metals in hydrocarbon fluids. The proposed research has the potential to significantly advance understanding of how a variety of metallic mineral deposits form, and help guide exploration strategies for these deposits. It could also find important applications in metallurgy, and in addressing problems of atmospheric and groundwater pollution.