Understanding the geochemical processes involved in the formation of ore deposits

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Within the next 25 years it is estimated that 2 billion people will be added to the world population. With a total of 9 billion people on Earth by 2040 (twice the world population of 1980) it is impossible to envision human development without a continuous supply of resources, especially if the goal is to improve the quality of life for all rather than just a few. Metal extraction is fundamental to sustain economic growth and human development because metals are non-renewable resources and recycling alone cannot cover current and future needs. The long-term goal of my research program is to provide a better understanding of the geochemical processes involved in the formation of mineral deposits. Only this understanding can lead to more time-efficient, more cost-effective, and more successful exploration strategies. The short-term goal is to assess whether certain trace elements can be used to distinguish between the multiple geological processes involved in the generation of mineral deposits. To achieve this goal we will use state-of-the-art analytical techniques to quantify the concentration of trace elements in natural sulfides and oxides from known mineral deposits. At the same time we will simulate experimentally some of those processes and use the same techniques to analyze synthetic samples. Comparison of the two types of data will help us assess whether some elements can be used to ‘fingerprint’ specific scenarios, thus helping differentiate, for example, between magmatic vs. hydrothermal processes, or helping assess remobilization of metals during metamorphic overprint. Over the last few years my research group has developed techniques that allow us to perform experiments in complex, multi-element systems that are better approximations to natural assemblages and provide complementary information to traditional experiments using simplified systems. The results of this type of work will help end decade-long discussions over the dominant process involved in the formation of many mineral deposits (e.g. magmatic vs. hydrothermal origin of many ore bodies). Answering such questions is essential to optimize mineral exploration of base and precious metals associated with sulfides (Cu, Ni, Co, Pd, Pt, Au, among others) and metals associated with oxides (V and Cr for example). Students involved in this research program will gain valuable understanding of the geochemical aspects involved in ore genesis, both theoretical and analytical, as well as gaining the critical thinking and other transferable skills that will make them valuable in the mineral industry, government, or academia. In essence, our work will help advance mineral exploration, which is a very important component of the Canadian economy.