Arctic Resources

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Over the past decade, diamond exploration and mining have been the paramount drivers of economic development in Canada’s North, accounting for over $2 billion in economic activity annually. To sustain this tremendous success beyond the projected 10-20 year life spans of the four current mines, it is critical to discover new diamond deposits. The proposed research program will provide the fundamental input data needed to achieve this goal by revolutionizing our understanding of the spatial extent, age, and thermal history of the deep continental roots that are the ultimate source of diamonds in Arctic Canada. To generate the first detailed picture of these deep continental roots as they evolved through time, the CERC will combine (1) field work in the Arctic to collect rare rock samples of deep origin from volcanic diatremes, (2) geochemical interrogation of these samples with state-of-the-art analytical methods, and (3) collaboration in a new major government program – Geomapping for Energy and Minerals – producing new seismic tomography data. The resulting comprehensive model will boost exploration programs and expenditures in Arctic Canada by identifying new areas that are prospective for diamonds or other mineral deposits. In addition, innovative micro-sampling techniques developed by the CERC for the analysis and age determination of diamonds will enable the first detailed chemical characterisation of Canada’s diamond production. This research will provide Canada with world-leading technologies to protect the ethical and geographical purity of its diamond production, a feature of Canadian diamonds that collects a significant premium on the world market. The Arctic resources group established by this program will reinvigorate exploration efforts in the North, support the discovery of new natural resources, provide Canada with valuable expertise for developing policies, e.g. relating to the Kimberley Certification Process controlling illicit diamond trade, and, thus, promote social and economic development in the North. Prof. D.G. Pearson, the CERC nominee, is by far the most successful mid-career researcher in the field of mantle and diamond research worldwide. His body of work, 134 peer reviewed publications since 1988, has been cited 2560 times (h-index of 29), with rapidly increasing recognition over the past decade (from 89 to 309 citations/year from 2000 to 2008). Major career milestones include pioneering analytical developments that have revolutionized radiometric dating of minute samples, the quantitative analysis of platinum group elements, and the determination of ultra low abundance trace element concentrations. Dr. Pearson’s innovative discoveries have led to landmark research contributions including the first age determination for diamond genesis based on Re-Os dating of single sulphide inclusions, fundamental insights into the origin and evolution of cratons (ancient continental nuclei) and their mantle roots through time, and the first fully quantitative trace element data for gem diamonds applicable to fingerprinting their geographical origin. His contributions were recognized through two major awards, one national (Wollaston Prize, Geological Society London, 2003) and one international (Lindgren Medal of the Society of Economic Geologists, 1999). Through his indisputable academic excellence, top-ranking international reputation, and established strong links with researchers from industry, government and academia in Canada, Dr. Pearson is the ideal candidate for a CERC in Arctic Resources focussing on diamonds.