Development of genetic models and exploration criteria for gem and rare element deposits

开发宝石和稀有元素矿床的成因模型和勘探标准

• 批准号: RGPIN-2015-06434
• 负责人: Groat, Lee
• 金额: $ 2.4万
• 依托单位: University of British Columbia
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2018
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2018-01-01 至 2019-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=652496
• 关键词: Development; genetic; models; exploration; criteria

Canada produces diamond, amethyst, and opal, but given its huge land mass, we might expect that it also contains economic deposits of other gem materials, including emerald and ruby. Yet Canada does not currently produce these coloured gems. Many recent discoveries in Canada suggest that such production is possible, but research on the topic is scarce. Notably, pegmatites from the Canadian Cordillera have as yet received little attention, even though Cordilleran pegmatites in the US have been significant producers of gemstones for over a century.******The proposed research will develop models of non-diamond coloured gem deposits to explain how they form and to lead to more effective exploration techniques. Some rock types that contain gem deposits are also significant producers of technologically important rare elements. This work will have the strong potential to significantly impact on our understanding of both coloured gem and rare element occurrences.******Models developed as part of the proposed research program will lay the groundwork for development of novel exploration methods that will facilitate new occurrence discoveries and evaluation of their economic potential. This will be of intense interest to industry. Successful application of what is learned will result in increased profit to Canadian mining companies, further investment in innovation, and increased employment in mining and secondary industries, focused on remote areas that traditionally suffer from high rates of unemployment. Note that mining of gem and rare element deposits is considered "greener" than other types of mining, as it involves comparatively minimal environmental impact.******Annually over the course of the proposed research, five graduate students and one postdoctoral fellow will receive mentorship, training, and hands-on experience in advanced laboratory analysis and planning and execution of field research. They will complete their studies with a publication record, a strong network of contacts, and the advanced knowledge and technical and professional skills that are essential for successful careers in academia and that are in demand by private sector employers.

加拿大生产钻石、紫水晶和蛋白石，但鉴于其庞大的土地面积，我们可能会认为它还含有其他宝石材料的经济矿藏，包括祖母绿和红宝石。然而，加拿大目前并不生产这些彩色宝石。加拿大最近的许多发现表明，这种生产是可能的，但对这一主题的研究很少。值得注意的是，来自加拿大科迪勒拉山脉的伟晶岩尚未受到关注，尽管美国的科迪勒拉伟晶岩在世纪以来一直是重要的宝石生产商。拟议的研究将开发非钻石彩色宝石矿床的模型，以解释它们是如何形成的，并导致更有效的勘探技术。一些含有宝石矿床的岩石类型也是技术上重要的稀有元素的重要生产者。这项工作将有很大的潜力，显着影响我们对有色宝石和稀有元素的理解。作为拟议研究计划的一部分开发的模型将为开发新的勘探方法奠定基础，这些方法将促进新的发现和对其经济潜力的评估。这将引起工业界的强烈兴趣。成功应用所学知识将增加加拿大矿业公司的利润，进一步投资于创新，并增加矿业和第二产业的就业机会，重点是传统上失业率高的偏远地区。请注意，宝石和稀有元素矿床的开采被认为比其他类型的开采“更环保”，因为它对环境的影响相对较小。每年在拟议的研究过程中，五名研究生和一名博士后将获得指导，培训和实践经验，在先进的实验室分析和现场研究的规划和执行。他们将完成他们的研究与出版记录，强大的联系网络，以及先进的知识和技术和专业技能，是在学术界的成功职业生涯必不可少的，是在私营部门雇主的需求。