Petrological, mineralogical and geochemical constraints of PGE-Ni-Cu mineralization in the platreef and implications for mineral exploration

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A continuous supply of metals is essential for economic development and growth because metals are the**backbone of industrialized societies. This project aims to improve our understanding of the genesis and**distribution of deposits containing primarily platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and gold (Au) but also containing**significant amounts of rhodium (Rh), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu). These metals have a wide range of**applications. For example, in addition to their value as investment instruments, Pt and Pd are essential elements**in catalytic processes and in high demand for pollution control in several sectors, including the automotive**industry.**The project provides a unique opportunity to characterize, in detail, one of the largest known Pt, Pd, Au**mineralizations worldwide: the Platreef (Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa). The project will address**two fundamental questions: (a) which processes controlled the spatial distribution and variations in the**thickness of the mineralization?; (b) what particular characteristics can be used as 'exploration vectors' to better**define the extent of known mineralization and find similar deposits elsewhere? (in South Africa and**worldwide, including Canada's unexplored north). Answers to these questions will make mineral exploration**more efficient, cost-effective, and more successful in finding new deposits.**The project is designed around the training of highly-qualified personnel and several graduate students (4**MSc and 2 PhD) will be directly involved in the project. In addition to the industrial partner, the project is**supported by two Canadian initiatives: the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship Program and the**International Development Research Centre (IDRC). NSERC support contributes to fulfil the goals of the two**Canadian institutions in fostering research and collaboration with developing countries and building**technological capacity in universities of Commonwealth countries.