Petrology and geochemistry of intrusive rocks at the Lac des Iles palladium mine, NW Ontario

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This project will investigate two aspects of the Lac des Iles (LDI) palladium mine in Northern Ontario. The first study will investigate the genesis of intrusive bodies in the vicinity of the mine in order to identify dikes associated with mineralization and provide insights into the tectonic setting in which the deposit formed. The second study will investigate the mechanisms that caused the rapid textural changes and metal enrichments along the contact of the geological domains within the Offset Zone of the South LDI complex. This will test possible models to explain the textural changes including a new magma influx, mechanical separation of primocrysts or filter pressing, as well as providing insights into the source and parental magma compositions of geological domains. We will utilize a combination of detailed mapping and logging, whole rock geochemistry, petrography, geochronology, mineral chemistry and radiogenic isotopes to thoroughly investigate the two distinct but associated goals of this project. By so doing we will train young researchers in the key skills necessary for a successful career in the geosciences whether in academia, government or industry.Recent work has suggested that the LDI mine may have formed in an orogenic setting, unlike the majority of Ni-Cu-PGE systems which are generally accepted to have formed in association with Large Igneous Provinces. The data generated in this study will be used to test these models for LDI and provide insights into the tectonic setting, developing models for new deposits that can be applied by North American Palladium and other Canadian exploration companies. The discovery and development of new mineral resources is critical to the well-being of Canada's economy and this project will lead to greater efficiencies in that process.