Petrogenesis and geochemistry of mineralized Midcontinent Rift intrusions

本项目将研究1.1 Ga中大陆裂谷的一部分——雷湾北（TBN）火成岩杂岩的矿化侵入体，并将其与贫瘠和弱矿化侵入体进行比较。该项目将培养三名硕士，三名HBSc和一名PDF，以完成一个综合研究计划，以完成三个关键目标。在接下来的三年里，该项目将通过以下方式调查桑德贝北地产的侵入性单元：(1)描述了该区内发现的各种侵入单元的岩石学、地球化学和年代学特征；2)描述Escape Lake和Current Lake侵入体硫化物矿化的地球化学和岩石学特征；3)整合新的矿物学和地球化学数据，建立物性的整体模型，建立侵入体内部和周围的矿化向量，这将有助于寻找更多的Ni-Cu-PGE和块状硫化物资源。本研究将利用基础地质填图和测井，结合传统和最先进的分析技术来描述TBN的侵入史和成矿共生作用。通过这样做，我们将培养年轻的研究人员在地球科学领域取得成功所需的关键技能，无论是在学术界、政府部门还是工业界。

This project will investigate the mineralized intrusions of the Thunder Bay North (TBN) igneous complex, part of the 1.1 Ga Midcontinent Rift, and compare them to barren and weakly mineralized intrusions. The project will train three MSc, three HBSc and one PDF to complete an integrated program of research to complete three key opjectives. Over the next three years the project will investigate the intrusive units of the Thunder Bay North property by: 1) Characterising the petrology, geochemistry and geochronology of the various intrusive units found within the property, 2) Characterising the geochemistry and petrography of the sulfide mineralisation of the Escape Lake and Current Lake intrusions and 3) Integrating new mineralogical and geochemical data to build a holistic model for the property and establish vectors towards mineralization within and around the intrusions that will aid in exploration for addition Ni-Cu-PGE and massive sulfide resources. This study will utilize fundamental geological mapping and logging combined with traditional and state-of-the-art analytical techniques to characterize the intrusive history and paragenesis of the mineralization at TBN. 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. The data generated in this study will be used to develop a model(s) for the Escape Lake and Thunder Bay North deposits that Clean Air Metals can use to enhance their exploration efforts, and hopefully lead to mineral production. This project will contribute significantly to our understanding of the processes that form high grade zones within magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE systems and develop tools that can be applied by Canadian companies to aid in generating future discoveries. 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.