Characterizing enigmatic tube-shaped igneous intrusions, called chonoliths, that host the majority of known magmatic sulfide deposits: contribution to exploration targeting

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Mining of ore deposits of sulfide ores of Ni, Cu, Co, Pt, Pd, and Au derived from magmas (i.e., magmatic sulfide deposits) contributes over $5B to Canada's economy annually (NRCan, 2018). Canadian production from known resources will shrink as miners pursue ore to greater depths where technical challenges pose increasing costs. Discoveries of magmatic sulfide deposits in future will be under areas that are covered, rendering them 'blind' to prospecting techniques, and masking their signatures in geophysical datasets. As exploration for these high value deposits in covered areas is expensive, it is critical to improve the understanding of the nickel sulfide mineralising system to allow industry to better predict where these deposits occur. A key gap in understanding of magmatic sulfide deposit formation is the formation of a rare type of intrusion called chonoliths, in which these deposits are usually found, and which are part of the plumbing system for Large Igneous Provinces. The proposed research will match the experience and knowledge of private-sector geologists with the technical expertise of academic specialists. It will be the first to combine models of fluid dynamics of magmas and mechanics of host rocks with the most sophisticated available thermodynamic models of magma chemistry and properties to assess a variety of conceptual models for chonolith formation. We will erect a classification scheme for chonoliths based on their geometry and origin, and establish guiding principles to explain the physics surrounding their formation; the result of this will be a refined ore deposit model that can be used to inform exploration programs with a clear idea of the anticipated structural settings in which chonoliths can be expected to be found. BHP will provide industry context to the postdoctoral fellow who will be employed in this research program, fostering stronger links between fundamental geoscience research and its direct application to industry, and developing an early career researcher who will learn how to work at the interface between industry and academia.