Targeted U-Pb dating of mafic-ultramafic intrusions, particularly those of economic interest, and characterizing their links with Large Igneous Provinces

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Magmatic sulphide deposits are a specific kind of ore deposit that is associated with voluminous outpouringsof volcanic rocks known as Large Igneous Provinces, or LIPs. These Provinces can be millions of cubickilometres in volume, and can be significant sources of nickel, cobalt, titanium, vanadium, copper, andplatinum group elements - the mining of which contributes billions of dollars annually to the Canadianeconomy. However, as the most accessible of these ore deposits have already been discovered and mines havelimited lifetimes, new discoveries are essential for Canada's resource sector and are to be found in morechallenging locations or hidden deeper underground. Furthermore, the rocks that make up LIPs (volcanic rocksand their deeper equivalents) are not all capable of hosting ore, and there can be a great deal of variabilitywithin a single LIP's rocks despite their having a common source. This project aims to make the explorationfor these ore deposits easier and more accurate though high-precision measurements of the isotopes of uraniumand lead in specific minerals found in LIP rocks. This will enable their ages to be calculated to high precision,such that distinct phases of igneous activity can be identified and assessed as to their prospectivity withoutengaging in lengthy and expensive drilling campaigns to collect and test what could be millions of dollars'worth of worthless samples. Our industry partners will identify appropriate suites of samples for datinganalysis, and state-of-the-art radio-isotopic analyses will be carried out, thereby bringing together industryexperience with mineral resources and world-class academic researchers.