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 thebackbone of industrialized societies. This project aims to improve our understanding of the genesis anddistribution of deposits containing primarily platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and gold (Au) but also containingsignificant amounts of rhodium (Rh), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu). These metals have a wide range ofapplications. For example, in addition to their value as investment instruments, Pt and Pd are essential elementsin catalytic processes and in high demand for pollution control in several sectors, including the automotiveindustry.The project provides a unique opportunity to characterize, in detail, one of the largest known Pt, Pd, Aumineralizations worldwide: the Platreef (Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa). The project will addresstwo fundamental questions: (a) which processes controlled the spatial distribution and variations in thethickness of the mineralization?; (b) what particular characteristics can be used as 'exploration vectors' to betterdefine the extent of known mineralization and find similar deposits elsewhere? (in South Africa andworldwide, including Canada's unexplored north). Answers to these questions will make mineral explorationmore 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 (4MSc and 2 PhD) will be directly involved in the project. In addition to the industrial partner, the project issupported by two Canadian initiatives: the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship Program and theInternational Development Research Centre (IDRC). NSERC support contributes to fulfil the goals of the twoCanadian institutions in fostering research and collaboration with developing countries and buildingtechnological capacity in universities of Commonwealth countries.