Impact of metamorphism and deformation on metal mobility at the microscale to nanoscale in orogenic gold systems

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Metamorphism and deformation impact the mobility of metals (e.g., Au, Bi, Te) in hydrothermal mineral systems including orogenic gold systems which are a major contributor to Canada's leading role as Au producer. The impact of deformation and metamorphism is well constrained on the district and deposit scale but poorly understood on the microscale to nanoscale specifically within sulfides and quartz. The proposed research program investigates how metal mobility in orogenic gold systems within the Uchi Subprovince of Manitoba and Ontario is impacted by varying degrees of metamorphism and deformation. Specifically, the role of microstructures in pyrite and quartz is investigated regarding metal (Au, Bi, Te) mobility and variations in metal abundance on the grain scale. The program will provide opportunities to train ten highly qualified personnel by exposing them to a variety of fieldwork methods including the use of handheld instrumentation in combination with cutting-edge micro- and nano-technologies to constrain the research questions. This training will prepare HQP for highly sought-after roles in the natural sciences including economic geology, geometallurgy, material sciences, engineering and/or geochemical analyses. The results of my program will impact our understanding what role metamorphism and deformation play in pyrite and quartz regarding metal mobility; what processes cause metal mobility during metamorphism and deformation at different metamorphic conditions; and how metals are transported during deformation and metamorphism on the microscale and nanoscale. This advances our knowledge of metal mobility on the grain scale in metamorphosed and deformed orogenic gold systems and the used methods can be applied to other metamorphosed and deformed mineral systems domestically and globally. Additionally, the results will improve metal recovery rates and hence impact metallurgical processes since knowledge is gained where and how metals accumulate in deformed sulfides and quartz. Finally, the research program will make meaningful advancements on the combined field of microtexture, microstructure, and geochemical micro- and nano-analyses applied to geological processes, which is currently under-represented in its investigation within Canada.