Mineral Resources in Basins: Base Metal Ore Systems and Footprint

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Sedimentary basins are important sources of water, energy and mineral resources for humankind. Over the last few decades, our understanding of the processes related to the formation of petroleum at the basin, play and reservoir scale (referred to as "multiscale mineral system") has increased significantly, and led to major successes in the discovery and development of these energy resources. However, the definition of a "system" is less clear for lead and zinc ore deposits, and most studies in basins have focused mainly on evaluating the critical components and processes related to the formation of a single deposit or specific style of mineralization. In the proposed research program my team will apply the multiscale mineral system approach to investigate various types of zinc and lead deposits in Proterozoic basins in Brazil (Vazante Group) and Canada (Grenville Supergroup). This innovative approach takes into consideration the various processes occurring at different scales during the evolution of the basin, such as: 1) fertility of the sources containing the commodities, (2) fluids involved during evolution of the basin, (3) mechanisms of fluid movement, (4) efficiency of the trap zones accumulating the commodities and (5) preservation of the deposits. Understanding of these processes at different scales and times during basin evolution is critical to improve the guidelines to assist in the exploration of these mineral deposits. In the next five years, this will be accomplished by integrating field and laboratory work and numerical modelling in collaboration with colleagues from various disciplines, and will involve training of 3 Ph.D., 2 M.Sc., and at least 3 B.Sc. students. Most of the global zinc and lead resources are hosted in sedimentary basins, but the current lack of global exploration success for these commodities is of concern, and the historic market demand for base metals has exceeded production. This gap will increase with the continued development and application of new technologies (e.g., new batteries, electric vehicles, which also use the by-product elements, e.g. Cd, In, Ge). Therefore, it is crucial to educate highly qualified professionals through this research program, to develop critical knowledge of the methodological approaches (field work, laboratory and numerical modelling) and of the major processes related to the multiscale mineral system, and its application to exploration. These professionals will be able to work in academia, industry and government, and also apply the acquired expertise to investigations and applications in environmental and material sciences. The research program aims to train these professionals in a multidisciplinary, inclusive, diverse and supportive environment, as this provides the best conditions for resourceful and innovative outcomes.