Origin of hydrothermal deposits

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My long-term research program studies mineral deposits to better understand their formation and to develop indicator mineral methodologies useful for exploration by the industry and government agencies. I propose to carry a research program to reach 2 short term objectives: 1) to investigate the triggers of gold precipitation in orogenic gold deposits because this dictates where and how much gold occurs in a system; and 2) to investigate the processes controlling the incorporation of minor and trace elements in magnetite, and the potential impact of the currently undetected nano-inclusions using in situ analytical techniques. The research program will train 2 PhD and 5 BSc students that will gain the skills for successful careers in academia, government of industry. The HQP will use state-of-the-art instruments to measure the chemical and isotopic composition of minerals to inform on the conditions of formation of the mineral deposits. This will provide fundamental knowledge on the triggers that cause precipitation of gold in veins, and on the minuscule nanometric inclusions that carry a component of the chemical signature of minerals used in indicator mineral surveys by government agencies and the mineral exploration industry. The impact will be significant to ensure the continued leadership of Canada in mineral deposit geology, and to provide unique knowledge and methodologies to improve and develop efficient mineral exploration programs. Highly efficient mineral exploration programs are critical to ensure the future well-being of the mineral industry, its world-wide leadership, and to find the mineral resources for the well-being of the Canadian economy.