Mineral chemistry as a vector to mineralisation in porphyry systems

该项目将调查的矿物和整个岩石化学的先进的泥化蚀变内的彭伯顿山岩石盖和相关的斑岩矿化温哥华岛，不列颠哥伦比亚省本研究中产生的数据将被用来开发新的模型周围的斑岩系统和相关的岩石盖蚀变足迹。通过利用过去12年来围绕斑岩矿床开发的矿物化学工具，我们将使用蚀变矿物的微量元素地球化学来开发评估这些系统的前景和肥力的方法，以及看穿与岩石盖相关的强烈蚀变的能力。我们将研究明矾石、石英、黄铁矿、绿帘石和白色云母的微量元素化学，以测试我们是否可以将已知晕的大小作为矿物勘探的工具，并研究使用短波红外和便携式X射线荧光作为基于现场的工具，以达到相同的结果。认识到矿化的近端和远端载体将导致更有效的斑岩和浅成热液矿床勘探战略，这是至关重要的，因为下一代的发现可能来自埋藏的矿床。此外，该项目将大大有助于我们了解产生这些复杂矿化系统的过程。该项目还将培训青年研究人员，使其在学术界、政府或工业界的地球科学事业取得成功。

This project will investigate the mineral and whole rock chemistry of the advanced argillic alteration within the Pemberton Hills lithocap and associated porphyry mineralization on Vancouver Island, B.C. The data generated in this study will be used to develop new models for the alteration footprints around porphyry systems and the associated lithocaps. By utilizing mineral chemistry tools that have been developed over the past 12 years around porphyry deposits, we will use the trace element geochemistry of alteration minerals to develop methods to assess the prospectivity and fertility of these systems, as well as the ability to see through theintense alteration associated with lithocaps. We will investigate the trace element chemistry of alunite, quartz, pyrite, epidote, and white mica in order to test whether or not we can extend the size of the known halo as a tool for mineral exploration and investigate the use of Short Wave Infra Red and Portable X-Ray Flourescence as field based tools to achieve the same results. The recognition of the proximal and distal vectors towards mineralization will lead to more efficient exploration strategies for porphyry and epithermal deposits, which is critical given that the next generation of discoveries are likely going to come from buried deposits. In addition the project will contribute significantly to our understanding of the processes that generate these complex mineralized systems. This project will also train young researchers for a successful career in the geosciences whether in academia, government or industry.