Tracking metal enrichment in Canadian porphyry systems using integrated geochronology

Research setting and supervisory team: The student will be based at the University of Portsmouth under the main supervision of Dr. Catherine Mottram (and with additional support from Prof. James Darling). The supervisory team places a high value on student training and development, and has experience in fostering a positive and supportive research environment for students, with regular communication and meetings. Catherine will work with the student to design a supervision structure that meets their needs and may include weekly meetings, as well as providing training in structural geology, fieldwork and geochronology. Dr. Katie McFall will provide supervision and training in ore deposit mineralogy, porphyry deposits and fluid and melt inclusion analysis at University College London (UCL). In addition, the student will be supervised by partner Dr. Dawn Kellett at the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), who will form the main supervisor for fieldwork and research placements. There will be at least 1 virtual meeting every 3 months with the full supervisory team across all institutions and including industry collaborators.

Research Environment: The student will be part of an international collaborative research network, including the vibrant and supportive Crustal Evolution and Tectonics Research Group, part of the research Institute for the Earth and Environment at the University of Portsmouth (UOP). The student will have the opportunity to present their research and network at international conferences.

Field training: one to one training in field skills applicable to both remote and mine work site locations will be provided by the Geological Survey of Canada, industry partners, external providers, and Catherine Mottram including geological training, wilderness first aid, helicopter and bear training. 

The project will be conducting research in the Tahltan First Nation Indigenous Territory in British Columbia. The student will be encouraged and supported through training and guidance to disseminate the findings of their research as part of wider GSC and industry engagement activities. We will continue an open dialogue, communicating our research aims and objectives and embedding traditional knowledge and indigenous priorities in the on-going design of our research.

Access to facilities, and one-to-one training in technical skills: One-to-one training in a range of laboratory analytical techniques will be provided by the supervisory team and technical staff to ensure that the student becomes an expert independent analyst. At the University of Portsmouth this will include Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) including microstructural analysis by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and geochronology by (Femtosecond) laser ablation inductively-coupled-plasma mass-spectrometry (fs-LA-ICP-MS-MS). UCL will provide training in fluid inclusion techniques. All facilities are well-supported by technical staff which will ensure maximum training and data collection opportunities. 

Transferable skills and career prospects: This international (UK-Canada) and joint academic-industry-government project provides tailored, applied, employable training opportunities that reach beyond academia. The student will be mentored by experts in both industry and academia. The student will gain first-hand experience working in a variety of environments including in remote field areas, in mining and exploration camps, in a geological survey, and in analytical research laboratories. Transferable skills such as communication, outreach, policy, industry applications and workplace professionalism and integrity will be embedded throughout the project. The student will be in a good position to pursue a career in a wide range of fields including analytical research science, in the mineral exploration and resource industry, and government science policy either in the UK, Canada or worldwide.