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What controls critical metal geometallurgy in post-subduction magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits?
Project Description
Critical metals such as Te, Bi, and PGM are essential for green technologies for the energy transition. These metals are often associated with more abundant metals like Cu and Au, and could be extracted as by-products during ore processing, securing future supplies and minimising environmental impact. However, this is currently rarely done due to a poor understanding of the geometallurgy of critical metals - where within ore deposits they are hosted mineralogically, spatially, and physically – and what geological processes control this.
Post-subduction magmatic-hydrothermal Cu and Au deposits are commonly critical metal enriched and so are a likely by-product source. This project will investigate the processes controlling critical metal geometallurgy in the exploration-stage post-subduction magmatic-hydrothermal deposits of Newmont Lake in British Columbia, Canada, in order to:
1) Define the geometallurgy of critical metals in the Newmont Lake deposits through quantitative mineralogy.
2) Characterise the fluid history of these deposits and identify the mineralising fluids through fluid inclusion and stable isotope analysis.
3) Test whether fluids generated in post-subduction settings are particularly favourable for critical metal transport through fluid modelling and data comparison, feeding into a global model of critical mineral enrichment.
This project provides an opportunity to work with mineral exploration company Enduro Metals Corporation in Canada.
Research themes
Project Specific Training
The PhD student will receive lab training via one to one instruction from the supervisory team. This will include training in: Scanning electron microscope and TIMA automated mineralogy, microXRF, fluid inclusion petrology and microthermometry, and laser Raman spectroscopy. The student will also be trained in stable isotope analysis on a one-to-one basis by staff at the National Environmental Isotope Facilities in SUERC, and in fluid modelling by members of the supervisory team.
The student will receive training on field skills in mineral exploration, and drill core logging from the supervisory team and Enduro Metals industry partners while in the field in Canada. There should also be the opportunity to participate in workshops on geochronology, critical metals, geometallurgy, and fluid inclusions run by researchers from UCL and University of British Columbia Okangen, as well as the opportunity to visit UBCO and collaborate with researchers there.
The student will be encouraged to attend workshops and training courses on professional skills for the mining industry, such as Environmental, Social and Governance training, provided by learned societies such as the Society of Economic Geologists and the Mineral Deposits Studies Group.
Potential Career Trajectory
With its strong industry links, this project will provide professional skills training and networking opportunities to support career pathways both in the wider minerals industry and in academia. This could include mineral exploration; mineral processing; consultancy; mining and/or critical metals related finance or policy; industry research and development; environmental, social and governance careers; or a research career in geoscience.
Project supervisor/s
Katie McFall
Earth Sciences
UCL
k.mcfall@ucl.ac.uk
Frances Cooper
Earth Sciences
UCL
frances.cooper@ucl.ac.uk
Supervision balance
80:20