Post on 14-May-2018
Mineral Deposit Research UnitMineral Deposit Research Unit
CanadaCanada’’s major s major collaborative industrycollaborative industry--university university
research groupresearch group
What is MDRU ?What is MDRU ?• An internationally recognized research group
devoted to;identifying & solving mineral exploration-related
geoscience problems
• Part of a geologic and geophysical research program at UBC devoted to;
training students for employment in industry and academia
“MDRU provides quality geological research and is undoubtedly one of the best collaborative research institutions in the world. It not only delivers
critical training to new explorationists, it improves the ore deposit models that guide our exploration.”
C.J. Hodgson, Former Chief Geologist, Barrick Gold Corporation
MDRU Founders:MDRU Founders:• Peter Bradshaw• Alastair Sinclair• John McDonald
Initiated by industry in 1989 as a link between industry and academia
(NOT a product of a government sponsored program)
MDRU & the exploration industryMDRU & the exploration industry
MDRU Past Directors:MDRU Past Directors:• John McDonald • John Thompson • Ian Thomson• (Richard Tosdal)
Exploration &Mining Industry
MDRU / UBC
InvestmentCommunity
DISCOVERY
MDRU MDRU –– StructureStructure
Director (Richard Tosdal / Craig Hart)+ financial / technical infrastructure
• Pacific Centre Isotopic & Geochemical Research
• Diamond Exploration Lab.• Volcanology Lab• UBC - GIF
Faculty in EOS (8)
Academic collaborators
Research Associates & Post-doctoral Fellows (6)
- solely funded by projects
Graduate students (>30)
University of British Columbia
Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences
Mineral exploration industry –
the major shareholder MDRU – Research Generative Group
MDRU – Board of Directors
Geoscience BC Goldcorp Inc.Gold Fields ExplorationHecla Mining Company of CanadaImperial Metals Corp.Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. Jinshan Gold Mines Inc. Kenrich-Eskay Mining Corp. Klondike Star Mineral Corp. Lysander Minerals Corp. Newcrest Mining Ltd. Newmont Gold Co. Northern Peru Copper Corp.Northgate Minerals Corp. Novagold Resources Inc. Pacific Rim Mining Corp. Pacifica Resources Ltd. Pan American Silver Corp. Rimfire Minerals Corp. Roca Mines Inc. Savant Explorations Ltd.
Almaden Resources Corp. Amarc Resources Ltd. AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. Ashton Mining of Canada Inc. BHP Billiton Ltd.Calibre Mining Corp. Canadian Zinc Corp. Cardero Resource Corp.Cash Minerals Ltd.Cia. De Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. Coeur d'Alene Mines Corp. Corriente Resources Inc. Diamondex Resources Ltd. Entrée Gold Inc. Equity Engineering Ltd. Falconbridge Inc. First Point Minerals Corp. Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.Full Metal MineralsGalore Resources Inc. Geoinformatics Exploration Inc.
Peter Peter FischFischDaniel GregoryDaniel GregoryDaniel Daniel RubioloRubioloHeather Smith Heather Smith
British Columbia Geological Survey British Columbia Geological Survey Geological Survey of Canada Geological Survey of Canada Yukon Geology ProgramYukon Geology Program
Corporate members (52)Sherwood Copper Corp.Stornoway Diamonds Corp.StrataGold Corp. Triex Minerals Corp.Tupra Metal Madencilik (El Dorado)Tyhee Development Corp. Triex Minerals Corp. Vale IncoWestern Copper CorporationXStrata Nickel
MDRU MDRU –– Members Members (Nov 2008)(Nov 2008)
Individual Members (4) & Government
Agencies (3)
Foundation Members (5)
People of MDRUPeople of MDRU
People of MDRUPeople of MDRU• People
Permanent staff: Director + 2 admin staffGraduate students : >30Research faculty: 6EOS Faculty: 8Graduated 17 students in last 18 months; 4 more expected to graduate in 1st quarter 2009Students come from 16 countries - “United Nations”
Geographical focusGeographical focus• Started with BC focus expanded to global
presence, but still with significant “west coast” presence
• Largest integrated group in North America
• Significant Canadian & international collaboration with other academics, mineral exploration / mining companies , & government institutions
research (concepts & locations), funding, MDRU membership, students, & student supervision
Research Project Research Project -- LocationsLocations
new
current
pending
Current research themesCurrent research themes
1. Core geological studies: • pre-, syn- and post ore processes • big-picture geological framework of deposits• focus more on the “how” and “why” of ore deposit genesis
2. Exploration methodologies – science-based exploration:• identifying the proximal to distal mineralogical,
geochemical, thermal & geophysical footprint of ore deposits
• focus on the “where”• feedback into the “how” and “why”
3. Mining and environmental sustainability:• CO2 sequestration in mine tailings financial, social and
climatic(?) benefit
Current research themesCurrent research themes
1. Core geological studies: • pre-, syn- and post ore processes • big-picture geological framework of deposits• focus more on the “how” and “why” of ore deposit genesis
2. Exploration methodologies – science-based exploration:• identifying the proximal to distal mineralogical,
geochemical, thermal & geophysical footprint of ore deposits
• focus on the “where”• feedback into the “how” and “why”
3. Mining and environmental sustainability:• CO2 sequestration in mine tailings financial, social and
climatic(?) benefit
Shallow- and deep-level alkalic mineral deposits -
geological and metallogeniccharacter and evolution
•Deep-level: BC focus•Shallow-level: Australasia
Full sponsorship: AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick, Newmont Mining, Teck ComincoPorphyry module: Imperial Metals, Amarc Resources, NovaGold, Newcrest Mining, Lysanders MineralsMatching funds: Geoscience BC, NSERC 8 MSc and PhD students, 2 RA’s, 1 GSC
Collaborative with CODES, University of Tasmania
Courtesy: D. Cooke,
CODES
• structural & geological architecture• alteration zonation• geochemical dispersion and
depletion halos• geochronology and igneous fertility
indices
The geology, genesis and exploration context of the Central The geology, genesis and exploration context of the Central Zone, Zone, alkalicalkalic Cu-Au porphyry deposit, Galore Greek District, porphyry deposit, Galore Greek District,
northwesternnorthwestern British ColumbiaBritish ColumbiaJanina Micko (Ph.D. candidate)
ObjectivesObjectives•• LithologyLithology andand hydrothermal alterationhydrothermal alteration on a on a deposit scaledeposit scale
•• LithogeochemisticalLithogeochemistical andand isotopic analysisisotopic analysis
•• CompositionalCompositional and and fluid inclusion analysisfluid inclusion analysis on on hydrothermally zoned hydrothermally zoned garnetsgarnets
•• Definition of Definition of genetic modelsgenetic models
•• Identification of applicable Identification of applicable exploration toolsexploration tools
Sponsored by: AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick, Newmont Mining, Teck; Imperial Metals, Amarc Resources, NovaGold, Newcrest Mining, Lysanders Minerals
DESCRIBE, CHARACTERISE and
MAP THE DISTRIBUTION OF:
•Lithofacies
•Alteration
•Mineralisation
ORE DEPOSIT MODEL
•Sequence of events
•Ore-body geometry
•Fluid flow pathways
HYDROTHERMAL MINERAL CHEMISTRY
•Paleo-physicochemicalenvironment
•Metal deposition mechanisms
•Integrate findings with ore-deposit model
Magmatic-hydrothermal evolution and zonation of a breccia-centered Cu-Au alkalic porphyry: Southwest Zone, Galore
Creek Kevin Byrne (Msc candidate)
Sponsored by: AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick, Newmont Mining, Teck; Imperial Metals, AmarcResources, NovaGold, Newcrest Mining, Lysanders Minerals
Evolution of Reko Diq porphyry Cu-Au Deposits,Chagai District, Balochistan – Pakistan
Abdul Abdul RaziqueRazique, Ph.D. candidate, Ph.D. candidate
Quellaveco Cu-Mo Porphyry, Southern Peru
– Igneous evolution; • U/Pb zircon geochronology and intrusion paragenesis• Zircon and whole rock geochemistry as indicators for magma chamber
processes
– Hydrothermal evolution of the Quellaveco ore body• Vein paragenesis and relative timing to porphyry intrusions• Element mobility and alteration definition
– Metal and volatile rejuvenation in porphyry Cu (-Mo) systems implications for longevity of hydrothermal systems
Adam Simmons, Ph.D. candidate
• Volcanic stratigraphyhosting the veins
• Pre-syn and post mineralization deformation history
• Structural setting of ore shoots
• Chemistry of ore forming fluids
Reconstructing the Reconstructing the Cerro Cerro BayoBayo low low
sulfidationsulfidation epithermal epithermal deposit, Chile deposit, Chile
Jaime Poblete, M.Sc. candidate
FabiolaFabiola vein surface outcropvein surface outcrop
High-Grade Hydrothermal Copper in Foliated Granites
•• The relationship of mineral chemistry, mineral The relationship of mineral chemistry, mineral paragenesisparagenesis,, and foliation development to fluid flow and metal and foliation development to fluid flow and metal precipitation in the precipitation in the MintoMinto CuCu‐‐Au deposit, YukonAu deposit, Yukon
Shawn Hood (Shawn Hood (MScMSc candidate)candidate)
Sponsored by: Minto Exploration Inc
The Subsurface Geometry of the >30 Moz DonlinCreek Gold Deposit, Southwest Alaska
Daniel MacNeil, M.Sc. candidate
• Structural style and subsurface geology
• Controls on dyke and sill emplacement
• Controls on mineralized vein distribution
Sponsored by: Barrick
•• Application of geological mapping, mineral alteration, minerApplication of geological mapping, mineral alteration, mineral al paragenesisparagenesis, structural analysis, geochronology & , structural analysis, geochronology & thermochronologythermochronology to better understand the character and to better understand the character and genesis of magmaticgenesis of magmatic‐‐hydrothermal Cuhydrothermal Cu‐‐Au systems in the Au systems in the TasekoTaseko Lakes region of BCLakes region of BC
Lucy Hollis (Lucy Hollis (MScMSc candidate)candidate)
Scott Scott BlevingsBlevings ((MScMSc candidate)candidate)
Geological framework and genesis of Cretaceous magmatic-hydrothermal systems
in the Coast Mountains, BC
Sponsored by: Galore Resources
Metallogeny of the eastern Gangdese Arc, TibetReza Tafti (PhD candidate)
Supported by Hunter Dickinson (Continental Minerals Corp.)
Focused studies of Xietongmen porphyry Cu-Au district
Mesozoic and Tertiary metallogeny of southeastern Lhasa Block
U-Pb and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology
Pb isotopic studies
Radiogenic tracers
Sulfur isotope studies
Framework of the El Galeno and Hillorico Cu-Au-Mo system, northern Perú
Establish alteration distribution and linkage between Miocene porphyry Cu-Mo-Au and epithermal Au-Ag deposit
Farhad Bouzari, Research Associate
Sponsored by Northern Peru Copper Corp.
A basinA basin‐‐wide study of the Redstone copper belt, NWT to;wide study of the Redstone copper belt, NWT to;••define the basin architecture and tectonic/sedimentological define the basin architecture and tectonic/sedimentological framework for sedimentframework for sediment‐‐hosted mineralizationhosted mineralization
••examine mineralogical, geochemical, and thermal expressions examine mineralogical, geochemical, and thermal expressions of the hydrothermal flow to help develop vectors toward ore of the hydrothermal flow to help develop vectors toward ore
PhD projectPhD project
Integrating paleogeography/tectonics, geochemistry & thermochronology to track fluid flow
in sedimentary rock-hosted Cu-deposits
Sponsored by: Western Copper Corp
•• An initiative to integrate geological mapping, geochronologAn initiative to integrate geological mapping, geochronology, y, mineral chemistry to further our understanding of the pomineral chemistry to further our understanding of the postst‐‐mineralization history of Carlin hydrothermal Aumineralization history of Carlin hydrothermal Au‐‐systems in systems in Nevada and aid exploration beneath MioceneNevada and aid exploration beneath Miocene‐‐Recent gravel Recent gravel depositsdeposits
MSc projectMSc project
Oxidation, exhumation and re-sedimentation of Carlin Au-deposits
Golden Point battery, Macraes, Otago
PHANEROZOIC OROGENIC GOLD SYSTEMSJim Mortensen; in collaboration with:
Dave Craw, Doug MacKenzie (U. of Otago) – Otago and KlondikeDave Rhys, Kika Ross (Panterra Geoservices) - Cariboo
Tethyan metallogeny, TurkeyTethyan metallogeny, TurkeyDefine petrochemical, geochronological, and metallogenic framework for 2 transects (west and central) across the Tethyan arc in Turkey
Sponsored by:Barrick, TeckCominco, Tuprag Madencilik
Nature and Origin of Mafic Volcanism and Associated Diatremes in the Misty Creek Embayment, Mackenzie Mtns., NWT
Chris Leslie (MSc candidate)
40Ar/39Ar geochronology of diatreme and epiclastic facies
Whole rock geochemistry and radiogenic isotopes
Mineral chemistry (pyroxene, phlogopite) – are these rocks kimberlitic?
Age, Petrogenesis and Paleotectonic Setting of the Sicker Gp Volcanic Rocks and contained VMS Deposits, Vancouver Island
Tyler Ruks (PhD candidate)Supported by Geoscience BC, Laramide Res., Paget Res., Bitterroot Res., Westridge Res.
Collaboration with Fabrice Cordey (U. Lyons, France)
Volcanic stratigraphy
Paleotectonic setting
U-Pb geochronology
Micropaleontology (radiolaria)
Whole rock geochemistry and radiogenic isotopes
Pb isotopic characterization of VMS and epigenetic sulfide mineralization in the Sicker Gp
Layered Intrusions, flood basalts, zoned ultramafic intrusions, Proterozoic anorthosites
• Ni-Cu-PGE sulphide mineralization, Muskox layered intrusion, Nunavut
• Rutile and hemo-ilmenite mineralization in Proterozoic anorthosites, Québec
• Alaskan-type zoned ultramafic intrusions: Turnagain Ni-Cu-PGE, B.C.
• Flood basalts of the Wrangellia Terrane in B.C., Yukon and Alaska
Wrangellia Flood Basalt,Wrangellia Flood Basalt,Wrangell Mtns, AlaskaWrangell Mtns, Alaska
Massive FeMassive Fe--Ti Oxide OreTi Oxide OreStSt--Urbain, QUrbain, Quuéébecbec
Magmatic deposits
Sponsored by:Anglo American Exploration (Canada), Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium, Hard Creek Nickel, Rock to Riches, Y.G.S., B.C.G.S, NSERC
OBSERVATIONOBSERVATION
EXPERIMENTALEXPERIMENTAL MODELLINGMODELLING
kimberlitekimberlitestudiesstudies
ModernModernVolcanologyVolcanology
KimberlitesKimberlitesPhysical volcanology of kimberlites and petrology of diamondiferPhysical volcanology of kimberlites and petrology of diamondiferous ous
rocksrocks
Sponsored by:Sponsored by:Tahera Diamond Corp., BandTahera Diamond Corp., Band--Ore Resources, KM Consulting, Diagem, De Beers, Ashton, Ore Resources, KM Consulting, Diagem, De Beers, Ashton, Rio Tinto, Canadian Light Source, Saskatchewan Research Council,Rio Tinto, Canadian Light Source, Saskatchewan Research Council, NSERCNSERC
Volcanology
Buffalo Head Hills, Renard, Diavik, Victor
How does the eruptive process affect diamond distribution?
EXAMINE
• Tuwawi kimberlite thin sections and core
• Tuwawi peridotite and eclogite xenoliths
CHARACTERIZE DIAMOND POTENTIAL
BASED ON
•Volcanic facies of kimberlite
• Thermal state of the mantle
In collaboration with Diamondex Resources Ltd
Diamond potential of the Brodeur Peninsula (Baffin Island)
J. Cross (B.Sc candidate)
COMPARE
• Diamonds and conglomerates with Archean lamprophyric diamonds found in Wawa
CHARACTERIZE
• Diamonds• Archean diamondiferous conglomerates
W. Bruce (M.Sc candidate)
In collaboration with Dianor Resources Ltd
Diamonds and diamondiferous conglomerates of Wawa (S. Ontario)
DETERMINE
• The source for alluvial diamonds in S. Ontario and Quebec
Current research themesCurrent research themes
1. Core geological studies: • pre-, syn- and post ore processes • big-picture geological framework of deposits• focus more on the “how” and “why” of ore deposit genesis
2. Exploration methodologies – science-based exploration:• identifying the proximal to distal mineralogical,
geochemical, thermal & geophysical footprint of ore deposits
• focus on the “where”• feedback into the “how” and “why”
3. Mining and environmental sustainability:• CO2 sequestration in mine tailings financial, social and
climatic(?) benefit
Sponsored by: Goldcorp Canada
Archean lode AuArchean lode Au--systems systems -- Red LakeRed LakeMapping alteration footprints and tracing fluid flow
• Lithogeochemistry• Isotope geochemistry• Alteration mineralogy• Mineral chemistry
Liz Stock, Ph.D. Candidate
•• Integration of lithogeochemistry, stable isotope Integration of lithogeochemistry, stable isotope geochemistry, mineral chemistry, thermometry and geochemistry, mineral chemistry, thermometry and thermochronometry to characterize the spatial and temporal thermochronometry to characterize the spatial and temporal evolution of Carlin hydrothermal Auevolution of Carlin hydrothermal Au‐‐systemssystems
Shaun Barker (Postdoc Fellow)Shaun Barker (Postdoc Fellow)
Jeremy Vaughan (PhD student)Jeremy Vaughan (PhD student)
Ayesha Amhed (MSc candidate)Ayesha Amhed (MSc candidate)
alterationalteration
isotope haloisotope haloheatheat
oreore
Distal manifestation of hydrothermal fluid flow and the development of down- & cross-stream vectors to ore
Sponsored by: Barrick, Newmont, Teck
Footprints of Porphyry Cu Deposits: Spectral and Lithogeochemisty
Dick Tosdal (MDRU), John Dilles (OSU), Scott Halley (Mineral Mapping Service), Tatiana Alva (M.Sc. Candidate)
In Collaborations with Teck Corporation, BHP Billiton, Barrick Gold, Codelco, Imperial Metals, CVRD-Inco
Study sites: Yerington (Nevada); Highland Valley (BC); Red Chris (BC); Mt. Polley (BC) and Gaby (Chile)
3D integration of geology and geophysics3D integration of geology and geophysics
Sponsored by: Sponsored by: AngloGold Ashanti ,Anglo American,Barrick, Geoinformatics, KenneAngloGold Ashanti ,Anglo American,Barrick, Geoinformatics, Kennecott Exploration, cott Exploration, Teck Cominco, Xstrata, ValeTeck Cominco, Xstrata, Vale--Inco, NSERCInco, NSERC
Interpretation, Classification andMineral Estimation
Geologic concepts
and hypothesis
testing
Magnetic susceptibility - density cross-plot
Calculated Pentlandite Abundance
Mineralogy andProcesses
GeophysicalGeophysicalModelingModelingGeologyGeology
Physical PropertiesPhysical Properties
Scaling andConstraints
Current research themesCurrent research themes
1. Core geological studies: • pre-, syn- and post ore processes • big-picture geological framework of deposits• focus more on the “how” and “why” of ore deposit genesis
2. Exploration methodologies – science-based exploration:• identifying the proximal to distal mineralogical,
geochemical, thermal & geophysical footprint of ore deposits
• focus on the “where”• feedback into the “how” and “why”
3. Mining and environmental sustainability:• CO2 sequestration in mine tailings financial, social and
climatic(?) benefit
Field & scanning electron microscope images of mineralogically bound carbon dioxide
• Some mining tailings absorb the greenhouse gas (GHG) carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• Carbon dioxide is trapped in mineral structures where it is safely sequestered from the atmosphere in the long-term.
• Many hard rock mines produce a tailings sequestration capacity that is greater than total GHG emissions (CO2 equivalent).
• Acceleration of carbon fixation could turn some mining operations into a GHG-neutral industry and/or provide additional revenue.
• Employed worldwide could impact global anthropogenic GHG production and provide an environmental benefit.
Sponsored by: BHPB, Rio Tinto (Diavik), NSERC
Greenhouse Gas Fixation in Mine TailingsGreenhouse Gas Fixation in Mine Tailings
Initiated by industry as a link between industry and academia
Recipe for MDRU successRecipe for MDRU success
Exploration &Mining Industry
MDRU / UBC
InvestmentCommunity
DISCOVERY