Geochemistry of ore metals at very high temperatures. The world’s largest copper and gold mines occur in extinct volcanoes around the Pacific Rim. Understanding how these essential metals are mobilised from magmas in the roots of volcanoes to become ore deposits and how to recognize where this has occurred is crucial in exploration for new deposits.
The copper-gold fertility of mountain belts. This project aims to identify the timing of, and understand the causes of, sulphide saturation in granitic suites to test the hypothesis that sulphide saturation controls the fertility of copper-gold deposits. More than half of the world’s copper and gold comes from granitic rocks, but most granitic suites are barren. As copper-gold deposits become increasingly difficult to find, and exploration budgets have been slashed, it is critical to reliably di ....The copper-gold fertility of mountain belts. This project aims to identify the timing of, and understand the causes of, sulphide saturation in granitic suites to test the hypothesis that sulphide saturation controls the fertility of copper-gold deposits. More than half of the world’s copper and gold comes from granitic rocks, but most granitic suites are barren. As copper-gold deposits become increasingly difficult to find, and exploration budgets have been slashed, it is critical to reliably distinguish ore bearing from barren systems. Platinum group element geochemistry could make this distinction by pinpointing the timing of sulphide saturation in evolving magma systems. Eliminating barren suites as exploration targets will save Australia’s exploration dollars which can be directed to where the prospects of success are greatest.Read moreRead less
Magnetite and metal-rich sulphides in arc magmas. Ascending magmas cool and crystallise a variety of minerals. Triggering sulfide deposition which hosts base and precious metals is a critical point in magma evolution. This research will explore the role of magnetite as this trigger and its potential as a tracer of this process.
Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH130200033
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,526,617.00
Summary
ARC Research Hub for Australian Copper-Uranium. ARC Research Hub for Australian Copper-Uranium. This Research Hub aims to develop, test and commercialise new, safe and cost-effective methods to separate radionuclides from copper concentrates derived from copper/uranium ores. The Research Hub will focus on harnessing the expertise and facilities of Australia's key 'resource' companies and universities to enable Australia to position itself as a world leader in copper production and associated tec ....ARC Research Hub for Australian Copper-Uranium. ARC Research Hub for Australian Copper-Uranium. This Research Hub aims to develop, test and commercialise new, safe and cost-effective methods to separate radionuclides from copper concentrates derived from copper/uranium ores. The Research Hub will focus on harnessing the expertise and facilities of Australia's key 'resource' companies and universities to enable Australia to position itself as a world leader in copper production and associated technology.Read moreRead less
Geological applications of synchrotron radiation: magmas, fluids, ores and minerals. This project will use the Australian synchrotron facility to study magmas and minerals to improve our understanding of the formation of ore-deposits and the evolution of the continents.