PhD Project
Metal source rocks for sedimenthosted ores
Dr. Jamie Wilkinson & Dr Dominik Weiss
AIM To determine the fertility of different rock types as metal sources for base metal ore deposits.
BACKGROUND
The debate concerning the origin of metals in hydrothermal ore deposits and the
significance of specific “source rocks” has been ongoing for 150 years. The recent development of new tools
for the analysis of fluid inclusions in ore deposits and novel isotope techniques have
started to shed more light on this fundamental question, with more significance
being placed on the metal budget of the rocks (or magmas) from which fluids are
derived. However, little recent work has been undertaken on the fertility of different
rock types with respect to supplying ore metals to hydrothermal systems and the
mineralogical associations of these metals.
OBJECTIVES The principal objective of the study is to determine the trace metal
content of individual mineral phases within characteristic source rock types. Stepwise
leaching and possibly hydrothermal experiments will be used to determine metal
extraction pathways from these phases and isotopic characterisation (e.g. Pb, Zn, Cu,
Fe) will be carried out to fingerprint the different metal reservoirs.
METHODS The study will utilise wet chemistry laboratory facilities located in the
Banded sphalerite ore
containing galena (grey)
and cemented by white
dolomite. Galmoy Mine,
Ireland.
Department. Chemical analyses will be carried out using ICP-AES and ICPMS
instruments, and isotope measurements will be made using the Department’s Nu
Plasma multi-collector ICPMS located in the Royal School of Mines Building.
Experiments will be carried out to refine existing analytical methods and improve the
accuracy and precision of isotope data. Sample characterization will be carried out
using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and trace metal
distribution will be determined by proton induced X-Ray emission (PIXE) in
collaboration with CSIRO in Melbourne, Australia.
WIDER
IMPLICATIONS
The
research will represent a major
contribution to the understanding of the origin of metals in
hydrothermal ore deposits and to the development of nontraditional stable isotope geochemistry.
STUDENT PROFILE We are looking for a well-qualified and
highly motivated Earth Sciences/Geology graduate with a
strong
interest
in
geochemistry
and
hydrothermal
mineralization. Experience of geochemical analytical methods
would be an advantage.
0.5mm
PIXE image showing distribution of zinc in greywacke. Chlorite is the principal host for the
metal in the matrix between the clastic grains.
TRAINING The successful student will join the LODE research group in ore deposits at Imperial College and
the Natural History Museum. The student will receive training in laboratory best practice, sample preparation
methods, inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission and mass spectrometry and data reduction methods.
Training also will be given in sample characterization techniques including reflected and transmitted light
petrography, scanning electron microscopy and PIXE analysis. Courses in isotope geochemistry, fluid
geochemistry and mineralising processes and transferable skills will be available.
FURTHER INFORMATION If you are interested in the project and would like to have further details
please contact Jamie Wilkinson at j.wilkinson@imperial.ac.uk
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/people/j.wilkinson
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/earthscienceandengineering/research/lode