Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0347677
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$750,000.00
Summary
An electron probe microanalysis system to replace an existing 14 year-old instrument. Compositional data determined on inorganic materials by electron microprobe analysis (EPMA) underpins a considerable amount research in Earth/planetary sciences. Spots down to 2/1000mm may be analysed quantitatively for major elements and some trace elements with an accuracy of <1%, and digital composition maps of the elemental spatial distribution can be generated. Increasing downtime on the 14 year-old UTasma ....An electron probe microanalysis system to replace an existing 14 year-old instrument. Compositional data determined on inorganic materials by electron microprobe analysis (EPMA) underpins a considerable amount research in Earth/planetary sciences. Spots down to 2/1000mm may be analysed quantitatively for major elements and some trace elements with an accuracy of <1%, and digital composition maps of the elemental spatial distribution can be generated. Increasing downtime on the 14 year-old UTasmania microprobe, coupled with diverse new and exciting applications in ore deposit research, environmental geoscience and geochronology force us to seek funds to replace the existing EPMA facility, which has logged ~101,000 hours of use involving ~250 researchers, and produced more than 500 refereed papers.Read moreRead less
Sulfide Partial Melting at Broken Hill: Process and Implications. Based entirely on experimental studies, we suggested that the sulfide ore at Broken Hill, N.S.W., partially melted during granulite-facies metamorphism. Our subsequent discovery of sulfide melt inclusions in silicates associated with the ore strongly supports this assertion. This proposed research will evaluate the extent of melting and the composition of such a melt as well as the effect of this melt on the rocks surrounding the ....Sulfide Partial Melting at Broken Hill: Process and Implications. Based entirely on experimental studies, we suggested that the sulfide ore at Broken Hill, N.S.W., partially melted during granulite-facies metamorphism. Our subsequent discovery of sulfide melt inclusions in silicates associated with the ore strongly supports this assertion. This proposed research will evaluate the extent of melting and the composition of such a melt as well as the effect of this melt on the rocks surrounding the ore. The results of this basic research will not only impact on Broken Hill genetic models specifically, but could profoundly effect our understanding of metamorphic and magmatic sulfide deposits globally.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989828
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$245,000.00
Summary
An X-ray fluorescence analysis system to replace an existing 16 year old instrument. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is a basic analytical tool for the accurate and precise determination of the chemical composition of rock samples. Access to this technology is essential for the successful operation of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits. The Centre undertakes cutting-edge research on the geology, genesis, discovery and recovery of new mineral resources and equipping the Australian miner ....An X-ray fluorescence analysis system to replace an existing 16 year old instrument. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is a basic analytical tool for the accurate and precise determination of the chemical composition of rock samples. Access to this technology is essential for the successful operation of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits. The Centre undertakes cutting-edge research on the geology, genesis, discovery and recovery of new mineral resources and equipping the Australian minerals industry with world-class graduates. These activities are within National Research Priorities ((An Environmentally Sustainable Australia - Discovering Deep Earth Resources) and at the core of Australian national interests.Read moreRead less
ARC Centre of Excellence - in Ore Deposits. Australia's minerals industry faces a two-fold challenge - to find new ore deposits and to mine them with maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Those challenges demand a new generation of focused ore deposit research, tailored specifically for the Australian context. The Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits will provide the foundation of fundamental research required by a successful, efficient and sustainable Australian minerals industry ....ARC Centre of Excellence - in Ore Deposits. Australia's minerals industry faces a two-fold challenge - to find new ore deposits and to mine them with maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Those challenges demand a new generation of focused ore deposit research, tailored specifically for the Australian context. The Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits will provide the foundation of fundamental research required by a successful, efficient and sustainable Australian minerals industry. The Centre will also play a leading role in the undergraduate and postgraduate training of future geoscientists. The concentration of internationally recognised researchers in the Centre will ensure it maintains its premier position in the international ore deposit research arena.Read moreRead less
Properties of hydrous fluids and silicate melts at very high temperatures and pressures. High-temperature, high-pressure, water-rich fluids play a central role in many geological processes. However, these fluids are extremely difficult to characterise: although their effects are evident in many rocks, the fluids themselves are too reactive to be preserved. Here several novel techniques are described for studying the compositions and thermodynamic properties of hydrous fluids and silicate melts o ....Properties of hydrous fluids and silicate melts at very high temperatures and pressures. High-temperature, high-pressure, water-rich fluids play a central role in many geological processes. However, these fluids are extremely difficult to characterise: although their effects are evident in many rocks, the fluids themselves are too reactive to be preserved. Here several novel techniques are described for studying the compositions and thermodynamic properties of hydrous fluids and silicate melts over a wide range of geologically relevant conditions. The results of this study will greatly improve the understanding of geological processes as widely diverse as volcanism, ore deposition and metamorphism.Read moreRead less
CO2-brine behaviour in high temperature geological processes: Microanalysis and significance. This project clearly lies within the national research priority of developing deep earth resources. It may strengthen our economic fabric through mineral deposit discoveries in Australia as well as other circum-Pacific countries. The proposed research will also indirectly enhance our understanding of the relationships between geosphere, biosphere, fluids and global greenhouse warming. By strong national ....CO2-brine behaviour in high temperature geological processes: Microanalysis and significance. This project clearly lies within the national research priority of developing deep earth resources. It may strengthen our economic fabric through mineral deposit discoveries in Australia as well as other circum-Pacific countries. The proposed research will also indirectly enhance our understanding of the relationships between geosphere, biosphere, fluids and global greenhouse warming. By strong national and international collaborations and our use of innovative frontier technologies of fluid microgeochemistry, we will expand recognition of Australia's world-class research capacities.Read moreRead less
Magmatic processes, volatiles and ore formation. A major current source of Australia's export wealth derives from mining of gold and copper ores. Many of our largest ore deposits, such as those at Mt Isa and Broken Hill, formed in paleo- environments equivalent to the active submarine volcanic arcs which we are proposing to study. Modern systems yield the vital clues to explore intelligently for fossil equivalents. We propose a two-pronged approach in world-renowned analytical and experimental l ....Magmatic processes, volatiles and ore formation. A major current source of Australia's export wealth derives from mining of gold and copper ores. Many of our largest ore deposits, such as those at Mt Isa and Broken Hill, formed in paleo- environments equivalent to the active submarine volcanic arcs which we are proposing to study. Modern systems yield the vital clues to explore intelligently for fossil equivalents. We propose a two-pronged approach in world-renowned analytical and experimental laboratories to understand active processes that will guide experimental simulations under controlled conditions. Results are critical for national economic advantage and the maintenance of Australian Earth science in the forefront of global research effort.
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The Windimurra-Narndee Layered Complexes, Western Australia. Mineral resources are a major export earner for Australia. If Australia is to continue benefiting from the current minerals boom then new reserves must be continuously found as existing reserves are mined out. The Windimurra-Narndee complexes represent a relatively new exploration target for platinum, nickel, and iron ore. Identification of a new mineral field in remote West Australia would be very good for the regional (and national) ....The Windimurra-Narndee Layered Complexes, Western Australia. Mineral resources are a major export earner for Australia. If Australia is to continue benefiting from the current minerals boom then new reserves must be continuously found as existing reserves are mined out. The Windimurra-Narndee complexes represent a relatively new exploration target for platinum, nickel, and iron ore. Identification of a new mineral field in remote West Australia would be very good for the regional (and national) economy. Furthermore, advancing Australian's understanding of large intrusive systems will further raise international regard for the Australian academic community. The results of this work will help Australian mining companies better explore similar terranes.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Halide Melts In Platinum-Group Element Mobility. The proposed research will introduce a new, high profile application of analytical and experimental facilities at ANU, thereby maintaining Australia's standing as a world leader in the global geoscience community. The data generated in the proposed study may critically impact exploration models and assist the Australian mining industry in locating new reserves of platinum-group elements (PGE). Therefore, the study will benefit the peop ....The Role Of Halide Melts In Platinum-Group Element Mobility. The proposed research will introduce a new, high profile application of analytical and experimental facilities at ANU, thereby maintaining Australia's standing as a world leader in the global geoscience community. The data generated in the proposed study may critically impact exploration models and assist the Australian mining industry in locating new reserves of platinum-group elements (PGE). Therefore, the study will benefit the people of Australia by providing the means to find an important resource base for sustainable society. The research will be timely as Australia's future demand for the environmentally-safe PGE metals in medicine, transportation, and energy production will be very significant.Read moreRead less
Accessory minerals and trace elements as monitors of partial melting and high-grade metamorphic processes in the crust. The proposed project addresses: "How do continents work?", which has been identified as a key question in the national strategic plan for geosciences. The development of new monitors for high-grade metamorphic processes and partial melting will help to understand and explore the continental crust and will provide crucial information on deep earth resources (National Research Pr ....Accessory minerals and trace elements as monitors of partial melting and high-grade metamorphic processes in the crust. The proposed project addresses: "How do continents work?", which has been identified as a key question in the national strategic plan for geosciences. The development of new monitors for high-grade metamorphic processes and partial melting will help to understand and explore the continental crust and will provide crucial information on deep earth resources (National Research Priority 1.6). Another direct potential benefit to Australia from this work is an enhancement of the country's international research reputation. The ANU is one of the world-leading research institutions in geochemistry, geochronology and experimental petrology and the outcomes of this project will ensure that Australia remains at the forefront in these disciplines.Read moreRead less