The geomicrobiology and (bio)geochemistry of platinum, palladium and rhodium. Few economic (Platinum) Pt, (Palladium) Pd or (Rhodium) Rh deposits are known in Australia despite an abundance of potential host rock. By improving onshore exploration techniques this project will ensure the supply of these strategic metals to the Australian economy. By integrating geochemical, molecular microbial and microanalyses (e.g., synchrotron) techniques this project will also: (i) enhance Australia's status i ....The geomicrobiology and (bio)geochemistry of platinum, palladium and rhodium. Few economic (Platinum) Pt, (Palladium) Pd or (Rhodium) Rh deposits are known in Australia despite an abundance of potential host rock. By improving onshore exploration techniques this project will ensure the supply of these strategic metals to the Australian economy. By integrating geochemical, molecular microbial and microanalyses (e.g., synchrotron) techniques this project will also: (i) enhance Australia's status in the breakthrough science of Geomicrobiology; (ii) secure a leading role for Australian science in the assessment of anthropogenic Pt, Pd and Rh pollution; (iii) access expertise developed overseas by fostering international collaborations; and (iv) explore the transformational capabilities of microbiota for ore-processing of and nano-particle production.Read moreRead less
Evaluating a biogeochemical mechanism for soil anomaly formation using diffusive thin-film samplers in geochemical exploration. We expect to develop new and effective technology for geochemical exploration for gold and base metals. This technology will take the form of: (i) increased understanding of, and a new conceptual model for, biogeochemical formation of soil geochemical anomalies in transported overburden; (ii) new chemical analysis techniques for soils and groundwater in mineralised area ....Evaluating a biogeochemical mechanism for soil anomaly formation using diffusive thin-film samplers in geochemical exploration. We expect to develop new and effective technology for geochemical exploration for gold and base metals. This technology will take the form of: (i) increased understanding of, and a new conceptual model for, biogeochemical formation of soil geochemical anomalies in transported overburden; (ii) new chemical analysis techniques for soils and groundwater in mineralised areas. Improved models for anomaly formation will provide a clearer frame work for exploration in terrain under transported cover. New methodology has the potential to enhance anomaly detection for buried mineralisation, especially if the anomaly has formed biogeochemically.Read moreRead less