Deformational controls on the dynamics of fluid flow, hydrothermal alteration and gold mineralisation, Argo Gold deposit, WA. Detailed structural analysis, combined with major and trace element geochemistry and stable isotope geochemistry, will be used to explore the 3D evolution of fluid pathways and their relationship to growth of shear zones, vein networks and alteration patterns in the Argo shear-hosted gold deposit. The research will be used to (1) maximise the efficiency of resource defini ....Deformational controls on the dynamics of fluid flow, hydrothermal alteration and gold mineralisation, Argo Gold deposit, WA. Detailed structural analysis, combined with major and trace element geochemistry and stable isotope geochemistry, will be used to explore the 3D evolution of fluid pathways and their relationship to growth of shear zones, vein networks and alteration patterns in the Argo shear-hosted gold deposit. The research will be used to (1) maximise the efficiency of resource definition and extraction, (2) refine resource exploration models, (3) explore the dynamics of gold mineralisation processes in shear zones, and (4) advance understanding of how coupling between deformation, fluid flow, and fluid-rock reaction influence the mechanical behaviour of the Earth's crust.Read moreRead less
Exploration potential and implications for stress transfer modelling in fault-related mineral deposits. Following our success in the application of stress transfer modelling (STM) techniques to understand the clustered distribution of upper crustal, Archean gold deposits within crustal scale fault systems, this project seeks to test and develop the application of STM in (1) gold systems formed below the crustal seismogenic regime, (2) for deposit-scale targeting, and (3) in a range of fault-re ....Exploration potential and implications for stress transfer modelling in fault-related mineral deposits. Following our success in the application of stress transfer modelling (STM) techniques to understand the clustered distribution of upper crustal, Archean gold deposits within crustal scale fault systems, this project seeks to test and develop the application of STM in (1) gold systems formed below the crustal seismogenic regime, (2) for deposit-scale targeting, and (3) in a range of fault-related mineral deposits other than Archaean gold systems. The project will also develop methods to evaluate the combined roles of co-seismic stress transfer and post-seismic fluid redistribution in influencing deposit distribution. The approach provides a new conceptual framework in which to develop exploration strategies for deep earth resources.Read moreRead less
Development and Application of Stress Transfer Modelling for Area Selection in Mesothermal Gold Systems. Many mesothermal gold systems are hosted by low displacement faults and shear zones which develop adjacent to high displacement, crustal-scale faults and shear zones. By analogy with modern, seismogenic fault systems, the gold-hosting structures are interpreted as aftershock arrays whose formation is related to stress redistribution and fluid flow after major slip events on high displacement ....Development and Application of Stress Transfer Modelling for Area Selection in Mesothermal Gold Systems. Many mesothermal gold systems are hosted by low displacement faults and shear zones which develop adjacent to high displacement, crustal-scale faults and shear zones. By analogy with modern, seismogenic fault systems, the gold-hosting structures are interpreted as aftershock arrays whose formation is related to stress redistribution and fluid flow after major slip events on high displacement faults. This project will test and develop Coulomb stress transfer modelling techniques, currently used for aftershock risk assessment, for predicting the distribution of low displacment, gold-hosting structures around crustal-scale shear systems. The technique is expected to provide a powerful tool to assist area selection in fault-related epigenetic ore systems.Read moreRead less
Biosphere, hydrocarbon and ore fluid interactions in the Early Precambrian. Ore deposits and petroleum are important for economic and social areas of Australia's growth. New discoveries are needed to maintain Australia's wealth as mines reach the end of operations and petroleum supplies decrease. This project will demonstrate how ore fluids and hydrocarbons interact in the geological environment. It should, therefore greatly expand the conceptual framework in which to explore for both mineral an ....Biosphere, hydrocarbon and ore fluid interactions in the Early Precambrian. Ore deposits and petroleum are important for economic and social areas of Australia's growth. New discoveries are needed to maintain Australia's wealth as mines reach the end of operations and petroleum supplies decrease. This project will demonstrate how ore fluids and hydrocarbons interact in the geological environment. It should, therefore greatly expand the conceptual framework in which to explore for both mineral and hydrocarbon resources, particularly in old, deep and hot basins, which are considered to be the last frontiers of exploration. Outcomes concerning the nature of early life will be of global interest.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100053
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$190,000.00
Summary
An AZtec electron backscatter diffraction facility for state-of-the-art quantitative microstructural analysis. Establishing a state-of-the-art quantitative microstructural analysis facility will provide critical infrastructure to compliment existing high-spatial resolution microanalytical techniques and facilitate pure and applied research in the geoscience over the next decade.
Biogeochemistry of ferruginous duricrusts. The project is focussed on the examination and application of microbial iron cycling in the formation of geologically stable, iron duricrusts in tropical regimes. The aim of the project is to develop a site-scale bioremediation strategy for iron ore mines by re-establishing canga, which are ‘ancient’ distinct ecosystems possessing unique plant species rarely found on Earth. This university-industry collaboration aims to produce economic benefits for the ....Biogeochemistry of ferruginous duricrusts. The project is focussed on the examination and application of microbial iron cycling in the formation of geologically stable, iron duricrusts in tropical regimes. The aim of the project is to develop a site-scale bioremediation strategy for iron ore mines by re-establishing canga, which are ‘ancient’ distinct ecosystems possessing unique plant species rarely found on Earth. This university-industry collaboration aims to produce economic benefits for the world’s iron mining industry through advanced training in mining-related research, and through the completion of the mining life cycle by site remediation, enhancing Australia’s position as a global leader in providing innovative solutions to today’s mining challenges.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
Platinum deposit genesis: A new way of thinking. Platinum is becoming increasingly crucial to the high technology sector, and is used particularly in catalytic converters and fuel cells, which serve to minimise or eliminate car exhaust pollution. Greatly expanded resources of this precious metal are needed to help society's transition to a low carbon dioxide (CO2) lifestyle. This project will combine high temperature-pressure experiments with geological field research to greatly improve our unde ....Platinum deposit genesis: A new way of thinking. Platinum is becoming increasingly crucial to the high technology sector, and is used particularly in catalytic converters and fuel cells, which serve to minimise or eliminate car exhaust pollution. Greatly expanded resources of this precious metal are needed to help society's transition to a low carbon dioxide (CO2) lifestyle. This project will combine high temperature-pressure experiments with geological field research to greatly improve our understanding of how platinum ore deposits form and thus where to find them. The outcomes of this project will change mineral exploration strategies in Australia and around the world, and facilitate our progression to a cleaner, greener future.Read moreRead less
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