This PhD project will investigate the geochemical processes that control the formation of large, metal-endowed skarn deposits and develop new geochemical vectoring tools to support mineral exploration.
Key research questions include:
· How the paragenesis of key skarn minerals records the evolution of mineralising fluids
· The trace element signatures of indicator minerals such as garnet, titanite and scapolite
· Element partitioning between skarn minerals and mineralising fluids during deposit formation
· Changes in fluid sources and mixing processes revealed through stable and radiogenic isotopes
· Temporal relationships between skarn mineral growth phases using in situ geochronology
Benefits:
The project will improve understanding of the processes responsible for the formation of economically important skarn deposits and develop geochemical tools that can help vector towards large, metal-rich systems. These outcomes will support more effective exploration strategies for critical and strategic mineral resources including iron, gold, copper, zinc, tungsten, molybdenum, rare earth elements and tin.
