Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

This project will investigate the mineral and whole rock chemistry of the advanced argillic alteration within the Pemberton Hills lithocap and associated porphyry mineralization on Vancouver Island, B.C. The data generated in this study will be used to develop new models for the alteration footprints around porphyry systems and the associated lithocaps. By utilizing mineral chemistry tools that have been developed over the past 12 years around porphyry deposits, we will use the trace element geochemistry of alteration minerals to develop methods to assess the prospectivity and fertility of these systems, as well as the ability to see through the*intense alteration associated with lithocaps. We will investigate the trace element chemistry of alunite, quartz, pyrite, epidote, and white mica in order to test whether or not we can extend the size of the known halo as a tool for mineral exploration and investigate the use of Short Wave Infra Red and Portable X-Ray Flourescence as field based tools to achieve the same results. The recognition of the proximal and distal vectors towards mineralization will lead to more efficient exploration strategies for porphyry and epithermal deposits, which is critical given that the next generation of discoveries are likely going to come from buried deposits. In addition the project will contribute significantly to our understanding of the processes that generate these complex mineralized systems. This project will also train young researchers for a successful career in the geosciences whether in academia, government or industry.