Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Orogenic gold deposits in metamorphic terranes are widespread in Archean cratons, including the Superior Province of Canada, and are widely associated with major crustal structures. With the 'easy' discoveries having been made there is a need to develop new techniques to aid in the exploration for the next generation of deposits. The data generated in this study will be used to develop new models for the alteration footprints around orogenic gold deposits. By utilizing mineral chemistry tools that have been developed over the past 10 years for porphyry deposits, we will use the trace element geochemistry of alteration minerals to develop methods to assess the prospectivity and fertility of orogenic gold deposits as well as vectors towards mineralization. The Hemlo deposit is a complex orogenic gold deposit in Northwestern Ontario that has a well documented alteration halo associated with the mineralization. We will investigate the trace element chemistry of quartz, pyrite, carbonate, epidote, actinolite, feldspar 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. The recognition of the proximal and distal vectors towards mineralization will lead to more efficient exploration strategies for orogenic gold 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 orogenic gold deposits in general and the complex, enigmatic Hemlo deposit in particular.This project will also train young researchers for a successful career in the geosciences whether in academia, government or industry.