Grant: Alliance Grants

The proposed research will examine the structure and composition of the Tamarack Intrusive Complex and its associated Ni-Cu-Co-Pt-Pd mineralization with the goal of learning how it formed and how we might locate other similar deposits in Canada and abroad. Mining of ore deposits of sulfide ores of Ni, Cu, Co, Pt, Pd, and Au derived from magmas (i.e., magmatic sulfide deposits) contributes over $5B to Canada's economy annually (Mining Association of Canada, 2021). Canadian production from known resources will shrink as miners pursue ore to greater depths where technical challenges pose increasing costs. Diminishing production of magmatic sulfide ores from historically dominant districts has not been matched by the rate of new discoveries. As recently recognized by Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Canada-US Joint Action Plan on Critical Metals Collaboration advances "secure access to the critical metals that are key to our economic growth and security... while bolstering our competitiveness in global markets and creating jobs for Canadians". The metals produced from magmatic sulfide are all on Canada's list of Critical Metals, being irreplaceable feedstocks for our industrial economy critical to the production of stainless steel and specialty alloys (Ni), pipe and electric wire (Cu), batteries (Ni, Co) in particular batteries for electric vehicles and for stationary storage such as in connection with wind and solar energy, and industrial and automotive catalysts (Pt, Pd). As a Canadian-listed majority owner of the Tamarack deposit in the US, Talon Metals Corp. is poised to bring wealth to Canadians while helping to assure a stable North American supply of metals, including to the integrated North American auto manufacturing and auto parts supply chain. The proposed research will address the sum of available information regarding the internal structure of the Tamarack Intrusive Complex, through the efforts of a MSc student and a postdoctoral fellow over a two year period. Results will appear at conferences, as published peer-reviewed papers, and be directly transfered to the industry partner. We will enhance understanding of Ni ore-forming processes and train two young professionals.