Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) is one of the most basic techniques used in the analysis crystalline solids, including minerals. The wavelength of X-ray radiation used corresponds to spacings between planes of atoms, meaning information on bonding types, chemical composition, ordering, etc., can all be derived from analyzing the pattern produced through the diffraction of incident X-rays. Since the chemistry and atomic structure of crystalline materials are in many ways unique, the X-ray diffraction patterns they produce are equally unique, meaning that powder X-ray PXRD can be a powerful tool in fingerprinting the materials being analyzed. In the geosciences, analyses are made of rocks, both primary and those modified (altered) through time, the latter resulting from changes in pressure, temperature, chemistry, etc. The broad goal of research using PXRD is to better understand how geological environments of rocks and the minerals they contain, have evolved through time, thus providing insights into the history of our planet. Data from PXRD analyses also provide clues to understanding how ore systems develop and how they can be explored for, primarily by documenting the mineral types present (e.g., sulfide ores), but also by the minerals that characterize the styles of alteration associated with various ore systems. Further, PXRD can be considered essential to the remediation of mining environments after the cessation of operations, as the secondary minerals present reflect relative conditions of alteration, but also the data can be used to develop effective methods of mitigating mine effluent. The application of PXRD in geoscience research involves identifying the minerals present along with their modal abundances, this combination providing the data needed to address how geological environments evolve through time; quantifying these features will expand our knowledge as to how geological evolution occurs, but equally, why and where specific geological environments develop, including where mineral ores occur. Funds are being requested to replace a dated, obsolete PXRD system that will have the capacity to analyze rock samples in the bulk form, but also small quantities of materials of alteration minerals (coatings, fine-grained minerals). This combination will provide access to a broad range of users in the geosciences conducting research into geological environments from a variety of perspectives: Earth's early history, the mineralogy of ore deposits, alteration studies directed at mineral exploration and the remediation of mine-related wastes. Mining and mineral exploration represent a major component of Canada's gross-domestic product and the requested instrumentation will play a key role in continuing to support research programs that are critical to ensuring Canada remains a strong player on the international stage when it comes mining and mineral exploration.