Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

A continuous supply of metals is essential for economic development and growth because metals are the*backbone of industrialized societies. This project aims to improve our understanding of the genesis and*distribution of deposits containing primarily platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and gold (Au) but also containing*significant amounts of rhodium (Rh), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu). These metals have a wide range of*applications. For example, in addition to their value as investment instruments, Pt and Pd are essential elements*in catalytic processes and in high demand for pollution control in several sectors, including the automotive*industry.*The project provides a unique opportunity to characterize, in detail, one of the largest known Pt, Pd, Au*mineralizations worldwide: the Platreef (Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa). The project will address*two fundamental questions: (a) which processes controlled the spatial distribution and variations in the*thickness of the mineralization?; (b) what particular characteristics can be used as 'exploration vectors' to better*define the extent of known mineralization and find similar deposits elsewhere? (in South Africa and*worldwide, including Canada's unexplored north). Answers to these questions will make mineral exploration*more efficient, cost-effective, and more successful in finding new deposits.*The project is designed around the training of highly-qualified personnel and several graduate students (4*MSc and 2 PhD) will be directly involved in the project. In addition to the industrial partner, the project is*supported by two Canadian initiatives: the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship Program and the*International Development Research Centre (IDRC). NSERC support contributes to fulfil the goals of the two*Canadian institutions in fostering research and collaboration with developing countries and building*technological capacity in universities of Commonwealth countries.