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Project

Structural emplacement and tectonic setting of magmatichydrothermal W-Sn mineralisation

Granite-related W-Sn deposits are invaluable to our society because they contain a high number of critical minerals that are essential in industrial and technological applications for a sustainable future. The determination of the conditions that dictate the structural emplacement and geometry of granite-related W-Sn deposits remains an unanswered and highly contested issue. The current knowledge in the field originates from theoretical considerations that suggest a correlation with the formation depth. Shallow, subvolcanic ore systems are assumed to be associated with explosive hydraulic fracturing, while deeper systems would render more passive conditions and a dominance of greisen and pegmatite deposits. In this study, we will apply comprehensive structural analyses and state-of-the-art analytical techniques to (i) analyze the kinematic relationship with the orogenic framework, and (ii) quantify the pressure, temperature and timing of mineralization. More specifically, the study will apply the geochemical analysis of fluid inclusions, a newly developed in-situ Rb-Sr dating method and a paleomagnetic analysis applied to vein quartz. Hence, this research will provide valuable information about the crustal conditions dictating deposit style and geometry. These deliverables are not only essential from a fundamental research viewpoint but also for future strategic exploration of the critical metals.
 

Date:1 Oct 2018 →  30 Sep 2022
Keywords:magmatic-hydrothermal W-Sn mineralisation
Disciplines:Geology