contact us mineral wealth - gns science · lithology and structure were modelled with mineral...
TRANSCRIPT
N
Globe-Progress shear
N
At a central Otago gold prospect, mapped schist lithology and structure were modelled with mineral exploration data and topography. Mineralised gold-quartz veins (red) lie in the centre of a large schist antiform.
At Golden Cross, near Waihi, drill hole assays were plotted to identify spatial trends to help interpret fluid flow paths in the former hydrothermal system.
mineral wealthcontact us consultancy services case study mineral wealth
mineral scienceGNS Science offers consultancy services to New Zealand and international clients to support mineral exploration and development programmes. Our services include:
Geological Analysis and ModellingRegional and deposit-scale geological mapping•
Digital terrain modelling and analysis•
GIS data organisation, analysis and presentation •
Structural, tectonic and stratigraphic analysis•
Prospectivity analysis •
Regional mineral resource assessment•
Ore genesis modelling•
3D visualisation and target generation•
Marine Mineral Exploration Solutions (for seafloor hydrothermal systems)
Turn-key operations using research platforms for •seafloor hydrothermal systems
Regional multi-beam swath mapping of the seafloor•
Geophysical surveys of hydrothermal systems •
CTDO (conductivity, temperature, depth, optical) •surveys of hydrothermal emissions
Discrete water sampling of plumes with a 21-Niskin •bottle array
ROV and AUV operations (remotely operated and •autonomous underwater vehicles)
ROV sampling of vent fluids, rocks, and sulfides•
Detailed video and photomosaic mapping of the •seafloor and vent fields
Macro- and micro-biological and ecosystem analysis•
Ship-based analysis of CH• 4, pH, Fe, Mn and H2S to guide exploration
Shore-based analyses include • 3He and stable isotopes, and trace metals
3D modelling for explorationMines are excellent places to undertake research into mineralisation processes. The large volumes of surface, pit wall and underground drive geological mapping, and drill hole logs and assay data provide considerable detail on key geological structures and rock units. These features typically also have complex geometrical interrelationships that can be conceptualised much more easily using 3D geological modelling software.
Three examples are shown here. At Globe-Progress mine near Reefton (right), the curved Globe-Progress shear and the contrasting fold structures of the footwall and hanging wall were modelled to test whether the intersection between bedding and the shear could explain the steep southwest plunge of the gold-bearing quartz vein shoots.
For more information about our research and services, please visit
www.gns.cri.nz
or call us on
+64 4 570 1444
or email us at
Principal Location Other Locations
GNS Science 1 Fairway Drive, AvalonLower Hutt 5010PO Box 30368Lower Hutt 5040New ZealandT +64-4-570 1444F +64-4-570 4600
National Isotope Centre30 Gracefield RoadLower Hutt 5010PO Box 31312Lower Hutt 5040New ZealandT +64-4-570 1444F +64-4-570 4657
Dunedin Research Centre764 Cumberland StreetDunedin 9016Private Bag 1930Dunedin 9054New ZealandT +64-3-477 4050F +64-3-477 5232
Wairakei Research Centre114 Karetoto RoadWairakei 3377Private Bag 2000Taupo 3352New ZealandT +64-7-374 8211F +64-7-374 8199
contact usconsultancy servicescase study
GNS Science International LtdInstitute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Ltd
Petrography and geochemistry (whole rock, mineral) of •sulfides and rocks
Dating and element mapping of massive sulfide samples•
Detailed data analysis and research report preparation•
Petrological AnalysisOre petrography •
In-house thin section making•
Fluid inclusion analysis•
Stable isotope analysis•
Geophysical AnalysisAeromagnetic analysis•
Resistivity surveying•
Seismic acquisition and processing•
Geotechnical AnalysisGeological hazard assessment•
Pit slope and floor stability studies•
Ground subsidence and settlement evaluations•
Database ManagementMinMap – GIS based portal for the New Zealand minerals •information system
PETLAB – National rock and geochemical database •
GERM – Geological resource map database of New Zealand•
REGCHEM – Regional exploration survey geochemical •analyses from open file mining company reports
QMAP – 1:250 000 Geological Map of New Zealand•
Additionally, our staff have considerable personal expertise and knowledge of New Zealand geology and mineral deposits.
capabilities case study
Champagne Pool Waiotapu, Bay of Plenty
Mineral-rich New ZealandNew Zealand has considerable mineral potential both on land and offshore within our exclusive economic zone. Research on prospective geological provinces promotes New Zealand as a credible and valuable target for mineral exploration.
GNS Science has used paleogeographic reconstructions to increase our understanding of pre-100 million year old rocks and mineral deposits. The strong similarities observed in mineralised provinces of New Zealand, the Australian east coast, particularly Queensland, and New Caledonia result from common geological processes that occurred when these three sites were joined as a part of Gondwanaland. The opening of the Tasman Sea, due to sea floor spreading, geographically separated those already existing mineralised terranes. New Zealand’s older ore deposits are, therefore, an inherent part of mineral-rich Australasia.
Ore genesis for prospectingSuperior knowledge of ore formation and expression reduces the risk involved in mineral exploration and development.
GNS Science has determined the optimum depth window for deposition of gold during the formation of epithermal gold-silver deposits in the Hauraki Goldfield during the Miocene. Paleodepth indicators such as sinters, fluid inclusions, and the occurrence of specific minerals and vein textures are used to estimate the depth of erosion. This data is applied on a regional basis to highlight prospective areas where the gold window is mostly preserved versus other areas where it has been mostly eroded.
GNS Science’s extensive research record and consultancy allows us to provide advanced understanding of ore formation and expression. Our expertise is based on studies of classic schist belts, granite provinces, and onshore and offshore geothermal and volcanic systems.
We use our capabilities in geological mapping, geophysics, geochemistry, petrology, ore genesis and GIS database management to deliver research solutions to the minerals industry.
capabilities case study
Offshore mineral exploration
Each rock and mineral type emerges from the earth with its own story, its own whakapapa (genealogy) relating to its origin – hei koha tū, hei kura huna a Papa.
Putoto, the Māori god of magma, constantly seeks outward paths towards the earth’s surface. On his upward journey, Putoto leaves many deposits - a koha (gift) for his right of passage, for the guardians of the earth’s bed rock and crust. Through the natural processes of heating, compression, solidification, weathering and erosion, Putoto’s deposits generate new varieties of stones, rocks, sand and minerals.
At GNS Science, we investigate the genesis and genealogy of the earth’s crust and its deposits. Our multidisciplinary research and consultancy team uses this information to better manage, sustain and extract value from our mineral endowment. New Zealand’s position astride one of the world’s most active plate margins provides a natural laboratory for understanding these ore formation processes in a tectonically complex environment.
An ore deposit in the making - sampling acid waters draining out of the active White Island volcano.
the NW caldera site. These two sites of venting produce large plumes in the water column, as seen in the cross section at left.
The two main sites also have contrasting geology. The cone summit is dominated by relatively fresh talus and volcanic ash, with extensive areas of elemental sulfur and Fe-oxide crusts, but no sulfide minerals. The NW caldera site is dominated by massive lavas, steep slopes and talus. Here, numerous active and inactive chimneys up to 7 m tall occur around a depth centred at ~1,650 m. An example of a high temperature “black smoker” chimney is shown below, which was collected by submersible, below left. The walls of the NW caldera site are steep. Sulfide samples recovered from Brothers are dominated by pyrite, marcasite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite. Mineralisation is characterised by Cu-Fe-rich and Zn-Ba ± Pb-rich types. Sulfide minerals at Brothers are especially rich in gold, silver, arsenic, antimony, thallium and cadmium.
New Zealand’s deep-sea volcanoes are a new frontier for mineral exploration and innovative research opportunities. The discovery in the last 10 years of hydrothermal venting associated with submarine volcanoes along the Kermadec arc has heralded a new area of mineral exploration and discovery for New Zealand. With our national and international research partners, we have located and mapped many large undersea volcanoes with hydrothermal vents near their summits and perched on the walls of large submarine calderas. These vents are indicators for massive sulfide deposits rich in copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, and barium. Our focus is to determine the formation, size and economic potential of these natural mineral resources and to establish the potential for the sustainable use of these minerals.
Brothers volcano is host to two distinct styles of active hydrothermal venting; 1) gas-rich, low-temperature (typically <70°C) emanations from the cone, and 2) high-temperature (max 302°C) metal-rich emanations from
Mineral prospectivity modellingQuality geoscience data, geological understanding, spatial data experience and innovative modelling analysis collectively assist mineral companies to more effectively explore New Zealand.
GNS Science is fostering mineral exploration in New Zealand through the compilation and organisation of vast amounts of geological, geochemical and geophysical data into self-contained GIS-based packages. GNS Science has already completed datasets for mesothermal (orogenic) gold (metamorphic processes in the South Island) and epithermal gold (volcanic and geothermal processes in the North Island). Included with these datasets are GIS-based quantitative analyses of the relationship of these data to known gold deposits and, supported by these, map-based prospectivity models that identify numerous areas of strong potential for gold exploration.
Sustainable miningA comprehensive resource assessment can promote informed decision making for sustainable resource management.
GNS Science research on pounamu (greenstone) aims to give Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the legal owners of New Zealand pounamu, the tools and knowledge to make informed resource management decisions on the use and extraction of their taonga (treasure). GNS Science is estimating the total resource size, availability through natural rates of erosion and geological change, and the appropriate extraction rates for sustainable use. Isotopic analysis provides a whakapapa (geological history) to characterise pounamu from different regions. This technique is being used as an archaeological tool, and for trade marking and resource protection.
Environmental minerals Industrial minerals, such as zeolites, represent a potential area of growth in New Zealand’s mineral production.
GNS Science is investigating the mineralogy, chemical properties and genesis of zeolite minerals from the Rotorua-Taupo region. We have assessed the size and quality of the resource and developed a genetic model as a guide to exploration for zeolite deposits in lacustrine vitric tuffs. The zeolite deposits have been formed in the near-surface part of geothermal systems by replacement of glass in the vitric tuffs. The zeolite minerals in deposits near Rotorua, have very high liquid and odour absorption capacities. This makes them ideal for environmental applications, including the absorption of oil/chemical spills and animal wastes, animal feed supplements, treatment of polluted water, sports turf, and slow release fertilizer.
W Ant
E Ant
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
N
Globe-Progress shear
N
At a central Otago gold prospect, mapped schist lithology and structure were modelled with mineral exploration data and topography. Mineralised gold-quartz veins (red) lie in the centre of a large schist antiform.
At Golden Cross, near Waihi, drill hole assays were plotted to identify spatial trends to help interpret fluid flow paths in the former hydrothermal system.
mineral wealthcontact us consultancy services case study mineral wealth
mineral scienceGNS Science offers consultancy services to New Zealand and international clients to support mineral exploration and development programmes. Our services include:
Geological Analysis and ModellingRegional and deposit-scale geological mapping•
Digital terrain modelling and analysis•
GIS data organisation, analysis and presentation •
Structural, tectonic and stratigraphic analysis•
Prospectivity analysis •
Regional mineral resource assessment•
Ore genesis modelling•
3D visualisation and target generation•
Marine Mineral Exploration Solutions (for seafloor hydrothermal systems)
Turn-key operations using research platforms for •seafloor hydrothermal systems
Regional multi-beam swath mapping of the seafloor•
Geophysical surveys of hydrothermal systems •
CTDO (conductivity, temperature, depth, optical) •surveys of hydrothermal emissions
Discrete water sampling of plumes with a 21-Niskin •bottle array
ROV and AUV operations (remotely operated and •autonomous underwater vehicles)
ROV sampling of vent fluids, rocks, and sulfides•
Detailed video and photomosaic mapping of the •seafloor and vent fields
Macro- and micro-biological and ecosystem analysis•
Ship-based analysis of CH• 4, pH, Fe, Mn and H2S to guide exploration
Shore-based analyses include • 3He and stable isotopes, and trace metals
3D modelling for explorationMines are excellent places to undertake research into mineralisation processes. The large volumes of surface, pit wall and underground drive geological mapping, and drill hole logs and assay data provide considerable detail on key geological structures and rock units. These features typically also have complex geometrical interrelationships that can be conceptualised much more easily using 3D geological modelling software.
Three examples are shown here. At Globe-Progress mine near Reefton (right), the curved Globe-Progress shear and the contrasting fold structures of the footwall and hanging wall were modelled to test whether the intersection between bedding and the shear could explain the steep southwest plunge of the gold-bearing quartz vein shoots.
For more information about our research and services, please visit
www.gns.cri.nz
or call us on
+64 4 570 1444
or email us at
Principal Location Other Locations
GNS Science 1 Fairway Drive, AvalonLower Hutt 5010PO Box 30368Lower Hutt 5040New ZealandT +64-4-570 1444F +64-4-570 4600
National Isotope Centre30 Gracefield RoadLower Hutt 5010PO Box 31312Lower Hutt 5040New ZealandT +64-4-570 1444F +64-4-570 4657
Dunedin Research Centre764 Cumberland StreetDunedin 9016Private Bag 1930Dunedin 9054New ZealandT +64-3-477 4050F +64-3-477 5232
Wairakei Research Centre114 Karetoto RoadWairakei 3377Private Bag 2000Taupo 3352New ZealandT +64-7-374 8211F +64-7-374 8199
contact usconsultancy servicescase study
GNS Science International LtdInstitute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Ltd
Petrography and geochemistry (whole rock, mineral) of •sulfides and rocks
Dating and element mapping of massive sulfide samples•
Detailed data analysis and research report preparation•
Petrological AnalysisOre petrography •
In-house thin section making•
Fluid inclusion analysis•
Stable isotope analysis•
Geophysical AnalysisAeromagnetic analysis•
Resistivity surveying•
Seismic acquisition and processing•
Geotechnical AnalysisGeological hazard assessment•
Pit slope and floor stability studies•
Ground subsidence and settlement evaluations•
Database ManagementMinMap – GIS based portal for the New Zealand minerals •information system
PETLAB – National rock and geochemical database •
GERM – Geological resource map database of New Zealand•
REGCHEM – Regional exploration survey geochemical •analyses from open file mining company reports
QMAP – 1:250 000 Geological Map of New Zealand•
Additionally, our staff have considerable personal expertise and knowledge of New Zealand geology and mineral deposits.
capabilities case study
Champagne Pool Waiotapu, Bay of Plenty
Mineral-rich New ZealandNew Zealand has considerable mineral potential both on land and offshore within our exclusive economic zone. Research on prospective geological provinces promotes New Zealand as a credible and valuable target for mineral exploration.
GNS Science has used paleogeographic reconstructions to increase our understanding of pre-100 million year old rocks and mineral deposits. The strong similarities observed in mineralised provinces of New Zealand, the Australian east coast, particularly Queensland, and New Caledonia result from common geological processes that occurred when these three sites were joined as a part of Gondwanaland. The opening of the Tasman Sea, due to sea floor spreading, geographically separated those already existing mineralised terranes. New Zealand’s older ore deposits are, therefore, an inherent part of mineral-rich Australasia.
Ore genesis for prospectingSuperior knowledge of ore formation and expression reduces the risk involved in mineral exploration and development.
GNS Science has determined the optimum depth window for deposition of gold during the formation of epithermal gold-silver deposits in the Hauraki Goldfield during the Miocene. Paleodepth indicators such as sinters, fluid inclusions, and the occurrence of specific minerals and vein textures are used to estimate the depth of erosion. This data is applied on a regional basis to highlight prospective areas where the gold window is mostly preserved versus other areas where it has been mostly eroded.
GNS Science’s extensive research record and consultancy allows us to provide advanced understanding of ore formation and expression. Our expertise is based on studies of classic schist belts, granite provinces, and onshore and offshore geothermal and volcanic systems.
We use our capabilities in geological mapping, geophysics, geochemistry, petrology, ore genesis and GIS database management to deliver research solutions to the minerals industry.
capabilities case study
Offshore mineral exploration
Each rock and mineral type emerges from the earth with its own story, its own whakapapa (genealogy) relating to its origin – hei koha tū, hei kura huna a Papa.
Putoto, the Māori god of magma, constantly seeks outward paths towards the earth’s surface. On his upward journey, Putoto leaves many deposits - a koha (gift) for his right of passage, for the guardians of the earth’s bed rock and crust. Through the natural processes of heating, compression, solidification, weathering and erosion, Putoto’s deposits generate new varieties of stones, rocks, sand and minerals.
At GNS Science, we investigate the genesis and genealogy of the earth’s crust and its deposits. Our multidisciplinary research and consultancy team uses this information to better manage, sustain and extract value from our mineral endowment. New Zealand’s position astride one of the world’s most active plate margins provides a natural laboratory for understanding these ore formation processes in a tectonically complex environment.
An ore deposit in the making - sampling acid waters draining out of the active White Island volcano.
the NW caldera site. These two sites of venting produce large plumes in the water column, as seen in the cross section at left.
The two main sites also have contrasting geology. The cone summit is dominated by relatively fresh talus and volcanic ash, with extensive areas of elemental sulfur and Fe-oxide crusts, but no sulfide minerals. The NW caldera site is dominated by massive lavas, steep slopes and talus. Here, numerous active and inactive chimneys up to 7 m tall occur around a depth centred at ~1,650 m. An example of a high temperature “black smoker” chimney is shown below, which was collected by submersible, below left. The walls of the NW caldera site are steep. Sulfide samples recovered from Brothers are dominated by pyrite, marcasite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite. Mineralisation is characterised by Cu-Fe-rich and Zn-Ba ± Pb-rich types. Sulfide minerals at Brothers are especially rich in gold, silver, arsenic, antimony, thallium and cadmium.
New Zealand’s deep-sea volcanoes are a new frontier for mineral exploration and innovative research opportunities. The discovery in the last 10 years of hydrothermal venting associated with submarine volcanoes along the Kermadec arc has heralded a new area of mineral exploration and discovery for New Zealand. With our national and international research partners, we have located and mapped many large undersea volcanoes with hydrothermal vents near their summits and perched on the walls of large submarine calderas. These vents are indicators for massive sulfide deposits rich in copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, and barium. Our focus is to determine the formation, size and economic potential of these natural mineral resources and to establish the potential for the sustainable use of these minerals.
Brothers volcano is host to two distinct styles of active hydrothermal venting; 1) gas-rich, low-temperature (typically <70°C) emanations from the cone, and 2) high-temperature (max 302°C) metal-rich emanations from
Mineral prospectivity modellingQuality geoscience data, geological understanding, spatial data experience and innovative modelling analysis collectively assist mineral companies to more effectively explore New Zealand.
GNS Science is fostering mineral exploration in New Zealand through the compilation and organisation of vast amounts of geological, geochemical and geophysical data into self-contained GIS-based packages. GNS Science has already completed datasets for mesothermal (orogenic) gold (metamorphic processes in the South Island) and epithermal gold (volcanic and geothermal processes in the North Island). Included with these datasets are GIS-based quantitative analyses of the relationship of these data to known gold deposits and, supported by these, map-based prospectivity models that identify numerous areas of strong potential for gold exploration.
Sustainable miningA comprehensive resource assessment can promote informed decision making for sustainable resource management.
GNS Science research on pounamu (greenstone) aims to give Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the legal owners of New Zealand pounamu, the tools and knowledge to make informed resource management decisions on the use and extraction of their taonga (treasure). GNS Science is estimating the total resource size, availability through natural rates of erosion and geological change, and the appropriate extraction rates for sustainable use. Isotopic analysis provides a whakapapa (geological history) to characterise pounamu from different regions. This technique is being used as an archaeological tool, and for trade marking and resource protection.
Environmental minerals Industrial minerals, such as zeolites, represent a potential area of growth in New Zealand’s mineral production.
GNS Science is investigating the mineralogy, chemical properties and genesis of zeolite minerals from the Rotorua-Taupo region. We have assessed the size and quality of the resource and developed a genetic model as a guide to exploration for zeolite deposits in lacustrine vitric tuffs. The zeolite deposits have been formed in the near-surface part of geothermal systems by replacement of glass in the vitric tuffs. The zeolite minerals in deposits near Rotorua, have very high liquid and odour absorption capacities. This makes them ideal for environmental applications, including the absorption of oil/chemical spills and animal wastes, animal feed supplements, treatment of polluted water, sports turf, and slow release fertilizer.
W Ant
E Ant
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
capabilities case study
Champagne Pool Waiotapu, Bay of Plenty
Mineral-rich New ZealandNew Zealand has considerable mineral potential both on land and offshore within our exclusive economic zone. Research on prospective geological provinces promotes New Zealand as a credible and valuable target for mineral exploration.
GNS Science has used paleogeographic reconstructions to increase our understanding of pre-100 million year old rocks and mineral deposits. The strong similarities observed in mineralised provinces of New Zealand, the Australian east coast, particularly Queensland, and New Caledonia result from common geological processes that occurred when these three sites were joined as a part of Gondwanaland. The opening of the Tasman Sea, due to sea floor spreading, geographically separated those already existing mineralised terranes. New Zealand’s older ore deposits are, therefore, an inherent part of mineral-rich Australasia.
Ore genesis for prospectingSuperior knowledge of ore formation and expression reduces the risk involved in mineral exploration and development.
GNS Science has determined the optimum depth window for deposition of gold during the formation of epithermal gold-silver deposits in the Hauraki Goldfield during the Miocene. Paleodepth indicators such as sinters, fluid inclusions, and the occurrence of specific minerals and vein textures are used to estimate the depth of erosion. This data is applied on a regional basis to highlight prospective areas where the gold window is mostly preserved versus other areas where it has been mostly eroded.
GNS Science’s extensive research record and consultancy allows us to provide advanced understanding of ore formation and expression. Our expertise is based on studies of classic schist belts, granite provinces, and onshore and offshore geothermal and volcanic systems.
We use our capabilities in geological mapping, geophysics, geochemistry, petrology, ore genesis and GIS database management to deliver research solutions to the minerals industry.
capabilities case study
Offshore mineral exploration
Each rock and mineral type emerges from the earth with its own story, its own whakapapa (genealogy) relating to its origin – hei koha tū, hei kura huna a Papa.
Putoto, the Māori god of magma, constantly seeks outward paths towards the earth’s surface. On his upward journey, Putoto leaves many deposits - a koha (gift) for his right of passage, for the guardians of the earth’s bed rock and crust. Through the natural processes of heating, compression, solidification, weathering and erosion, Putoto’s deposits generate new varieties of stones, rocks, sand and minerals.
At GNS Science, we investigate the genesis and genealogy of the earth’s crust and its deposits. Our multidisciplinary research and consultancy team uses this information to better manage, sustain and extract value from our mineral endowment. New Zealand’s position astride one of the world’s most active plate margins provides a natural laboratory for understanding these ore formation processes in a tectonically complex environment.
An ore deposit in the making - sampling acid waters draining out of the active White Island volcano.
the NW caldera site. These two sites of venting produce large plumes in the water column, as seen in the cross section at left.
The two main sites also have contrasting geology. The cone summit is dominated by relatively fresh talus and volcanic ash, with extensive areas of elemental sulfur and Fe-oxide crusts, but no sulfide minerals. The NW caldera site is dominated by massive lavas, steep slopes and talus. Here, numerous active and inactive chimneys up to 7 m tall occur around a depth centred at ~1,650 m. An example of a high temperature “black smoker” chimney is shown below, which was collected by submersible, below left. The walls of the NW caldera site are steep. Sulfide samples recovered from Brothers are dominated by pyrite, marcasite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite. Mineralisation is characterised by Cu-Fe-rich and Zn-Ba ± Pb-rich types. Sulfide minerals at Brothers are especially rich in gold, silver, arsenic, antimony, thallium and cadmium.
New Zealand’s deep-sea volcanoes are a new frontier for mineral exploration and innovative research opportunities. The discovery in the last 10 years of hydrothermal venting associated with submarine volcanoes along the Kermadec arc has heralded a new area of mineral exploration and discovery for New Zealand. With our national and international research partners, we have located and mapped many large undersea volcanoes with hydrothermal vents near their summits and perched on the walls of large submarine calderas. These vents are indicators for massive sulfide deposits rich in copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, and barium. Our focus is to determine the formation, size and economic potential of these natural mineral resources and to establish the potential for the sustainable use of these minerals.
Brothers volcano is host to two distinct styles of active hydrothermal venting; 1) gas-rich, low-temperature (typically <70°C) emanations from the cone, and 2) high-temperature (max 302°C) metal-rich emanations from
Mineral prospectivity modellingQuality geoscience data, geological understanding, spatial data experience and innovative modelling analysis collectively assist mineral companies to more effectively explore New Zealand.
GNS Science is fostering mineral exploration in New Zealand through the compilation and organisation of vast amounts of geological, geochemical and geophysical data into self-contained GIS-based packages. GNS Science has already completed datasets for mesothermal (orogenic) gold (metamorphic processes in the South Island) and epithermal gold (volcanic and geothermal processes in the North Island). Included with these datasets are GIS-based quantitative analyses of the relationship of these data to known gold deposits and, supported by these, map-based prospectivity models that identify numerous areas of strong potential for gold exploration.
Sustainable miningA comprehensive resource assessment can promote informed decision making for sustainable resource management.
GNS Science research on pounamu (greenstone) aims to give Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the legal owners of New Zealand pounamu, the tools and knowledge to make informed resource management decisions on the use and extraction of their taonga (treasure). GNS Science is estimating the total resource size, availability through natural rates of erosion and geological change, and the appropriate extraction rates for sustainable use. Isotopic analysis provides a whakapapa (geological history) to characterise pounamu from different regions. This technique is being used as an archaeological tool, and for trade marking and resource protection.
Environmental minerals Industrial minerals, such as zeolites, represent a potential area of growth in New Zealand’s mineral production.
GNS Science is investigating the mineralogy, chemical properties and genesis of zeolite minerals from the Rotorua-Taupo region. We have assessed the size and quality of the resource and developed a genetic model as a guide to exploration for zeolite deposits in lacustrine vitric tuffs. The zeolite deposits have been formed in the near-surface part of geothermal systems by replacement of glass in the vitric tuffs. The zeolite minerals in deposits near Rotorua, have very high liquid and odour absorption capacities. This makes them ideal for environmental applications, including the absorption of oil/chemical spills and animal wastes, animal feed supplements, treatment of polluted water, sports turf, and slow release fertilizer.
W Ant
E Ant
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
capabilities case study
Champagne Pool Waiotapu, Bay of Plenty
Mineral-rich New ZealandNew Zealand has considerable mineral potential both on land and offshore within our exclusive economic zone. Research on prospective geological provinces promotes New Zealand as a credible and valuable target for mineral exploration.
GNS Science has used paleogeographic reconstructions to increase our understanding of pre-100 million year old rocks and mineral deposits. The strong similarities observed in mineralised provinces of New Zealand, the Australian east coast, particularly Queensland, and New Caledonia result from common geological processes that occurred when these three sites were joined as a part of Gondwanaland. The opening of the Tasman Sea, due to sea floor spreading, geographically separated those already existing mineralised terranes. New Zealand’s older ore deposits are, therefore, an inherent part of mineral-rich Australasia.
Ore genesis for prospectingSuperior knowledge of ore formation and expression reduces the risk involved in mineral exploration and development.
GNS Science has determined the optimum depth window for deposition of gold during the formation of epithermal gold-silver deposits in the Hauraki Goldfield during the Miocene. Paleodepth indicators such as sinters, fluid inclusions, and the occurrence of specific minerals and vein textures are used to estimate the depth of erosion. This data is applied on a regional basis to highlight prospective areas where the gold window is mostly preserved versus other areas where it has been mostly eroded.
GNS Science’s extensive research record and consultancy allows us to provide advanced understanding of ore formation and expression. Our expertise is based on studies of classic schist belts, granite provinces, and onshore and offshore geothermal and volcanic systems.
We use our capabilities in geological mapping, geophysics, geochemistry, petrology, ore genesis and GIS database management to deliver research solutions to the minerals industry.
capabilities case study
Offshore mineral exploration
Each rock and mineral type emerges from the earth with its own story, its own whakapapa (genealogy) relating to its origin – hei koha tū, hei kura huna a Papa.
Putoto, the Māori god of magma, constantly seeks outward paths towards the earth’s surface. On his upward journey, Putoto leaves many deposits - a koha (gift) for his right of passage, for the guardians of the earth’s bed rock and crust. Through the natural processes of heating, compression, solidification, weathering and erosion, Putoto’s deposits generate new varieties of stones, rocks, sand and minerals.
At GNS Science, we investigate the genesis and genealogy of the earth’s crust and its deposits. Our multidisciplinary research and consultancy team uses this information to better manage, sustain and extract value from our mineral endowment. New Zealand’s position astride one of the world’s most active plate margins provides a natural laboratory for understanding these ore formation processes in a tectonically complex environment.
An ore deposit in the making - sampling acid waters draining out of the active White Island volcano.
the NW caldera site. These two sites of venting produce large plumes in the water column, as seen in the cross section at left.
The two main sites also have contrasting geology. The cone summit is dominated by relatively fresh talus and volcanic ash, with extensive areas of elemental sulfur and Fe-oxide crusts, but no sulfide minerals. The NW caldera site is dominated by massive lavas, steep slopes and talus. Here, numerous active and inactive chimneys up to 7 m tall occur around a depth centred at ~1,650 m. An example of a high temperature “black smoker” chimney is shown below, which was collected by submersible, below left. The walls of the NW caldera site are steep. Sulfide samples recovered from Brothers are dominated by pyrite, marcasite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite. Mineralisation is characterised by Cu-Fe-rich and Zn-Ba ± Pb-rich types. Sulfide minerals at Brothers are especially rich in gold, silver, arsenic, antimony, thallium and cadmium.
New Zealand’s deep-sea volcanoes are a new frontier for mineral exploration and innovative research opportunities. The discovery in the last 10 years of hydrothermal venting associated with submarine volcanoes along the Kermadec arc has heralded a new area of mineral exploration and discovery for New Zealand. With our national and international research partners, we have located and mapped many large undersea volcanoes with hydrothermal vents near their summits and perched on the walls of large submarine calderas. These vents are indicators for massive sulfide deposits rich in copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, and barium. Our focus is to determine the formation, size and economic potential of these natural mineral resources and to establish the potential for the sustainable use of these minerals.
Brothers volcano is host to two distinct styles of active hydrothermal venting; 1) gas-rich, low-temperature (typically <70°C) emanations from the cone, and 2) high-temperature (max 302°C) metal-rich emanations from
Mineral prospectivity modellingQuality geoscience data, geological understanding, spatial data experience and innovative modelling analysis collectively assist mineral companies to more effectively explore New Zealand.
GNS Science is fostering mineral exploration in New Zealand through the compilation and organisation of vast amounts of geological, geochemical and geophysical data into self-contained GIS-based packages. GNS Science has already completed datasets for mesothermal (orogenic) gold (metamorphic processes in the South Island) and epithermal gold (volcanic and geothermal processes in the North Island). Included with these datasets are GIS-based quantitative analyses of the relationship of these data to known gold deposits and, supported by these, map-based prospectivity models that identify numerous areas of strong potential for gold exploration.
Sustainable miningA comprehensive resource assessment can promote informed decision making for sustainable resource management.
GNS Science research on pounamu (greenstone) aims to give Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the legal owners of New Zealand pounamu, the tools and knowledge to make informed resource management decisions on the use and extraction of their taonga (treasure). GNS Science is estimating the total resource size, availability through natural rates of erosion and geological change, and the appropriate extraction rates for sustainable use. Isotopic analysis provides a whakapapa (geological history) to characterise pounamu from different regions. This technique is being used as an archaeological tool, and for trade marking and resource protection.
Environmental minerals Industrial minerals, such as zeolites, represent a potential area of growth in New Zealand’s mineral production.
GNS Science is investigating the mineralogy, chemical properties and genesis of zeolite minerals from the Rotorua-Taupo region. We have assessed the size and quality of the resource and developed a genetic model as a guide to exploration for zeolite deposits in lacustrine vitric tuffs. The zeolite deposits have been formed in the near-surface part of geothermal systems by replacement of glass in the vitric tuffs. The zeolite minerals in deposits near Rotorua, have very high liquid and odour absorption capacities. This makes them ideal for environmental applications, including the absorption of oil/chemical spills and animal wastes, animal feed supplements, treatment of polluted water, sports turf, and slow release fertilizer.
W Ant
E Ant
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
NG
QP
LP
MR
KP
NLH
R
NE
L-T
DEP
WP
ChP
Camp
ChR
HP
WR
IB
ET
STR
SLHR
SNR
NNR
DR
CP
MP
90 Ma reconstruction
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Australia
East Antarctica West
Antarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
WestAntarctica
Zealandia
MB
Carboniferous-Cretaceousigneous belts
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
Locus of major continental split, <85 Ma
Continental crust
Cretaceous metamorphiccore complex-like features
N
Globe-Progress shear
N
At a central Otago gold prospect, mapped schist lithology and structure were modelled with mineral exploration data and topography. Mineralised gold-quartz veins (red) lie in the centre of a large schist antiform.
At Golden Cross, near Waihi, drill hole assays were plotted to identify spatial trends to help interpret fluid flow paths in the former hydrothermal system.
mineral wealthcontact us consultancy services case study mineral wealth
mineral scienceGNS Science offers consultancy services to New Zealand and international clients to support mineral exploration and development programmes. Our services include:
Geological Analysis and ModellingRegional and deposit-scale geological mapping•
Digital terrain modelling and analysis•
GIS data organisation, analysis and presentation •
Structural, tectonic and stratigraphic analysis•
Prospectivity analysis •
Regional mineral resource assessment•
Ore genesis modelling•
3D visualisation and target generation•
Marine Mineral Exploration Solutions (for seafloor hydrothermal systems)
Turn-key operations using research platforms for •seafloor hydrothermal systems
Regional multi-beam swath mapping of the seafloor•
Geophysical surveys of hydrothermal systems •
CTDO (conductivity, temperature, depth, optical) •surveys of hydrothermal emissions
Discrete water sampling of plumes with a 21-Niskin •bottle array
ROV and AUV operations (remotely operated and •autonomous underwater vehicles)
ROV sampling of vent fluids, rocks, and sulfides•
Detailed video and photomosaic mapping of the •seafloor and vent fields
Macro- and micro-biological and ecosystem analysis•
Ship-based analysis of CH• 4, pH, Fe, Mn and H2S to guide exploration
Shore-based analyses include • 3He and stable isotopes, and trace metals
3D modelling for explorationMines are excellent places to undertake research into mineralisation processes. The large volumes of surface, pit wall and underground drive geological mapping, and drill hole logs and assay data provide considerable detail on key geological structures and rock units. These features typically also have complex geometrical interrelationships that can be conceptualised much more easily using 3D geological modelling software.
Three examples are shown here. At Globe-Progress mine near Reefton (right), the curved Globe-Progress shear and the contrasting fold structures of the footwall and hanging wall were modelled to test whether the intersection between bedding and the shear could explain the steep southwest plunge of the gold-bearing quartz vein shoots.
For more information about our research and services, please visit
www.gns.cri.nz
or call us on
+64 4 570 1444
or email us at
Principal Location Other Locations
GNS Science 1 Fairway Drive, AvalonLower Hutt 5010PO Box 30368Lower Hutt 5040New ZealandT +64-4-570 1444F +64-4-570 4600
National Isotope Centre30 Gracefield RoadLower Hutt 5010PO Box 31312Lower Hutt 5040New ZealandT +64-4-570 1444F +64-4-570 4657
Dunedin Research Centre764 Cumberland StreetDunedin 9016Private Bag 1930Dunedin 9054New ZealandT +64-3-477 4050F +64-3-477 5232
Wairakei Research Centre114 Karetoto RoadWairakei 3377Private Bag 2000Taupo 3352New ZealandT +64-7-374 8211F +64-7-374 8199
contact usconsultancy servicescase study
GNS Science International LtdInstitute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Ltd
Petrography and geochemistry (whole rock, mineral) of •sulfides and rocks
Dating and element mapping of massive sulfide samples•
Detailed data analysis and research report preparation•
Petrological AnalysisOre petrography •
In-house thin section making•
Fluid inclusion analysis•
Stable isotope analysis•
Geophysical AnalysisAeromagnetic analysis•
Resistivity surveying•
Seismic acquisition and processing•
Geotechnical AnalysisGeological hazard assessment•
Pit slope and floor stability studies•
Ground subsidence and settlement evaluations•
Database ManagementMinMap – GIS based portal for the New Zealand minerals •information system
PETLAB – National rock and geochemical database •
GERM – Geological resource map database of New Zealand•
REGCHEM – Regional exploration survey geochemical •analyses from open file mining company reports
QMAP – 1:250 000 Geological Map of New Zealand•
Additionally, our staff have considerable personal expertise and knowledge of New Zealand geology and mineral deposits.
N
Globe-Progress shear
N
At a central Otago gold prospect, mapped schist lithology and structure were modelled with mineral exploration data and topography. Mineralised gold-quartz veins (red) lie in the centre of a large schist antiform.
At Golden Cross, near Waihi, drill hole assays were plotted to identify spatial trends to help interpret fluid flow paths in the former hydrothermal system.
mineral wealthcontact us consultancy services case study mineral wealth
mineral scienceGNS Science offers consultancy services to New Zealand and international clients to support mineral exploration and development programmes. Our services include:
Geological Analysis and ModellingRegional and deposit-scale geological mapping•
Digital terrain modelling and analysis•
GIS data organisation, analysis and presentation •
Structural, tectonic and stratigraphic analysis•
Prospectivity analysis •
Regional mineral resource assessment•
Ore genesis modelling•
3D visualisation and target generation•
Marine Mineral Exploration Solutions (for seafloor hydrothermal systems)
Turn-key operations using research platforms for •seafloor hydrothermal systems
Regional multi-beam swath mapping of the seafloor•
Geophysical surveys of hydrothermal systems •
CTDO (conductivity, temperature, depth, optical) •surveys of hydrothermal emissions
Discrete water sampling of plumes with a 21-Niskin •bottle array
ROV and AUV operations (remotely operated and •autonomous underwater vehicles)
ROV sampling of vent fluids, rocks, and sulfides•
Detailed video and photomosaic mapping of the •seafloor and vent fields
Macro- and micro-biological and ecosystem analysis•
Ship-based analysis of CH• 4, pH, Fe, Mn and H2S to guide exploration
Shore-based analyses include • 3He and stable isotopes, and trace metals
3D modelling for explorationMines are excellent places to undertake research into mineralisation processes. The large volumes of surface, pit wall and underground drive geological mapping, and drill hole logs and assay data provide considerable detail on key geological structures and rock units. These features typically also have complex geometrical interrelationships that can be conceptualised much more easily using 3D geological modelling software.
Three examples are shown here. At Globe-Progress mine near Reefton (right), the curved Globe-Progress shear and the contrasting fold structures of the footwall and hanging wall were modelled to test whether the intersection between bedding and the shear could explain the steep southwest plunge of the gold-bearing quartz vein shoots.
For more information about our research and services, please visit
www.gns.cri.nz
or call us on
+64 4 570 1444
or email us at
Principal Location Other Locations
GNS Science 1 Fairway Drive, AvalonLower Hutt 5010PO Box 30368Lower Hutt 5040New ZealandT +64-4-570 1444F +64-4-570 4600
National Isotope Centre30 Gracefield RoadLower Hutt 5010PO Box 31312Lower Hutt 5040New ZealandT +64-4-570 1444F +64-4-570 4657
Dunedin Research Centre764 Cumberland StreetDunedin 9016Private Bag 1930Dunedin 9054New ZealandT +64-3-477 4050F +64-3-477 5232
Wairakei Research Centre114 Karetoto RoadWairakei 3377Private Bag 2000Taupo 3352New ZealandT +64-7-374 8211F +64-7-374 8199
contact usconsultancy servicescase study
GNS Science International LtdInstitute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Ltd
Petrography and geochemistry (whole rock, mineral) of •sulfides and rocks
Dating and element mapping of massive sulfide samples•
Detailed data analysis and research report preparation•
Petrological AnalysisOre petrography •
In-house thin section making•
Fluid inclusion analysis•
Stable isotope analysis•
Geophysical AnalysisAeromagnetic analysis•
Resistivity surveying•
Seismic acquisition and processing•
Geotechnical AnalysisGeological hazard assessment•
Pit slope and floor stability studies•
Ground subsidence and settlement evaluations•
Database ManagementMinMap – GIS based portal for the New Zealand minerals •information system
PETLAB – National rock and geochemical database •
GERM – Geological resource map database of New Zealand•
REGCHEM – Regional exploration survey geochemical •analyses from open file mining company reports
QMAP – 1:250 000 Geological Map of New Zealand•
Additionally, our staff have considerable personal expertise and knowledge of New Zealand geology and mineral deposits.