Mineral Deposit Research UnitMineral Deposit Research Unit

CanadaCanada’’s major s major collaborative industrycollaborative industry--university university

research groupresearch group

What is MDRU ?What is MDRU ?• An internationally recognized research group

devoted to;identifying & solving mineral exploration-related

geoscience problems

• Part of a geologic and geophysical research program at UBC devoted to;

training students for employment in industry and academia

“MDRU provides quality geological research and is undoubtedly one of the best collaborative research institutions in the world. It not only delivers

critical training to new explorationists, it improves the ore deposit models that guide our exploration.”

C.J. Hodgson, Former Chief Geologist, Barrick Gold Corporation

MDRU Founders:MDRU Founders:• Peter Bradshaw• Alastair Sinclair• John McDonald

Initiated by industry in 1989 as a link between industry and academia

(NOT a product of a government sponsored program)

MDRU & the exploration industryMDRU & the exploration industry

MDRU Past Directors:MDRU Past Directors:• John McDonald • John Thompson • Ian Thomson• (Richard Tosdal)

Exploration &Mining Industry

MDRU / UBC

InvestmentCommunity

DISCOVERY

MDRU MDRU –– StructureStructure

Director (Richard Tosdal / Craig Hart)+ financial / technical infrastructure

• Pacific Centre Isotopic & Geochemical Research

• Diamond Exploration Lab.• Volcanology Lab• UBC - GIF

Faculty in EOS (8)

Academic collaborators

Research Associates & Post-doctoral Fellows (6)

- solely funded by projects

Graduate students (>30)

University of British Columbia

Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences

Mineral exploration industry –

the major shareholder MDRU – Research Generative Group

MDRU – Board of Directors

Geoscience BC Goldcorp Inc.Gold Fields ExplorationHecla Mining Company of CanadaImperial Metals Corp.Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. Jinshan Gold Mines Inc. Kenrich-Eskay Mining Corp. Klondike Star Mineral Corp. Lysander Minerals Corp. Newcrest Mining Ltd. Newmont Gold Co. Northern Peru Copper Corp.Northgate Minerals Corp. Novagold Resources Inc. Pacific Rim Mining Corp. Pacifica Resources Ltd. Pan American Silver Corp. Rimfire Minerals Corp. Roca Mines Inc. Savant Explorations Ltd.

Almaden Resources Corp. Amarc Resources Ltd. AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. Ashton Mining of Canada Inc. BHP Billiton Ltd.Calibre Mining Corp. Canadian Zinc Corp. Cardero Resource Corp.Cash Minerals Ltd.Cia. De Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. Coeur d'Alene Mines Corp. Corriente Resources Inc. Diamondex Resources Ltd. Entrée Gold Inc. Equity Engineering Ltd. Falconbridge Inc. First Point Minerals Corp. Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.Full Metal MineralsGalore Resources Inc. Geoinformatics Exploration Inc.

Peter Peter FischFischDaniel GregoryDaniel GregoryDaniel Daniel RubioloRubioloHeather Smith Heather Smith

British Columbia Geological Survey British Columbia Geological Survey Geological Survey of Canada Geological Survey of Canada Yukon Geology ProgramYukon Geology Program

Corporate members (52)Sherwood Copper Corp.Stornoway Diamonds Corp.StrataGold Corp. Triex Minerals Corp.Tupra Metal Madencilik (El Dorado)Tyhee Development Corp. Triex Minerals Corp. Vale IncoWestern Copper CorporationXStrata Nickel

MDRU MDRU –– Members Members (Nov 2008)(Nov 2008)

Individual Members (4) & Government

Agencies (3)

Foundation Members (5)

People of MDRUPeople of MDRU

People of MDRUPeople of MDRU• People

Permanent staff: Director + 2 admin staffGraduate students : >30Research faculty: 6EOS Faculty: 8Graduated 17 students in last 18 months; 4 more expected to graduate in 1st quarter 2009Students come from 16 countries - “United Nations”

Geographical focusGeographical focus• Started with BC focus expanded to global

presence, but still with significant “west coast” presence

• Largest integrated group in North America

• Significant Canadian & international collaboration with other academics, mineral exploration / mining companies , & government institutions

research (concepts & locations), funding, MDRU membership, students, & student supervision

Research Project Research Project -- LocationsLocations

new

current

pending

Current research themesCurrent research themes

1. Core geological studies: • pre-, syn- and post ore processes • big-picture geological framework of deposits• focus more on the “how” and “why” of ore deposit genesis

2. Exploration methodologies – science-based exploration:• identifying the proximal to distal mineralogical,

geochemical, thermal & geophysical footprint of ore deposits

• focus on the “where”• feedback into the “how” and “why”

3. Mining and environmental sustainability:• CO2 sequestration in mine tailings financial, social and

climatic(?) benefit

Current research themesCurrent research themes

1. Core geological studies: • pre-, syn- and post ore processes • big-picture geological framework of deposits• focus more on the “how” and “why” of ore deposit genesis

2. Exploration methodologies – science-based exploration:• identifying the proximal to distal mineralogical,

geochemical, thermal & geophysical footprint of ore deposits

• focus on the “where”• feedback into the “how” and “why”

3. Mining and environmental sustainability:• CO2 sequestration in mine tailings financial, social and

climatic(?) benefit

Shallow- and deep-level alkalic mineral deposits -

geological and metallogeniccharacter and evolution

•Deep-level: BC focus•Shallow-level: Australasia

Full sponsorship: AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick, Newmont Mining, Teck ComincoPorphyry module: Imperial Metals, Amarc Resources, NovaGold, Newcrest Mining, Lysanders MineralsMatching funds: Geoscience BC, NSERC 8 MSc and PhD students, 2 RA’s, 1 GSC

Collaborative with CODES, University of Tasmania

Courtesy: D. Cooke,

CODES

• structural & geological architecture• alteration zonation• geochemical dispersion and

depletion halos• geochronology and igneous fertility

indices

The geology, genesis and exploration context of the Central The geology, genesis and exploration context of the Central Zone, Zone, alkalicalkalic Cu-Au porphyry deposit, Galore Greek District, porphyry deposit, Galore Greek District,

northwesternnorthwestern British ColumbiaBritish ColumbiaJanina Micko (Ph.D. candidate)

ObjectivesObjectives•• LithologyLithology andand hydrothermal alterationhydrothermal alteration on a on a deposit scaledeposit scale

•• LithogeochemisticalLithogeochemistical andand isotopic analysisisotopic analysis

•• CompositionalCompositional and and fluid inclusion analysisfluid inclusion analysis on on hydrothermally zoned hydrothermally zoned garnetsgarnets

•• Definition of Definition of genetic modelsgenetic models

•• Identification of applicable Identification of applicable exploration toolsexploration tools

Sponsored by: AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick, Newmont Mining, Teck; Imperial Metals, Amarc Resources, NovaGold, Newcrest Mining, Lysanders Minerals

DESCRIBE, CHARACTERISE and

MAP THE DISTRIBUTION OF:

•Lithofacies

•Alteration

•Mineralisation

ORE DEPOSIT MODEL

•Sequence of events

•Ore-body geometry

•Fluid flow pathways

HYDROTHERMAL MINERAL CHEMISTRY

•Paleo-physicochemicalenvironment

•Metal deposition mechanisms

•Integrate findings with ore-deposit model

Magmatic-hydrothermal evolution and zonation of a breccia-centered Cu-Au alkalic porphyry: Southwest Zone, Galore

Creek Kevin Byrne (Msc candidate)

Sponsored by: AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick, Newmont Mining, Teck; Imperial Metals, AmarcResources, NovaGold, Newcrest Mining, Lysanders Minerals

Evolution of Reko Diq porphyry Cu-Au Deposits,Chagai District, Balochistan – Pakistan

Abdul Abdul RaziqueRazique, Ph.D. candidate, Ph.D. candidate

Quellaveco Cu-Mo Porphyry, Southern Peru

– Igneous evolution; • U/Pb zircon geochronology and intrusion paragenesis• Zircon and whole rock geochemistry as indicators for magma chamber

processes

– Hydrothermal evolution of the Quellaveco ore body• Vein paragenesis and relative timing to porphyry intrusions• Element mobility and alteration definition

– Metal and volatile rejuvenation in porphyry Cu (-Mo) systems implications for longevity of hydrothermal systems

Adam Simmons, Ph.D. candidate

• Volcanic stratigraphyhosting the veins

• Pre-syn and post mineralization deformation history

• Structural setting of ore shoots

• Chemistry of ore forming fluids

Reconstructing the Reconstructing the Cerro Cerro BayoBayo low low

sulfidationsulfidation epithermal epithermal deposit, Chile deposit, Chile

Jaime Poblete, M.Sc. candidate

FabiolaFabiola vein surface outcropvein surface outcrop

High-Grade Hydrothermal Copper in Foliated Granites

 •• The relationship of mineral chemistry, mineral The relationship of mineral chemistry, mineral paragenesisparagenesis,, and foliation development  to fluid flow and metal and foliation development  to fluid flow and metal precipitation in the precipitation in the MintoMinto CuCu‐‐Au deposit, YukonAu deposit, Yukon

Shawn Hood (Shawn Hood (MScMSc candidate)candidate)

Sponsored by: Minto Exploration Inc

The Subsurface Geometry of the >30 Moz DonlinCreek Gold Deposit, Southwest Alaska

Daniel MacNeil, M.Sc. candidate

• Structural style and subsurface geology

• Controls on dyke and sill emplacement

• Controls on mineralized vein distribution

Sponsored by: Barrick

•• Application  of  geological mapping,  mineral alteration,  minerApplication  of  geological mapping,  mineral alteration,  mineral al paragenesisparagenesis,  structural analysis,  geochronology  &  ,  structural analysis,  geochronology  &  thermochronologythermochronology to  better  understand  the  character  and  to  better  understand  the  character  and  genesis  of  magmaticgenesis  of  magmatic‐‐hydrothermal  Cuhydrothermal  Cu‐‐Au  systems  in  the  Au  systems  in  the  TasekoTaseko Lakes  region  of  BCLakes  region  of  BC

Lucy Hollis (Lucy Hollis (MScMSc candidate)candidate)

Scott Scott BlevingsBlevings ((MScMSc candidate)candidate)

Geological framework and genesis of Cretaceous magmatic-hydrothermal systems

in the Coast Mountains, BC

Sponsored by: Galore Resources

Metallogeny of the eastern Gangdese Arc, TibetReza Tafti (PhD candidate)

Supported by Hunter Dickinson (Continental Minerals Corp.)

Focused studies of Xietongmen porphyry Cu-Au district

Mesozoic and Tertiary metallogeny of southeastern Lhasa Block

U-Pb and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology

Pb isotopic studies

Radiogenic tracers

Sulfur isotope studies

Framework of the El Galeno and Hillorico Cu-Au-Mo system, northern Perú

Establish alteration distribution and linkage between Miocene porphyry Cu-Mo-Au and epithermal Au-Ag deposit

Farhad Bouzari, Research Associate

Sponsored by Northern Peru Copper Corp.

A basinA basin‐‐wide study of the Redstone copper belt, NWT to;wide study of the Redstone copper belt, NWT to;••define the basin architecture and tectonic/sedimentological define the basin architecture and tectonic/sedimentological framework for sedimentframework for sediment‐‐hosted mineralizationhosted mineralization

••examine mineralogical, geochemical, and thermal expressions examine mineralogical, geochemical, and thermal expressions of the hydrothermal flow to help develop vectors toward ore of the hydrothermal flow to help develop vectors toward ore 

PhD projectPhD project

Integrating paleogeography/tectonics, geochemistry & thermochronology to track fluid flow

in sedimentary rock-hosted Cu-deposits

Sponsored by: Western Copper Corp

•• An  initiative to  integrate  geological  mapping,  geochronologAn  initiative to  integrate  geological  mapping,  geochronology,  y,  mineral  chemistry  to  further  our  understanding  of  the  pomineral  chemistry  to  further  our  understanding  of  the  postst‐‐mineralization  history  of  Carlin hydrothermal  Aumineralization  history  of  Carlin hydrothermal  Au‐‐systems  in  systems  in  Nevada  and  aid  exploration  beneath  MioceneNevada  and  aid  exploration  beneath  Miocene‐‐Recent  gravel  Recent  gravel  depositsdeposits

MSc projectMSc project

Oxidation, exhumation and re-sedimentation of Carlin Au-deposits

Golden Point battery, Macraes, Otago

PHANEROZOIC OROGENIC GOLD SYSTEMSJim Mortensen; in collaboration with:

Dave Craw, Doug MacKenzie (U. of Otago) – Otago and KlondikeDave Rhys, Kika Ross (Panterra Geoservices) - Cariboo

Tethyan metallogeny, TurkeyTethyan metallogeny, TurkeyDefine petrochemical, geochronological, and metallogenic framework for 2 transects (west and central) across the Tethyan arc in Turkey

Sponsored by:Barrick, TeckCominco, Tuprag Madencilik

Nature and Origin of Mafic Volcanism and Associated Diatremes in the Misty Creek Embayment, Mackenzie Mtns., NWT

Chris Leslie (MSc candidate)

40Ar/39Ar geochronology of diatreme and epiclastic facies

Whole rock geochemistry and radiogenic isotopes

Mineral chemistry (pyroxene, phlogopite) – are these rocks kimberlitic?

Age, Petrogenesis and Paleotectonic Setting of the Sicker Gp Volcanic Rocks and contained VMS Deposits, Vancouver Island

Tyler Ruks (PhD candidate)Supported by Geoscience BC, Laramide Res., Paget Res., Bitterroot Res., Westridge Res.

Collaboration with Fabrice Cordey (U. Lyons, France)

Volcanic stratigraphy

Paleotectonic setting

U-Pb geochronology

Micropaleontology (radiolaria)

Whole rock geochemistry and radiogenic isotopes

Pb isotopic characterization of VMS and epigenetic sulfide mineralization in the Sicker Gp

Layered Intrusions, flood basalts, zoned ultramafic intrusions, Proterozoic anorthosites

• Ni-Cu-PGE sulphide mineralization, Muskox layered intrusion, Nunavut

• Rutile and hemo-ilmenite mineralization in Proterozoic anorthosites, Québec

• Alaskan-type zoned ultramafic intrusions: Turnagain Ni-Cu-PGE, B.C.

• Flood basalts of the Wrangellia Terrane in B.C., Yukon and Alaska

Wrangellia Flood Basalt,Wrangellia Flood Basalt,Wrangell Mtns, AlaskaWrangell Mtns, Alaska

Massive FeMassive Fe--Ti Oxide OreTi Oxide OreStSt--Urbain, QUrbain, Quuéébecbec

Magmatic deposits

Sponsored by:Anglo American Exploration (Canada), Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium, Hard Creek Nickel, Rock to Riches, Y.G.S., B.C.G.S, NSERC

OBSERVATIONOBSERVATION

EXPERIMENTALEXPERIMENTAL MODELLINGMODELLING

kimberlitekimberlitestudiesstudies

ModernModernVolcanologyVolcanology

KimberlitesKimberlitesPhysical volcanology of kimberlites and petrology of diamondiferPhysical volcanology of kimberlites and petrology of diamondiferous ous

rocksrocks

Sponsored by:Sponsored by:Tahera Diamond Corp., BandTahera Diamond Corp., Band--Ore Resources, KM Consulting, Diagem, De Beers, Ashton, Ore Resources, KM Consulting, Diagem, De Beers, Ashton, Rio Tinto, Canadian Light Source, Saskatchewan Research Council,Rio Tinto, Canadian Light Source, Saskatchewan Research Council, NSERCNSERC

Volcanology

Buffalo Head Hills, Renard, Diavik, Victor

How does the eruptive process affect diamond distribution?

EXAMINE

• Tuwawi kimberlite thin sections and core

• Tuwawi peridotite and eclogite xenoliths

CHARACTERIZE DIAMOND POTENTIAL

BASED ON

•Volcanic facies of kimberlite

• Thermal state of the mantle

In collaboration with Diamondex Resources Ltd

Diamond potential of the Brodeur Peninsula (Baffin Island)

J. Cross (B.Sc candidate)

COMPARE

• Diamonds and conglomerates with Archean lamprophyric diamonds found in Wawa

CHARACTERIZE

• Diamonds• Archean diamondiferous conglomerates

W. Bruce (M.Sc candidate)

In collaboration with Dianor Resources Ltd

Diamonds and diamondiferous conglomerates of Wawa (S. Ontario)

DETERMINE

• The source for alluvial diamonds in S. Ontario and Quebec

Current research themesCurrent research themes

1. Core geological studies: • pre-, syn- and post ore processes • big-picture geological framework of deposits• focus more on the “how” and “why” of ore deposit genesis

2. Exploration methodologies – science-based exploration:• identifying the proximal to distal mineralogical,

geochemical, thermal & geophysical footprint of ore deposits

• focus on the “where”• feedback into the “how” and “why”

3. Mining and environmental sustainability:• CO2 sequestration in mine tailings financial, social and

climatic(?) benefit

Sponsored by: Goldcorp Canada

Archean lode AuArchean lode Au--systems systems -- Red LakeRed LakeMapping alteration footprints and tracing fluid flow

• Lithogeochemistry• Isotope geochemistry• Alteration mineralogy• Mineral chemistry

Liz Stock, Ph.D. Candidate

•• Integration  of  lithogeochemistry,  stable  isotope Integration  of  lithogeochemistry,  stable  isotope geochemistry,  mineral chemistry,  thermometry  and  geochemistry,  mineral chemistry,  thermometry  and  thermochronometry  to  characterize  the  spatial  and temporal thermochronometry  to  characterize  the  spatial  and temporal evolution  of  Carlin hydrothermal  Auevolution  of  Carlin hydrothermal  Au‐‐systemssystems

Shaun Barker (Postdoc Fellow)Shaun Barker (Postdoc Fellow)

Jeremy Vaughan (PhD student)Jeremy Vaughan (PhD student)

Ayesha Amhed (MSc candidate)Ayesha Amhed (MSc candidate)

alterationalteration

isotope haloisotope haloheatheat

oreore

Distal manifestation of hydrothermal fluid flow and the development of down- & cross-stream vectors to ore

Sponsored by: Barrick, Newmont, Teck

Footprints of Porphyry Cu Deposits: Spectral and Lithogeochemisty

Dick Tosdal (MDRU), John Dilles (OSU), Scott Halley (Mineral Mapping Service), Tatiana Alva (M.Sc. Candidate)

In Collaborations with Teck Corporation, BHP Billiton, Barrick Gold, Codelco, Imperial Metals, CVRD-Inco

Study sites: Yerington (Nevada); Highland Valley (BC); Red Chris (BC); Mt. Polley (BC) and Gaby (Chile)

3D integration of geology and geophysics3D integration of geology and geophysics

Sponsored by: Sponsored by: AngloGold Ashanti ,Anglo American,Barrick, Geoinformatics, KenneAngloGold Ashanti ,Anglo American,Barrick, Geoinformatics, Kennecott Exploration, cott Exploration, Teck Cominco, Xstrata, ValeTeck Cominco, Xstrata, Vale--Inco, NSERCInco, NSERC

Interpretation, Classification andMineral Estimation

Geologic concepts

and hypothesis

testing

Magnetic susceptibility - density cross-plot

Calculated Pentlandite Abundance

Mineralogy andProcesses

GeophysicalGeophysicalModelingModelingGeologyGeology

Physical PropertiesPhysical Properties

Scaling andConstraints

Current research themesCurrent research themes

1. Core geological studies: • pre-, syn- and post ore processes • big-picture geological framework of deposits• focus more on the “how” and “why” of ore deposit genesis

2. Exploration methodologies – science-based exploration:• identifying the proximal to distal mineralogical,

geochemical, thermal & geophysical footprint of ore deposits

• focus on the “where”• feedback into the “how” and “why”

3. Mining and environmental sustainability:• CO2 sequestration in mine tailings financial, social and

climatic(?) benefit

Field & scanning electron microscope images of mineralogically bound carbon dioxide

• Some mining tailings absorb the greenhouse gas (GHG) carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

• Carbon dioxide is trapped in mineral structures where it is safely sequestered from the atmosphere in the long-term.

• Many hard rock mines produce a tailings sequestration capacity that is greater than total GHG emissions (CO2 equivalent).

• Acceleration of carbon fixation could turn some mining operations into a GHG-neutral industry and/or provide additional revenue.

• Employed worldwide could impact global anthropogenic GHG production and provide an environmental benefit.

Sponsored by: BHPB, Rio Tinto (Diavik), NSERC

Greenhouse Gas Fixation in Mine TailingsGreenhouse Gas Fixation in Mine Tailings

Initiated by industry as a link between industry and academia

Recipe for MDRU successRecipe for MDRU success

Exploration &Mining Industry

MDRU / UBC

InvestmentCommunity

DISCOVERY