Below is the list of Minerals related funded projects as part of the GSI Short Calls.
Lead Applicant: Dr Volker Rath, Host: Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies
Spatially constrained Bayesian inversion of frequency- and time-domain airborne electromagnetic data from the Tellus projects
A novel method for interpreting electromagnetic data from the Tellus surveys with 1-D layered subsurface models is developed, implemented in an open-source code, and tested on field data.Using Bayesian techniques and spatial constraints, the approach delivers uncertainty estimates of uncertainty along with preferred conductivity-depth models for each site. Report.
Lead Applicant: Mr Tom Davitt, Host: PGW Europe
Integrated geological-geophysical model for stratiform Zn-Pb exploration
This project aims to provide better insight into the localization of stratabound and fault-controlled Zn-Pb deposits in Ireland. This will be achieved by creating a new regional integrated 3D litho-structural interpretation of geophysical datasets obtained from the Tellus (and related) surveys, as well as 2D section-based models of magnetic, gravity and EM datasets. Report.
Lead Applicant: Mr Mark Holdstock, Host: Aurum Exploration
Project Title: Using Tellus electromagnetic and geochemical datasets to improve soil mapping in Ireland
Project Description: The aim of this work is to classify Irish soil types based on their geochemical and geophysical characteristics. Working with GSI staff, our research will directly compare output from the airborne geophysical and ground geochemical components of the recent Tellus Border and Tellus North Midlands surveys with published geological information.
Report
Lead Applicant: Dr Giulio Solferino, Host: University College Cork
The geochemistry of Waterford Copper Coast mineralisation
This project aims to characterize Waterford copper mineralisation employing cutting-edge field and geochemical analytical methods. The genesis of the copper deposit will be explained and the ore classified following current EU Economic Geology designations. Moreover, the research outcomes will enhance the Copper Coast Geopark initiative. Report.
Lead Applicant: Mr Mark Holdstock, Host: Aurum Exploration
Characterisation of mining waste
Secondary Raw Materials form a significant pillar in the sustainability of Europe's access to both critical and non-critical raw materials. Mine waste has been earmarked as a valuable potential source of such materials. The project will analyse samples of mine waste from sites across Ireland, to assess their economic potential. Please contact research@gsi.ie for report.
Lead Applicant: Mr Mark Holdstock, Host: Aurum Exploration
Mineral prospectivity; analysis utilising publicly available datasets and free & open source software
This project will show that the availability of quality public datasets allows effective prospectivity analyses, using only free data and free/open source software. By limiting the costs associated with developing targets for mineral exploration, the research will show how free data sources can help stimulate exploration and promote inward investment. Report.
Lead Applicant: Dr Damaris Fernandez, Host: Trinity College Dublin
u-TOPS: Microscale toolbox and protocols for sulphides studies
This project addresses the general question of resource efficiency in the minerals sector. It aims at developing a chemical and mineralogical toolbox that will help to translate analytical information from the sub-micron and micron-scale to macro and mega-sized samples. This will be achieved by applying statistical models combined with high-end microscopy and surface science analysis. Please contact research@gsi.ie for report.
Lead Applicant: Mr Derek Reay, Host: Geological Survey of Northern Ireland
Geochemical anomaly detection: spatial analysis for improved use of geochemical data
This project will compare two mathematical methods to detect geochemical anomalies. The first uses singularity theory, based on fractal models of variation. The second uses a robust geostatistical model to identify observations that contrast with background. This will facilitate novel use of Tellus data for mineral exploration and resource assessment. Report.
Lead Applicant: Dr Sean McClenaghan, Host: Trinity College Dublin
Project Title: Resolving the Paragenesis of Precious Metals in the Avoca District: Implications for Late Orogenic Gold at Kilmacoo, Co Wicklow
Project Description: Lower Palaeozoic volcanogenic massive sulphides in the Caledonian terrane of southeast Ireland offer an ideal setting for the study of complexly-deformed mineral deposits, where geochemical zonation and mineral textures are discernible through the overprinting effects of orogenesis. The effects of syn-metamorphic deformation on sulphide assemblages are important for the concentration of ore resources, resulting in structural thickening and attenuation, as well as possible secondary mobilization and enrichment from later orogenic fluids. Sulphides in the Avoca District exhibit both cataclastic and fluid-assisted plastic deformation textures, and recrystallization (coarsening) in response to variable lower to middle-greenschist facies metamorphism. This has also had an effect on mineral chemistry, with the re-equilibration of major elements in sphalerite and arsenopyrite, and the heterogeneous distribution of trace-elements across multiple phases of pyrite. Advancements in micro-analytical techniques now allow for detailed trace-element mapping of sulphide phases (pyrite), which can reveal much of the complex interplay between fluids and mineral growth, resolving the mineral paragenesis for metamorphosed VMS deposits. With the siting of precious metals in the Avoca deposit and Kilmacoo Au occurrence not fully discerned, this study aims to characterize the form and distribution of gold to assess the extent of syn-tectonic enrichment during the Caledonian Orogeny. Report