Understanding mineral deposit formations through transdisciplinary research

Project Overview

Full Project Title: A New look at an old problem through Transdisciplinary Research: Investigating the physiochemical processes of scaling and tribology to gain a fundamental understanding of mineral deposit formations 

The project, funded by Geosolutions Leeds, is part of the exciting new strategic investment by the University of Leeds Climate Plan. It supports the refocusing of research and training to achieve Net Zero goals and accelerate the Energy Transition.

The project is a transdisciplinary study that brings together experts from Mechanical Engineering and SEE to deepen our understanding of critical mineral systems – resources essential for the UK’s transition to net zero and key manufacturing sectors. This project will help elucidate the fundamental role of fluid migration, mixing (between a “formation fluids” and externally derived fluids) for chemical speciation and mineral precipitation, growth and replacement mineralisation of rock systems, and/or stress- and displacement-induced piezoelectric effects on the mineralisation kinetics of critical minerals within rock systems.  

Project outputs will address the questions of:  

• What is the role of mixing fluids in the mineralisation of ore deposits in zones of high rock permeability?
• How significant is the deformation-induced piezo-electroplating phenomenon in the mineralisation process?
• Is there a synergistic effect of both phenomena of mineralisation of critical minerals?