Related Research Projects
Investigating the physicochemical processes of scaling and tribology to gain a fundamental understanding of mineral deposit formations
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. Investigators: Dr Frederick Pessu, Dr Josh Armitage, Prof David Healy, Prof Sandra Piazolo.
Identifying and overcoming non-technical barriers to UK sourcing of critical materials for net zero
The UK must ensure a reliable supply of critical minerals, such as lithium, to meet net zero commitments. The technical challenges of building the UK’s capability in this vital area are well understood; however, other elements of a healthy innovation ecosystem for critical minerals are missing. This project supports existing industry and new investment in UK critical minerals and metals by improving the understanding of non-technical challenges and opportunities (legal, social, and environmental) and how to respond to those challenges. The research gathers data from the firms trying to create the innovation ecosystem we need. It offers a framework to help this vital sector work in harmony with local communities and the environment. Lead researcher: Dr Laura Smith; Co-Is: Professor Alice Owen, Dr James VanAlstine and Dr Taija Torvela
Controls on Au metallogeny in the Appalachian-Caledonian Belt
Gold deposits within mountain belts are sources for precious metals (Au, Ag, Pt, Pd) and trace elements (e.g., Te). These gold deposits may be formed in different environments, which control the presence and concentration of accessory minerals. Gaining a complete understanding of the various mechanisms by which mineralisation takes place will enhance our exploration efficiency.
This project investigates the variability of five gold-mineralised areas in Newfoundland, Ireland, and Scotland, particularly the relationships between mineralisation styles, metal alloy compositions, trace element content, and structural framework; whilst contributing to the exploration efforts of our industry partners. The work generates new insights into deposition controls and what gold alloy compositions and trace elements reveal about crustal fluid pathways. Lead researcher: Dr Taija Torvela, Leeds Ores and Mineralisation Group
Element mobility in evolving magmatic hydrothermal systems
Porphyry and associated epithermal mineralisation form in an evolving hydrothermal system within and surrounding an intrusion. Fractionation of major metals within the porphyry-epithermal transition is well known, but trace element behaviour is less well documented. Our current project on the Iron Cap deposit of the giant KSM Cu-Au porphyry, located in British Columbia, focuses on the distribution of trace elements (e.g., Se, Sb, Te) to establish whether successive vein generations represent metal remobilisation or introduction. The outcomes have identified the mineralogical associations of trace elements, which have both illuminated ore genesis and provided valuable information for future metallurgical design and tailings disposal. Lead researcher: Dr Dan Morgan, Leeds Ores and Mineralisation Group
Gold Atlas of British Columbia
This project, funded by Geoscience BC, is creating a publicly accessible database of gold compositions, enabling detrital gold particles to serve as deposit-style-specific indicators. Gold may be the major economic target of exploration. Still, it also occurs as a minor component in other styles of mineralisation, which are economic targets for a range of different commodities. Compositional templates based on analyses of over 15,000 gold particles from a range of deposit styles will permit future exploration programs globally to evaluate the nature of source mineralisation at an early stage in the exploration process, particularly in regions where other geological information is limited. Lead researcher: Dr Rob Chapman, Leeds Ores and Mineralisation Group
Mobility and concentration of 'Heavy' rare earth elements in natural systems
The SOS Rare project focuses on 'Heavy' rare earth elements (HREE - europium through to lutetium) and on neodymium (Nd), all of which are at highest risk of reduced supply. The primary objectives of the project are to elucidate the mobility and concentration of Nd and HREE in natural systems and to explore novel processes that will mitigate the environmental impact of REE extraction and recovery. Lead researcher: Prof Bruce Yardley.
ULTRA - Ultramafic-hosted Mineral Resource Assessment
Ultramafic-hosted seafloor massive sulphides in slow-spreading ridges form some of the largest deposits known, hosting high concentrations of metals and elements needed for new technologies, including Au, Cu, Ni, Co and Pt. This project aims to improve the understanding of the size, mineralogy, and metal tenors of these deposits, which is vital for making comparisons with land-based supplies. Lead researcher: Dr Crispin Little, Palaeo@leeds.
Enhancing geophysical exploration of the United Downs geothermal lithium prospect, Cornwall, via a rock petrophysical study.
Lithium is a key metal in the energy transition because it is needed in high-voltage batteries. Increasing the variety of lithium sources is beneficial for supply security, and developing domestic resources is an essential part of this. Granites within the Cornubian Batholith in SW England have potentially economic lithium concentrations hosted by micas. The region is also cut by permeable fault zones that host lithium-rich geothermal waters derived from water-rock interaction.
The geothermal waters have been accessed via boreholes drilled from the surface into permeable faults at depth, and the lithium compounds selectively extracted using environmentally responsible Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies. Access to the geothermal energy provides an opportunity to produce zero-carbon lithium.
This PhD will develop an understanding of the variability of rock petrophysical properties in the area and how these variations map onto the potential of various geophysical methods to enhance exploration. This is a TARGET PhD project, supervised by Prof Paul Glover and Dr Taija Torvela, in collaboration with Cornish Lithium Plc.
Detailed paragenetic and mineralogical characterisation of cobalt-gold mineralisation at Rajapalot, Finland.
NERC Panorama DTP project, supervised by Dr Taija Torvela and Dr Rob Chapman, in collaboration with Mawson Gold Ltd.
Metallogeny of the Caledonides and NE Appalachian mountain belt.
An ongoing project that has comprised several PhD projects since 2016, and a new project advertised in TARGET. Main external collaborators have been GSNI, Dalradian Gold Ltd., Anaconda Mining Inc., Green Glen Resources Ltd., and the Government of Labrador and Newfoundland. Lead researcher: Dr Taija Torvela.
Structural controls of orogenic-type gold mineralisation, Kurmuk Greenstone Belt, Ethiopia.
This is an MRes project (student: Benjamin Francis-Smith) supervised by Dr Taija Torvela and Prof Sandra Piazolo. Funded by Allied Gold Corp.
Lower Carboniferous basin-hosted lead-zinc mineralisation in Northern England: a scoping study.
This is an MRes project (student: Grace Walker) supervised by Dr Taija Torvela and Phil Murphy.