From arc magmas to ores (FAMOS): A mineral systems approach
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leicester
Department Name: Sch of Geog, Geol & the Environment
Abstract
Society is dependent on a reliable supply of metals and minerals for economic growth, improved standards of living, and development of infrastructure. Population growth means that even with increased recycling and resource efficiency, new mineral deposits still need to be discovered. The efficient exploration for, and discovery of, new resources requires new concepts and new tools.
The Mineral Systems approach to exploration considers ore deposits on a lithospheric scale, in terms of the "ingredients", processes and environments that favour their formation. This approach amounts to a "source-pathway-trap" model, with an increased emphasis on predictive capacity, rather than just feature recognition. Historically, much research has focused on the trap, and characterisation of the ore deposits themselves; here we aim to focus deeper in the system by integrating ore deposit formation with concepts of magmatism that arise from igneous petrology and volcanology. Therein lies a challenge because extant models for porphyry systems are increasingly at odds with magmatic models for crustal construction and arc volcanism. Rather than seeing magmatic systems in terms of large, liquid-rich magma chambers, emerging petrological models for crustal magmatism are turning instead to crystal-dominated, volatile-bearing "mushy" systems that traverse most or all of the crust. The dynamics of such systems have important consequences not just for arc magmatism, but also for the chemistry of the volatiles that are exsolved. These same volatiles fuel mineralisation and this is the synergy that we aim to exploit by assembling a multidisciplinary team of researchers from economic geology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, volcanology, geochemistry, numerical modelling and fluid dynamics. Our team embraces almost everyone currently engaged in porphyry mineralisation research in the UK and capitalises on strong existing links between UK ROs and the mining industry, many of who are Project Partners.
The research will involve analysis of minerals from a wide variety of mineralised and barren settings using a wealth of modern analytical tools that enable determination of an extensive suite of trace elements and isotope tracers. As each trace element responds to magmatic processes in subtly different ways due to the affinity of different elements for different phases (minerals, melts and fluids), so the multi-element approach affords many advantages over conventional proxies in which the full potential of the Periodic Table is not exploited. The analysis of natural systems will be underpinned by high pressure and temperature experiments to establish the phase relationships of ascending arc magmas and the partition coefficients that capture the affinities of elements for certain phases. As fluid accumulation and migration is an essential, but poorly understood, final step in ore deposit formation, we will develop, in tandem with the geochemistry, numerical models for fluid-bearing mushy systems. Finally, consideration will be given to critical metals that are passengers through the main ore-forming processes, but constitute important, often under-explored, by-products of porphyry mineralisation.
The research proposed has a strong element of blue skies investigation, but a particular focus on outcomes that will benefit industry through improved exploration tools. Thus the project bridges the divide between academic and applied research in a way that is not normally possible through industry-funded projects. This bridging activity lies at the heart of the Highlight Topic call, specifically through the integration of new advances in the study of mineral systems, igneous petrology and geochemistry, with a view to identifying conditions that can act as pathfinders for new targets. A key outcome will be a range of trace element proxies that will enable the mining industry to establish the potential fertility of a magmatic arc on local to regional scales.
The Mineral Systems approach to exploration considers ore deposits on a lithospheric scale, in terms of the "ingredients", processes and environments that favour their formation. This approach amounts to a "source-pathway-trap" model, with an increased emphasis on predictive capacity, rather than just feature recognition. Historically, much research has focused on the trap, and characterisation of the ore deposits themselves; here we aim to focus deeper in the system by integrating ore deposit formation with concepts of magmatism that arise from igneous petrology and volcanology. Therein lies a challenge because extant models for porphyry systems are increasingly at odds with magmatic models for crustal construction and arc volcanism. Rather than seeing magmatic systems in terms of large, liquid-rich magma chambers, emerging petrological models for crustal magmatism are turning instead to crystal-dominated, volatile-bearing "mushy" systems that traverse most or all of the crust. The dynamics of such systems have important consequences not just for arc magmatism, but also for the chemistry of the volatiles that are exsolved. These same volatiles fuel mineralisation and this is the synergy that we aim to exploit by assembling a multidisciplinary team of researchers from economic geology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, volcanology, geochemistry, numerical modelling and fluid dynamics. Our team embraces almost everyone currently engaged in porphyry mineralisation research in the UK and capitalises on strong existing links between UK ROs and the mining industry, many of who are Project Partners.
The research will involve analysis of minerals from a wide variety of mineralised and barren settings using a wealth of modern analytical tools that enable determination of an extensive suite of trace elements and isotope tracers. As each trace element responds to magmatic processes in subtly different ways due to the affinity of different elements for different phases (minerals, melts and fluids), so the multi-element approach affords many advantages over conventional proxies in which the full potential of the Periodic Table is not exploited. The analysis of natural systems will be underpinned by high pressure and temperature experiments to establish the phase relationships of ascending arc magmas and the partition coefficients that capture the affinities of elements for certain phases. As fluid accumulation and migration is an essential, but poorly understood, final step in ore deposit formation, we will develop, in tandem with the geochemistry, numerical models for fluid-bearing mushy systems. Finally, consideration will be given to critical metals that are passengers through the main ore-forming processes, but constitute important, often under-explored, by-products of porphyry mineralisation.
The research proposed has a strong element of blue skies investigation, but a particular focus on outcomes that will benefit industry through improved exploration tools. Thus the project bridges the divide between academic and applied research in a way that is not normally possible through industry-funded projects. This bridging activity lies at the heart of the Highlight Topic call, specifically through the integration of new advances in the study of mineral systems, igneous petrology and geochemistry, with a view to identifying conditions that can act as pathfinders for new targets. A key outcome will be a range of trace element proxies that will enable the mining industry to establish the potential fertility of a magmatic arc on local to regional scales.
Planned Impact
We have taken an "embedded impact" approach with FAMOS. Stakeholders and beneficiaries have been involved with the development of the project from its initiation (including the initial Highlight Topic suggestion). The scientific content of the proposal was developed in discussion with representatives from industry, and the final consortium has assembled an Advisory Board that includes industry representatives so as to maintain two-way knowledge exchange and ensure development of impact. We have also engaged an international set of project partners (PP) who will extend the reach of our impact (see letters of support). The embedded impact will be delivered through various activities to support outreach, engagement and dissemination.
The key impact goal for FAMOS is to improve discovery rates of porphyry deposits by aiding exploration under cover, influencing decision making in the exploration process, reducing exploration risk and reducing the environmental impacts of drilling and associated disruptive fieldwork through more efficient prospectivity assessment.
There are four impact objectives within FAMOS:
1) A revised Mineral Systems model of porphyry deposit formation. This will lead to improved targeting at regional and igneous complex scales and better inputs to national strategies on mineral resources. Beneficiaries include PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES involved in mining, exploration and consultancy (e.g. PPs Anglo American, Rio Tinto, BHPBilliton, Freeport McMoRan), and NATIONAL AGENCIES charged with encouraging exploration and developing strategic resources (e.g. BGS and PP USGS).
2) New proxies for porphyry fertility. This will provide low-cost tools and approaches that will support improved decision-making during exploration. By using multiple proxies within a single sample, more data-rich exploration is possible, and in turn less sampling is required and less environmental impact is caused. Beneficiaries will include PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES involved in exploration, consultancy, and the provision of data and analytical equipment to industry (i.e. service companies, e.g. see PPs Olympus, Zeiss and SRK ES letters of support).
3) E-tech elements in porphyries. We will generate vital data for better global and national e-tech resource estimation. This facilitates improved targeting for specific e-techs during exploration, and improved metallurgical characterisation of them. Beneficiaries will be GOVERNMENT AGENCIES who advise on resource strategy (e.g. BGS, PP USGS), and POLICY MAKERS IN GOVERNMENT planning future clean energy strategies. PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES exploring for resources (see PP Anglo American letter of support) and end-users of e-techs will benefit through improved strategic knowledge of future supplies and the WIDER PUBLIC will gain through support of sustainable environmental technologies for a low-carbon society.
4) Outreach, education and training. We have planned activities to increase public understanding of resource issues (discovery, depletion, environmental and social impacts, the 'e-tech' concept), particularly through NHM outreach, and activities to encourage the uptake of the new model and proxies with professional geoscientists through training workshops, short courses and engagement at high profile conferences. Beneficiaries include the WIDER PUBLIC, PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES as publicly traded bodies and employers of skilled professionals and PROFESSIONAL BODIES such as the IOM3 and Mineral Deposits Studies Group (see letter of support) who support training and professional development for their members.
The key impact goal for FAMOS is to improve discovery rates of porphyry deposits by aiding exploration under cover, influencing decision making in the exploration process, reducing exploration risk and reducing the environmental impacts of drilling and associated disruptive fieldwork through more efficient prospectivity assessment.
There are four impact objectives within FAMOS:
1) A revised Mineral Systems model of porphyry deposit formation. This will lead to improved targeting at regional and igneous complex scales and better inputs to national strategies on mineral resources. Beneficiaries include PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES involved in mining, exploration and consultancy (e.g. PPs Anglo American, Rio Tinto, BHPBilliton, Freeport McMoRan), and NATIONAL AGENCIES charged with encouraging exploration and developing strategic resources (e.g. BGS and PP USGS).
2) New proxies for porphyry fertility. This will provide low-cost tools and approaches that will support improved decision-making during exploration. By using multiple proxies within a single sample, more data-rich exploration is possible, and in turn less sampling is required and less environmental impact is caused. Beneficiaries will include PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES involved in exploration, consultancy, and the provision of data and analytical equipment to industry (i.e. service companies, e.g. see PPs Olympus, Zeiss and SRK ES letters of support).
3) E-tech elements in porphyries. We will generate vital data for better global and national e-tech resource estimation. This facilitates improved targeting for specific e-techs during exploration, and improved metallurgical characterisation of them. Beneficiaries will be GOVERNMENT AGENCIES who advise on resource strategy (e.g. BGS, PP USGS), and POLICY MAKERS IN GOVERNMENT planning future clean energy strategies. PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES exploring for resources (see PP Anglo American letter of support) and end-users of e-techs will benefit through improved strategic knowledge of future supplies and the WIDER PUBLIC will gain through support of sustainable environmental technologies for a low-carbon society.
4) Outreach, education and training. We have planned activities to increase public understanding of resource issues (discovery, depletion, environmental and social impacts, the 'e-tech' concept), particularly through NHM outreach, and activities to encourage the uptake of the new model and proxies with professional geoscientists through training workshops, short courses and engagement at high profile conferences. Beneficiaries include the WIDER PUBLIC, PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES as publicly traded bodies and employers of skilled professionals and PROFESSIONAL BODIES such as the IOM3 and Mineral Deposits Studies Group (see letter of support) who support training and professional development for their members.
Publications
Zhu R
(2024)
Hornblendites as a record of differentiation, metasomatism and magma fertility in arc crust
in Chemical Geology
Cox D
(2019)
Chalcophile element processing beneath a continental arc stratovolcano
in Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Gardiner N
(2023)
Geosciences and the Energy Transition
in Earth Science, Systems and Society
Blanks D
(2022)
Mobilization and Fractionation of Magmatic Sulfide: Emplacement and Deformation of the Munali Ni-(Cu-Platinum Group Element) Deposit, Zambia
in Economic Geology
Clarke R
(2022)
Source controls on mineralisation: Regional geology and magmatic evolution of Fiji
in Lithos
Nathwani C
(2022)
Machine learning for geochemical exploration: classifying metallogenic fertility in arc magmas and insights into porphyry copper deposit formation
in Mineralium Deposita
Holwell DA
(2019)
A metasomatized lithospheric mantle control on the metallogenic signature of post-subduction magmatism.
in Nature communications
Blanks DE
(2020)
Fluxing of mantle carbon as a physical agent for metallogenic fertilization of the crust.
in Nature communications
Reekie CDJ
(2019)
Sulfide resorption during crustal ascent and degassing of oceanic plateau basalts.
in Nature communications
Holwell DA
(2022)
Mobilisation of deep crustal sulfide melts as a first order control on upper lithospheric metallogeny.
in Nature communications
Description | Developed new tools for the exploration of copper deposits. We continue to work with new data generated within the project to refine the model of how deposits form; existing work shows how data can be used to identify prospective locations for discovering new mineralisation. |
Exploitation Route | Our findings could be used by exploration and mining companies in refining regional targeting during the search for new deposits of copper. This research supports "target generation " or "scoping exercises" - early interventions during data collection to reduce search areas, or to focus in on the most prospective sites. |
Sectors | Energy Environment Other |
Description | Research objectives in relation to industry applications and the wider relevance of resources (especially copper) to the green energy transition have been communicated to UK government science advisors, HM Treasury, and via a government POST secondment (Dan Smith). We are widening our public engagement interactions with a number of online presentations and webinars reaching up to several hundred participants in the industry and investment sectors worldwide. |
First Year Of Impact | 2020 |
Sector | Energy,Government, Democracy and Justice,Other |
Impact Types | Policy & public services |
Description | Letter to Committee on Climate Change |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health |
Impact | Letter (Lead: Herrington, NHM) sent to Committee on Climate Change and media outlets, outlining resource challenge of a green transition for UK economy. In part, has contributed to the development of a Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology Fellowship on sustainability of mineral supply. |
Title | Virtual Laser |
Description | Open access virtual laboratory tool to provide training in laser ablation ICP mass spectrometry geochemical analysis of rock, mineral and glass samples. |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Year Produced | 2024 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Tool made avaialble Mar 2024; too early to measure impact. |
Description | Zeiss |
Organisation | Carl Zeiss AG |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Case study material, meeting and networking connections |
Collaborator Contribution | Analytical equipment training, follow on research, student support. |
Impact | Publications by Holwell, funding opportunities |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | British-Finnish Natural Resources Initiative |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Meeting in Finland to collaborate industrial and academic partnerships around economic geology. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Co-edited Futurum (online outreach resource for young people) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Jamie Wilkinson, Jon Blundy, Matt Jackson and Dan Smith co-edited an article on FAMOS-related research for Futurum which produces online and print articles and outreach resources to encourage young people into STEM/STEMM/STEAM subjects. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://futurumcareers.com/magma-detectives-studying-volcanic-arcs-to-find-valuable-minerals-in-eart... |
Description | ESTA workshops |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Workshops on critical metals, circular economy and mining, delivered to Earth Science Teachers Association to help school teachers prepare teaching material. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Energy Transition Meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Geological Society Energy Transition meeting |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.geolsoc-energytransition.com/ |
Description | Essex Rock & Mineral Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk for local geological society on raw materials for the green transition. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Fermor Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Conference hosted at the Geological Society of London. All content recorded and made freely available through YouTube. Conference brought together academics from fields of petrology, geochemistry, volcanology and ore deposits to deliver presentations on current state-of-the-art on copper porphyry mineralisation (and associated ore styles). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/fermor17 |
Description | Geological Society - Resources on a finite planet |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Presentation at a Geological Society event within their Energy Transition series. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Letter regarding resources for UK net zero carbon policy |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Letter regarding resource demands of new government policy for "net zero carbon emissions" by 2050. Sent to Committee on Climate Change, and BBC. Distributed by a number of news outlets. (Lead author Herrington). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.nhm.ac.uk/press-office/press-releases/leading-scientists-set-out-resource-challenge-of-m... |
Description | MDSG Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | MDSG is an annual conference with attendees representing academia (all levels) and industry (particularly mineral exploration) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Mineralogical Society Distinguished Lecturer |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland has invited Dan Smith to tour the UK and Ireland as a 2017-18 Distinguished Lecturer. He has delivered multiple talks on his research and its impact to audiences from academia (all levels), professional societies, and amateur interest groups. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
URL | https://www.minersoc.org/distinguished-lectures-17-18.html |
Description | NERC SOS Event |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Final NERC SOS programme meeting, ~100 people, with speakers representing the range of SOS projects and final results. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Nottingham Green Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Outreach event - invited talk at Nottingham Green Festival regarding future of resource supply for a decarbonised economy |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Project Meeting (Bristol) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Project meeting, with attendance from industry partners and industry advisory board. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Responsible Reserves |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Participation in various events associated with Responsible Reserves initiative, including round table discussions and presentation to online conference. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
URL | https://www.responsiblerawmaterials.com/ |
Description | SEG Conference, Keystone, Colorado |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | International conference dedicated to ore deposit research - presented posters from ongoing research projects |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | SEG-SGA European Student Chapter Meeting entitled "Sustainable Mineral Resources Supply: Challenges for Future Generations" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Presentation by D Holwell to Geneva area SEG student chapters, mostly research students. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | SGA Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | SGA conference, held in Glasgow. Included special sessions related to FAMOS and TeaSe projects, included specially invited keynote speakers and project researchers delivering talks, posters and workshops. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.sga2019glasgow.com/ |
Description | Upminster University of the 3rd Age |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Large group of attendees on a Zoom presentation for the University of the 3rd Age. Led to long discussion, lots of interested emails, and an invite to a return talk in 2022. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |