Petrology, geochemistry and hyperspectral signature of IOCG alteration

Research Theme

Tectonics and Metallogeny

Project Investigator

Michelle Goryniuk

Project Collaborators

Doctor Alan Mauger (PIRSA)

Industry Partners

PIRSA

CSIRO

This project is a collaboration between PIRSA, CSIRO and the CMXUC.  Ms Goryniuk was appointed for 12 months in September 2007 via a one-off payment of $71,000 made by PIRSA.  This investment is intended to fast-track hyperspectral research on drill core, with a view toward rolling the project into the AuScope theme: National Virtual Core Library.  The aim of the project is to provide petrologic and geochemical constraints on hyperspectral data collected by Hylogger from altered rocks in the vicinity of IOCG deposits. 

Ms Goryniuk has started work in collaboration with Dr Alan Mauger (PIRSA) identifying key drill holes and intervals for detailed sampling.  The project will begin by addressing the spectral signature of white mica – in particular the relationship between the wavelength of absorption features and the solid solution chemistry, texture and petrologic context of the micas – which has been proposed as a possible measure of IOCG alteration intensity.  This work will involve detailed petrologic studies, ion probe measurements of mineral chemistry and elemental mapping of key thin sections.