Geochemical and Isotopic Studies in Support of Life Cycle of Mineral Deposit Investigations
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Comprehensive stable isotope (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur) and fluid inclusion (temperature, salinity, gas chemistry, noble gas isotope, and solution chemistry) laboratory studies are integrated with multidisciplinary field and other geochemical studies to acquire knowledge about fundamental chemical processes over the entire life cycle of mineral resources. This life cycle includes assessment of resource potential, exploration, genesis, natural and anthropogenic modification, ore processing, remediation and reclamation. Data from these techniques are integrated with age, geologic and geochemical data as part of multidisciplinary studies, to understand deep-seated brittle-ductile transformations, fluid-rock reactions, the migrational history of deep crustal fluids, and climate history to aid in the prediction and location of concealed mineral deposits. The data from these techniques can also be integrated with geochemical and hydrologic data to better understand and address the environmental consequences of mining. The knowledge gained in these studies is not specific to mineral resources and can be applied to societally relevant issues (such as volcanic landslide hazards and cyanide degradation) and to the preservation and restoration of major ecosystems (such as Yellowstone and the Everglades). The project provides analytical support and develops techniques to insure the availability of state of the art laboratories. The core maintenance of the stable isotope and noble gas laboratories which support this project is supported under a different venue. |
Project chief:
| Robert Rye |
Box 25046 MS 963 DFC
Denver, CO 80225 |
303-236-7907 |
rrye@usgs.gov |
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U.S. Department of the Interior || U.S. Geological Survey