Ph.D. Project in Economic Geology/Structural Geology, Canada
The Flin Flon-Callinan-777 volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits
occur within the Paleoproterozoic Flin Flon greenstone belt, located
within the Reindeer Zone of the Trans-Hudson Orogen, Canada. This
greenstone belt consists of accreted oceanic terranes that include arc,
backarc, ocean floor and successor-arc successions ranging in age from
1.9 to 1.84 Ga. The Flin Flon mine was in production from 1928 to 1992
(62.5 Mtonnes), the Callinan mine (8.5 Mtonnes) is currently in
production and the 777 mine (14.5 Mtonnes), is just commencing
production.
After Noranda and Kidd Creek, the Flin Flon-Callinan-777 ore system
represents one of the most significant Precambrian base-metal VMS camps
in the world, which is also characterized by a higher than average gold
content. The ore system was folded and faulted during the Trans-Hudson
Orogeny. This study will provide the first comprehensive description
and structural reconstruction of the deposits. It will be based on
existing data, surface mapping in the Flin Flon area, underground
structural mapping at the 777 and Callinan deposits, and relogging of
drill core from surface and underground drill holes. It will also
include a forensic study of the former Flin Flon mine based on recently
digitized maps and sections, assay data and approximately 5000 archived
thin and polished thin sections. An important and innovative aspect of
this research is the use of new technology, the Virtual Reality
Laboratory, and the most sophisticated earth-system modeling software,
GoCAD to proved interactive, holographic-like, 3D images for the
integration and spatial interpretation of geological, geochemical and
geophysical data.
The project is shceduled to commence in September or October of 2004,
and will be fully funded over a four-year period. The funding will cover
all research expenses and a student living stipend. This PhD research
project is part of a larger, four-year, collaborative project between
the Mineral Exploration Research Cenre at Laurentian University, NSERC,
Hudson Bay Exploration and Development, Mirarco, and the Manitoba and
Saskatchewan Geological Surveys. The objective of the larger,
collaborative project is to reconstruct the structural, volcanic, and
hydrothermal evolution of the submarine volcano that hosts the
Flin-Flon-Callinan-777-Schist and Mandy VMS deposits.
Applicants with a background in volcanology and/or structural geology
and who possess mapping and computer skills are encouraged to apply.
Applications and inquiries should be directed to:
Drs. Harold Gibson and Bruno Lafrance
Mineral Exploration Research Centre
Department of Earth Sciences
Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON
Canada P3E 2C6
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