GSA SGEG - Facets of Exploration Webinar: Digging Deeper - Greenfields Prediction in 4D
Geological Society of Australia Inc Geological Society of Australia Inc
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 Published On Jul 25, 2024

Details: Digging Deeper: Greenfields Prediction in 4D - Geoscience and Economic Geology have passed a key point in the search for understanding. Technological advancements have delivered the ability to map the Earth in 4D. Whole mantle convection in the form of subducted slabs and mantle plumes are imaged and supercontinent cycles reconstructed. And we are making major progress mapping the structure of the entire lithosphere. Mineral Systems are the new paradigm for understanding ore genesis, shifting the focus from near-deposit observation to the investigation of multi-scale processes. Magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE deposits, generated in a perfect storm of plume-driven melting focused by 3D lithospheric structure, favourable geodynamic conditions and lithospheric contamination are the most obvious example of the multi-scale processes. Porphyry Cu deposits are now linked to hydrous magmas generated deep in compressive arc segments rather than shallow-crustal magma chambers, and gold deposits to low-degree partial melting of metasomatized mantle domains triggered by geodynamic drivers. Converting these understandings to spatial prediction has placed a premium on understanding lithospheric architecture and when it will focus the causative mineral systems. Recognition that ancient lithosphere can play a key role is one new insight.

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