A nanostructural study of pyrite with links to trace element mobility: developing strategies for 2D and 3D analysis of naturally deformed metals

Pyrite is an important mineral known to incorporate significant amounts of precious-metals (i.e. gold) within its crystal structure. Previous studies have suggested that when pyrite is subjected to high temperature conditions and plastically deforms, it releases such metals that are remobilized and concentrated into important economic ore deposits. However, the plastic behavior of pyrite and the physiochemical processes occurring during deformation remain poorly understood. Through a synergetic collaboration between Canada and Germany, we will attempt to advance our understanding of these processes that lead to the concentration of metals within deformation-induced substructures (i.e crystal defects) of pyrite. At the core of the project is a developmental strategy to integrate new applications of 2D and 3D nanostructural and and geochemical mapping techniques to evaluate the model where metals are sourced from within the crystal structure and remobilized along deformation-induced defects.

Faculty Supervisor:

David Schneider

Student:

Partner:

Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Natural Resources; Mining; Nanotechnology

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: