Spodumene pegmatite haloes: characterization, exploration vectoring and ore potential

 

PhD Candidate: Elena Johanna Geiger

Supervisor: Dr Julian Menuge & Dr Teimoor Nazari-Dehkordi

Funded by: iCRAG funded PhD

Abstract:

Lithium batteries for electric vehicles will drive an estimated ~40 times lithium demand increase by 2040, requiring a huge increase in mining from hard-rock sources. Spodumene pegmatites are the main hard-rock lithium source but very hard to find if unexposed. They are commonly surrounded by country rock geochemical halos. Ongoing research is establishing the bulk-rock chemistry and dimensions of spodumene pegmatite halos in Ireland, Austria, Spain and Portugal, but not at mineral scale. Pilot studies strongly suggest that the halo chemical signature is hosted in stockwork style microscopic veinlets. The proposed project will carry out mineral-scale analysis of halo rocks in south Leinster, to characterize halo minerals and build a model for halo formation. For exploration purposes, a LIBS method will be devised to allow halo mineral detection more rapidly and at greater distance from pegmatites.