Details
- Close date
- No date set
- Academic background
- Sciences
- Host campus
- Dunedin
- Qualification
- Master's
- Department
- Geology
- Supervisor
- Dr Candace Martin, Professor Claudine Stirling
Overview
Mortensen et al. (2010) have reported lead isotope data for several gold deposits in Otago. The data indicate lead was extracted from the host schist at 150-100 Ma. The few lead isotope data that are available for the host rock schist are more radiogenic due to subsequent uranium decay. Younger basalts contain even more radiogenic lead from their mantle source. This means lead from the gold ores and surrounding rocks should be able to be distinguished on the basis of its isotopic composition. This project will involve sampling and Pb isotope and trace element analysis of schist, sedimentary rocks and soils around old mines and control sites to test whether lead isotopes provide a useful fingerprint for gold mineralization and heavy-metal pollution.
Recommended preparation: GEOL262/362 or equivalent.
Gold Lead.