Project: Forecasting geoenvironmental properties of non ore material in northern Chile

This PhD study aims to develop a 'predictive environmental reactivity assessment toolkit’ incorporating the measurement of mineralogical properties in detail using drill core materials from the Quebrada Blanca porphyry Cu-Mo hypogene deposit, located in northern Chile. The research aims to evaluate the mineralogy of samples across different lithologies and alteration zones, including their acid rock drainage (ARD)/metal leaching potential forecasting, utilising hyperspectral mineralogy results from Corescanand classic/novel mineralogical and geochemical analyses to predict the properties of future non-ore materials. ).

The study also pursues to forecast the greenhouse gases (GHG) consumption potential of these materials through the mineral carbonation process and understand them for any other metal content, particularly critical metals, and/or other potential uses as industrial minerals.