June 9, 2011
Mining and Petroleum Industries Receive
Funding for Research and Development
The Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC) today announced more than $960,000 to enhance geoscience research and development (R&D) in the province with the launch of GeoEXPLORE.
The funding will support 13 projects involving a range of field and lab-based R&D activities specific to mineral and petroleum exploration and development opportunities throughout the province. Leading researchers at Memorial University of Newfoundland will collaborate with Vale Inc., Silver Spruce Resources Inc., Search Minerals Inc., Rare Earth Metals Inc., Statoil Canada Ltd., Paragon Minerals, Rambler Metals and Mining Ltd., Aurora Energy, Altius Resources, Golden Dory Resources, the Geological Survey of Canada, the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador, the University of Calgary, the National University of Ireland, and others.
“Leading-edge geoscience R&D plays a critical role in supporting mineral and petroleum exploration and development,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. “As Newfoundland and Labrador’s mining industry continues to grow, research and development will assist in greater exploration and development. These investments, through the Research & Development Corporation, mark a positive step in increasing the potential to develop new mines and invite new high value business and technology development opportunities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Mining is the second largest industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, employing more than 4,900 people in rural areas of the province, while oil production represents almost 27.5 per cent of Newfoundland and Labrador’s nominal gross domestic product. The total value of minerals and petroleum production in 2010 was $12 billion.
GeoEXPLORE, a three-year program, will enhance geoscience R&D capacity, collaboration and innovation in the province’s mineral and petroleum industries. The program targets five areas for R&D investment: research team awards; geoscience research tools and equipment; collaborative research opportunities; post-doctoral researchers; and industry-led R&D, technology development and demonstration.
“Recognizing the exploration and development potential of Newfoundland and Labrador’s mining and petroleum industries, RDC will champion the program and work with industry, academia and government to identify collaborative R&D opportunities,” said Glenn Janes, Chief Executive Officer, RDC. “This directed research investment will enhance the development of highly-qualified personnel, enable our researchers to access innovative tools and equipment, as well as, further research partnerships among industry, academia and government.”
Today’s funding supports projects being led by researchers from Memorial University’s Departments of Earth Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics and Physical Oceanography.
“Newfoundland and Labrador is home to rich mineral resources, which offer students, faculty and industry partners tremendous opportunities to explore and discover,” said Dr. Christopher Loomis, Vice-President (Research), Memorial University of Newfoundland. “This funding will build on Memorial’s world-class expertise in geosciences and also help us forge stronger relationships with the mining and petroleum industries.”
Descriptions of the projects receiving funding from RDC are contained in the backgrounder of this release, while further details of the GeoEXPLORE program are available online at www.researchnl.com.
About GeoEXPLORE
GeoEXPLORE is a RDC-directed research program in support of geoscience R&D.
Directed research is an internationally-recognized program framework for
accelerating R&D in priority areas, and is often characterized as thematic,
problem solving, capacity building, and collaborative.
RDC investments are targeted through five areas:
- Research Team Awards – Supports academic-led research teams that engage industry and other potential collaborators in support of targeted exploration and development opportunities in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Geoscience Research Tools and Equipment – Supports academic-led, industry-engaged projects where new equipment is required to enhance R&D capacity and further exploration and development opportunities
- Collaborative Research Opportunities – Encourages local, national, and international collaboration among academia, industry, and government researchers
- Post-doctoral Researchers – Focuses on industry-relevant R&D projects, where the post-doctoral researcher is embedded (supervised) in either academic or government research environments.
- Industry-led R&D, Technology Development and Demonstration – Supports industry-led projects in the mining or petroleum sectors, including related technology providers and collaborators, where geoscience R&D could reduce exploration risk, increase discovery success, and support innovation through to resource development. This includes projects related to production, processing and reducing environmental impact.
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Media contacts:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Jeff Green Manager, Communications & Marketing Research & Development Corporation 709-758-0973, 691-8892 jeffsgreen@researchnl.com |
| Meaghan Whelan Communications Co-ordinator Office of the Vice-President (Research) Memorial University of Newfoundland 709-864-4073, 687-9243 mcwhelan@mun.ca |
Kelly Foss Communications Co-ordinator Faculty of Science Memorial University of Newfoundland 709-864-2019 kfoss@mun.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Summary of Projects Supported through the GeoEXPLORE Program
A total of $964,404.25 is being invested in the following 13 Newfoundland and Labrador-based projects; the total project costs add up to more than $1.7 million. This funding is a result of an initial call for proposals in three areas: research team awards, geoscience research tools and equipment, and collaborative R&D projects that engage local, national and international partners in industry, academia and government.
Research Team Awards
This program element supports academic-led research teams that engage
industry and other potential collaborators in support of targeted
exploration and development opportunities in the province of Newfoundland
and Labrador.
Provenance of Jurassic-Cretaceous reservoir sandstones from the
Flemish Pass and Orphan Basins, offshore Newfoundland; $50,000
This project will employ analytical techniques to determine the age, origin,
and characterization of mineral grains in drill core retrieved from the
Flemish Pass and Orphan sedimentary basins. This information will assist
exploration by providing a better understanding of the thickness,
distribution, porosity, and permeability of the reservoir sandstones –
factors that influence the capacity of the reservoir to host hydrocarbons.
RDC’s investment is $50,000 of a total project cost of $85,000. The research
team includes: Dr. Paul Sylvester (Memorial University); Amanda Kate Souders
(PhD Student/Post-doctoral Fellow, Memorial University); and Dr. Michael
McDonough (Statoil Canada Ltd.)
Mineralogy, age and origin of rare metals at the Fox Harbour property,
Port Hope Simpson, south eastern Labrador; $50,000
This project will enhance an understanding of the rare earth element (REE)
potential for south eastern Labrador. Field mapping and analysis of samples
will provide data on mineral compositions, age of the minerals, and the
spatial distribution and origin of the REE mineralization, thereby assisting
in the determination of the most prospective rock units for exploration.
RDC’s support will also help a full-time M.Sc. student expand his field
experience and develop his analytical skills. RDC’s investment is $50,000 of
a total project cost of $108,216. The research team includes: Dr. Paul
Sylvester (Memorial University); James Haley (M.Sc. student, Memorial
University); Dr. Randy Miller (Search Minerals Inc.); and Dr. Charles Gower
(Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador).
Gold mineralization in central Newfoundland; $49,990
This project will research several gold prospects and showings in central
Newfoundland, the site of an ancient ocean basin. During the destruction of
that ocean, numerous barren and gold-bearing quartz veins were emplaced in
the rocks. Deciphering the origin and emplacement history of the veins
through geochemical analysis, and predicting which ones are more likely to
contain gold, will be the focus of this research. The ultimate goal is the
development of a regional geological model for gold mineralization to help
guide exploration. RDC’s investment is $49,990 of a total project cost of
$62,390. The research team includes: Dr. Derek Wilton (Memorial University);
Dr. James Conliffe (Memorial University); Dr. Hamish Sandeman (Geological
Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador); Dr. Graham Layne (Memorial
University); Dr. Stephen Piercey (Memorial University); and Dr. Martin Feely
(National University of Ireland).
The mineralogy and form of rare-metal mineralization in the Red Wine
District, central Labrador; $53,200
This project seeks to provide a better understanding of the rare earth
element (REE) mineralization in the Red Wine Mountains area of central
Labrador. Several new prospects will be sampled and analyzed to identify the
various mineral phases and their REE concentrations. This may lead to the
recognition of a favourable mineralogy for REE mineralization as a guide to
exploration, as well as understanding how REEs are disposed in the host
minerals, an important consideration for potential mining and refining
processes. RDC’s investment is $53,200 of a total project cost of $91,950.
The research team includes: Dr. Derek Wilton (Memorial University); Wayne
Reid (Rare Earth Metals Inc.); and an undergraduate-level student.
Examination of sulphide mineral breakdown in the Voisey’s Bay sulphide
mineralization and the natural sealing of sulphide bodies from oxidization;
$49,650
This project will investigate how the nickel-bearing rocks at the Voisey’s
Bay mine became oxidized at the surface, and what trace-element signatures
the oxidation process may have left in the altered rocks and the surficial
environment. The detection of subtle markers indicating the pre-oxidation
presence of nickel could lead to an important exploration tool for
discovering new deposits. The project will also try to understand why nickel
ore was not oxidized where the ore body was covered by glacial sand and
gravel. This may provide a new way of preventing the acid-generating
oxidation process from occurring in mine tailings by emulating the
oxidation-inhibiting natural cover left by the glaciers. RDC’s investment is
$49,650 of a total project cost of $415,700. The research team includes: Dr.
Derek Wilton (Memorial University); Dr. Gary Thompson (Vale Inc.); and Dr.
Paul Sylvester (Memorial University).
Biogeochemical “fingerprinting” of Voisey’s Bay Ni-Cu-Co sulphide,
northern Labrador; $50,700
This project will examine whether or not vegetation growing around and upon
the Voisey’s Bay deposit takes up elements from the soil through its root
systems that reflect the composition of the underlying bedrock and
mineralization. Should traces of diagnostic elements be present, it could be
indicating that prospective rocks lie buried beneath the soil and vegetative
cover, thus identifying a potential exploration target. Analysis of the
vegetation will be enhanced by the participation of a PhD student who will
apply an analytical technique he developed for detecting uranium in
vegetation in Labrador. RDC’s investment is $50,700 of a total project cost
of $94,000. The research team includes: Dr. Derek Wilton (Memorial
University); Dr. Gary Thompson (Vale Inc.); Dr. Paul Sylvester (Memorial
University); and Praise Nyade (PhD Student, Memorial University).
Evaluation of regional alteration, geochemical and isotopic haloes
around the Voisey’s Bay sulphide deposits; $48,400
This project will focus on ways of detecting the all-important,
small-volume, nickel-bearing rock type in the Voisey’s Bay area. The
ore-containing rock has been engulfed in much larger and younger rock units,
making the unexposed, volumetrically small targets difficult to find. By
analyzing geochemical signatures in the surrounding rocks to detect any
trace-element correlation with the mineralized rock, it may be possible to
suggest a way of predicting where the fertile rocks lie buried. RDC’s
investment is $48,400 of a total project cost of $104,200. The research team
includes: Dr. Derek Wilton (Memorial University); Dr. Gary Thompson (Vale
Inc.); Dr. James Conliffe (Memorial University); and Dr. Paul Sylvester
(Memorial University).
Olivine Geochemistry as an Exploration Indicator for Magmatic Ni-Cu
Mineralization; $50,000
This project will analyze the trace-element variations in the mineral
olivine, to see if patterns occur that reflect concentrations of
nickel-copper mineralization in the olivine-bearing host rock at Voisey’s
Bay. Should patterns showing a positive correlation be discerned, their
occurrence in other rock samples and drill core may suggest the nearby
presence of mineralized zones, and hence possible exploration targets. New
ore zones discovered could add to the reserves and mine life at Voisey’s
Bay. RDC’s investment is $50,000 of a total project cost of $77,200. This
includes a graduate-student stipend for a PhD student to continue his
research on parts of the Voisey’s Bay deposit. The research team includes:
Dr. Graham Layne (Memorial University), Florian Bulle (PhD student, Memorial
University), and Dawn Evans-Lamswood (Vale Inc.).
Alteration and mineralization of the Pope’s Hill rare earth element
deposit, Labrador; $73,830
This project will research rare earth element (REE) mineralization in the
Pope’s Hill area, on the Trans Labrador Highway, to the west of Happy
Valley-Goose Bay in south-central Labrador. Geological mapping will be
carried out with mineralized samples taken for analysis. This will identify
the REE-containing mineral phases and help define their relationship to the
host-rock formations, all significant guides for further exploration.
Important information will also be gathered on where, how and when the REEs
originated and were emplaced with potential implications for the rest of
Labrador. RDC’s investment is $73,830 of a total project cost of $154,230.
This includes support for a full-time M.Sc. student, both field and
laboratory work and a part-time PhD student applying his expertise in
isotope geochemistry to REE mineralization. The research team includes: Dr.
John M. Hanchar (Memorial University); Peter Dimmell and other field
personnel (Silver Spruce Resources Inc.); Alex N. Chafe (M.Sc. student,
Memorial University); Christopher M. Fisher (PhD student, Memorial
University), and Karalee McAskill (B.Sc. Honours student, Memorial
University).
Geoscience Research Tools and Equipment
This program element supports academic-led, industry-engaged projects where
new equipment is required to enhance R&D capacity and further exploration
and development opportunities.
Gravimeter for academic/industry research and training; $91,144.25
Funding is provided to acquire a gravimeter, a geophysical instrument that
measures perturbations in the Earth’s gravitational field caused by the
presence of rocks of various densities beneath the surface. The data,
gathered by exploration gravity surveys in the field, may help in the
detection of mineral deposits and petroleum-bearing structures. This
instrument will be used extensively for student research and training at
Memorial, as well as for collaborative projects with industry partners and
will be the only locally owned gravimeter in the province. RDC’s investment
is $91,144.25 of a total project cost of $108,994.25. The user group
includes: Dr. Alison Leitch (Memorial University); Dr. Colin Farquharson
(Memorial University); and others.
Portable XRF and Advanced Microscopy for Hydrothermal Alternation
Studies Related to Mineral Deposits; $100,000
Funding is provided for the acquisition of a portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF)
spectrometer that will permit ‘real time’ chemical analysis of rocks, soils,
minerals and ores in the field. Before being deployed for research purposes,
it will be tested and calibrated using several mineral prospects and
deposits. The portable XRF will be the only one of its type in the province,
and it should reduce exploration costs and risks by allowing for more rapid,
on-site exploration decisions. Researchers and students will be trained to
use this field-portable method, and collaborations will be enhanced with
mineral-industry partners. A low-magnification microscope and digital-camera
system will also be acquired. RDC’s investment in this research tool is
$100,000. The user group includes: Dr. Stephen Piercey (Memorial University)
and other faculty, students and industry collaborators. Testing of the
instrument is supported by: Dr. Jan Peter (Geological Survey of Canada);
David Copeland (Paragon Minerals); Terry Brace (Cornerstone Resources);
Larry Pilgrim (Rambler Metals and Mining Ltd.); Paul McNeill (Aurora
Energy); and Dr. Lawrence Winter (Altius Resources).
Expanded Capability for Fluid and Melt Inclusion Research: Infrared
Imaging System and High-T Microthermometric Stage; $47,490
Funding is provided to expand the capabilities of the fluid-inclusion
laboratory at Memorial University, allowing the study of microscopic
inclusions in minerals using infrared illumination, and permitting glassy
inclusions to be melted at twice the current temperature limit. The improved
melting capability will make glass inclusions readily characterizable under
the microscope; the infrared illumination will permit the study of
dark-coloured and metallic ore minerals. The new equipment will provide the
current facility with overall capabilities that are not available elsewhere
in Atlantic Canada, supporting research on a number of important minerals
with the potential for development of improved exploration models. RDC’s
investment is $47,490 of a total project cost of $54,501. The user group
includes: Dr. Graham Layne (Memorial University); Dr. Stephen Piercey
(Memorial University); Dr. Paul Sylvester (Memorial University); and Dr.
James Conliffe (Memorial University).
Collaborative Research Opportunities
This program element encourages local, national, and international
collaboration among academia, industry, and government researchers.
Detecting and quantifying baseline trace metal ion concentrations in
treated process water at the Long Harbour Processing Plant using calixarene-functionalized
cantilever sensors; $250,000
This project intends to design a real-time water-quality monitoring method.
The method will employ molecules uniquely designed by the researchers and
adapted to special sensors to detect specific metals in water at trace
levels. If successful, this will provide immediate detection should metals
exceed prescribed limits, allowing corrections to be made and deleterious
environmental impacts averted. RDC’s investment in this project also
supports hiring two new post-doctoral fellows and two graduate students.
RDC’s investment is $250,000 of a total project cost of $370,000. The
interdisciplinary research team in chemistry and physics includes: Dr. Paris
Georghiou (Memorial University); Dr. Luc Beaulieu (Memorial University); Dr.
Kurt Headrick (Vale Inc.); and Stephen Bennett (Vale Inc.).
2011 06 09 2:15 p.m.