Name Surname
Deciphering the genesis of critical ore deposits in the Bushveld Layered Intrusions: New insights from multimodal petrologic mapping and data fusion modelling
Main Supervisor: Prof. Maurizio Petrelli (University of Perugia)
Co-Supervisors: Jeannette Meima (BGR), Efstratios Gavves (University of Amsterdam)
Objectives
The project aims to establish novel multimodal data acquisition protocols and develop data fusion modelling techniques for the large amount of data that can be generated with complementary analytical methods such as Hyper-Spectral Imaging (HSI), Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF). The integration with additional modalities will be also explored. The investigation will concentrate on magmatic rocks collected along cores from the Bushveld layered intrusion by focusing on mono-mineralic ore layers such as chomitites (source of Cr, Pt and Pt group elements) and magnetitites (source of Fe and V). The ultimate goal is the development of new strategies to determine genetic origins and emplacement conditions.
Epected Results
- The establishment of refined and automated workflows dedicated to the efficient and exhaustive acquisition of multimodal data in petrological applications;
- The development of robust data fusion protocols, integrating machine learning models based on data-driven and physics-informed approaches;
- A substantial improvement of our knowledge of the genetic formation and emplacement mechanisms for mono-mineralic ore layers within the Bushveld complex, contributing to critical advancements in the fields of mineral exploration, mining, and economic geology.