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Update Mineral Deposit Models

Task Objectives

A first-order problem in mineral-resource assessments is how to integrate geology, geochemistry, geophysics, exploration history, and known deposits and occurrences. Mineral-deposit models based on specific deposit types are a powerful tool to accomplish this integration. To effect quantitative assessments of undiscovered mineral resources, quantified up-to-date mineral-deposit models are needed because the grades and tonnages of most deposit types are significantly different, types occur in different settings identifiable from geologic maps, models allow economic analysis, and quantified models significantly reduce uncertainties in resource amounts, values, and locations. Well-designed and well-constructed deposit models allow geologists to know from observed geologic environments the possible mineral-deposit types that might exist and allow economists to determine the possible economic viability of these resources in regional, national, and global contexts.

The principal objective of this Task is to produce state-of-the art mineral-deposit models that meet the needs of quantitative regional, national, and global assessments.

Statement of Work

During this year, the Task will begin two principal activities that will culminate with completion of a composite volume to be published by the USGS before the end of Fiscal Year 2011. The first activity involves preparation of a set of thematic papers that are to serve as a context for a set of updated mineral-deposit models, also to be included in the models volume. The first activity will include preparation of introductory text concerning the models and their use in quantitative mineral-resource assessments. This effort will also include preparation of a set of thematic papers concerning the tectonic/geologic context of the modeled mineral deposit types. During this year, research and writing on the following chapters will begin:

1. Forearc and accreted terranes,
2. Subaerial magmatic arcs and backarcs,
3. Marine arcs, backarcs, and spreading ridges,
4. Passive margins and continental cratonic cores,
5. The evolution of sedimentary basins,
6. Secular variation in mineral-deposit-forming processes.

The second activity pertains to writing specific mineral deposit models. Deposit types to be modeled beginning this year include epithermal Au-Ag-base-metal deposits, porphyry-style Cu (-Au, -Mo) and Mo deposits, epithermal Hg deposits, orogenic Au, Sb, and Hg deposits, sedimentary-rock-hosted Pb-Zn deposits, volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, PGE deposits, Fe and ferroalloy deposits, uranium, industrial and clay deposits. Pending availability of modelers, other deposit types for which mineral deposit models will be prepared include structural and building materials, metallugical and refractory materials, Fe oxide-Cu-Au deposits, and base- and precious metal skarn deposits.

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