The evolution of lithospheric domains: A new framework to enhance mineral exploration targeting

Abstract

A new approach to global exploration targeting is essential for the discovery of new world-class ore deposits. Understanding the lithosphere-scale context of resource formation and location may provide the next step-change in enhancing exploration success. Knowledge of the nature of trans-lithospheric structure and discontinuities and the delineation of deep lithospheric domains with fundamentally different composition, architecture and evolution is providing a new framework for exploration. This enhances understanding and prediction of the location of ore-deposits derived from a variety of deep lithospheric processes including mantle-derived magmatic and fluid flow (and associated thermal transfer) and deep crustal reworking and partial melting. Relevant resource deposits include Ni-PGE, Cu, Au and diamonds, while these methods also reveal important parameters about basin formation that are potentially important for oil and gas occurrence.