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Novel Methods and Applications for Mineral Exploration, Volume III
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Novel Methods and Applications for Mineral Exploration, Volume III

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Exploration Methods and Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 July 2025 | Viewed by 955

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Paul Alexandre

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Geology, Brandon University, John R. Brodie Science Centre, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 6A9, Canada
Interests: mineral chemistry; ore mineralogy; sulfide minerals; metallogeny; geochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The first two volumes of the Special Issue of Minerals, "Novel Methods and Applications for Mineral Exploration", were very successful, mostly due to providing a pertinent insight into the current state of mineral exploration, the latest technological developments in the field, and into the future directions exploration methodology might take. It can be observed that the main avenues of progress in mineral exploration are the availability of novel computing capabilities (e.g., machine learning, artificial intelligence, “big data”), which mostly benefit geophysics, and novel analytical methodologies (e.g., laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, increased portability, and automation of data collection and interpretation; Alexandre 2023).

Given the current extraordinary acceleration in the development of exploration theory and practice, driven no doubt by the continuously increasing demand for critical minerals, there is an evident need for another instalment of this Special Issue. In order to capture the latest, most exciting, and most significant developments in the field of mineral exploration, we invite submissions to a third volume on this topic. We will welcome pertinent and thought-provoking manuscripts that cover the broadest range of technological and theoretical developments in mineral exploration, including, but not limited to, geophysics, geochemistry, and computational technology. Manuscripts covering an extensive array of deposit types, commodities, and geographic regions will be considered.

Dr. Paul Alexandre
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • mineral exploration
  • economic geology
  • exploration methodology
  • geochemical exploration
  • geophysical exploration
  • novel exploration techniques
  • modern exploration techniques

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 13891 KiB  
Article
Fertility of Gabbroic Intrusions in the Paleoproterozoic Lynn Lake Greenstone Belt, Manitoba, Canada: Insights from Field Relationships, Geochemical and Metallogenic Characteristics
by Xue-Ming Yang
Minerals 2025, 15(5), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15050448 - 26 Apr 2025
Viewed by 86
Abstract
Magmatic nickel–copper–platinum group element (PGE) deposits hosted in mafic–ultramafic intrusions within volcanic arc systems are highly attractive targets for mineral exploration, yet their genesis remains poorly understood. This study investigates metagabbroic intrusions in the Paleoproterozoic Lynn Lake greenstone belt of the Trans-Hudson Orogen [...] Read more.
Magmatic nickel–copper–platinum group element (PGE) deposits hosted in mafic–ultramafic intrusions within volcanic arc systems are highly attractive targets for mineral exploration, yet their genesis remains poorly understood. This study investigates metagabbroic intrusions in the Paleoproterozoic Lynn Lake greenstone belt of the Trans-Hudson Orogen to identify the key factors, in the original gabbros, that control the formation of magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE deposits in volcanic arc systems. By examining the field relationships, geochemical and sulfur and oxygen stable isotope compositions, mineralogy, and structural fabrics, this study aims to explain why some intrusions host mineralization (e.g., Lynn Lake and Fraser Lake intrusions), whereas others remain barren (e.g., Ralph Lake, Cartwright Lake, and Snake Lake intrusions). Although both the fertile and barren gabbroic, likewise original, intrusions exhibit metaluminous, tholeiitic to calc-alkaline affinity with volcanic arc geochemical signatures, they differ significantly in shape, ranging from vertical and tube-like to tabular forms, reflecting distinct geological settings and magma dynamics. The gabbroic rocks of fertile intrusions exhibit erratic trace element profiles, lower (Nb/Th)N and higher (Cu/Zr)N ratios, as well as a larger range of δ34S values than those in barren intrusions. Key factors influencing Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization include the degree of partial melting of the mantle, early sulfide segregation, and crustal contamination, particularly from volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits. These processes likely triggered sulfide saturation in the mafic magmas. Geochemical proxies, such as PGE concentrations and sulfur and oxygen stable isotopes, provide critical insights into these controlling factors. The results of this study enhance our understanding of the metallogenic processes responsible for the formation of magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE deposits in the gabbroic intrusions emplaced in an extensional setting due to slab rollback, during the geological evolution of the Lynn Lake greenstone belt, offering valuable guidance for mineral exploration efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Methods and Applications for Mineral Exploration, Volume III)
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13 pages, 33523 KiB  
Article
Mapping Sulphide Mineralization in the Hawiah Area Using Transient Electromagnetic Methods
by Panagiotis Kirmizakis, Abid Khogali, Konstantinos Chavanidis, Timothy Eatwell, Tomos Bryan and Pantelis Soupios
Minerals 2025, 15(2), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15020186 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 502
Abstract
The Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS) hosts numerous volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits formed in submarine volcanic settings and enriched by hydrothermal processes, making it a critical region for mineral exploration due to the types of deposits it hosts and its geological complexity. The Wadi [...] Read more.
The Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS) hosts numerous volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits formed in submarine volcanic settings and enriched by hydrothermal processes, making it a critical region for mineral exploration due to the types of deposits it hosts and its geological complexity. The Wadi Bidah Mineral Belt (WBMB), located within the Arabian Shield, contains over 30 polymetallic VMS occurrences associated with an island arc system active between 950 and 800 million years ago. Despite its mineral potential, the WBMB still needs to be explored, with limited geophysical studies to support resource evaluation. This study focuses on the Hawiah area, a prominent VMS site within the WBMB, to delineate subsurface mineralization using transient electromagnetic (TEM) methods. TEM surveys were conducted to characterize the conductivity structure and identify potential zones of sulphide mineralization. Data were processed and inverted to generate 1D, 2D, and 3D resistivity models, providing critical insights into the depth, geometry, and continuity of the mineralized zones based on the final 3D resistivity distribution. The results revealed distinct conductive (very low resistivity) anomalies, correlating with known surface gossans and inferred sulphide-rich layers, and extended these features into the subsurface. The integration of TEM results with geological and geochemical data highlights the effectiveness of this approach in detecting and mapping concealed mineral deposits in complex geological environments. This study advances the understanding of VMS systems in the WBMB and demonstrates the potential of TEM surveys as a key tool for mineral exploration in the Arabian Shield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Methods and Applications for Mineral Exploration, Volume III)
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