Critical metals in zinc deposits (ZincedIn)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Luleå tekniska universitet - Luleå tekniska universitet Inst f samhällsbygg & naturresurser |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 970 843 |
| Project duration | October 2024 - June 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Metals & Minerals - Program-specific efforts Vinnova |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Feasibility studies within Technological Action Areas in the program Metals & Minerals |
Important results from the project
The project successfully developed a microanalytical workflow for characterizing Ga, Ge, and In in zinc deposits, from drill core to microscale. Several previously unknown occurrences with relatively high Ga and Ge concentrations were identified, all geologically young vein and breccia deposits with high complexity. XCT/XRF scanning of drill core is effective for recognizing Ga/Ge-bearing mineralization and mapping host mineral distribution in 3D.
Expected long term effects
The results are expected to spark renewed scientific and renewed exploration interest in the Zinc deposits in the Storuman–Lycksele area. Earlier exploration overlooked the high Ga and Ge content in sphalerite. Findings support the hypothesis of a younger, geologically complex mineral system with unusually Ga and Ge-rich sphalerite. The advanced methods that have been utilized are valuable for future exploration and research.
Approach and implementation
The project was carried out through a number of workshops, sampling of drill core in Boliden and Malå, sample preparation and analysis using and characterisation in several different laboratories. Part of the work was organised as an MSc thesis in exploration. The results from these formed the basis for the WP which investigated metallurgical implications and sensor technology. A scanning campaign using XCT/XRF was carried out on a drill core to serve as basis for assessment of implementation.