MINREE - Magnetite as an Indicator mineral in REE deposits
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Stockholms universitet - Stockholms universitet Inst f geologiska vetenskaper |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 988 952 |
| Project duration | November 2024 - June 2025 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Metals & Minerals - Program-specific efforts Vinnova |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Feasibility studies within Technological Action Areas in the program Metals & Minerals |
Purpose and goal
This project investigates whether the mineral magnetite can be used as an indicator for REE mineralisation in the Bergslagen ore province, Sweden. The project will analyse the trace element and isotopic composition of magnetite from REE-mineralised areas in Bergslagen to test whether its composition can be used to trace stratigraphic position and be used as a vector towards REE mineralisation. The project will be carried out by partners Stockholm University and Nordic Iron Ore AB.
Expected effects and result
The study will evaluate whether the composition of magnetite can be used to 1) trace stratigraphic level in complex mineralised stratigraphy, and 2) indicate the relative position of REE mineralisation in a mineralised stratigraphy. The study will evaluate which compositional characteristic (trace element, Fe or O isotopic composition) is most powerful for these tasks. We expect the study to contribute to development of a new tool for vectoring towards REE mineralisation in Bergslagen.
Planned approach and implementation
The project consists of 3 work packages; 1) trace element analyses in Magnetite from Bastnäs and Utö, 2) Drill core petrography and magnetite trace element analyses from Blötberget and 3) Isotope analyses. Existing samples from Utö and Bastnäs will be used and new samples collected from Blötberget. The work will be carried out by the PI and students at Stockholm University. Trace element analyses will be carried out at Gothenburg University and isotope analyses at external laboratories.