MINREE - Magnetite as an Indicator mineral in REE deposits

Important results from the project

Results show that magnetite can be used to better understand the formation of REE mineral deposits. The combination of trace elements and Fe and O isotope data in magnetite can be used to distinguish between types of REE deposit and to understand how these deposits formed such as the temperature of formation and sources of mineralising fluids. Combined in-situ analytical methods for trace elements and isotopes improves the applicability of these tools in understanding REE mineral deposits.

Expected long term effects

The project worked to combine and integrate in-situ analytical methods for trace elements and isotopes. This will provide great power in using mwagnetite as an indicator mineral by correlating these different data styles in the same samples with the same methods that have so far been separate.

Approach and implementation

The project was delayed partly because we needed to add the method development aspect and also because we did not get instrument time when we originally wanted. Applying for an extension of the project went well. Otherwise, the project has worked very well and the students involved have been impressive in their work.