Deposit-scale vectoring and global basin fertility of sediment-hosted Cu-Co deposits via resistate mineral chemistry footprints

About the research project

Background and motivation

The exploration of sediment-hosted Cu-Co deposits remains a challenging task in the search for critical metals essential to the global energy transition. Traditional geochemical tools often fail to provide clear indicators of fertile zones, particularly in covered terrains or complex basins. Recent pilot studies demonstrated that mineral chemistry, especially in resistate minerals such as apatite, rutile, and tourmaline, offers a highly sensitive and direct means of detecting hydrothermal footprints and changes in chemistry along fluid pathways. However, this approach has not yet been systematically applied to sediment-hosted systems at deposit and basin scales. Developing reliable mineral chemistry-based vectoring tools will reduce exploration risk, improve predictive models for basin fertility, and ultimately support sustainable copper and cobalt supply for renewable technologies. This research addresses a critical knowledge gap via cutting-edge analytical and computational methods to deliver practical solutions for the mineral exploration industry.

Aims and objectives

This project aims to develop and validate mineral chemistry-based exploration tools for sediment-hosted Cu-Co deposits by characterising deposit-scale geochemical footprints and assessing their applicability for predicting basin-scale fertility.

To achieve this overarching aim this project will characterise deposit-scale mineralogical and geochemical signatures in key resistate minerals (apatite, rutile, tourmaline) and quantify spatial trends in hydrothermal fluid chemistry beyond ore zones to define vectoring potential. These findings will be integrated into predictive models for sedimentary basin-scale fertility assessment and to evaluate transferability of signatures to other basins across the world.

Data and methods

This project will involve selection and preparation of the extensive CODES sedimentary-hosted Cu drillcore and outcrop samples from mineralised and barren zones. Cutting-edge analytical techniques, such as, LA-ICP-MS for trace element and REE profiling; cathodoluminescence imaging and isotopic analysis for distinguishing contrasting (timing and provenance) mineral paragenesis. Geochemical data analysis methods, such as multivariate statistics, will be used to identify chemical fingerprints and model spatial geochemical gradients. It is expected that machine learning-based predictive basin fertility models will be explored and/or developed to aid geological interpretation and understanding across a number of sedimentary basins.

Expected deliverables

It is expected that this project will generate a geochemical atlas of resistate mineral signatures for sediment-hosted Cu-Co deposits, vectoring guidelines for exploration under cover and predictive models for basin-scale fertility ranking.

The successful applicant will be encouraged to publish their results in relevant academic journals and communicate methods, applications and findings via industry-focused technical reports and presentations. 

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Matthew Cracknell

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Background in economic geology, geochemistry or mineralogy
• Understanding of sedimentary basin geology and ore deposit models

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Knowledge of machine learning/data science for geoscience applications
• Competence in data analysis and statistics (Python/R preferred)
• Experience in sediment hosted mineral systems
• Fieldwork experience in sedimentary terrains
• Ability to collaborate with industry and multidisciplinary teams

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Matthew Cracknell to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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