Trace element and halogen analysis (Cl, Br, I) in fluid inclusions by LA-ICP-MS and its application in ore deposit research

About the research project

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) offers the possibility of analysing individual fluid inclusions and directly determining concentrations of metals such as Cu, Zn, Pb and other trace elements. Fluid inclusions trapped in different minerals can provide a vast information on fluid composition for a variety of deposit types. Their trace element and halogen compositions provide a largely underutilised provenance fingerprint. Sediment-hosted copper deposits represent some of the world's largest copper resources and are commonly interpreted to form through basin-scale circulation of saline fluids that leach metals from sedimentary and/or basement rocks and subsequently precipitate Cu-bearing minerals where these fluids encounter favourable chemical traps. Identifying the ultimate sources of the sediment, metals and saline fluids is therefore fundamental to understanding the development of fertile sedimentary basins and to improving exploration models for sediment-hosted Cu mineralisation. Halogens are particularly important in sediment-hosted Cu systems because chloride-rich brines are the principal transport medium for Cu and many associated metals. Ratios involving Cl, Br and potentially I can also provide information on the origin of salinity, including interaction with evaporites, seawater-derived fluids, formation waters and basement lithologies. Nevertheless, halogens are rarely analysed together with trace metals in individual fluid inclusions.  

This PhD project will address this challenge by developing method for analyses of compositions of fluid inclusions and apply it to understand fluid sources, fluid evolution and metal transport in sediment-hosted Cu deposits. The project is based at the Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences (CODES) at the University of Tasmania and is part of a new multi-partner, industry research project investigating sediment-hosted ore deposits globally. This project will fund 50% of the research costs, while other 50% related to method development will be funded by CODES Analytical Laboratories. 

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Ivan Belousov

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 relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• 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:

Applicants must demonstrate:

• An Honours or MSc degree in geology, geoscience, or a closely related discipline
• Background in mineralogy, geochemistry, or ore deposit geology
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills in English
• Willingness to undertake fieldwork and laboratory-based research

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

The following skills will be advantageous:

• Experience with analytical techniques (e.g. LA‑ICP‑MS, EPMA, SEM)
• Familiarity with sediment-hosted copper or basin-scale mineral systems
• Experience working with large or legacy geoscientific datasets
• Interest in applied, industry-facing research
• Basic skills in data analysis, statistics, or geospatial workflows

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Ivan Belousov 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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