Learning how magmas can form ores: from rocks to analogue lab experiments

Working package 1 of the SEMACRET project is studying the ore formation processes, which is a fundamental layer for exploration.

Recently, researchers from CNRS and Oulu Mining School, Ville J. Virtanen, Marko Moilanen, Shenghong Yang visited Sakatti to collect drill cores for high temperature experimental study with the guide of Henri Höytiä from AA Sakatti Mining Oy. There was very good preparation work by the group in advance with sufficient discussion and modelling, and the sampling work was efficient.

Thanks to the great knowledge of Henri on the giant deposit, there were a lot of drill cores with interesting textures observed, and fruitful discussions on both the petrogenesis and ore-formation processes. The rocks were probably formed from exceptionally hot eruptions about two billion years ago. These solidified lavas will become once again molten as they will be heated in laboratory experiments. The high temperature experimental study will be carried out in the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS, France) in the research group of Giada Iacono-Marziano.

Hopefully, the study will shed some light on the ore-formation processes, which will be also helpful for exploration. Thanks for AA Sakatti Mining Oy for hosting the trip, and Palsatech for excellent services during sampling.