pmd*CRC 40Ar/39Ar Geochronology and Halogen/Noble Gas Geochemistry of Mineralising Systems H4 Project. Final Project Report

The principal objective of the H4 Project was to evaluate existing techniques and develop new enabling technologies in geochronology and isotope geoscience to significantly improve our ability to constrain the timing of ore formation and, therefore, expand predictive capabilities.

A fundamental goal was the evaluation of existing dating methods and interpretations, particularly with respect to gold deposits in low grade terrains, and to investigate potential new dating methods such as 40Ar/39Ar laser probe analyses of mica-bearing pyrite linked to gold mineralisation. A second major goal of the H4 project was to initiate development of halogen/noble gas geochemistry technology and expertise within the pmd *CRC to enable this unique geochemical method to be applied to ore deposits in the flagship terrains in the second stage programme of pmd *CRC.