Advanced Geochemical and Indicator Mineral Techniques for Mineral Exploration in Glaciated Terrains: Insights from Pyrite and Goethite Trace Element Studies in Northern Finland
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Topic of the dissertation
Advanced Geochemical and Indicator Mineral Techniques for Mineral Exploration in Glaciated Terrains: Insights from Pyrite and Goethite Trace Element Studies in Northern Finland
Doctoral candidate
Master of Science Atte Taivalkoski
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Technology, Oulu Mining School
Subject of study
Geology
Opponent
Professor Esa Heilimo, University of Turku
Custos
Professor Pertti Sarala, University of Oulu
Evaluation of the usability of pyrite grains in till for mineral exploration
The doctoral dissertation examines the significance and application of advanced geochemical and indicator mineral techniques in mineral exploration in glaciated regions, such as Finnish Lapland. In this study the trace element compositions of pyrite grains and their oxidized forms (e.g., goethite) collected from till (the most common surficial deposit in Finland, formed by glaciers) and weathered bedrock were analyzed, aiming to identify the origin of the Au mineralization in bedrock.
The results show that detrital pyrite grains in till can preserve the original trace-element signature of mineralized pyrite, enhancing and improving the use of indicator minerals in mineral exploration. The research utilized, in addition to traditional indicator mineral concentration techniques, FE-SEM+EDS and LA-MC-ICP-MS analytical methods for identifying minerals and determining element concentrations, as well as statistical tools for processing and analyzing large datasets. Furthermore, the usability of those techniques in indicator mineral studies was evaluated. The findings of this study show that existing, old sample materials can be reused and thus contribute to environmentally friendly mineral exploration, particularly in Arctic and ecologically sensitive areas.
The results show that detrital pyrite grains in till can preserve the original trace-element signature of mineralized pyrite, enhancing and improving the use of indicator minerals in mineral exploration. The research utilized, in addition to traditional indicator mineral concentration techniques, FE-SEM+EDS and LA-MC-ICP-MS analytical methods for identifying minerals and determining element concentrations, as well as statistical tools for processing and analyzing large datasets. Furthermore, the usability of those techniques in indicator mineral studies was evaluated. The findings of this study show that existing, old sample materials can be reused and thus contribute to environmentally friendly mineral exploration, particularly in Arctic and ecologically sensitive areas.
Last updated: 28.2.2025