Geochronology and trace element geochemistry of zircon from Cambodia: Implications for exploration targeting
Rio Tinto Exploration1 Apr 2025 - 30 Dec 2025
People funded by this grant:
Makoundi C,
Zaw K,
Meffre S
Project Total: $108,338; Cambodia is endowed with many mineralized belts including the Truong Son Fold Belt (TSFB), Loei Fold Belt (LFB), and Dalat-Kratie Belt (DKB), consisting of abundant base metal and precious deposits that are associated with plutonic, volcanic, and metamorphic rocks. This project will be based on zircon separated from samples collected during the SE Asia Ore Deposit Projects (20082011 and 20112014), as well as zircon samples provided by Japanese projects and those from JICA-CODES collaborations covering most of Cambodia. Additional samples will be added to the project. The following are the aims of the research program:
To carry out a geochemical investigation by focusing on zircon age and trace element chemistry.To constrain the ages of magmatic events.To determine the likely prospective areas for copper-gold mineralisation.To investigate the petrogenesis of the magmatic and volcanic rocks from known deposits and prospective sites, in selected areas in Cambodia by utilising the trace element chemistry of zircon and key chemical ratios (e.g., Eu/Eu*, (Ce/Nd)/Yb, Gd/Yb and Hf). This approach will help compare mineralized versus barren magmas to identify which intrusions are fertile for Cu-Au porphyry deposits.
The outcomes of the project are the following:
To produce a dataset of zircon trace element geochemistry.To generate a dataset of zircon U-Pb dating highlighting different magmatic events.To determine the fertile areas for porphyry and epithermal Cu-Au deposits. Funded by: Rio Tinto Exploration ($108,338); University of Tasmania.
CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
Ore deposit geochronology, pyrite chemistry, and drill targeting in Laos
1 Jan 2023 - 15 Feb 2024
People funded by this grant:
Zaw K,
Makoundi C,
Meffre S
Project Total: $20,859; This proposed program will analyse U-Pb LA ICP-MS ages and pyrite geochemistry to determine the genesis of the ore deposits in Laos for exploration model and the selection and drill targeting focussing on orogenic gold deposits and copper-gold porphyry/skarn deposits and Ni deposits. Samples will be provided by Mr. David Meade and will be analysed at the University of Tasmania. Specific research questions that will be addressed are:
Within gold-bearing ore samples from the deposits and host rocks:
o To determine the timing of mineralization and metamorphic and magmatic history of the deposits?
o To use pyrite chemistry for mineral exploration?
o To apply the zircon age and chemistry to select drill targets Funded by: Lane Xang Minerals Limited ($20,859); University of Tasmania.
