Understanding the critical metal potential of the great basin west VMS focusarea, nevadaproject period: 1ST july 2024 30TH june 2027THIS project will investigate the volcanogenic magmatic sulfide…

This $329,727 Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (CFDA 15.073) will support a 3-year research project at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) to investigate volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits in the Great Basin West VMS Focus Area of northwestern Nevada. The project will involve detailed geological mapping, sampling, and characterization of the mineralogy and critical metal potential of these VMS deposits. Key deliverables include 1:10,000 to 1:5,000 scale geological maps, a compilation of existing geochemical and geological data, and whole-rock geochemical, mineralogical, and in-situ geochemical data to determine the critical metal exploration and extraction potential of the deposits in this region. There are no known sub-recipients for this award.

Understanding the critical metal potential of the great basin west VMS focusarea, nevadaproject period: 1ST july 2024 30TH june 2027THIS project will investigate the volcanogenic magmatic sulfide deposits of the USGS earthmri great basin west VMS focus area. These deposits are poorly understood but may havesignificant critical metal production potential. The study area is located within northwesternnevada and the research to be undertaken will characterize the deposits and theirmineralization, including geological mapping around areas of mineralization andcharacterization of their mineralogy and critical metal potential. The activities to be performedinclude fieldwork such as geological mapping and sampling, whole-rock geochemical analysis, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron probe microanalysis. Thedeliverables will include detailed (1:10,000 to 1:5,000 or larger scale) geological mappingaround volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits and prospects within the focus area, acompilation of extant geochemical and geological data for the mapped areas and the widerfocus area, and whole-rock geochemical, mineralogical, and in situ geochemical data for vmsdeposits and prospects within the focus area. The latter will include a determination of thenature and extent of critical metal exploration and extraction potential from the deposits in thisregion. The intended beneficiary of this funding is the university of nevada reno, and thereare no currently known subrecipient activities.