The National Science Foundation awarded a $342,692 Project Grant under the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050) to the Regents of the University of Michigan to develop new exploration methods to discover copper and nickel mineral deposits in the United States. The 2-year academic-industry collaborative project aims to test the hypothesis that the ratio of copper isotopes in ground and surface waters can provide a vector towards nearby copper-nickel-sulfide ore bodies. Researchers from the University of Michigan and Juniata College, along with industry partners, will conduct field work in Minnesota and Michigan to collect water samples, analyze ore compositions, and study hydrogeological systems. The research is expected to produce new methods to search for and discover critical mineral resources essential for renewable energy and electric vehicle technologies. Juniata College is a sub-awardee that will assist with field sample collection and preparation.
Generated 1/28/25, 8:50 AM