Biography
Helen Twigg is a PhD researcher in the iCRAG raw materials spoke. Helen graduated from University of Leeds with a MGeol in Geology in 2005. She then worked as a Geologist in gold and base metal exploration in West and Central Africa before completing a MS in Geological Science at Colorado School of Mines.
Sedimentary basins contain economic concentrations of critical elements required in the transition from hydrocarbon to renewable energy-based technology. My research combines deposit scale mineral system modelling with regional and district scale basin development models. Integrating these different approaches allows identification of points in time and space where the ideal conditions for metal accumulation occurs. The research will add to scientific understanding of mineral systems in the Central African Copperbelt and assist industry with exploration strategies.
Technical description
This research project will provide a basin evolution history of the Kipushi-Kalindi area of the Central African Copperbelt, a Neoproterozoic mixed carbonate-evaporite-clastic meta-sedimentary basin which hosts significant deposits of copper and cobalt, lead, zinc, uranium and gold.
The formation of varied mineral deposits types throughout the history of the basin will be investigated using district scale facies mapping and structural interpretation of high resolution aerial magnetic surveys, combined with deposit scale paragenesis studies and isotope analysis. The role of salt beds in the formation of the mineral deposits will be investigated.
The creation of the combined geological model using restoration methods, will allow identification and importance of the multiple factors which control base metal mineral deposition. The outcome of this study will be a characterisation of trap sites and resulting deposit types at different points of basin history.
Role
- Postgraduate Researcher
Institution
- UCD
Research Area
- Supply of Raw Materials
Expertise
- Economic Geology, 3D modelling, Copper Deposits, Mapping, Raw Materials, Sedimentary Basins
