Project Description
Supervisors
Dr Andy Parsons, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth – contact me
Dr Michelle Harris, University of Plymouth
Dr Robin Shail, University of Exeter
Dr Catherine Mottram, University of Portsmouth
Scientific Background
The Cornubian Tin Province in SW Britain is a priority target of the UK Government’s Vision 2035: Critical Minerals Strategy[1], representing a unique combined source of critical metals (Li, Sn, W) and geothermal energy needed for the UK’s Net-Zero and Energy Security ambitions[2]. To achieve its potential, we must first understand how the region’s >300 Myr history of protracted deformation controls past-to-present fluid-flow and metal transport in the subsurface[2-3]. Whilst a generalised framework of deformation events is recognized, the influence of pre-existing structures on successive deformation, fluid-flow, and mineralization events is poorly understood, representing a fundamental knowledge gap and source of risk and uncertainty for mineral and geothermal exploration[3]. Working with key academic and industry partners, including Cornish Lithium, you will solve this structural problem, delivering the essential understanding to develop the Cornubian Tin Province into an environmentally responsible and economically sustainable source of critical metals and geothermal energy.
Research Methodology
To constrain how deformation history controls geothermal and mineral resources, you will integrate field-based analyses of outcrops representing analogues of critical metal-transporting geothermal systems with laboratory analyses of borehole samples and geophysics from active, subsurface, lithium-bearing geothermal systems:
- Fieldwork, including drone-based photogrammetry, will constrain 3D structural characteristics and deformation history from analogue outcrops.
- State-of-the-art electron microscopy and geochronology (SEM[4], LA-ICP-MS[5]) will constrain and cross-correlate sequences and timing of deformation events in outcrop and borehole samples, tying them to the wider deformation history.
- Integration of the above with borehole geophysics will reveal which structures and deformation events correlate with measured zones of high/low fluid-flow, to constrain their controls on active critical metal-transporting geothermal systems.
Training
We will train you in all analytical techniques to research and industry standards. This will include a 3-month CASE partnership placement at Cornish Lithium’s central office in Cornwall. You will develop essential transferable skills including data analysis and interpretation, science communication, and research management, suited to careers in academia and industry, particularly for the Energy Transition.
Person Specification
We seek motivated individuals interested in Earth Sciences with a desire to develop expertise in field-to-laboratory-based analytical techniques. Fieldwork can be adapted for candidates with accessibility requirements.
Acceptable first degree subject(s): 2:1 in an Earth Science related BSc programme