Dr. Stefanie Brueckner
Assistant Professor of Economic Geology, University of Manitoba

Precious and critical metal deposits – Is there more to know?

Mineral deposits enriched in gold and/or critical metals have been highly sought after by the mining industry in recent years due to their wide application related to financial stability (gold) and low-carbon technologies (critical metals). We have made significant gains in our understanding of gold-bearing deposits in recent years. However, many open questions remain regarding the genesis of both gold- and critical metal-bearing deposits; especially the role of metamorphism and deformation on metal upgrading is poorly understood.

My research uses a combination of field methods, mineralogy and cutting-edge technologies to aid in addressing unresolved questions. This talk will use specific examples from precious and critical minerals deposits to showcase my research philosophy. Furthermore, it will provide examples of potential research collaborations in Central Canada that may help the local minerals industry in their exploration efforts.

 

Dr. Stefanie Brueckner is an assistant professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at University of Manitoba since January 2020. Before her appointment as Assistant Professor in Economic Geology, she was a Research Associate at Laurentian University (2018-2019) and a Lecturer at Auburn University (2016-2018). Stefanie graduated with a PhD from Memorial University of Newfoundland where she worked on a metamorphosed, gold-bearing volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit under the supervision of Dr Steve Piercey and Dr Paul Sylvester.

Stefanie’s research focuses on (metamorphosed) hydrothermal mineral deposits enriched in precious and/or critical metals. Her research combines macroscopic field data with microscopic observations and micro-analytical tools to determine ore mineralogy, chemistry and micro-structure, fluid conditions transporting and depositing metals, the source of metals, and the role of metamorphism and deformation on metal enrichment to constrain their genesis.