Mineral deposits in igneous provinces

Greenland hosts several igneous provinces that are attractive for mineral exploration. The rift-related Gardar Province in South Greenland, and the North Atlantic Igneous Province in central West and East Greenland are just two examples where GEUS is currently working.

North Atlantic Igneous Provinces

Igneous provinces host a wide range of commodites. In large igneous provinces, such as the North Atlantic Igneous Provinces, basaltic rocks can host Ni-Cu, PGE (platinum group elements) and Au contact ores or reef-type deposts, and evolved syenitic and granitic complexes can host economic deposits of metals such as molybdenum, lead, gold, silver and rare-earth elements.

South Greenland

In South Greenland, evolved syenitic intrusions and complexes are currently being explored for metals such as rare-earth elements, zirconium, tantalum, niobium, uranium and phosphorous, which are important for a low-carbon, hi-tech economy, whereas more primitive gabbros are being targeted for iron, titanium and vanadium.

GEUS' work on igneous provinces is varied, ranging from detailed mineralogical investigations on parts of igneous bodies, to regional-scale studies of province architecture and mineralising systems. 

Geologist (Thomas Kokfelt) working on Kap Gustav Holm intrusive complex, East Greenland

 

Diogo Rosa
Senior Researcher
Mapping and Mineral Resources