EAST TENNESSEE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

October 2008 Meeting


Monday, October 13, 2008
6:00 - 7:30 pm

Pellissippi State Technical Community College
10915 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville
J.L. Goins Administration Building, Cafeteria Annex

OCTOBER PRESENTATION

Sudbury Ore Deposits and their Origins

Jennifer Earles
M.S. Candidate
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky

Abstract

The 1.85-billion-year-old Sudbury Structure (an impact crater or astrobleme) plays a significant role in the economic development of the Sudbury District in Ontario, Canada. Discovered in the late 1800s, it has generated more than 260 billion dollars' worth of metal and is one of the two largest producers of nickel in the world. Mining in the Sudbury region focuses on nickel-copper-PGE (Platinum Group Element) deposits. More than 200 such deposits have been found, over 70 of which have been mined in the past century. Prospecting in recent years has turned to locating copper-PGE vein deposits. Research indicates a correlation between the unique impact processes and the numerous ore deposits found at impact sites, such as those of the Sudbury Structure.


 

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