3D hydrothermal alteration and structural modeling of critical mineral deposits in the Mantiqueira Province

• Grant number: 25/01846-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geology
• Principal Investigator: Saulo Batista de Oliveira
• Grantee: Saulo Batista de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências (IGC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Alison Piasecki ; Caetano Juliani ; Camila Duelis Viana ; Felipe Brito Mapa ; Frederico Meira Faleiros ; Marco Antonio Couto Jr ; Mauricio Pavan Silva ; Nelson Ricardo Coelho Flores Zuniga

Abstract

This research project aims to generate 3D geological models for critical mineral deposits in the Mantiqueira Province, located in southern and southeastern Brazil. The concept of critical minerals, essential for the energy transition and with high supply risk, is a growing topic due to its economic and geopolitical importance. Minerals such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), tungsten (W), and uranium (U) are highlighted for their applications in renewable energy technologies and other sectors. The focus of the study is on critical mineral deposits, with an emphasis on three main areas of the Mantiqueira Province: Vale do Ribeira, Sul-Rio-Grandense Shield, and Lagoa Real. The project aims to better understand the hydrothermal alterations and structural controls that influence these deposits, using implicit three-dimensional (3D) geological models, an innovative approach that has not yet been applied in these contexts. The goal is to provide a solid foundation for mineral exploration at deposit and district scales and contribute to the evolution of genesis models for these deposits. The methodology includes the integration of drilling data, chemical analyses, lithology, and hydrothermal alterations to build 3D models, identifying potential extensions of deposits and new exploration areas, contributing to the development of the mining sector in Brazil. Expected results include the generation of exploration models that will assist in critical mineral research, supporting the discovery of new deposits, and providing insights into the genesis of existing deposits, with a significant impact on the mining industry and the search for resources essential for the global energy transition and other priority technological sectors. (AU)