TECTONiSM – Tectonic controls on Ni-Cu-(PGE) mineral systems

TECTONiSM is a research and innovation project that investigates how bedrock structures and deformation govern the formation, modification, and preservation of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and PGE mineralisations in northern Sweden. The project integrates geological mapping, drill-core imaging, and microanalysis to develop an integrated conceptual model of the processes that influence ore potential in mafic intrusions.

Background

Electrification, battery technology, and the green transition require reliable access to critical metals such as Cu, Ni, and PGE. Sweden hosts geologically promising intrusive systems that remain insufficiently explored, particularly regarding their structural evolution and how tectonic processes have affected the distribution and preservation of mineralisation. To assess Sweden’s actual raw-material potential, new knowledge is needed on the relationships between magmatic processes, geological structures, and superimposed deformation.

Purpose

The project aims to develop an advanced understanding of how deformation and structural evolution influence the occurrence, reworking, and preservation of Cu–Ni–PGE mineralisations in mafic intrusions, and to develop methods that can support future exploration.

Objectives

The project will:

• Establish an improved geological understanding of areas with Cu–Ni–PGE potential.
• Generate and compile new data from field-based geological mapping and drill-core studies, drill-core imaging (XCT–XRF), and microanalysis of minerals and textures.
• Develop an integrated conceptual model of the processes controlling ore formation and preservation in mafic rocks.
• Provide knowledge and methods that can be used by both industry and the research community.
• Disseminate results broadly to relevant societal stakeholders.

Implementation

The project integrates:

• Regional and local structural geology to define bedrock architecture and the role of deformation.
• Detailed drill-core logging and high-resolution XCT–XRF imaging to identify structures, textures, and elemental distributions.
• Microanalysis of minerals and deformation textures to understand how geological processes have affected metal distribution and mineralisation development.
• Integrated conceptual modelling, combining data from multiple scales and methods into a coherent understanding of the mineralising system.

Project Partners

• Luleå University of Technology – Project leader; responsible for structural geology, analysis, and modelling.
• Boliden AB – Industry partner; contributes drill cores, study sites, and validation.
• Orexplore Systems AB – Technology partner; provides the GeoCore X10 scanner and develops analysis algorithms.

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