CSM in the Grenville: Discoveries and Progress in Understanding their Enrichment Process (Case of Copper, Nb-REE and Graphite Mineralization)

Metasedimentary sequences of the Grenville Province have significant potential for a variety of critical and strategic mineral deposits, including graphite, high-purity silica, copper, and zinc. Many of these mineralizations are syngenetic, meaning that they formed contemporaneously with their host rocks. Therefore, understanding the geological environments in which these metasedimentary sequences developed is essential for explaining and predicting the distribution of critical and strategic mineral deposits.

However, the metamorphism and deformation associated with the multiple orogenic events that affected the Grenville Province have greatly complicated the interpretation of these rock successions. Across the province, the original sedimentary rocks are primarily preserved as discontinuous and tectonically dismembered fragments, which may have experienced distinct metamorphic histories. Current classifications of these sequences rely on a limited number of geochronological constraints and are based largely on lithological characteristics and metamorphic grade.

Recent work conducted by our research group has highlighted the limitations of this approach and underscores the need for a comprehensive reassessment of the subdivision of metasedimentary sequences. Such a re-evaluation is essential to improve our understanding of their geological evolution and to enhance the exploration and development of the critical and strategic mineral resources they contain.