Abstract
Certain metals that are vital for many modern technologies occur naturally in the MourneMountains Complex of County Down, Northern Ireland. These include niobium, tantalumand the rare earth elements. Using the Tellus geochemistry data and the results ofmore detailed sampling, we have investigated their geological sources in granite bedrockand their dispersion in stream sediments. From this research, an exploration methodologyhas emerged that can assist in the search for critical metals globally. Planned follow-onstudies include investigations of the environmental fate of these metals and the potentiallytoxic elements with which they are naturally associated.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Unearthed: impacts of the Tellus surveys of the north of Ireland |
Editors | M.E. Young |
Place of Publication | Dublin, Ireland |
Publisher | Royal Irish Academy |
Pages | 119-128 |
Number of pages | 10 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781908996879 |
Publication status | Published - 5 Oct 2016 |
Keywords
- critical metals
- rare earth elements
- granite-associated mineralisation
- mineral exploration
- Tellus survey
- Mourne Mountains
- Northern Ireland