We are seeking applications for an exciting new PhD project “Tracing glacially transported rare metals from sink to source in the Bolivian Andes” at the University of Brighton.
Project in brief: Greenhouse gases warm the planet, threatening the stability of society and the biosphere. Emerging sustainable technologies require rare metals e.g. Lithium (electric car batteries), Tellurium (solar panels), REE (magnets). However, the host minerals are difficult to find. One solution is to identify host minerals in glacial deposits (sink) and trace them back to their source. Bolivia has large deposits of tin and silver - both associated with rare metals. New discoveries could significantly boost local economies through sustainable technological developments.
Aim: trace glacially transported rare metals from sink to source in the Bolivian Andes through three steps: (1) reconstruct former ice masses using glacial geomorphology (field observations, remote-sensing, GIS); (2) collect geological samples to constrain timing of glacial advances/retreats (cosmogenic dating) and determine the distribution of rare metals in glacial deposits (microscopy, mineral separation, XRD, SEM); (3) numerically model glacier behaviour (building upon Deplete and Retreat £2.5M NERC project, University of Sheffield) back to 21,000 years ago. These three steps will be combined into a model-data framework to trace mineral sinks back to the sources via glacial flow transport pathways.
Supervisors: Dr Lorna Linch, Dr Jeremy Ely, Dr Danni Pearce, Prof David Nash
Collaborators: Prof Martin Smith
Contact:
Following a competitive process, successful applicants will be fully funded by the University of Brighton.
DEADLINE: 29th Feb 2024 16.00 GMT.