FINSTRONG – Advancing in situ Rb-Sr dating for ore systems using novel mass spectrometry

Introduction

FINSTRONG Tulanet project develops next-generation in situ Rb-Sr geochronology methods for determining the age and evolution of mineral deposits using advanced mass spectrometry infrastructure available at the research laboratory at the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK). The project leverages on newly installed multi-collector ICP-MS/MS, ICP-TOF-MS/MS and a femtosecond laser ablation system to improve the precision, spatial resolution of Rb-Sr dating and to expand the applicability to new minerals.

The main objective is to establish metrologically validated analytical protocols that enable in situ dating of minerals and geological processes that are difficult or impossible to date with conventional triple quadrupole techniques. The project will investigate the fundamental behaviour of laser ablation and MS/MS analysis, develop new reference materials, and validate the Rb-Sr methods through comparison with established laboratory techniques.

To demonstrate the value of the new approaches, FINSTRONG will apply the methods to Finnish ore deposits and critical raw material systems, e.g. Au-Co, U, REE or Li-related mineralization. The project aims to improve understanding of ore-forming processes, constrain the timing of mineralization, and provide new tools for mineral exploration. The results will strengthen collaboration with universities and industry partners while positioning GTK as an international leader in innovative geochronology and ore deposit research.

Partners: University of Helsinki (FINTIMS lab), University of Oulu, University Lorraine, France (GeoRessources laboratory), and the industrial partners

The coordinator of the project: GTK

Funding authority: Tulanet

Contact persons: Stepan M. Chernonozhkin and Mahyra Tedeschi

Return to projects