My research interests focus on understanding the ore-forming processes responsible for the genesis of gold and base-metal deposits in the Earth's crust. I attempt to quantify, where possible, the physico-chemical parameters (i.e., pressure-temperature-composition-activity) of ore formation because these data permit the formulation and refinement of genetic ore deposit models, the starting point for all mineral exploration. To achieve my research goals, I integrate detailed field-based research (geological mapping, sampling, GIS compilation) with quantitative laboratory methods. These laboratory methods include stable and radiogenic isotope mass spectrometry, fluid inclusion microthermometry and microanalysis (infrared & PIXE), and electron microprobe and SEM studies of minerals. Of special interest to me over the past 15 years has been determining the oxygen fugacity or redox state of felsic magmas and their associated hydrothermal fluids. This early work lead to the recognition that some Archean lode gold deposits, such as those in the Kirkland Lake gold camp in northern Ontario, have formed from highly oxidized ore fluids genetically related to intrinsically oxidized syenitic magmas (e.g., Rowins et al., 1991; 1993). At the other end of the redox spectrum are “Reduced Porphyry Copper-Gold” (RPCG) deposits such as the San Anton and North Fork deposits (Rowins, 2000; Rowins et al, 2002; Smithson et al., 2004). These porphyry copper-gold deposits have formed from relatively reduced magmas with oxygen fugacities near the Quartz-Fayalite-Magnetite (QFM) buffer. These fugacities are well below the Nickel-Nickel Oxide (NNO) and the Hematite-Magnetite (HM) oxygen buffers that characterize the redox state of most large porphyry copper-gold deposits. This characterization of magma and fluid redox state is of more than just scientific interest. Although RPCG deposits commonly have poorer grades and tonnages of copper than their oxidized counterparts, they may be just as enriched in gold and, consequently, are potentially unrecognized gold targets.

My research at UBC is well funded by a variety of government and industry sources. Past and present supporting companies include Boliden-Westmin Limited, Luismin SA de CV, Expatriate Limited , Weyerhaeuser, Northgate Minerals Ltd., and Stealth Minerals Limited. I interact extensively with these companies due to the practical application of much of my research and my professional experience as an exploration geologist prior to joining UBC. This latter experience greatly helps me to communicate the relevant details of my research to my industry colleagues.

Between 2001 and 2003 my research group undertook mineral deposit studies in Mexico (Sacrificio Cu-Zn-Pb-Ag-Au skarn; San Anton porphyry-epithermal Cu-Au-Ag deposit), Yukon (Wolverine Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag-Au volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit), and the United States (North Fork porphyry Cu-Au deposit). In 2004 I was awarded a large 3-year NSERC-CRD grant to study linkages between porphyry and epithermal gold-copper deposits in the Toodoggone River area of north central British Columbia. This project has supported a Post-doctoral Research Fellow, two graduate students, and several Honours projects. Please visit my personal website (link at the top of page) for additional details on this and other projects with which I am involved. Please note that in May 2006 I resigned from EOS-UBC to accept the position of Senior Research Scientist with the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) based in Saskatoon. More change has followed and I recently left the SRC and rejoined the thriving mining and mineral exploration industry as the Vice President of Exploration for Northern Abitibi Mining Corp. I remain, however, an Adjunct Professor in EOS so that UBC research projects on which I am the Principal Investigator may be completed and futher collaborations be developed.

Research Team