Lluka likes all things weird and wonderful about rocks, but they are particularly fond of alkaline-silicate systems and carbonatites. Their favourite
research activites are fieldwork and microscope time. Lluka directs their passion into meaningful and practical research. They are always keen to talk
geology, whether that be learning something new or sharing their own knowledge with anyone who wants to listen.
Nb-Ta mineralisation of the Mt Weld Carbonatite
The Mt Weld carbonatite, Western Australia, is world renowned for its REE resources, however it also hosts other critical metals which are currently under researched and unexploited, including Nb and Ta. In order to understand the genesis and development of these metals, Lluka will characterise the mineralisation using petrographic and geochemical techniques. They will examine the mineralisation in both the hardrock and overlying supergene material, allowing them to pick apart the magmatic/hydrothermal history as well as supergene alteration and ore formation processes. This will advance understanding of the key geological controls governing carbonatite hosted Nb-Ta mineralisation, with implications for future explotation and economic development.