Occurrences and accumulations of critical and common raw materials associated with metamorphic events in Romania
Project code: PN 23 39 02 03
Project Manager: Dr. Gavril SĂBĂU
Description
The project proposes an integrated petrological, mineralogical, geochemical, and structural study of a type of useful mineral accumulation that has been less investigated or exploited (with some exceptions)—specifically, accumulations of raw materials associated with metamorphic events.
The aim of this study is to determine the scientific and economic potential of this type of deposit in Romania and the prospects for utilizing raw materials classified as critical for the EU (Raw Materials Information System – RMIS, 2020) (Be, Li, Co, REE, Nb, Ti, and graphite), alongside other common raw materials (Au, As, Cu, Bi, Sb, Pb, Ni, Cr, Mn) which, although not classified as critical, have numerous economic applications.
The following occurrences will be studied (provisional classification):
(1) metamorphogenic: (a) accumulations of CRM (Li, Be, Ti, Nb, REE) and common elements (Fe, Mn, Zr, Rb, Sn) formed through segregation processes/metamorphic reactions along a tectonic plane with a petrogenetic and metallogenetic role in the Southern Carpathians (SC)—unique in Romania in terms of genetic type—(b) graphite accumulations in the metamorphic schists of Romania;
(2) Metamorphosed accumulations of CRM (Co) and common metals (Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn): (a) Cu-Ni-Co mineralizations (Făgăraș), with particular attention to lithological markers and the assessment of secondary minerals; (b) Cu-Ni (+PGE) mineralizations (Poiana Ruscă) associated with regionally metamorphosed ultrabasic rocks; (c) regionally metamorphosed Fe-Mn accumulations (Preluca Mountains).
Occurrences of controversial origin will also be addressed—primarily concerning host-rock structure and regional tectonics—specifically Au mineralizations (± Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, Se, Cd, etc.) attributed to shear zones in the CM and the Apuseni Mountains.
Objectives
- Determination of the mineralogical, petrological, geochemical, and structural characteristics of CRM and common mineral accumulations associated with metamorphic events in the Romanian Carpathians;
- Tracing lithological and structural markers at various scales, serving as a genetic indicator for new areas and occurrences with potential for exploitation;
- Development of genetic models: mechanisms and conditioning factors of formation and evolution;
- Integration of all data obtained to identify favorable forecasting indicators;
- Updating the metallogenic map of Romania by incorporating accumulations of useful raw materials associated with metamorphic events in the country, while highlighting occurrences of minerals critical to the high-tech economy.
