Duties
Context
Natural graphite is classified as a priority critical mineral in Canada. It is a key material for the energy transition—particularly for Li-ion batteries, whose value chain is currently being developed in Canada. However, the processes controlling the formation of graphite flakes and the evolution of micro-inclusions that influence their metallurgical quality remain poorly understood.
This project aims to characterize the size, nature, composition, and distribution of micro-inclusions within graphite flakes from two major geological provinces—the Grenville Orogen and the Trans-Hudson Orogen—and to evaluate the role of metamorphism on these features. The work will combine petrography, mineralogy, and advanced geochemistry, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), micro X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF), laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and sulfur isotopes.
Field visits and short stays are planned at Nouveau Monde Graphite (project partner) as well as in NRCan laboratories in Ottawa. The project also includes several collaborators across different institutions (Geological Survey of Canada, Nouveau Monde Graphite, Université Laval).
Objectives
1 – Characterize the nature and distribution of micro-inclusions within graphite flakes from host rocks with contrasting metamorphic grades
2 – Quantify the influence of graphite crystallinity and internal structure on the retention or release of inclusions, and test the relationship between inclusions and metamorphic grade
3 – Define predictive mineralogical and geochemical criteria to guide metallurgical processing and reduce risks associated with mineralogical variability
