Integrated volatile-mineral-isotope micro-analysis of Earth environments

This project aims to build an innovative facility for small-scale spectral maps of volatiles (e.g., carbon, oxygen, hydrogen) and minerals that is linked to micro-isotopic analysis. The facility should significantly improve methods to trace the history of natural materials that have been exposed to different environments (e.g., liquids, gases, temperature, or biology). This capability underpins cross-disciplinary research in 'hot' topics such as critical mineral and ore exploration, climate change, volcanic eruptions, biomineral formation, and cultural history. The project will likely benefit homegrown infrastructure in universities, CSIRO and Geoscience Australia, and leverage Australian expertise in geoscience and archaeology.