Philippe Mongeau

Philippe Mongeau started his undergraduate studies in computer science before completing his BSc in geological engineering at Laval University (Canada) in 2021. During this time, he started working with Dr Crystal Laflamme on the role of fluid-rock reactions for the gold endowment of the Meliadine Gold District in Nunavut, Canada, which is now part of his MSc research.

Under the supervision of Dr Laflamme and Dr Mercier-Langevin and in collaboration with Agnico Eagle Mines, his project aims to develop new methods for near-mine exploration by completing the δ34S and Δ 33S combined with trace element chemistry of gold-associated sulfides, to track the fluid-rock reactions at the district scale. These reactions induce physiochemical changes affecting the auriferous fluids. The most important of these in mid-crustal orogenic gold systems is oxidation of the fluid which promotes gold precipitation, inducing a traceable shift in the δ 34S of gold associated sulfides. On the other hand, the Δ33S value fingerprints an Archean sedimentary reservoir, granting insight into the source of mineralizing fluids. By using multiple sulfur isotopes, both in bulk and in situ, Philippe aims to test sulfur isotope vectors leading to high gold grades in the district, the results of which could be applied to orogenic gold deposits worldwide to improve predictive targeting for exploration.

To achieve this, key analytical work on samples collected at the mine site includes the study of sulfide zonation and habit of gold using backscatter imaging and WDS elemental maps, in situ analysis of trace elements and δ 34S through LA-ICP-MS-(QQQ) and SIMS as well as high precision bulk SF6 + IRMS analyses of multiple sulfur isotopes. After completing his MSc, Philippe aims to further develop predictive targeting methods by combining his computer science background to his current research.