Ph.D. opportunity in economic geology
At the University of Geneva (Switzerland)

THE GOLD MINERALIZATION OF NAMBIJA (ECUADOR)

The Nambija gold mineralization (Oriente, Ecuador) is one of the most exciting rediscoveries of the last decades in the mining field. The Nambija gold district is situated in southeastern Ecuador (Zamora province) in the Cordillera del Condor at elevations between 1600 and 2200 m (Figure 1). At least 6 different mineralized sites are known from the area. The current resources are estimated at 23 Mt with grades ranging from 14 to 84 g/t Au and an average of 15-30 g/t Au.

The genesis and age of this mineralization are not known with precision. The mineralization is hosted by skarn-type rocks of a roof pendant within a Jurassic pluton, but is preferentially associated with younger, probably Tertiary, small stocks crosscutting the pluton and displays a strong structural control.

The main aims of this project are to provide a genetic model of the Nambija mineralization and to determine its age. In order to achieve these goals detailed mapping, petrographic and fluid inclusion studies as well as various geochemical (including stable and radiogenic isotopes) and geochronological investigations will be necessary.

The candidate should have a solid experience in geological and, if possible, mining mapping. An essential requirement is that the candidate should be aquainted with or willing to learn various laboratory techniques including the use of sophisticated analytical equipment.

START AND DURATION OF THE PROJECT: 3 years starting October 2001.

SALARY: about 27'000 Swiss Francs in the 1st year (scholarship from Swiss National Science Foundation).

The "Ecole lemanique des Sciences de la Terre" (merger of the Earth Science Departments of the Universities of Geneva and Lausanne) offers a wide range of analytical facilities, including: XRF, XRD, ICP-MS, radiogenic and stable isotope mass spectrometry, Ar-Ar dating, fluid inclusion microthermometry, Raman spectrometry, microprobe, SEM, etc. Collaborations with other Swiss institutes and use of their facilities are also possible.

Candidates holding an M.Sc. degree should SUBMIT their APPLICATION to Prof. Lluís Fontboté (see address below), including: (1) curriculum vitae, (2) a short motivation explaining the interest for the research outlined above, (3) a brief description of their professional and academic experience, (4) the names and addresses of two referees, and (5) the earliest possible date of beginning of the Ph.D. project.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact: Prof. Lluís Fontboté or Dr. Massimo Chiaradia
Section des Sciences de la Terre, University of Geneva,
Rue des Maraichers 13, 1211 Geneva 4, SWITZERLAND.
Phone: (++41 22) 702 66 22 or 702 66 60, Fax: (++41 22) 320 57 32
e-mail: Lluis.Fontbote@terre.unige.ch or Massimo.Chiaradia@terre.unige.ch
web-site: http://www.unige.ch/sciences/terre/

Applications will begin to be reviewed from July 10, 2001 until finding of a suitable candidate.

Figure 1: The Nambija gold district

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