Understanding the regional structural framework and controls on Ni-Cu-Co mineralization, in the Ringerike Metallogenic Province, Norway;

The Ni-Cu-Co mineralization in the Ringerike Municipality, Norway, is associated with a suite of magmatic intrusions occurring within the Eastern Kongsberg Complex (EKC). The complex formed during the Gothian Orogeny (1.6 - 1.5 Ga), and the most significant local Ni-Cu deposits are predominantly correlated with this magmatism (Orvik et al. 2025). Historically, nickel and copper were produced in this area until operations ceased in 1920 (Mathiesen & NGU, 1977).

In recent years, both industry and academia have shown renewed interest in the region. Current publications have advanced the understanding of the tectonic evolution of the EKC, and its implications for mineral exploration (Orvik et al. 2025). Mansur et al. (2025) discussed the formation and constraints of the most significant past producers, the Ertelien and Langedalen deposits. However, other than several master theses, there has been little to no focus on the other magmatic intrusions hosting the mineralization; the mineralization itself; and the local structural framework and controls on fluid flow. The current license holder, Kuniko Limited, carried out a range of exploration activities and defined a mineral resource estimate (MRE) for the Ni-Cu-Co Ertelien deposit (Kuniko Limited, 2024). The remaining magmatic intrusions received less attention, with large but disparate datasets being produced over the years.

This PhD aims at utilizing the collected data, supported by field and laboratory work, to understand the structural regime across the region and increase the understanding of the controls on mineralization. The integration of the available data will be undergone by application of python-based machine learning to generate mineral prospectivity mapping model. This would allow the identification of exploration targets and the development of hypotheses, which could be then tested by state-of-the-art exploration techniques, significantly enhancing the exploration efforts within the region.

References

Orvik, A. A., Mansur, E. T., Henderson, I., Slagstad, T., Huyskens, M. & Bjerkgård, T., 2025. Isotopic identification of paleo rift zones within the Sveconorwegian Province; implications for nickel sulphide utilisations in the SW Fennoscandian Shield. Precambrian Research 427, 107836.

Mansur, E., Orvik, A. A., Henderson, I., Miranda, A. C., Slagstad, T., Dare, S., Bjerkgard, T., Sandstad, J. S., 2025. Formation of the Ertelien and Langedalen magmatic Ni–Cu sulfide deposits in Norway: investigating the evolution of platinum-group-element-depleted systems at convergent margins. European Journal of Mineralogy 37, 841869

Mathiesen, C. O. & The Geological Survey of Norway, 1977. Vurdering Av Ringerike Nikkelfelter. NGU-RAPPORT, 21.

Kuniko Limited, 2024. ASX Release: Significant Mineral Resource Increase at Ertelien. https://kuniko.eu/asx-announcements/