GOLD — Genesis of Ore Fluids & Lode Development
A field- and laboratory-based research group investigating the geological, geochemical, and isotopic controls on ore deposit formation in Precambrian terrains of India.
What We Do
The GOLD group at IISER Tirupati investigates the magmatic, hydrothermal, and structural controls on mineralization — with a particular focus on orogenic gold, base-metal sulphide, and REE deposits within the Archean and Proterozoic terrains of Peninsular India. We work across scales, from regional tectonic frameworks down to the micron-scale chemistry of individual mineral grains.
Every project begins in the field. We map lithological contacts, structural fabrics, and alteration zones to establish geological context before any sample enters the lab. This field-first philosophy ensures that our geochemical and isotopic data are interpreted within a robust geological framework — which is ultimately what makes the difference between academic petrogenesis and practical exploration targeting.
Our broader interests include continental crust growth through time, the links between episodic magmatism and metallogenesis, subduction recycling, and the mineral resource challenges facing India’s clean-energy transition.
Lab Capabilities
Our laboratory takes hard-rock and ore samples from outcrop to analysis-ready powders. Current and planned capabilities include:
Sample Preparation Suite
Jaw crusher for reducing hand specimens (up to 15 cm) to coarse chips. Planetary ball mill pulverizer with agate grinding sets for producing analytical-grade powder (<75 μm). Riffle splitters and manual coning-and-quartering for representative subsampling.
Transmitted-Light Microscopy
Standard petrographic analysis of thin sections for mineralogy, textures, and microstructural relationships. Polarizing microscope with photomicrography capability.
Reflected-Light Ore Microscopy
Expansion into ore petrography for identifying opaque ore minerals (pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite), textural relationships, and paragenetic sequences in ore systems.
Fluid Inclusion Microthermometry
Heating-freezing stage setup for measuring the temperature, salinity, and composition of fluid inclusions trapped in quartz veins. Constrains P-T-X conditions of ore-forming fluids.
Zircon U-Pb Geochronology
LA-ICP-MS dating for constraining the timing of magmatic and metamorphic events. Accessed through partner laboratories in India and Europe.
Isotope Geochemistry
Lu-Hf isotope analysis for tracing crustal versus mantle sources. Whole-rock Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isotopes for source characterization. Zircon and apatite trace-element geochemistry via LA-ICP-MS.
Current & Completed Projects
Gold Metallogenesis in the Eastern Dharwar Craton
Investigating the geological, structural, and geochemical controls on gold mineralization across the Eastern Dharwar Craton — the terrain hosting India’s historically most productive gold districts including Kolar, Hutti, and Raichur. Integrating detailed geological mapping, ore petrography, whole-rock and mineral geochemistry, and isotopic tracers to develop a comprehensive genetic model and identify new exploration targets.
Geology, Geochemistry and Geochronology of the Western Ghats Belt
Established the lithostratigraphic, geochemical, and geochronological framework of the Western Ghats (Kudremukh) greenstone belt in the Western Dharwar Craton. Key outcomes included new constraints on the age of mafic-ultramafic volcanism, petrogenetic models for the greenstone sequence, and insights into crustal evolution. Published in International Geology Review, Journal of Earth System Science, and Geochemistry.
Geoscience Education in Kerala
A study examining the state of geoscience education in Kerala — mapping curricula, identifying gaps, and proposing reforms to align geological training with the needs of India’s mineral exploration and environmental sectors.
Research Team
Current Members
[PhD Student Name]
[Research project title or brief description]
Alumni
Join Our Research Team
PhD Positions
We periodically offer fully funded PhD positions for motivated candidates interested in Precambrian metallogeny, crustal evolution, and mineral exploration.
- Strong foundation in geological fieldwork and petrology
- Genuine curiosity about how ore deposits form
- Willingness to spend extended periods in the field
- MSc in Geology, Applied Geology, Earth Sciences, or related discipline
- JRF/NET or GATE qualification is mandatory
How to apply: Email your CV and a brief research statement (1 page) to:
Project Staff & Postdocs
Positions for project staff (JRF/SRF) and postdoctoral researchers are advertised when funded projects require them. If you are interested in working with us, reach out with your CV — we can explore possibilities even when no position is currently advertised.
MSc Dissertation Students
We welcome MSc dissertation students from other universities who want to gain field and lab experience in economic geology research. If your university permits external dissertations, write to me with your area of interest and timeline.
What We Offer
- Hands-on training in field mapping, sample preparation, and geochemical analysis
- Access to state-of-the-art analytical facilities through collaborations
- A supportive research environment with regular group discussions
- Opportunities to present at national and international conferences
- Guidance toward a career in academia, exploration, or industry