Emma Hunt Email and Phone Number

National Research Foundation (NRF) Innovation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship and concurrent holder of a DST-NRF CIMERA Postdoctoral Research Fellowship."Integrated geoscience: cutting edge techniques for understanding complex 3D geological features"The Bushveld Complex is world renowned as the largest single platinum and chromium deposit within the world’s largest layered igneous complex. Scientifically it is a natural laboratory where fundamental processes of magma differentiation, crystallisation and concentration of economic metals can be studied. Two of the major economic horizons are the Merensky and UG-2 Reefs, however complex 3D geological features within these horizons greatly complicate mining. The size, location and spatial distribution of these could not be predicted by techniques employed within the mining industries and instead mine planning was based on statistical models. This greatly increased uncertainty in mining operations and negatively affected resource estimates, which was of severe consequence with recent volatility in metal prices.The project addressed this lack of knowledge through combining high-resolution 3D seismic reflection and geological data to gain a greater understanding of complex 3D structures. The project produced: (1) fully interpreted UG-2 and Merensky seismic horizons with fault polygons and location of complex structures such as potholes and IRUPs. (2) Analysis of regional variations in structure with associated geological controls. (3) Determination of the temporal and spatial relationships between structures. (4) Production of a 3D model of a ‘typical’ pothole architecture. This novel multi-disciplinary approach answered fundamental and enduring questions regarding igneous processes of magma differentiation, evolution and development during the formation of critical metal deposits. This is has been of benefit to both the academic and mining industry communities.

"An innovative geological framework for understanding the Merensky Reef potholes, Bushveld Complex."The project produced a broad scale, multidisciplinary model for the development of ‘potholes’ in the Merensky Reef horizon of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa. This contributed to the understanding of the economic potential of the ‘critical metals’ hosted in the reef. This was achieved through an innovative approach of combining textural measurements of crystal shapes and orientations with geochemical data to ascertain the magma chamber dynamics operating during recharge, crystallisation and solidification.

Magma Chamber Dynamics in the Peralkaline Magmas of the Kakortokite Series, South Greenland

An FE-SEM and EBSD-based ultrastructural analysis of the Lower Carboniferous heterocoral Hexaphyllia marginata: new anatomical perspectives for fossil bioconstructionsHeterocorals are important stratigraphic indicators due to their very rapid evolution at both the generic and species level. The Lower Carboniferous (~340 Million years old) fossil coral Hexaphyllia marginata forms one of the most conspicuous but also enigmatic elements of ancient reef ecosystems; due to this their stratigraphic record, systematic position and phylogenetic relationships are well documented and understood. However their ecology, palaeobiology and mode of life is only poorly understood. This project will allow for a greater understanding of these, leading to a better scientific understanding of the Hexaphyllia corals.