Research
RESEARCH
Research Lines
Click on each critical or strategic metal to know more about our work, including our top 3 publications.
Ni
Studied deposits:
- Laterites
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Nieto, F., Viti, C., Proenza, J.A., Galí, S., Roqué-Rosell, J. (2016): Ni-phyllosilicates (garnierites) from the Falcondo Ni-laterite deposit (Dominican Republic): Mineralogy, nanotextures, and formation mechanisms by HRTEM and AEM. American Mineralogist 101, 1460-1473.
Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Proenza, J.A., Galí, S., García-Casco, A., Tauler, E., Lewis, J.F., Longo, F. (2014): Garnierites and garnierites: Textures, mineralogy and geochemistry of garnierites in the Falcondo Ni-laterite deposit, Dominican Republic. Ore Geology Reviews 58, 91-109.
Domínguez-Carretero, D., Proenza, J.A., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Aiglsperger, T., Tauler, E., Rojas-Purón, A., Duque, N., González-Jiménez, J.M., Garcia-Casco, A., Galí, S. (2024): The Geology, Geochemistry, and Mineralogy of the Moa Bay Ni Laterite Mining District, Cuba. Economic Geology, Early Publication.
Co
Studied deposits:
- Laterites
- Ultramafic-hosted volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Domènech, C., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Proenza, J.A., Tauler, E., Lara, L., Galí, S., Soler, J.M., Campeny, M., Ibañez-Insa, J. (2022): Co-Mn mineralisations in the Ni-laterite deposits of Loma Ca-2 ribe (Dominican Republic) and Loma de Hierro (Venezuela) Minerals 12, 927.
Domínguez-Carretero, D., Proenza, J.A., González-Jiménez, J.M., Llanes-Castro, A.I., Torres, H., Aiglsperger, T., Capote, C., de la Nuez. D., Garcia-Castro, A. (2022): Ultramafic-hosted volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits from Cuban ophiolites. Journal South American Earth Sciences, 119, 103991
Domínguez-Carretero, D., Proenza, J.A., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Aiglsperger, T., Tauler, E., Rojas-Purón, A., Duque, N., González-Jiménez, J.M., Garcia-Casco, A., Galí, S. (2024): The Geology, Geochemistry, and Mineralogy of the Moa Bay Ni Laterite Mining District, Cuba. Economic Geology, Early Publication.
PGE
Studied deposits:
- Chromitites
- Laterites
- Placers related to Ural-Alaskan type complexes
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Farré-de-Pablo, J., Proenza, J.A., González-Jiménez, J.M., Aiglsperger, T., Torró, L., Domènech, C., Garcia-Casco, A. (2022): Low-temperature hydrothermal Pt mineralization in uvarovite-bearing ophiolitic chromitites from Dominican Republic. Mineralium Deposita, 57, 955–976.
Aiglsperger, T., Proenza, J.A., Font-Bardia, M., Baurier-Amat, S., Galí, S., Lewis, J.F., Longo, F. (2017): Supergene neoformation of Pt-Ir-Fe-Ni alloys: Multistage grains explain nugget formation in Ni-laterites. Mineralium Deposita, 52, 1069–1083.
Aiglsperger, T., Proenza, J.A., Zaccarini, F., Lewis, J.F., Garuti, G., Labrador, M., Longo, F. (2015): Platinum group minerals (PGM) in the Falcondo Ni-laterite deposit, Loma Caribe peridotite (Dominican Republic): Mineralium Deposita, 50, 105-123.
Al
Studied deposits:
- Bauxites
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Villlanova-de-Benavent, C., Proenza, J.A., Torró, L., Aiglsperger, T., Domènech, C., Domínguez-Carretero, D., Llovet, X., Suñer, P., Ramírez, A., Rodríguez, J. (2023): REE ultra-rich karst bauxite deposits in the Pedernales Peninsula, Dominican Republic: Mineralogy of REE phosphates and carbonates. Ore Geology Reviews 157, 105422.
Torró, L., Proenza, J. A., Aiglsperger, T., Bover-Arnal, T., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Rodríguez-García, D., Ramírez, A., Rodríguez, J., Mosquea, L. A., Salas, R. (2017): Geological, geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of REE-bearing Las Mercedes bauxite deposit, Dominican Republic. Ore Geology Reviews 89, 114-131.
Domínguez-Carretero, D., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Torro, L., Pujol-Solà, N., Bover-Arnal, T., Mestre, À., Aiglsperger, T., Ramírez, A., Rodríguez, J., Espaillat, J., Proenza, J.A. (2025): Mineralogy, geochemistry and origin of karst bauxite deposits from the Reserva Fiscal Ávila, SW Dominican Republic. Geologica Acta 23.9, 1-18.
Sc REE
Studied deposits:
- Laterites
- Bauxites
- Carbonatites
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Villlanova-de-Benavent, C., Proenza, J.A., Torró, L., Aiglsperger, T., Domènech, C., Domínguez-Carretero, D., Llovet, X., Suñer, P., Ramírez, A., Rodríguez, J. (2023): REE ultra-rich karst bauxite deposits in the Pedernales Peninsula, Dominican Republic: Mineralogy of REE phosphates and carbonates. Ore Geology Reviews 157, 105422.
Aiglsperger, T., Proenza, J.A., Lewis, J.F., Labrador, M., Svojtka, M., Rojas-Purón, A., Longo, F., Ďurišová, J. (2016): Critical metals (REE, Sc, PGE) in Ni laterites from Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Ore Geology Reviews, 73, 127-147.
Domínguez-Carretero, D., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Torro, L., Pujol-Solà, N., Bover-Arnal, T., Mestre, À., Aiglsperger, T., Ramírez, A., Rodríguez, J., Espaillat, J., Proenza, J.A. (2025): Mineralogy, geochemistry and origin of karst bauxite deposits from the Reserva Fiscal Ávila, SW Dominican Republic. Geologica Acta 23.9, 1-18.
In Ga Ge
Studied deposits:
- Mississippi Valley Type deposits
- Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide deposits
- Polymetallic epithermal deposits
- Bauxites
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Torró, L., Millán‐Nuñez, A.J., Benites, D., González‐Jiménez, J.M., Laurent, O., Tavazzani, L., Vallance, J., Chelle‐Michou, C., Proenza, J.A., Flores, C., Melgarejo, J.C., Rosas, S. Fontboté, L. (2023): Germanium‐ and gallium‐rich sphalerite in Mississippi Valley–type deposits: the San Vicente district and the Shalipayco deposit, Peru. Mineralium Deposita, 58, 853-880.
Torró, L., Benites, D., Vallance, J., Laurent, O., Ortiz-Benavente, B.A., Chelle-Michou, C., Proenza, J.A., Fontboté. L. (2022): Trace element geochemistry of sphalerite and chalcopyrite in arc-hosted VMS deposits. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 232, 106882.
Torres, B.; Melgarejo, J.C.; Torró, L.; Camprubí, A.; Castillo-Oliver, M.; Artiaga, D.; Campeny, M.; Tauler, E.; Jiménez-Franco, A.; Alfonso, P.; Arce-Burgoa, O.R. (2019): The Poopó polymetallic epithermal deposit, Bolivia: Mineralogy, genetic constraints, and distribution of critical elements Minerals 9 (8)
Cr
Studied deposits:
- Ophiolitic chromite deposits
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Farré-de-Pablo, J., Proenza, J.A., González-Jiménez, J.M., Aiglsperger, T., Garcia-Casco, A., Escuder-Viruete, J., Colás, V., Longo, F. (2020): Ophiolite hosted chromitite formed by supra-subduction zone peridotite – plume interaction. Geoscience Frontiers, 11, 2083-2102.
Proenza, J.A., González-Jiménez, J.M., García-Casco, A., Belousova, E., Griffin, W.L., Talavera, C., Rojas-Agramonte, Y., Aiglsperger, T., Navarro-Ciurana, D., Pujol-Sola, N., Gervilla, F., O’Reilly, S.T., Jacob, D.E. (2018): Cold plumes trigger contamination of oceanic mantle wedges with continental crust-derived sediments: evidence from chromitite zircons of eastern Cuban Ophiolites. Geoscience Frontiers, 9, 1921-1936.
Domínguez-Carretero, D., Proenza, J.A., Pujol-Solà, N., Gervilla, F., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Colás, V., Núñez-Cambra, K., Piñero-Pérez, E., Garcia-Casco, A. (2025): The gradual shift from forearc basalt-like to boninite-like magmatism during intra-oceanic subduction-initiation recorded by ophiolitic chromite deposits from Cuba. Mineralium Deposita 60, 1457-1478.
Nb-Ta
Studied deposits:
- Carbonatite and alkaline related rocks
- Granitic pegmatites
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Amores-Casals, S., Gonçalves, A. O., Melgarejo, J. C., & Martí Molist, J. (2020): Nb and REE Distribution in the Monte Verde Carbonatite–Alkaline–Agpaitic Complex (Angola): Minerals, 10(1), 5.
Van Lichtervelde, M., Grand’Homme, A., de Saint-Blanquat, M., Olivier, P., Gerdes, A., Paquette, J. L., Melgarejo, J.C., Druguet, E. & Alfonso, P. (2017): U-Pb geochronology on zircon and columbite-group minerals of the Cap de Creus pegmatites, NE Spain. Mineralogy and petrology, 111, 1-21.
Demartis, M., Melgarejo, J. C., Colombo, F., Alfonso, P., Coniglio, J. E., Pinotti, L. P., & D’Eramo, F. J. (2014): Extreme F activities in late pegmatitic events as a key factor for LILE and HFSE enrichment: The Ángel pegmatite, central Argentina. The Canadian Mineralogist, 52(2), 247-269.
Ti-V
Studied deposits:
- Magmatic Fe–Ti(–V) oxide deposits associated with anorthosites
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Castillo-Oliver, M.; Melgarejo, J.C.; Torró, L.; Villanova-de-Benavent, C.; Campeny, C.; Díaz-Acha, Y.; Amores-Casals, S.; Xu, J.; Proenza, J.; Tauler, E. (2020): Sandstone-hosted uranium deposits as a possible source for critical elements: The Eureka mine case, Castell-Estaó, Catalonia. Minerals 10 (1)
Betancur-Figueroa, S., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Proenza, J.A., Weber, M.B., Acevedo, N., García-Casco, A. (2020): Mineralogy and geochemistry of Fe-Ti oxide ores from the Don Dieguito massif-type anorthosite suite, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Boletín de la Sociedad Geológica Mexicana 72, A050620.
Villanova-de-Benavent, C.; Torro, L.; Castillo-Oliver, M.; Campeny, M.; Melgarejo, JC.; Llovet, X.; Gali, S.; Goncalves, AO. (2017): Fe-Ti(-V) Oxide Deposits of the Kunene Anorthosite Complex (SW Angola): Mineralogy and Thermo-Oxybarometry. Minerals 7 (12) 246
Au-Ag
Studied deposits:
- Epithermal deposits
- Volcanogenic massive sulphide ore deposits
- Porphyry copper deposits
- Oxidation and secondary enrichment gold deposits
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Domínguez-Carretero, D., González-Jiménez, J.M., Proenza, J.A., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Llovet, X., García-Casco, A. (2023): A track record of Au-Ag nanomelt generation during fluid-mineral interactions. Nature Scientific Reports 13, 7895.
Torró, L., Proenza, J.A., Espaillat, J., Belén-Manzeta, A.J., Román-Alday, M.C., Amarante, A., González, N., Espinoza, J., Roman-Alpiste, M.J., Nelson, C.E. (2018): The Discovery of the Romero VMS Deposit and Its Bearing on the Metallogenic Evolution of Hispaniola during the Cretaceous. Minerals, 8, 507.
Andreu, E., Torró, L., Proenza, J.A., Domènech, C., García-Casco, A., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Chávez, C., Espaillat, J., Lewis, J.F. (2015): Weathering profile of the Cerro de Maimón VMS deposit (Dominican Republic): textures, mineralogy, gossan evolution and mobility of gold and silver. Ore Geology Reviews 65, 165-179.
Cu
Studied deposits:
- Volcanogenic massive sulphide ore deposit
- Porphyry Cu deposits
- Sediment hosted Cu-U-V deposits
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Torró, L., Proenza, J.A., Espaillat, J., Belén-Manzeta, A.J., Román-Alday, M.C., Amarante, A., González, N., Espinoza, J., Roman-Alpiste, M.J., Nelson, C.E. (2018): The Discovery of the Romero VMS Deposit and Its Bearing on the Metallogenic Evolution of Hispaniola during the Cretaceous. Minerals, 8, 507.
Torró, L., Camprubí, A., Proenza, J.A., León, P., Stein, H.J., Lewis, J.F., Nelson, C.E., Chavez, C., Melgarejo, J.C. (2017): Re-Os and U-Pb Geochronology of the Doña Amanda and Cerro Kiosko Deposits, Bayaguana District, Dominican Republic: Looking Down for the Porphyry Cu-Mo Roots of the Pueblo Viejo-Type Mineralization in the Island-Arc Tholeiitic Series of the Caribbean. Economic Geology, 112, 829–853.
Torró, L., Proenza, J.A., Melgarejo, J.C., Alfonso, P., Farré De Pablo, J., Colomer, J.M., García-Casco, A., Gubern, A., Gallardo, E., Cazañas, X., Chávez, C., Del Carpio, R., León, P., Nelson, C.E., Lewis, J.F. (2016): Mineralogy, geochemistry and sulfur isotope characterization of Cerro de Maimón (Dominican Republic), San Fernando and Antonio (Cuba) Lower Cretaceous VMS deposits: Formation during subduction initiation of the Proto-Caribbean lithosphere within a fore-arc. Ore Geology Reviews, 72, 794-817.
Li
[Work in progress]
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Ni
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Nieto, F., Viti, C., Proenza, J.A., Galí, S., Roqué-Rosell, J. (2016): Ni-phyllosilicates (garnierites) from the Falcondo Ni-laterite deposit (Dominican Republic): Mineralogy, nanotextures, and formation mechanisms by HRTEM and AEM. American Mineralogist 101, 1460-1473.
Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Proenza, J.A., Galí, S., García-Casco, A., Tauler, E., Lewis, J.F., Longo, F. (2014): Garnierites and garnierites: Textures, mineralogy and geochemistry of garnierites in the Falcondo Ni-laterite deposit, Dominican Republic. Ore Geology Reviews 58, 91-109.
Domínguez-Carretero, D., Proenza, J.A., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Aiglsperger, T., Tauler, E., Rojas-Purón, A., Duque, N., González-Jiménez, J.M., Garcia-Casco, A., Galí, S. (2024): The Geology, Geochemistry, and Mineralogy of the Moa Bay Ni Laterite Mining District, Cuba. Economic Geology, Early Publication.
PGE
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Farré-de-Pablo, J., Proenza, J.A., González-Jiménez, J.M., Aiglsperger, T., Torró, L., Domènech, C., Garcia-Casco, A. (2022): Low-temperature hydrothermal Pt mineralization in uvarovite-bearing ophiolitic chromitites from Dominican Republic. Mineralium Deposita, 57, 955–976.
Aiglsperger, T., Proenza, J.A., Font-Bardia, M., Baurier-Amat, S., Galí, S., Lewis, J.F., Longo, F. (2017): Supergene neoformation of Pt-Ir-Fe-Ni alloys: Multistage grains explain nugget formation in Ni-laterites. Mineralium Deposita, 52, 1069–1083.
Aiglsperger, T., Proenza, J.A., Zaccarini, F., Lewis, J.F., Garuti, G., Labrador, M., Longo, F. (2015): Platinum group minerals (PGM) in the Falcondo Ni-laterite deposit, Loma Caribe peridotite (Dominican Republic): Mineralium Deposita, 50, 105-123.
Co
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Domènech, C., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Proenza, J.A., Tauler, E., Lara, L., Galí, S., Soler, J.M., Campeny, M., Ibañez-Insa, J. (2022): Co-Mn mineralisations in the Ni-laterite deposits of Loma Ca-2 ribe (Dominican Republic) and Loma de Hierro (Venezuela) Minerals 12, 927.
Domínguez-Carretero, D., Proenza, J.A., González-Jiménez, J.M., Llanes-Castro, A.I., Torres, H., Aiglsperger, T., Capote, C., de la Nuez. D., Garcia-Castro, A. (2022): Ultramafic-hosted volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits from Cuban ophiolites. Journal South American Earth Sciences, 119, 103991
Domínguez-Carretero, D., Proenza, J.A., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Aiglsperger, T., Tauler, E., Rojas-Purón, A., Duque, N., González-Jiménez, J.M., Garcia-Casco, A., Galí, S. (2024): The Geology, Geochemistry, and Mineralogy of the Moa Bay Ni Laterite Mining District, Cuba. Economic Geology, Early Publication.
Sc REE
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Villlanova-de-Benavent, C., Proenza, J.A., Torró, L., Aiglsperger, T., Domènech, C., Domínguez-Carretero, D., Llovet, X., Suñer, P., Ramírez, A., Rodríguez, J. (2023): REE ultra-rich karst bauxite deposits in the Pedernales Peninsula, Dominican Republic: Mineralogy of REE phosphates and carbonates. Ore Geology Reviews 157, 105422.
Aiglsperger, T., Proenza, J.A., Lewis, J.F., Labrador, M., Svojtka, M., Rojas-Purón, A., Longo, F., Ďurišová, J. (2016): Critical metals (REE, Sc, PGE) in Ni laterites from Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Ore Geology Reviews, 73, 127-147.
Domínguez-Carretero, D., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Torro, L., Pujol-Solà, N., Bover-Arnal, T., Mestre, À., Aiglsperger, T., Ramírez, A., Rodríguez, J., Espaillat, J., Proenza, J.A. (2025): Mineralogy, geochemistry and origin of karst bauxite deposits from the Reserva Fiscal Ávila, SW Dominican Republic. Geologica Acta 23.9, 1-18.
Al
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Villlanova-de-Benavent, C., Proenza, J.A., Torró, L., Aiglsperger, T., Domènech, C., Domínguez-Carretero, D., Llovet, X., Suñer, P., Ramírez, A., Rodríguez, J. (2023): REE ultra-rich karst bauxite deposits in the Pedernales Peninsula, Dominican Republic: Mineralogy of REE phosphates and carbonates. Ore Geology Reviews 157, 105422.
Torró, L., Proenza, J. A., Aiglsperger, T., Bover-Arnal, T., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Rodríguez-García, D., Ramírez, A., Rodríguez, J., Mosquea, L. A., Salas, R. (2017): Geological, geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of REE-bearing Las Mercedes bauxite deposit, Dominican Republic. Ore Geology Reviews 89, 114-131.
Domínguez-Carretero, D., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Torro, L., Pujol-Solà, N., Bover-Arnal, T., Mestre, À., Aiglsperger, T., Ramírez, A., Rodríguez, J., Espaillat, J., Proenza, J.A. (2025): Mineralogy, geochemistry and origin of karst bauxite deposits from the Reserva Fiscal Ávila, SW Dominican Republic. Geologica Acta 23.9, 1-18.
Cr
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Farré-de-Pablo, J., Proenza, J.A., González-Jiménez, J.M., Aiglsperger, T., Garcia-Casco, A., Escuder-Viruete, J., Colás, V., Longo, F. (2020): Ophiolite hosted chromitite formed by supra-subduction zone peridotite – plume interaction. Geoscience Frontiers, 11, 2083-2102.
Proenza, J.A., González-Jiménez, J.M., García-Casco, A., Belousova, E., Griffin, W.L., Talavera, C., Rojas-Agramonte, Y., Aiglsperger, T., Navarro-Ciurana, D., Pujol-Sola, N., Gervilla, F., O’Reilly, S.T., Jacob, D.E. (2018): Cold plumes trigger contamination of oceanic mantle wedges with continental crust-derived sediments: evidence from chromitite zircons of eastern Cuban Ophiolites. Geoscience Frontiers, 9, 1921-1936.
Domínguez-Carretero, D., Proenza, J.A., Pujol-Solà, N., Gervilla, F., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Colás, V., Núñez-Cambra, K., Piñero-Pérez, E., Garcia-Casco, A. (2025): The gradual shift from forearc basalt-like to boninite-like magmatism during intra-oceanic subduction-initiation recorded by ophiolitic chromite deposits from Cuba. Mineralium Deposita 60, 1457-1478.
In Ga Ge
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Torró, L., Millán‐Nuñez, A.J., Benites, D., González‐Jiménez, J.M., Laurent, O., Tavazzani, L., Vallance, J., Chelle‐Michou, C., Proenza, J.A., Flores, C., Melgarejo, J.C., Rosas, S. Fontboté, L. (2023): Germanium‐ and gallium‐rich sphalerite in Mississippi Valley–type deposits: the San Vicente district and the Shalipayco deposit, Peru. Mineralium Deposita, 58, 853-880.
Torró, L., Benites, D., Vallance, J., Laurent, O., Ortiz-Benavente, B.A., Chelle-Michou, C., Proenza, J.A., Fontboté. L. (2022): Trace element geochemistry of sphalerite and chalcopyrite in arc-hosted VMS deposits. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 232, 106882.
Torres, B.; Melgarejo, J.C.; Torró, L.; Camprubí, A.; Castillo-Oliver, M.; Artiaga, D.; Campeny, M.; Tauler, E.; Jiménez-Franco, A.; Alfonso, P.; Arce-Burgoa, O.R. (2019): The Poopó polymetallic epithermal deposit, Bolivia: Mineralogy, genetic constraints, and distribution of critical elements Minerals 9 (8)
Ti-V
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Castillo-Oliver, M.; Melgarejo, J.C.; Torró, L.; Villanova-de-Benavent, C.; Campeny, C.; Díaz-Acha, Y.; Amores-Casals, S.; Xu, J.; Proenza, J.; Tauler, E. (2020): Sandstone-hosted uranium deposits as a possible source for critical elements: The Eureka mine case, Castell-Estaó, Catalonia. Minerals 10 (1)
Betancur-Figueroa, S., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Proenza, J.A., Weber, M.B., Acevedo, N., García-Casco, A. (2020): Mineralogy and geochemistry of Fe-Ti oxide ores from the Don Dieguito massif-type anorthosite suite, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Boletín de la Sociedad Geológica Mexicana 72, A050620.
Villanova-de-Benavent, C.; Torro, L.; Castillo-Oliver, M.; Campeny, M.; Melgarejo, JC.; Llovet, X.; Gali, S.; Goncalves, AO. (2017): Fe-Ti(-V) Oxide Deposits of the Kunene Anorthosite Complex (SW Angola): Mineralogy and Thermo-Oxybarometry. Minerals 7 (12) 246
Nb-Ta
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Amores-Casals, S., Gonçalves, A. O., Melgarejo, J. C., & Martí Molist, J. (2020): Nb and REE Distribution in the Monte Verde Carbonatite–Alkaline–Agpaitic Complex (Angola): Minerals, 10(1), 5.
Van Lichtervelde, M., Grand’Homme, A., de Saint-Blanquat, M., Olivier, P., Gerdes, A., Paquette, J. L., Melgarejo, J.C., Druguet, E. & Alfonso, P. (2017): U-Pb geochronology on zircon and columbite-group minerals of the Cap de Creus pegmatites, NE Spain. Mineralogy and petrology, 111, 1-21.
Demartis, M., Melgarejo, J. C., Colombo, F., Alfonso, P., Coniglio, J. E., Pinotti, L. P., & D’Eramo, F. J. (2014): Extreme F activities in late pegmatitic events as a key factor for LILE and HFSE enrichment: The Ángel pegmatite, central Argentina. The Canadian Mineralogist, 52(2), 247-269.
Cu
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Torró, L., Proenza, J.A., Espaillat, J., Belén-Manzeta, A.J., Román-Alday, M.C., Amarante, A., González, N., Espinoza, J., Roman-Alpiste, M.J., Nelson, C.E. (2018): The Discovery of the Romero VMS Deposit and Its Bearing on the Metallogenic Evolution of Hispaniola during the Cretaceous. Minerals, 8, 507.
Torró, L., Camprubí, A., Proenza, J.A., León, P., Stein, H.J., Lewis, J.F., Nelson, C.E., Chavez, C., Melgarejo, J.C. (2017): Re-Os and U-Pb Geochronology of the Doña Amanda and Cerro Kiosko Deposits, Bayaguana District, Dominican Republic: Looking Down for the Porphyry Cu-Mo Roots of the Pueblo Viejo-Type Mineralization in the Island-Arc Tholeiitic Series of the Caribbean. Economic Geology, 112, 829–853.
Torró, L., Proenza, J.A., Melgarejo, J.C., Alfonso, P., Farré De Pablo, J., Colomer, J.M., García-Casco, A., Gubern, A., Gallardo, E., Cazañas, X., Chávez, C., Del Carpio, R., León, P., Nelson, C.E., Lewis, J.F. (2016): Mineralogy, geochemistry and sulfur isotope characterization of Cerro de Maimón (Dominican Republic), San Fernando and Antonio (Cuba) Lower Cretaceous VMS deposits: Formation during subduction initiation of the Proto-Caribbean lithosphere within a fore-arc. Ore Geology Reviews, 72, 794-817.
Au-Ag
Don't miss our top 3 picks!
Domínguez-Carretero, D., González-Jiménez, J.M., Proenza, J.A., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Llovet, X., García-Casco, A. (2023): A track record of Au-Ag nanomelt generation during fluid-mineral interactions. Nature Scientific Reports 13, 7895.
Torró, L., Proenza, J.A., Espaillat, J., Belén-Manzeta, A.J., Román-Alday, M.C., Amarante, A., González, N., Espinoza, J., Roman-Alpiste, M.J., Nelson, C.E. (2018): The Discovery of the Romero VMS Deposit and Its Bearing on the Metallogenic Evolution of Hispaniola during the Cretaceous. Minerals, 8, 507.
Andreu, E., Torró, L., Proenza, J.A., Domènech, C., García-Casco, A., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Chávez, C., Espaillat, J., Lewis, J.F. (2015): Weathering profile of the Cerro de Maimón VMS deposit (Dominican Republic): textures, mineralogy, gossan evolution and mobility of gold and silver. Ore Geology Reviews 65, 165-179.
Li
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Ophiolites and intra-oceanic volcanic arcs
The study of ophiolites, ancient oceanic lithosphere fragments emplaced onto continents, and intra-oceanic arcs serve as windows into Earth’s dynamic past, unveiling clues about plate tectonics and oceanic evolution. This research line is based on a multidisciplinary approach, from the formation of the oceanic lithosphere in supra-subduction zone (SSZ) settings to its emplacement and later alteration. More precisely we investigate the magmatic, metamorphic and ore-deposit records of (paleo-)subduction zones of Cuba, Dominican Republic, Central Cordillera of Colombia, Morocco, etc. Besides, we have also focused on the presence of unusual minerals in ophiolitic mafic and ultramafic rocks, in particular in the formation of low-pressure diamond during serpentinization and the presence of inherited zircon. Explore with us as we navigate the fascinating intersection of Earth’s past and its implications for the future.
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Butjosa, L., Cambeses, A., Proenza, J.A., Agostini, S., Iturralde-Vinent, M., Bernal-Rodríguez, L., Garcia-Casco, A. (2023):. Relict abyssal mantle in a Caribbean forearc ophiolite (Villa Clara, central Cuba): petrogenetic and geodynamic implications. International Geology Review. 1-32
Pujol-Solà, N., Garcia-Casco, A., Proenza, J.A., González-Jiménez, J.M., del Campo, A., Colás, V., Canals, À., Sánchez-Navas, A., Roqué-Rosell, J. (2020): Diamond forms during low pressure serpentinisation of oceanic lithosphere. Geochemical Perspectives Letter, 15, 19-24.
Torró, L., Proenza, J.A., Marchesi, C., Garcia-Casco, A., Lewis, J.F. (2017): Petrogenesis of meta-volcanic rocks from the Maimón Formation (Dominican Republic): Geochemical record of the nascent Greater Antilles paleo-arc. Lithos, 278–281, 255-273
Carbonatites, alkaline rocks and kimberlites
Despite being very unusual rocks, carbonatites are in the spotlight of many recent studies due to their enrichment in critical metals such as REE, Nb or Ta. We investigate an even rarer subgroup, the extrusive carbonatites. With our mineralogical, petrological and geochemical approach we aim to provide new insights on the mineralogy and petrogenesis of extrusive carbonatites, as well as their key eruptive processes, mainly in the volcanic area of Catanda (Angola).
This research line also includes the characterisation of kimberlites and related rocks (i.e., lamprophyres, aillikites). Not only we target the petrogenesis of kimberlites from the study of their groundmass minerals (i.e., perovskite, carbonates), but we also focus on the characterisation of mantle xenoliths entrained by the kimberlitic magma. Based on petrological and in situ geochemical studies, we aim to shed new light on the structure and composition of the cratonic roots sampled by the kimberlites, mostly on unknown areas such as the SW of the Congo-Kassai craton (Angola).
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Castillo-Oliver, M.; Giuliani, A.; Griffin, W.L.; O’Reilly, S.Y.;Drysdale, R.N.; Abersteiner, A.; Thomassot, E.; Li, X-H. (2020): New constraints on the source, composition, and post-emplacement modification of kimberlites from in situ C–O–Sr-isotope analyses of carbonates from the Benfontein sills (South Africa). Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 175:33
Giuliani, A., Campeny, M., Kamenetsky, V.S., Afonso, J.C., Maas, R., Melgarejo, J.C., Kohn, B., Matchan, E.L., Mangas, J., Manuel, J., Gonçalves A.O. (2017): Southwestern Africa on the burner: Pleistocene carbonatite volcanism linked to deep mantle upwelling in Angola. Geology 45 (11), 971-974.
Campeny, M., Kamenetsky, V.S., Melgarejo, J.C., Mangas, J., Manuel, J., Alfonso, P., Kamenetsky, M., Bambi, A., Gonçalves A.O. (2015): Carbonatitic lavas in Catanda (Kwanza Sul, Angola): mineralogical and geochemical contraints on the parental melt. Lithos 232, 1-11.
Microanalysis
This research focusses on applied and fundamental aspects of electron microprobe analysis (EPMA), which is a key analytical technique used by geoscientists to study rock-forming minerals at the micron scale. Currently, the research lines include: 1) the development and application of computational methods to correct for secondary fluorescence effects across phase boundaries, aimed at improving the analysis of trace and minor elements; 2) use of ultra-soft X-rays and grating spectrometers for light-element analysis and chemical speciation; 3) measurement of fundamental parameters needed for quantitative analysis (e.g. mass attenuation coefficients) using the electron microprobe itself; and 4) application of the EPMA to characterize a broad range of complex geological materials, with direct application to ore deposit research.
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Llovet, X., Gavrilenko M., Batanova V.G., Sobolev A.V. (2023): Element depletion due to missing boundary fluorescence in electron probe microanalysis: the case of Ni in olivine Micros. Microanal., 29, 1595–1609.
Llovet, X., Proenza, J.A., Pujol-Solà, N., Farré-De Pablo, J., Campeny, M. (2020): Correction of secondary fluorescence across phase boundaries in Electron Probe Microanalysis of mineral inclusions. Microscopy and Microanalysis 26 (5), 1-11.
Domínguez-Carretero, D., Llovet, X., Pujol-Solà, N., Villanova-de-Benavent, C., Proenza, J.A. (2025): Accurate electron probe microanalysis of key petrogenetic minor and trace elements in Cr-spinel. Chemical Geology 674, 122579.
Other research: geoarchaeology, archaeometry and meteorite mineralogy
MinResET collaborates with archaeologists from various public institutions, contributing a unique mineralogical perspective to their research studies. Our group specializes in implementing geological characterization techniques such as SEM, EMP, LA-ICP-MS, and Raman on ornamental materials, stony materials, and tools—primarily from the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. Additionally, we analyze geological materials from potential sources.
Our research not only aims to identify the resource supply areas used by our Neolithic ancestors but also seeks to uncover the extent of trading activities among different coexisting populations. Currently, our team is actively involved in projects focused on Neolithic variscite mines in Northeast Spain and ceramics from the Argar civilization during the Bronze Age in Southeast Spain. Furthermore, we have supported several studies on ceramic glaze, including tableware and porcelain from the 15th and 17th centuries.
Some members of our team are involved in the mineralogical characterization of meteorites.
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Díaz-Acha, Y., Campeny, M., Casas, L., Di Febo, R., Ibañez-Insa, J., Jawhari, T., Bosch, J., Borrell, F., Jorge-Villar, S.E., Greneche, J.M., Tauler, E., Melgarejo, J.C. (2022): Colours of Gemmy Phosphates from the Gavà Neolithic Mines (Catalonia, Spain): Origin and Archaeological Significance. Minerals 12, 368.
Acevedo Gómez, N., Weber Scharff, M., Proenza, J.A., Sáenz-Samper, J., Garcia-Casco, A. (2021): Provenance study of the variscite artifacts of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia and approach to routes of pre-Hispanic exchange. Journal of Archaeological Science,136, 10551.
Acevedo-Gómez, N., Weber-Scharff, M., Garcia-Casco, A., Proenza, J.A., Sáenz, J., Cardona, A. (2016): A First Report of Variscite Tairona Artifacts (A.D. 1100–1600) from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, and Its Implications for Precolumbian Exchange Networks in the Region. Latin American Antiquity, 27(4), 549-560.