Michel Houlé

Research Geoscientist

Economic Geology, Ni-Cu-Cr-PGE orthomagmatic deposits associated with mafic and ultramafic rocks, Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulfide deposits, and volcanogeny associated with komatiites.

Current research and/or projects

What is the focus of you research?

Dr. Houlé’s scientific research focuses on orthomagmatic Ni-Cu-PGE, Cr-PGE, and Fe-Ti-V mineralization associated with mafic and ultramafic rocks in diverse geologic environments across Canada. Furthermore, he is also interested in the physical volcanology, geochemistry, and petrogenesis of komatiites in the Precambrian shield.

He is currently conducting research in the Bird River greenstone belt in Manitoba, the McFaulds Lake and the Abitibi greenstone belts in Ontario, the La Grande and the Eastmain greenstone belts in Quebec, and the Labrador Trough in Quebec and Labrador.

What is the significance of your research?

Dr. Houlé scientific research results in a better understanding of some major Ni-Cu-PGE and Cr-PGE deposits in Canada and which factors control the genesis of these types of orthomagmatic mineralization associated with mafic and ultramafic rocks. Furthermore, his work helps to get a better understanding of the distribution of these prospective units and mineral resources thereby increasing the efficiency of industry exploration strategies and maximizing economic investments.

Education and awards

Education:

PhD: Ottawa University, 2008

MSc: Université Laval, Québec, 2000

Awards

Recipient of the William Harvey Gross Medal of the Mineral Deposits Division of the Geological Association of Canada (GAC) in 2013.

Key publications