Cristian Ruiz

Profile

I am a geologist interested in mineral deposits and the geological processes that control the formation and evolution of ore systems. I hold a Master’s degree in Mineral Resources and Geological Hazards from the University of Barcelona. My Master’s thesis focused on the mineralogy and textures of gold-bearing minerals in the Tharsis gossan – Iberian Pyrite Belt, where I investigated mechanisms of gold concentration during supergene oxidation using optical microscopy, SEM, XRD, and EPMA.

Alongside my academic background, I have gained professional experience un mineral exploration across different deposit systems, including porphyry, epithermal, and VMS environments. My work has involved integrating field observations with mineralogical and geochemical data, as well contributing to geological interpretation, 3D geological modelling, and resource evaluation within multidisciplinary exploration teams.

I am currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Leeds, where my research focuses on the evolution and post-formational processes of seafloor massive sulfides systems, with an interest in understanding the mineralogical and geochemical chances that affect these deposits through time.

Research interests

My research focuses on the evolution of seafloor massive sulphide (SMS) deposits and the processes that control their alteration after formation on the ocean floor. In particular, I am interested in understanding how oxidative seawater interaction modifies sulphide mineralogy, textures, and metal distribution in hydrothermal deposits.

Through my PhD at Leeds, I aim to study experimentally deployed sulphide minerals recovered from hydrothermal vent environments at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Using microanalytical techniques, my research investigates how different sulphide minerals respond to oxidative seafloor weathering and how these processes influence the mobilization or enrichment of economically important elements.

My research interests include:

• Seafloor massive sulphide (SMS) systems and hydrothermal mineralization
• Oxidative seafloor weathering of sulphide deposits
• Post-formation alteration of hydrothermal ore systems
• Ore mineralogy and microtextural analysis
• Microbial interactions influencing sulphide alteration processes
• Geochemical behaviour of metals during alteration and weathering
• Microanalytical techniques of mineral characterization (SEM, EPMA, LA-ICP-MS)

I am broadly interested in improving the understanding of the processes that control the long-term evolution of hydrothermal ore deposits and their implications for mineral resources.

Qualifications

• MSc Mineral Resources and Geological Hazards, University of Barcelona
• Geological Engineering, Universidad Politecnica Nacional - ECU
• SEG Student Member

Research groups and institutes

• Earth Surface Science Institute
• Institute of Applied Geoscience