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Hultman, L., Mazur, S., Ankarcrona, C., Palmqvist, A., Abrahamsson, M., Antti, M.-L., . . . Berggren, M. (2024). Advanced materials provide solutions towards a sustainable world [Letter to the editor]. Nature Materials, 23(2), 160-161
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Advanced materials provide solutions towards a sustainable world
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2024 (English)In: Nature Materials, ISSN 1476-1122, E-ISSN 1476-4660, Vol. 23, no 2, p. 160-161Article in journal, Letter (Other academic) Published
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Nature Research, 2024
National Category
Earth and Related Environmental Sciences
Research subject
Engineering Materials; Ore Geology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-104595 (URN)10.1038/s41563-023-01778-9 (DOI)38307974 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85183827413 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2024-03-14 Created: 2024-03-14 Last updated: 2024-03-14
Weihed, P. (2022). How commodity prices and technical development has influenced exploration strategies: a case study from Sweden. Mineral Economics, 35(3-4), 409-427
Open this publication in new window or tab >>How commodity prices and technical development has influenced exploration strategies: a case study from Sweden
2022 (English)In: Mineral Economics, ISSN 2191-2203, E-ISSN 2191-2211, Vol. 35, no 3-4, p. 409-427Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

In Sweden, mining of metallic mineral resources goes back at least 1000 years, possibly much longer. This paper reviews the development of exploration over the past 500 years and discusses exploration based on 1) demand and price, 2) technical development, and 3) legislation. Without doubt, exploration efforts have been driven by an early demand, especially from the Swedish crown and well-known mines such as Falun copper mine and Sala silver mine sustained the Swedish crown and financed several wars during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries for several centuries. The fluctuation in metal prices, basically a function of demand, due to technical development and industrialization, has been an important driver for the focus of exploration over the last 100 years, and even more so during the last 50 years when exploration, besides base metals and iron, has focussed on more critical raw materials for the energy transition and green technology. The technical development has also meant that new methods have become available for exploration, not the least deep exploration methods and Swedish innovations have played a major role in drilling technology, geophysical instrument development and other areas. This is discussed based on development in drilling technology, geological, geophysical and geochemical methods. Finally, a review of the how the mining legislation has changed over the last 500 years is provided where this is placed in the context of how it has influenced private investment in exploration and what role the Swedish state has played.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer, 2022
Keywords
Exploration, Sweden, Commodity prices, Technical development
National Category
Other Civil Engineering
Research subject
Ore Geology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-89476 (URN)10.1007/s13563-022-00299-2 (DOI)000749748000002 ()2-s2.0-85123921937 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Luleå University of Technology
Note

Validerad;2022;Nivå 2;2022-11-29 (sofila)

Available from: 2022-03-14 Created: 2022-03-14 Last updated: 2023-09-05Bibliographically approved
Bark, G., Boyce, A. J., Fallick, A. E. & Weihed, P. (2021). Fluid and metal sources in the Fäboliden hypozonal orogenic gold deposit, Sweden. Mineralium Deposita, 56(3), 425-440
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Fluid and metal sources in the Fäboliden hypozonal orogenic gold deposit, Sweden
2021 (English)In: Mineralium Deposita, ISSN 0026-4598, E-ISSN 1432-1866, Vol. 56, no 3, p. 425-440Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

To model the formation of orogenic gold deposits, in a global perspective, it is important to understand the ore-forming conditions not only for deposits hosted in greenschist facies rocks but also in amphibolite facies. The Paleoproterozoic Fäboliden deposit in northern Sweden belongs to the globally rare hypozonal group of orogenic gold deposits and, as such, constitutes a key addition to the understanding of amphibolite facies orogenic gold deposits. The Fäboliden deposit is characterized by auriferous arsenopyrite-rich quartz veins, hosted by amphibolite facies supracrustal rocks and controlled by a roughly N-striking shear zone. Gold is closely associated with arsenopyrite-löllingite and stibnite, and commonly found in fractures and as inclusions in the arsenopyrite-löllingite grains. The timing of mineralization is estimated from geothermometric data and field relations at c. 1.8 Ga. In order to constrain the origin of gold-bearing fluids in the Fäboliden deposit, oxygen, hydrogen, and sulfur isotope studies were undertaken. δ18O from quartz in veins shows a narrow range of + 10.6 to + 13.1‰. δD from biotite ranges between − 120 and − 67‰, with most data between − 95 and − 67‰. δ34S in arsenopyrite and pyrrhotite ranges from − 0.9 and + 3.6‰ and from − 1.5 and + 1.9‰, respectively. These stable isotope data, interpreted in the context of the regional and local geology and the estimated timing of mineralization, suggest that the sulfur- and gold-bearing fluid was generated from deep-crustal sedimentary rocks during decompressional uplift, late in the orogenic evolution of the area. At the site of gold ore formation, an 18O-enriched magmatic fluid possibly interacted with the auriferous fluid, causing precipitation of Au and the formation of the Fäboliden hypozonal orogenic gold deposit.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer, 2021
Keywords
Fluid source, Orogenic gold, Hypozonal, Stable isotope, Fennoscandia
National Category
Geology
Research subject
Ore Geology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-78505 (URN)10.1007/s00126-020-00977-7 (DOI)000523393500001 ()2-s2.0-85084664287 (Scopus ID)
Note

Validerad;2021;Nivå 2;2021-02-19 (alebob);

Finansiär: Georange (89126); NERC; consortium of Scottish Universities

Available from: 2020-04-16 Created: 2020-04-16 Last updated: 2023-09-05Bibliographically approved
Bergman, S. & Weihed, P. (2020). Archean (>2.6 Ga) and Paleoproterozoic (2.5–1.8 Ga), pre- and syn-orogenic magmatism, sedimentation and mineralization in the Norrbotten and Överkalix lithotectonic units, Svecokarelian orogen. In: M. B. Stephens and J. Bergman Weihed (Ed.), Sweden: Lithotectonic Framework, Tectonic Evolution and Mineral Resources (pp. 27-81). Geological Society of London
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Archean (>2.6 Ga) and Paleoproterozoic (2.5–1.8 Ga), pre- and syn-orogenic magmatism, sedimentation and mineralization in the Norrbotten and Överkalix lithotectonic units, Svecokarelian orogen
2020 (English)In: Sweden: Lithotectonic Framework, Tectonic Evolution and Mineral Resources / [ed] M. B. Stephens and J. Bergman Weihed, Geological Society of London, 2020, p. 27-81Chapter in book (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Two lithotectonic units (the Norrbotten and Överkalix units) occur inside the Paleoproterozoic (2.0–1.8 Ga) Svecokarelian orogen in northernmost Sweden. Archean (2.8–2.6 Ga and possibly older) basement, affected by a relict Neoarchean tectonometamorphic event, and early Paleoproterozoic (2.5–2.0 Ga) cover rocks constitute the pre-orogenic components in the orogen that are unique in Sweden. Siliciclastic sedimentary rocks, predominantly felsic volcanic rocks, and both spatially and temporally linked intrusive rock suites, deposited and emplaced at 1.9–1.8 Ga, form the syn-orogenic component. These magmatic suites evolved from magnesian and calc-alkaline to alkali–calcic compositions to ferroan and alkali–calcic varieties in a subduction-related tectonic setting. Apatite–Fe oxide, including the world's two largest underground Fe ore mines (Kiruna and Malmberget), skarn-related Fe oxide, base metal sulphide, and epigenetic Cu–Au and Au deposits occur in the Norrbotten lithotectonic unit. Low- to medium-pressure and variable temperature metamorphic conditions and polyphase Svecokarelian ductile deformation prevailed. The general northwesterly or north-northeasterly structural grain is controlled by ductile shear zones. The Paleotectonic evolution after the Neoarchean involved three stages: (1) intracratonic rifting prior to 2.0 Ga; (2) tectonic juxtaposition of the lithotectonic units during crustal shortening prior to 1.89 Ga; and (3) accretionary tectonic evolution along an active continental margin at 1.9–1.8 Ga.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Geological Society of London, 2020
Series
Memoirs of the Geological Society of London, ISSN 0435-4052 ; 50
National Category
Geology
Research subject
Ore Geology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-77984 (URN)10.1144/M50-2016-29 (DOI)2-s2.0-85087114724 (Scopus ID)978-1-78620-460-8 (ISBN)
Available from: 2020-03-06 Created: 2020-03-06 Last updated: 2023-09-05Bibliographically approved
Skyttä, P., Weihed, P., Högdahl, K., Bergman, S. & Stephens, M. B. (2020). Paleoproterozoic (2.0–1.8 Ga) syn-orogenic sedimentation, magmatism and mineralization in the Bothnia–Skellefteå lithotectonic unit, Svecokarelian orogen. In: Stephens, M.B. and Bergman Weihed, J, (Ed.), Sweden: Lithotectonic framework, tectonic evolution and mineral resources. (pp. 83-130). Geological Society of London
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Paleoproterozoic (2.0–1.8 Ga) syn-orogenic sedimentation, magmatism and mineralization in the Bothnia–Skellefteå lithotectonic unit, Svecokarelian orogen
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2020 (English)In: Sweden: Lithotectonic framework, tectonic evolution and mineral resources. / [ed] Stephens, M.B. and Bergman Weihed, J,, Geological Society of London, 2020, p. 83-130Chapter in book (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

The Bothnia–Skellefteå lithotectonic unit is dominated by turbiditic wacke and argillite (Bothnian basin), deposited at 1.96 (or older)–1.86 Ga, metamorphosed generally under high-grade conditions and intruded by successive plutonic suites at 1.95–1.93, 1.90–1.88, 1.87–1.85 and 1.81–1.76 Ga. In the northern part, low-grade and low-strain, 1.90–1.86 Ga predominantly magmatic rocks (the Skellefte–Arvidsjaur magmatic province) are enclosed by the basinal components. Subduction-related processes in intra-arc basin and magmatic arc settings, respectively, are inferred. Changes in the metamorphic grade and the relative timing of deformation and structural style across the magmatic province are linked to major shear zones trending roughly north–south and, close to the southern margin, WNW–ESE. Zones trending WNW–ESE and ENE–WSW dominate southwards. Slip along the north–south zones in an extensional setting initiated synchronously with magmatic activity at 1.90–1.88 Ga. Tectonic inversion steered by accretion to a craton to the east, involving crustal shortening, ductile strain and crustal melting, occurred at 1.88–1.85 Ga. Deformation along shear zones under lower-grade conditions continued at c. 1.8 Ga. Felsic volcanic rocks (1.90–1.88 Ga) host exhalative and replacement-type volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits (the metallogenic Skellefte district). Other deposits include orogenic Au, particularly along the ‘gold line’ SW of this district, porphyry Cu–Au–Mo, and magmatic Ni–Cu along the ‘nickel line’ SE of the ‘gold line’.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Geological Society of London, 2020
Series
Memoirs of the geological Society of London, ISSN 0435-4052 ; 50
National Category
Geology
Research subject
Ore Geology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-77983 (URN)10.1144/M50-2017-10 (DOI)2-s2.0-85087440196 (Scopus ID)
Note

ISBN för värdpublikation: 978-1-78620-460-8

Available from: 2020-03-06 Created: 2020-03-06 Last updated: 2023-09-05Bibliographically approved
Billström, K., Evins, P., Martinsson, O., Jeon, H. & Weihed, P. (2019). Conflicting zircon vs. titanite U-Pb age systematics and the deposition of the host volcanic sequence to Kiruna-type and IOCG deposits in northern Sweden, Fennoscandian shield. Precambrian Research, 321, 123-133
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Conflicting zircon vs. titanite U-Pb age systematics and the deposition of the host volcanic sequence to Kiruna-type and IOCG deposits in northern Sweden, Fennoscandian shield
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2019 (English)In: Precambrian Research, ISSN 0301-9268, E-ISSN 1872-7433, Vol. 321, p. 123-133Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The Northern Norrbotten region, and in particular the Kiruna area, hosts a number of large apatite iron oxide deposits (e.g. the huge Kiirunavaara ore) of significant economic importance. Age data from rock lithologies hosting these ores, represented by metamorphosed rocks of the Porphyrite and Kiirunavaara Groups, are complex to interpret. This is illustrated by (LA-ICP-MS) data for titanite, and to some extent for rutile, which scatter considerably yielding ages within a span from ca. 2.1 Ga to 1.7 Ga. These analysed hydrothermal minerals, characterized by complex BSE images revealing darker and brighter zones, are located in ore zones and associated with e.g. strong scapolitisation, albitisation and actinolitisation. Previous (TIMS) zircon ages of host rocks, on the other hand, define a more narrower age interval between ca. 1900 and 1870 Ma, and this is supported by new U-Pb zircon results presented here. Furthermore, one coherent set of SIMS data for titanite from the Luossavaara ore favour that crystallization took place at ca 1.88 Ga, although laser ICP data from the same locality are much more complex. An implication arising from published pre-1.9 Ga laser ablation ages for titanites is that the emplacement of host rocks started already at around 2.1 Ga. As the depositional time of these rocks is crucial for the understanding of the overall crustal formation in northern Norrbotten, additional rocks were selected for age dating. New zircon age data (LA-ICP-MS and SIMS) give support to a scenario where host rocks to ores started to develop at around 1900 Ma and this calls for a re-evaluation of published LA-ICP-MS data of hydrothermal mineral phases.

Here, we present four models that aim to explain how pre-1.9 Ga titanite ages, believed to have a questionable geological significance, may develop. The principal idea is that ≤2.1 Ga alteration events were not responsible for the crystallization of the hydrothermal minerals, instead it is believed that apparent old age domains carry excess radiogenic lead due to the effect of ≤1.9 Ga hydrothermal processes. Currently, the interpretation of U-Pb isotope data in the study area remains enigmatic, and further radiometric analyses are required.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2019
Keywords
U-Pb age, Iron ore, Norrbotten, Sweden, Zircon, Titanite
National Category
Geology
Research subject
Ore Geology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-72749 (URN)10.1016/j.precamres.2018.12.003 (DOI)000457657500008 ()2-s2.0-85058180697 (Scopus ID)
Note

Validerad;2019;Nivå 2;2019-01-31 (johcin)

Available from: 2019-01-31 Created: 2019-01-31 Last updated: 2023-09-05Bibliographically approved
Alvarenga, R. A. .., Dewulf, J., Guinée, J., Schulze, R., Weihed, P., Bark, G. & Drielsma, J. (2019). Towards product-oriented sustainability in the (primary) metal supply sector. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 145, 40-48
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Towards product-oriented sustainability in the (primary) metal supply sector
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2019 (English)In: Resources, Conservation and Recycling, ISSN 0921-3449, E-ISSN 1879-0658, Vol. 145, p. 40-48Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Consideration of sustainable supply of (primary) metals is increasingly influencing the policy agenda of western societies. Environmental sustainability can be managed from different perspectives, including a site-oriented one (strongly used by the mining sector) and a product-oriented one (as with life cycle assessment). The objectives of this article are to analyse and discuss the differences in these perspectives; to discuss potential benefits to the metal/mining sector of also considering the product-oriented perspective; and to propose ways for a smooth implementation. We made use of literature and expert knowledge, on top of interviews with different stakeholders, to identify why and how these perspectives are (not) used in the metal/mining sector. Moreover, we identified three key concerns related to the implementation of a product-oriented perspective in the sector (e.g., use of unrepresentative life cycle inventory (LCI) datasets for metal-based products) and proposed three corrective actions for all of them (e.g., increase the quantity and quality of LCI). Finally, we discuss how the corrective actions could be implemented in the sector in a smooth way and some potential benefits from its implementation.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2019
Keywords
Raw materials, Mining, Metal, Life cycle, Sustainability
National Category
Geology
Research subject
Ore Geology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-73134 (URN)10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.02.018 (DOI)000466251200005 ()2-s2.0-85061805826 (Scopus ID)
Note

Validerad;2019;Nivå 2;2019-03-07 (johcin)

Available from: 2019-03-07 Created: 2019-03-07 Last updated: 2023-09-05Bibliographically approved
Ericsson, M., Drielsma, J., Humphreys, D., Storm, P. & Weihed, P. (2019). Why current assessments of ‘future efforts’ are no basis for establishing policies on material use: a response to research on ore grades. Mineral Economics, 32(1), 111-121
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Why current assessments of ‘future efforts’ are no basis for establishing policies on material use: a response to research on ore grades
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2019 (English)In: Mineral Economics, ISSN 2191-2203, E-ISSN 2191-2211, Vol. 32, no 1, p. 111-121Article in journal, Editorial material (Other academic) Published
Abstract [en]

The concept of declining availability due to declining primary resource quality has been investigated for various resource categories to try to determine the effort needed in future to either extract the resource or to treat it for intended use. The concept of ‘future efforts’ due to declining primary resource quality is explored by Vieira et al. (2016, 2017). They suggest that a specific burden associated with the production of each primary material should be taken into account and that this can be done by studying the costs of production or ore requirements of the material and by projecting forward likely costs into the future. For the purpose of the analysis, they employ mine cost data for 2000–2013 and reserve data published by the US Geological Survey. We will argue below that this approach is not correct and, with this comment, we wish to make it clear that—contrary to what is suggested in much of the Life Cycle Assessment literature—the future efforts concept is not an established rule of natural resource extraction. For mineral resources, it is quite impossible to proceed with extraction in the ordered way that this approach suggests because nobody has a comprehensive view of the entire natural resource. Secondly, there is no evidence available to support the idea that extracting a mineral resource today causes a decrease in availability of that mineral tomorrow. On the contrary, the weight of evidence suggests that where declines in ore grades have been observed, they are overwhelmingly due to technology development in response to high demand and have been accompanied by increased mining efficiency and increased availability of the resource to successive generations. Grade is a rather arbitrary measure since the grade of mined ore ultimately has to do with the relationship of costs and revenues. It is not only the technology employed which matters but also how smartly this technology is applied. Thirdly, the future efforts approach entirely overlooks the potential availability of mineral materials from secondary (scrap) sources, sources which are expected to become increasingly important to mineral supply in the future. Our conclusion from the discussion is that we as humans have been able to economically access ever-increasing amounts of material from often lower and lower-grade sources. What is impossible to conclude from this is that the environment no longer contains any of the higher-grade sources. In fact, all the available evidence suggests that higher-grade deposits are still out there. We remain critical optimists.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer, 2019
Keywords
Future efforts, Ore grade, Declining availability, Life Cycle Assessment, “Type 3”, Hotelling, Surplus cost
National Category
Geology Economics
Research subject
Ore Geology; Economics
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-73814 (URN)10.1007/s13563-019-00175-6 (DOI)000464850300008 ()2-s2.0-85066248024 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2019-05-02 Created: 2019-05-02 Last updated: 2023-09-06Bibliographically approved
Abdelnasser, A., Kumral, M., Zoheir, B., Karaman, M. & Weihed, P. (2018). REE geochemical characteristics and satellite-based mapping of hydrothermal alteration in Atud gold deposit, Egypt. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 145, 317-330
Open this publication in new window or tab >>REE geochemical characteristics and satellite-based mapping of hydrothermal alteration in Atud gold deposit, Egypt
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2018 (English)In: Journal of African Earth Sciences, ISSN 0899-5362, Vol. 145, p. 317-330Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

New geochemical data of the hydrothermal alteration zones associated with gold-bearing quartz veins at Atud mine are used for better understanding the ore evolution and exploration vectoring. ASTER and Landsat 8 OLI data are used to elucidate the distribution of gold-associated alteration zones. Three alteration zones are defined; zone 1 (sericite-kaolinite-quartz-pyrite), zone 2 (quartz-sericite-albite-pyrite), and zone 3 (chlorite-carbonate-epidote ± pyrite). Sericite and hydrothermal quartz are confined to the mineralized quartz veins. Fe-OH and OH-bearing minerals are observed along NW- and NE-trending shear zones in the Main Atud mine. The association of gold-bearing quartz veins and sericite alteration is constrained by processing ASTER- and OLI-imagery data. The geochemical data of the ore-enveloping hydrothermally altered rocks are used to assess the behavior of the REEs during the mineralization process. Mild enrichment in LREE and significant enrichment in the HREE are associated with sericite in zones (1) and (2) alterations. Carbonate alteration (zone 3) is enriched in LREE and in immobile HREE. Moreover, LREE and Eu anomalies have negative correlated with the Alteration Index (A.I.) and K2O index (K.I.) in zones 1 and 2, suggesting high mobility of LREE in K-rich hydrothermal fluids. On the other hand, HREE anomalies with increasing MgO index (M.I.) in alteration zone 3 may imply low solubility of these elements in alkaline solutions. Au anomalies linked to sericite/silica alteration is a rather meaningful vector for further exploration in the area.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2018
National Category
Geology
Research subject
Ore Geology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-67608 (URN)10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2018.01.013 (DOI)000439403600025 ()2-s2.0-85041926005 (Scopus ID)
Note

Validerad;2018;Nivå 2;2018-07-23 (inah)

Available from: 2018-02-12 Created: 2018-02-12 Last updated: 2023-09-05Bibliographically approved
Zeballos, A., Weihed, P., Blanco, M. & Machaca, V. (2017). Characterization of some nonmetallic resources in Bolivia: an overview of their potentiality and their application in specialized formulations. Environmental Earth Sciences, 76(22), Article ID 754.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Characterization of some nonmetallic resources in Bolivia: an overview of their potentiality and their application in specialized formulations
2017 (English)In: Environmental Earth Sciences, ISSN 1866-6280, E-ISSN 1866-6299, Vol. 76, no 22, article id 754Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Bolivia has several nonmetallic occurrences widespread in the country. Unfortunately, they are poorly studied and slightly characterized. In the present work, several nonmetallic occurrences located in La Paz, Oruro, Potosí and Santa Cruz were studied. The results of the chemical and mineralogical characterization of the materials will be presented, in order to approach their applicability in specialized industrial formulations. A preliminary test of the final products besides an overview of their potentiality will be exposed and a current view of the commercialization as well.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer, 2017
National Category
Geology
Research subject
Ore Geology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-66733 (URN)10.1007/s12665-017-7094-7 (DOI)000416820300022 ()2-s2.0-85034744509 (Scopus ID)
Note

Validerad;2017;Nivå 2;2017-11-23 (andbra)

Available from: 2017-11-23 Created: 2017-11-23 Last updated: 2023-09-05Bibliographically approved
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ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0003-3879-3897

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