Surficial Geology and Till Geochemistry of the Yellowknife Greenstone Belt Area.
Principal Investigator: Kerr, Daniel E. (7)
Licence Number: 13060
Organization: Geological Survey of Canada (Terrain Sciences Division)
Licensed Year(s): 2001 2000 1999
Issued: Jun 16, 1999
Project Team: Participants from Geological Survey of Canada, DIAND, and David Smith

Objective(s): This project presents an integrated compilation of new and existing surficial geology, drift prospecting and environmental data in support of further mineral exploration and development in the Yellowknife Greenstone Belt, as well as for environmental assessments. The primary objective is to provide geoscience data and new exploration techniques in the Yellowknife Greenstone Belt area that can be used in delineation of reserves and discovery of new mineral deposits. Over a four year period, the project will focus on up to nine 1:50000 map areas of potential gold mineralization in the Yellowknife basin. Surficial mapping can be extended to other adjacent regions if warranted. In each map area, surficial sediments will be mapped, ice flow history determined, and baseline till geochemistry exploration and environmental data collected. Till samples for kimberlite indicator mineral analysis may be collected where appropriate. Areas targeted for detailed geochemical case studies will also focus on mine-scale and camp-scale properties. Initial studies will focus on reconnaissance mapping to determine areas of greater exploration interest and mineral potential, and an overview of glacial ice flow history.

Project Description: The primary objective is to provide geoscience data and new exploration techniques in the Yellowknife Greenstone Belt area that can be used in delineation of reserves and discovery of new mineral deposits. The main mode of transportation will be by helicopter (206L), float plane, truck (where road access is available), and possibly by boat. The helicopter and plane will be based out of Yellowknife and will be used to access sample sites and glacial striae measurement locations. Fieldwork will be undertaken by two or three trained GSC scientists. Data collection will include simple geological observations such as glacial landforms, glacial striae measurements using a compass, air photo interpretation and collection of till (soil) samples (1-10 kg in weight) from naturally exposed sites and shallow hand dug pits (20-70cm deep). Samples will be submitted for standard geochemical analysis of 40 elements, and kimberlite indicator mineral studies. All pits will be infilled. Fielwork will be carried out over a two-week period in either July or August.