NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region

Tags: physical sciences, mining, geology, diamond exploration, kimberlite

Objective(s): The purpose of this project is to conduct Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)-based gradiometer magnetometer surveys, by JVX on behalf of Diadem.

Project Description: , in accordance to the EISC RECOMMENDATIONS in late October 2007. Fieldwork is being licenced confined to March-April 2008. The purpose of this project is to conduct Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)-based gradiometer magnetometer surveys, by JVX on behalf of Diadem. Within the mineral claims, 28 potential targets have been identified in priority sequence to be surveyed. The number of surveys will vary as some grids may overlap and thus be combined. Weather, lighting and ground conditions will also be considered on a daily basis and may affect the order that target sites are surveyed. Diadem is proposing to complete gradiometer magnetometer surveys within their mineral claim blocks on the Parry Peninsula, near Paulatuk, NWT. The purpose of the Project is to: provide Diadem with geophysical data to assist in their interpretation of mineral potential; provide confirmation of suspected kimberlite pipes; and delineate known kimberlite pipe occurrences. The surveys will measure the magnetic properties of the rocks in the subsurface that can then be interpreted based on comparisons with the magnetic field of the earth through mathematical modeling. The acquired geophysical data recorded during the proposed surveys will assist Diadem with planning future exploration on the mineral claim blocks. Each survey will be conducted over a 1 km2 grid with the target located in the centre of the grid. Grid lines will be spaced at 50 m intervals, with closer intervals of 25 m or 10 m spacing directly adjacent to the targets if higher resolution data is required. Options for surveying methods that are being considered include: surveying using a sleigh mounted GSM-19 Overhauser magnetometer system and snowmobiles; surveying by foot with the backpack GSM-19W Walking v7.0 Overhauser magnetometer system; or a combination of the two. The method of surveying the targets will be largely based on time constraints due to weather, light and snow/ground/ice conditions. Since most of the ground surface will be covered in snow, samples will be taken from the target sites only under certain conditions. Samples will only be taken from the surface with a hand held rock hammer and only if the rock is kimberlite or unique for the area. Samples would be limited to between 100 to 200 kg total for the Project and would be placed in five gallon sample pails, holding 25-30 kg/pail, for shipping and analysis. If a unique rock discovery occurs, a geologist may be flown in to identify the rock discovery and will stay no longer than the length of the time required to complete the gradiometer magnetometer surveys. The Project will be supported by daily helicopter flights to all survey sites. If snowmobiles are used for surveying purposes, the snowmobiles and sleighs will be taken to the survey sites by sling. When targets are close enough together, surveyors and wildlife monitors will travel between the sites by snowmobile. If the grids are not within easy commuting distance (greater than ~20 km), the helicopter will be used to move the snowmobiles and sleighs between sites. For safety purposes, the helicopter will remain with the survey crew at all times. To minimize the potential for noise effects to the community, the aircraft charter company will be instructed to follow the flight altitudes presented by the Inuvialuit Game Council (IGC) in its letter (of August 2, 2002) to aircraft operators working in the region (Appendix B, PD). Diadem has committed to meeting with the Paulatuk HTC throughout the Project. There will be 3-4 positions for local employment. The Project team (Diadem representatives, pilots and wildlife monitors) will be staying in Paulatuk community for the duration of the project and will be shopping locally when possible. Team members will mobilize daily from Paulatuk. Fieldwork will be conducted from March 01 to April 30, 2008 on the Parry Peninsula (near Paulatuk, NWT).