NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region

Tags: physical sciences, mining, geology, natural resources, mineral exploration

Objective(s): The purpose of this research is to provide Darnley Bay with geophysical data to assist in their interpretation of mineral potential in the Paulatuk area.

Project Description: This license has been issued for the scientific research application #874. The purpose of this research is to provide Darnley Bay with geophysical data to assist in their interpretation of mineral potential in the Paulatuk area. This study will composed of four different studies: Airborne Gravity Survey, Geological sampling/Prospecting, Airborne Electromagnetic Survey and Bathymetry Survey. This study will also perform airborne electromagnetic survey and gravity study. The first study will help to delineate bedrock conductors, which may indicate sulphide mineralisation (e.g. nickel-PGE), for future drilling targets. The gravity survey will improve accuracy and coverage of the current data. This will eventually be used to help locate drilling targets. The survey will be flown along predetermined flight lines. Geological rock sampling will be conducted to find and sample igneous bedrock for the presence of base metals and/or kimberlite material (for the presence of diamonds). Sampling will be undertaken by hand using rock hammers to collect samples on or very close to the ground surface. These samples will be bagged for transport and later analyzed. A GPS unit will be used to collect a coordinate location of the site and a digital camera used to visually document the site. Physical properties of rocks, such as magnetic susceptibility, radioelement content and conductivity, may be measured while in the field using magnetic susceptibility meters, gamma-ray spectrometers and conductivity meters. These devices are used by holding the instrument up to the rock for a short period to obtain a reading. This will be done both prior to and during staking, to confirm areas of interest. Additional sampling in the staked claims may occur afterwards if time permits. The sampling areas within a reasonable distance from Paulatuk will be accessed daily by ATV. In cases where ATV access is not an option, crews will be dropped in by helicopter. Helicopter flights will be on a point to point basis and will maintain an elevation of greater the 650 m. Equipment for overnight tent camps for crews will be carried but only used in the event of an emergency. The areas around Hornaday River may be accessed from Paulatuk by boat. This study will also perform airborne electromagnetic survey and gravity study. The first study will help to delineate bedrock conductors, which may indicate sulphide mineralisation (e.g. nickel-PGE), for future drilling targets. The gravity survey will improve accuracy and coverage of the current data. This will eventually be used to help locate drilling targets. The survey will be flown along predetermined flight lines. Lastly, the bathymetric surveys will be conducted for various water sources (yet to be determined). This will help identify viable water sources. This survey will follow all DFO requirements. A boat using a depth sounder with a GPS will be used on predetermined paths. A stream survey (depth, width, flow rate) will also be conducted. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from September 03 to October 15, 2008 study near Paulatuk and around the Darnley Bay region.