Geology and Resource Potential of Northwest Victoria Island
Principal Investigator: Rainbird, Robert H (7)
Licence Number: 14563
Organization: Natural Resources Canada-Geological Survey of Canada
Licensed Year(s): 2009
Issued: Jul 14, 2009
Project Team: Dr. Jean Bedard (co-project leader, GSC), Dr. Keith Dewing (co-investigator, GSC), Dr. Luke Ootes (co-investigator, NWT Geoscience)

Objective(s): The objective of the project is to better understand the geology of the region through collection and analysis of rock specimens and regional geological mapping.

Project Description: The objective of the project is to better understand the geology of the region through collection and analysis of rock specimens and regional geological mapping. This year the researchers would like to collect hand specimens of rocks for future studies and to look for areas where more detailed studies can be done in the future. Understanding the geology will help geologists map the area, assist mineral exploration activities, and provide useful information necessary for communities, aboriginal associations, and government to make land use decisions. In addition, one of the main objectives will be to look for new occurrences of alabaster, a sculpture stone highly prized by community artists. The 2009 survey will consist of field traverses on foot and collection of hand-sized rock specimens from surface exposures. All collections will be completed with standard hand tools (hammer) as surface samples are simple and easy to access. No digging or blasting will be required. Access to and from the field sites will be by helicopter based in Ulukhaktok. The researchers will require expediting services for shipping of equipment to/from the field study area and food and lodging for the two week period that they will be in the community. The personnel for this service will be hired through the Ulukhaktok Development Corp. They will also require translation services for further community consultations of which locals from the community will be hired. They will purchase all fuel for helicopter travel locally. The results of this research will be presented at the Yellowknife Geoscience Forum in November, 2009. The researchers will also make visits to the community for information sessions. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 13 to July 31, 2009, in the western part of Victoria Island in the region described by N71 o to N72 o and W112 o to W117 o. The study will focus on the Shaler Mountains, eastern part of Minto Inlet and Kuujjua River Valley. Base camp location(s): There will be no field camp required for this 2009 project. All survey personnel will use the resources and accommodations existing in Ulukhaktok. Personnel will be flown daily from Ulukhaktok to the survey locations via helicopter. CONDITION TO THIS LICENCE: ISSUED UNDER THE EISC TERMS AND CONDITIONS – ROBERT RAINBIRD [06/09-07]. .