NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Sahtu Settlement Area, Dehcho Region

Tags: physical sciences, geology, petrology, mineral exploration, mineralogy

Objective(s): To identify some proximal (close) and distal (at a distance) mineralogical and chemical elements that will indicate that rocks in a sedimentary basin are likely or not to be rich in metals; and to understand how metals were emplaced in rocks, and how they disperse once the rocks are weathered. This has implications for the land, environment and mineral identification.

Project Description: The objectives of this research project are to identify some proximal (close) and distal (at a distance) mineralogical and chemical elements that will indicate that rocks in a sedimentary basin are likely or not to be rich in metals; and to understand how metals were emplaced in rocks, and how they disperse once the rocks are weathered. This has implications for the land, environment and mineral identification. To achieve the objectives, the study will comprise three components: 1) fieldwork: Collection of representative small samples from drill holes stored at exploration sites, stratigraphic sections and outcrops; 2) laboratory work: Analyses using various laboratory techniques to help define the mineral and chemical composition of the rocks; and 3) method development: Microanalytical methods for in-situ measurement of trace elements of mineral phases (apatite, pyrite, feldspar etc) within host-, footwall-, and hanging wall sedimentary rocks. Summer student may be employed to help geologists in the field. Contract may be put in place to help for sample collection and analysis. Contracts are placed following federal and territorial contracting practices and local organizations and companies are encouraged to bid. This project will be conducted in partnership with the Northwest Territories Geoscience Office. Community visits are ongoing, and discussions will occur with the Land Corporations, Resource councils and Band councils with regards to the results of the studies. Several territorial and federal reports and theses will be available to the public; and results of the project will be presented at public conferences during the length of the project. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 2, 2012 to September 28, 2012.