NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Tags: physical sciences, geology, mineral exploration, metal

Objective(s): To evaluate the areas structural and metamorphic history of the East Arm of Great Slave Lake, and its potential to host economic mineralization.

Project Description: Recent evolving thoughts on the geological history of the East Arm of Great Slave Lake require the area to be re-evaluated with respect to its structural and metamorphic history as well as to explain its metal endowment. This study seeks to evaluate the areas structural and metamorphic history of the area, and its potential to host economic mineralization. Field investigations will examine exposures of rock in order to understand how old they are, and what has happened to the rocks since they were emplaced in the earth’s crust. From an established tent-camp, geologists will perform daily traverses to collect data. A traverse team will use small inflatable boats to daily access a different area, and then walk 10-15 kilometre loops inland photographing and documenting the rocks as they proceed. Small samples of the rocks will be collected and carried out for further study in the laboratory. Approximately two days of helicopter use are planned to allow geologists to access areas not easily accessed by boat/walking traverses. The research will be conducted from a small tent camp, making field logistics tricky for any field based engagement. If there is interest, the results of the research will be reported through typical Northwest Territories Geological Survey (NTGS) outreach channels to interested community members. Research will be presented at Yellowknife Geoscience forum. NTGS commonly send an outreach geologist to schools and communities. If interest exists research summaries and results can be forwarded to interested groups and communities. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 28, 2017 to August 31, 2017.