Industrial Minerals

Limestone rock cliff with creek at base

Description

This project conducts research into the occurrence of Industrial Minerals in the Northwest Territories. Industrial minerals are geological materials that are not fuel or metals, and include: limestone, sand, granite, and carving stone. This project examines various industrial mineral commodities, documents their occurrences, and suggests possibilities for development. Some commodities are examined as a result of inquiries from potential users while others are in response to current and projected industrial  consumption.

Limestone quarry

Location

Studies undertaken to date have been concentrated in the South Slave and North Slave regions of the NWT. Potentially, however, an industrial mineral occurrence anywhere in the NWT could be examined as part of this project.

Sandstone and rock hammer

Justification

Industrial minerals are the backbone of many industries and usually being bulk, low value materials are highly affected by transportation prices. Materials such as cement, aggregate, building stone are much greener materials when sourced locally and do not have to be transported from the south.

Granite rock specimen from Awry Lake, 60 km north of Yellowknife, NT. Credit: NTGS.

Approach

Commodities of interest are first identified through interaction with industry, communities or other outside sources, or through awareness of current and future needs. A literature search is conducted to identify any  known sources of the minerals in the NWT, then field work is done to gain more information. Testing may be done to ensure the material meets standards, and finally a report is issued.

Marble specimen collected near Behchoko, NT. Credit: NTGS.

Schedule

This project is new, although reports on limestone and silica have already been completed. Current and future studies will be carried out on salt, mica, graphite and pegmatite minerals.

Keywords

Silica, Limestone, Cement, Diamonds, Mica, Barite, Gemstones, Ceramics, Graphite, Marble