Yellowknife Geoscience Forum

In 2018 and 2019, the Northwest Territories Geological Survey (NTGS) implemented the Slave Geological Province Exploration Development Initiative to generate baseline geophysics datasets, bedrock geological mapping products and models, and surficial mapping products to assist the next round of diamond discoveries in the Slave Geologic Province (SGP). The research was focused on parts NTS map sheets 086A, 086H and 076E, with targeted scientific studies 076D and 075M. This project was funded through the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). This work was carried out in conjunction with researchers from Simon Fraser University, Carleton University, the University of Waterloo, Lakehead University, Mount Royal University, and the University of Saskatchewan. The geophysical surveys and surficial mapping products were produced by Eon Geosciences Inc. and Palmer Environmental Consulting Group Inc. respectively. A case study in the application of hyperspectral drill core scanning to diamond and gold exploration was carried out by Hyperspectral Intelligence Inc. Portions of the field program were made possible by logistical assistance provided by GGL Resources Corp. and Aurora Geosciences Ltd.

Highlights include a new approximately 65 000 line-km 100 m spaced airborne magnetic survey flown over the Point Lake greenstone belt which is prospective, yet underexplored for VMS and gold mineralization, the generation of 10 new 1:50 000 scale surficial mapping products in areas prospective for diamond deposits. Detailed scientific studies were carried out to better understand the effect of glacial and post-glacial processes on the indicator mineral sampling suitability of tills as well as the effective transport distances of indicator minerals in eskers and esker morphology in the SGP. Additionally, a series of 1:10 000 and 1:15 000 scale bedrock mapping initiatives were carried out in areas of elevated resource potential surrounding Newbigging Lake, and Keskarrah Bay on Point Lake designed to increase our understanding the mineralizing processes controlling base metal endowment in the SGP. Preliminary results from the hyperspectral drill core study suggests that it may be possible to use this technology to identify phases in kimberlites and alteration types in gold-bearing systems that are not readily apparent using traditional core logging methodologies.