Data Release: High-resolution aeromagnetic survey in the Pine Point area
The Northwest Territories has known potential for critical minerals and is experiencing increased exploration interest. The Northwest Territories Geological Survey was awarded funding from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency to aid exploration and industry requirements for a high-resolution aeromagnetic survey situated in the southern part of Great Slave Lake, surrounding the town of Hay River and near the former Pine Point Pb-Zn mine in the Northwest Territories.
The aeromagnetic data from this survey can illustrate the presence of certain rock types or structures in the bedrock within the survey area. Prior to this survey, only low-resolution regional aeromagnetic data were publicly available. This new high-resolution aeromagnetic data can be utilised by multiple stakeholders to enhance geoscience knowledge, promote mineral exploration, and inform land-use planning decisions. The project's outcomes also support the development of a Strong Economic Foundation, identified as one of the four priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories.
EON Geosciences Inc. of Montréal, Québec, completed the airborne high-resolution magnetic survey and data acquisition in the Pine Point area during the summer of 2025, from August 5th to 29th, covering one block of ground on parts of National Topographic System (NTS) sheets 085B and 085C. EON Geosciences Inc. flew approximately 21,000 line-km of airborne fixed-wing magnetic data, which was acquired, processed, and released in 2025 by the Northwest Territories Geological Survey as NWT Open Report 2025-003. The nominal traverse line spacing was 200 m with north-south direction, and control lines spacing 1,200 m with east-west direction. The nominal aircraft terrain clearance was 60 m with drape flying.