Overview of GEM surficial geochemistry and indicator mineral surveys and case studies in northern Canada

Abstract

As part of the Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) program between 2008 and 2020, the Geological Survey of Canada carried out reconnaissance-scale to deposit-scale geochemical and indicator mineral surveys and case studies across northern Canada. In these studies, geochemical methods were used to determine the concentrations of 65 elements in lake sediment, stream sediment, stream water, lake water and till samples across approximately 1,000,000 km2 of northern Canada. State-of the-art indicator methods were used to examine the indicator mineral signatures in regional-scale stream sediment and till surveys. This research identified areas with anomalous concentrations of elements and/or indicator minerals that are indicative of bedrock mineralization, developed new mineral exploration models and protocols, trained a new generation of geoscientists and transferred knowledge to northern communities. The most immediate impact of the GEM surveys has been the stimulation of mineral exploration in Canada's north, focussing exploration efforts into high mineral potential areas identified in GEM regional-scale surveys. Regional- and deposit-scale studies demonstrated how transport data (till geochemistry, indicator minerals) and ice flow indicator data can be used together to identify and understand complex ice flow and glacial transport. Detailed studies at the Izok Lake, Pine Point, Strange Lake, Amaruq deposits and across the Great Bear Magmatic Zone demonstrate new suites of indicator minerals that can now be used in future reconnaissance- and regional-scale stream sediment and till surveys across Canada.