Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Several gold mines in Canada occur in iron-rich sedimentary rocks (iron formation). After deep burial, the iron formation had metal-rich hot fluids pass through them, producing a gold-rich central zone and a larger altered halo with a lesser content of metals . This project examines the chemistry of the iron formation within the gold deposit and the surrounding halo to establish how the chemistry of iron formation in the gold deposit and the altered halo differs from the surrounding iron formation. Future search for new mines can then look not for the tiny gold-rich center but for the larger alteration footprint. The project will use a new method involving analysis of the iron formation for trace elements such as the rare earth elements which are present at levels which were not detectable until very recently. Importance: Knowledge of the chemical characteristics of the alteration halo around gold deposits in iron formation provides a larger target in searching for new mines. The chemistry of the altered iron formation helps us understand the processes by which the metals were transported into the iron formation which helps in future searches for gold. Anticipated outcomes: The research will define the chemistry of alteration around gold deposits in iron formation, generating a new search technique for these deposits. The project will transfer new analytical techniques to the commercial laboratory sector worldwide. Benefits to geology and geochemistry: The project will increase exploration effectiveness for this type of gold deposit in Canada and elsewhere. Benefits to Canada: Deposits of gold in iron formation are largely in northern Canada where it is not economic to mine lower value commodities. Therefore, northern Ontario and Quebec, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories depend heavily on the contribution of gold mining to their GDP. Increased effectiveness in gold exploration will increase future discoveries of gold.