Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Genesis and architecture of Paleoproterozoic gold bearing conglomerates, Pardo Township, Ontario This study will involve a detailed investigation of gold-bearing sandstones and conglomerates at the base of the 2.5-2.2 Ga Huronian Supergroup in a restricted area west of Sudbury, Ontario. The study will be directly supported by Endurance Gold Corporation of Vancouver, BC, and involves investigation of pyritiferous gravel-bed river deposits that are contained within an ancient paleovalley system at the base of the Huronian Supergroup. The study will involve use of both outcrop and bore-hole data to develop a 3D architectural model of the deposit and associated fluvial system, and attempt to link gold distribution to architectural elements and/or sub-facies. As the system may either be of placer, modified placer or hydrothermal origin field observations will be followed by detailed petrographic and geochemical analysis of gold- and uranium-bearing components as a guide to future exploration and development of this and other similar properties. The project will train students in essential technical skills required by industry, and develop models that can be applied to other gold-bearing conglomerate systems.