Chesterfield Gold
The scientific research and results of this project are available via GEOSCAN.
The aim of The Chesterfield project, part of the Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) program, is to understand the Meadowbank-Meliadine gold metallotect by defining the age and architecture of the gold deposits, and tectonostratigraphic controls on gold-bearing units.
Project leader – Sally Pehrsson
Hypothesis:
Are the Meadowbank, Meliadine and other gold deposits of the central Churchill Province linked by a deformation network related to the boundaries of the Chesterfield block - a possible exotic terrane?
Research objectives:
- defining structures in poorly-exposed parts of the Chesterfield block through acquisition and interpretation of a high-resolution aeromagnetic survey;
- developing a better understanding of the complex structural reworking of major structures and their role in gold mineralization; and
- developing predictive models of overlapping Paleoproterozoic/Archean gold localization through targeted studies in areas of high potential.
Scientific Highlights
- New high resolution aeromagnetic data over the southern boundary of the Chesterfield block has radically redefined the trace of this major suture and showed a hitherto unexpected distribution of prospective sequences hosting the Meliadine gold mine.
- New aeromagnetic data also delineated a number of previously unrecognized highly magnetic geologic units that appear to be continuations of prospective greenstone belt stratigraphy.
- Re-analysis of 1340 archived lake sediment samples have found a suite of elevated elements consistent with a new magmatic-related gold metallotect in the area.
Information about other GEM mineral projects is available on the Geo-mapping for minerals web page,