Multiple Metals: Cumberland Peninsula

The scientific research and results of this project are available via GEOSCAN.

The Multiple Metals: Cumberland Peninsula project, part of the Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) program, is providing a modern geological framework for part of eastern Baffin Island with the assistance of the local northerner workforce.

Project leader –  Mary Sanborne-Barrie

Hypothesis:

Does Cumberland Peninsula have similar diamond potential as the Chidliak field (to the South) and gold potential as Bravo Formation (to the North West)?

Research objectives include:

  • characterizing plutonic rocks, supracrustal belts and mafic-ultramafic intrusions through regional and focused mapping and high-resolution aeromagnetic data;
  • distinguishing Archean and Paleoproterozoic sequences, tectonic settings and events through mapping, geochronology and geochemistry;
  • deciphering crustal-scale structures through magnetotelluric surveys;
  • elucidating glacial history and ice-flow dynamics through surficial mapping, till sampling and analysis;
  • adaptating of remote predictive techniques to mapping in rugged glaciated terrain; and
  • characterizing metallogenic environments through prospecting and assaying.

Scientific Highlights

  • Recognition of Archean plutonic basement complex, thereby extending the potential for diamonds north of Hall Peninsula.
  • Recognition of Archean supracrustal rocks, to allow regional correlations between Archean crustal blocks.
  • Documentation of the extent and nature of Paleoproterozoic supracrustal rocks, including komatiitic volcanic rocks and associated multiple metal-rich chert, iron formation and graphitic schist.
  • Identification and characterization of a coherent ca. 1.89 Ga batholithic complex (not the 1.86-1.84 Ga Cumberland batholith as anticipated) to guide reconstruction of  tectonomagmatic events at this stage of evolution.
  • A dominant style of shallow north-dipping structures linked to recumbent, south-vergent thick-skinned folds of basement and cover at ca. 1.86 Ga.

Information about other GEM mineral projects is available on the Geo-mapping for minerals web page.