Multiple Metals: Great Bear Magmatic Zone
The scientific research and results of this project are available via GEOSCAN.
The aim of the Multiple Metals: Great Bear Magmatic Zone project, part of the Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) program, is to significantly modernize the geological framework of the Great Bear region (NWT) and develop methodologies for exploring polymetallic iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) deposits in the belt.
Project leader – Louise Corriveau
Hypothesis:
Do the diverse, polymetallic (Au-Co-Bi-Ag-Fe-U-REE) deposits, showings and alteration envelopes of the Great Bear magmatic zone (NWT) provide vectors to undiscovered IOCG and affiliated deposits?
Scientific Highlights
- Great Bear characteristics closely match IOCG criteria; in particular, the alteration footprint of the magmatic fluid-driven mineralizing systems rivals those of worldclass deposits.
- IOCG environments can create iron oxide-apatite and albitite-hosted uranium deposits, and show a continuum to porphyry and epithermal deposit types, significantly increasing the mineral potential of terrains prospective for IOCG.
- Past-producing silver and uranium mines along the NE shore of Great Bear Lake are key targets for IOCG and affiliated deposits; their mine tailings may be IOCG ore.
Information about other GEM mineral projects is available on the Geo-mapping for minerals web page.