A review of archean orogenic gold deposits in greenstone belts and the Slave Province : exploration in the Yellowknife domain, NWT, Canada
- Authors: Branson, Thomas Keegan
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Gold ores -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Gold ores -- Geology , Gold mines and mining -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Greenstone belts -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Orogenic belts -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Prospecting -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Mining geology , Slave Province (N.W.T. and Nunavut)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5055 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012142 , Gold ores -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Gold ores -- Geology , Gold mines and mining -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Greenstone belts -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Orogenic belts -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Prospecting -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Mining geology , Slave Province (N.W.T. and Nunavut)
- Description: A review of Archean granite-greenstone terranes, orogenic gold deposits, the Slave Province and modern exploration tools, techniques and methods was conducted to identify prospective areas in the Yellowknife domain for hosting orogenic gold deposits and illustrate the best exploration methods for delineating this deposit type. This study identifies Archean granite-greenstone terranes as economically important hosts to quartz-carbonate vein-hosted orogenic gold deposits. These deposits occur at convergent plate margins, but can also be related to local extensional tectonics within a convergent setting. Heat generated from tectonic processes can trigger hydrothermal fluid movement along first-order faults and shear zones. Precipitation of gold-bearing quartz-carbonate veins from the hydrothermal fluids occurs in second- and third-order faults and shear zones related to the first-order structures. This study also identifies the Archean Slave Province in northern Canada as a well-endowed craton with numerous orogenic gold deposits, diamondiferous kimberlites, VMS deposits and several other mineralization styles. In particular, three greenstone belts (Yellowknife, Cameron River and Beaulieu River) associated with likely first-order structures are comprised of prospective rocks for hosting orogenic gold and VMS mineralization. The Yellowknife greenstone belt hosts the past-producing and former world-class Con and Giant orogenic gold deposits, but has been little explored with modern exploration techniques. The Cameron River and Beaulieu River greenstone belts host numerous base and precious metal VMS and BIF-hosted orogenic gold prospects and deposits, indicating mineralization is present. There is considerable potential for significant discoveries to be made using modern exploration techniques in the greenstone belts; however, exploration in the region has been hindered over the past decade by ongoing political negotiations. Once the political negotiations are finalized, application of modern exploration methods and techniques in the prospective greenstone belts should be carried out. Regional scale methodologies should be applied to generate targets using predictive modelling, implicit 3D modelling, 3D geochemistry and exploration targeting so decisions defining a businesses strategy for ground acquisition of high priority targets are made using quantitative analysis. Once ground is acquired, field-based exploration for orogenic gold and VMS deposits should include geological mapping with a focus on structural geology, geochemical sampling and airborne magnetic, radiometric and EM geophysical surveys. Prior to reconnaissance drilling, integration of all data layers and interpretation within a common 3D earth model should be conducted. Following successful reconnaissance drilling, definition drilling along strike and down dip of intersected mineralization, combined with borehole geophysics, should be carried out to delineate the extent of mineralization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Branson, Thomas Keegan
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Gold ores -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Gold ores -- Geology , Gold mines and mining -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Greenstone belts -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Orogenic belts -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Prospecting -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Mining geology , Slave Province (N.W.T. and Nunavut)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5055 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012142 , Gold ores -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Gold ores -- Geology , Gold mines and mining -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Greenstone belts -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Orogenic belts -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Prospecting -- Northwest Territories -- Yellowknife , Mining geology , Slave Province (N.W.T. and Nunavut)
- Description: A review of Archean granite-greenstone terranes, orogenic gold deposits, the Slave Province and modern exploration tools, techniques and methods was conducted to identify prospective areas in the Yellowknife domain for hosting orogenic gold deposits and illustrate the best exploration methods for delineating this deposit type. This study identifies Archean granite-greenstone terranes as economically important hosts to quartz-carbonate vein-hosted orogenic gold deposits. These deposits occur at convergent plate margins, but can also be related to local extensional tectonics within a convergent setting. Heat generated from tectonic processes can trigger hydrothermal fluid movement along first-order faults and shear zones. Precipitation of gold-bearing quartz-carbonate veins from the hydrothermal fluids occurs in second- and third-order faults and shear zones related to the first-order structures. This study also identifies the Archean Slave Province in northern Canada as a well-endowed craton with numerous orogenic gold deposits, diamondiferous kimberlites, VMS deposits and several other mineralization styles. In particular, three greenstone belts (Yellowknife, Cameron River and Beaulieu River) associated with likely first-order structures are comprised of prospective rocks for hosting orogenic gold and VMS mineralization. The Yellowknife greenstone belt hosts the past-producing and former world-class Con and Giant orogenic gold deposits, but has been little explored with modern exploration techniques. The Cameron River and Beaulieu River greenstone belts host numerous base and precious metal VMS and BIF-hosted orogenic gold prospects and deposits, indicating mineralization is present. There is considerable potential for significant discoveries to be made using modern exploration techniques in the greenstone belts; however, exploration in the region has been hindered over the past decade by ongoing political negotiations. Once the political negotiations are finalized, application of modern exploration methods and techniques in the prospective greenstone belts should be carried out. Regional scale methodologies should be applied to generate targets using predictive modelling, implicit 3D modelling, 3D geochemistry and exploration targeting so decisions defining a businesses strategy for ground acquisition of high priority targets are made using quantitative analysis. Once ground is acquired, field-based exploration for orogenic gold and VMS deposits should include geological mapping with a focus on structural geology, geochemical sampling and airborne magnetic, radiometric and EM geophysical surveys. Prior to reconnaissance drilling, integration of all data layers and interpretation within a common 3D earth model should be conducted. Following successful reconnaissance drilling, definition drilling along strike and down dip of intersected mineralization, combined with borehole geophysics, should be carried out to delineate the extent of mineralization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Guidelines to the evaluation of selectively mined, open pit gold deposits during the exploration stage of mine creation
- Pelly, Frederick Douglas Peter
- Authors: Pelly, Frederick Douglas Peter
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Mining geology , Gold ores -- Geology , Gold mines and mining -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4970 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005582 , Mining geology , Gold ores -- Geology , Gold mines and mining -- Economic aspects
- Description: This dissertation studies the evaluation of selectively mined, open pit gold deposits during the exploration stage of the mine's life. Since 1970 a large number of selectively mined, open pit gold mines have come into operation. The most common deposits include epithermal vein, mesothermal lode and laterite gold deposits. In general the deposits are characterized by small tonnages (1-20 million tonnes), relatively high grades (2-10 grams per tonne gold), submicroscopic to coarse gold, inexpensive mining, and both free milling and refractory ores.The key components that require evaluating during the exploration period are the deposit's geology, ore reserves, pit design, ore metallurgy and environmental impact. Feasibility studies are the main vehicle by which to report and guide the exploration programme. During the exploration period a company may undertake an initial (geological feasibility), second (preliminary mine feasibility) and third (final feasibility) delineation programme in order to gather sufficient data to justify a mine development decision. The responsibility of evaluating the mineral prospect lies primarily with the exploration geologist and mining engineer. Broad experience, a professional attitude, a thorough understanding of mining economics, and a high level of geological, engineering and technical skills are traits required by the evaluators. In order for mining companies to make sound investment decisions the geographical, geological, mining, metallurgical, environmental, marketing, political and financial aspects affecting the economic potential of the venture must be integrated so that the likely costs, risks and returns of the investment alternative are quantified. Ultimately, it is the economic analysis of these three items that determine whether the mineral prospect is developed into a mine I delineated further I retained until economic circumstances improve, or abandoned. To assess the costs, risks and returns, extensive use of the risk analysis is advocated throughout the exploration period . When combined with intelligent judgement of the intangible risk elements, the probabilistic distribution of discounted cash flows are invaluable in making sound investment decisions. However, the economic analysis is only as good as the information on which it is founded. Accurate and representative field data is the most important prerequisite to successfully evaluating and developing a new mine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
- Authors: Pelly, Frederick Douglas Peter
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Mining geology , Gold ores -- Geology , Gold mines and mining -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4970 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005582 , Mining geology , Gold ores -- Geology , Gold mines and mining -- Economic aspects
- Description: This dissertation studies the evaluation of selectively mined, open pit gold deposits during the exploration stage of the mine's life. Since 1970 a large number of selectively mined, open pit gold mines have come into operation. The most common deposits include epithermal vein, mesothermal lode and laterite gold deposits. In general the deposits are characterized by small tonnages (1-20 million tonnes), relatively high grades (2-10 grams per tonne gold), submicroscopic to coarse gold, inexpensive mining, and both free milling and refractory ores.The key components that require evaluating during the exploration period are the deposit's geology, ore reserves, pit design, ore metallurgy and environmental impact. Feasibility studies are the main vehicle by which to report and guide the exploration programme. During the exploration period a company may undertake an initial (geological feasibility), second (preliminary mine feasibility) and third (final feasibility) delineation programme in order to gather sufficient data to justify a mine development decision. The responsibility of evaluating the mineral prospect lies primarily with the exploration geologist and mining engineer. Broad experience, a professional attitude, a thorough understanding of mining economics, and a high level of geological, engineering and technical skills are traits required by the evaluators. In order for mining companies to make sound investment decisions the geographical, geological, mining, metallurgical, environmental, marketing, political and financial aspects affecting the economic potential of the venture must be integrated so that the likely costs, risks and returns of the investment alternative are quantified. Ultimately, it is the economic analysis of these three items that determine whether the mineral prospect is developed into a mine I delineated further I retained until economic circumstances improve, or abandoned. To assess the costs, risks and returns, extensive use of the risk analysis is advocated throughout the exploration period . When combined with intelligent judgement of the intangible risk elements, the probabilistic distribution of discounted cash flows are invaluable in making sound investment decisions. However, the economic analysis is only as good as the information on which it is founded. Accurate and representative field data is the most important prerequisite to successfully evaluating and developing a new mine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
Geology and mine planning
- Authors: Maturana-Bascope, M
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Geology , Mining geology , Geology, Economics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5027 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006896
- Description: From introduction: This dissertation aims to review the main aspects involved in mine planning, in order to provide the geologists with the main criteria to obtain a preliminary estimate of the minability of an in situ orebody, and to make the geologists aware of the information they can contribute to the planning engineers. Furthermore, an understanding of the basic principles behind mine planning may help the exploration geologist to select more realistic targets of exploration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
- Authors: Maturana-Bascope, M
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Geology , Mining geology , Geology, Economics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5027 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006896
- Description: From introduction: This dissertation aims to review the main aspects involved in mine planning, in order to provide the geologists with the main criteria to obtain a preliminary estimate of the minability of an in situ orebody, and to make the geologists aware of the information they can contribute to the planning engineers. Furthermore, an understanding of the basic principles behind mine planning may help the exploration geologist to select more realistic targets of exploration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
The factors affecting the interpretation of geochemical surveys in mineral exploration
- Authors: Fletcher, B A
- Date: 1982
- Subjects: Geochemistry , Geochemistry -- Environmental aspects , Mining geology , Minerals , Ore deposits , Geochemical prospecting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5014 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006142
- Description: [From introduction] Exploration geochemistry is an indirect method of detecting mineral deposits by measuring the abundance and distribution of ore elements and elements closely associated with ore in natural materials at or near the earth's surface. The method relies on the assumption that a mineral deposit is reflected by unusual element abundances or distribution patterns (geochemical halos), and that these indications of mineralization can be detected by geochemical surveys involving the collection and analysis of natural materials. The interpretation of geochemical surveys in mineral exploration involves: 1) The use of geological and statistical inference, based on a knowledge of the normal behaviour and distribution of indicator elements in the exploration area, to recognize apparent geochemical anomalies in field and analytical data and to predict the type of geochemical halo reflected by the anomalies. 11) The use of geological inference, based on a knowledge of the characteristics of geochemical halos and their relationship to mineral deposits, to predict the presence and probable location of an ore body. The interpretation process is, however, complicated by the absence of a simple universal formula that relates the abundance and distribution of elements in natural materials to the presence or absence of a mineral deposit. The interpretation of a geochemical survey must, thus, be based on an empirical approach which avaluates each survey as an individual problem. The objective of this dissertation is to illustrate the factors affecting the "nuts and bolts" approach to the interpretation of geochemical surveys in mineral exploration. The discussion is aimed at providing field geologists responsible -for the planning and execution of geochemical surveys with some basic guidelines for interpreting the surveys. I hope that the contents of this dissertation will help field geologists to "look in the last place first".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1982
- Authors: Fletcher, B A
- Date: 1982
- Subjects: Geochemistry , Geochemistry -- Environmental aspects , Mining geology , Minerals , Ore deposits , Geochemical prospecting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5014 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006142
- Description: [From introduction] Exploration geochemistry is an indirect method of detecting mineral deposits by measuring the abundance and distribution of ore elements and elements closely associated with ore in natural materials at or near the earth's surface. The method relies on the assumption that a mineral deposit is reflected by unusual element abundances or distribution patterns (geochemical halos), and that these indications of mineralization can be detected by geochemical surveys involving the collection and analysis of natural materials. The interpretation of geochemical surveys in mineral exploration involves: 1) The use of geological and statistical inference, based on a knowledge of the normal behaviour and distribution of indicator elements in the exploration area, to recognize apparent geochemical anomalies in field and analytical data and to predict the type of geochemical halo reflected by the anomalies. 11) The use of geological inference, based on a knowledge of the characteristics of geochemical halos and their relationship to mineral deposits, to predict the presence and probable location of an ore body. The interpretation process is, however, complicated by the absence of a simple universal formula that relates the abundance and distribution of elements in natural materials to the presence or absence of a mineral deposit. The interpretation of a geochemical survey must, thus, be based on an empirical approach which avaluates each survey as an individual problem. The objective of this dissertation is to illustrate the factors affecting the "nuts and bolts" approach to the interpretation of geochemical surveys in mineral exploration. The discussion is aimed at providing field geologists responsible -for the planning and execution of geochemical surveys with some basic guidelines for interpreting the surveys. I hope that the contents of this dissertation will help field geologists to "look in the last place first".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1982
A review of the use of geophysics in base- and precious-metal exploration
- Authors: Furnell, R G
- Date: 1981
- Subjects: Geophysics , Geological surveys , Precious metals , Mining geology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5015 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006144
- Description: The object of geophysical surveys in mineral exploration has traditionally been to detect subsurface geological features, which may reflect the presence of mineralization in depth and, if possible, to measure the dimensions of the causative body. Geophysical methods may also be used to locate extensions to known mineralization and for determining the size, depth and internal characteristics of an orebody. Marked improvements in geological concepts of ore genesis have led to a better appreciation, amongst geologists, of mineralized environments, and this has had an effect on the use of geophysics in recent years. Geophysical surveys are being increasingly used as an aid in environmental reconstructions and the results of regional surveys may be used to provide an indirect guide to ore. One of the main applications of geophysics lies in areas where the orebodies and associated structures are not exposed, as most geophysical measurements are more expensive than surface geological or geochemical surveys.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1981
- Authors: Furnell, R G
- Date: 1981
- Subjects: Geophysics , Geological surveys , Precious metals , Mining geology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5015 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006144
- Description: The object of geophysical surveys in mineral exploration has traditionally been to detect subsurface geological features, which may reflect the presence of mineralization in depth and, if possible, to measure the dimensions of the causative body. Geophysical methods may also be used to locate extensions to known mineralization and for determining the size, depth and internal characteristics of an orebody. Marked improvements in geological concepts of ore genesis have led to a better appreciation, amongst geologists, of mineralized environments, and this has had an effect on the use of geophysics in recent years. Geophysical surveys are being increasingly used as an aid in environmental reconstructions and the results of regional surveys may be used to provide an indirect guide to ore. One of the main applications of geophysics lies in areas where the orebodies and associated structures are not exposed, as most geophysical measurements are more expensive than surface geological or geochemical surveys.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1981
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