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Proactive disclosure Print version   | |  Co-operative Geological Mapping Strategies Across Canada : COGMAPS National Geochemical Reconnaissance Program, New Brunswick
The National Geochemical Reconnaissance (NGR) program is a federal initiative that establishes and maintains a nationally consistent database of field and analytical data derived from drainage sediment and water samples. Provincial and territorial partners integrate the data into larger geoscientific studies ultimately used in mineral exploration, resource assessment and environmental analyses. An example is the gold occurrence discovered, in NB in 1998, by following up NGR stream sediment data which led to the development of the Freewest Resources Clarence Stream gold deposit. (TGI Project)
Rationale The goal of the National Geochemical Reconnaissance (NGR) Program is to establish and maintain a nationally consistent database of field and analytical data derived from drainage sediment and water samples. Stream and lake sediment surveys carried out under this program have been conducted since 1973. The Geological Survey of Canada, through the NGR program, sets internationally recognised standards for regional geochemical surveys across Canada. The NGR program was originally designed to assist the exploration projects of mining companies and prospectors. The mineral exploration industry is still the primary user, but data are also being applied to environmental studies. Approach Since 1973, sample collection, preparation procedures and analytical methods have been established and monitored to ensure consistent and reliable results regardless of the area, the year of collection or the analytical laboratory. To date (2004), more than 200 surveys have been completed to NGR standards, representing over 200 000 sites covering 2.5 million km2 throughout Canada, carried out mainly by the Geological Survey of Canada, either independently or in cooperation with provinces and territories. Surveys are funded by federal, provincial and territorial agencies, as well as by private industry. Outcomes Using NGR data, many mineral occurrences and a number of significant deposits have been discovered by prospectors and geologists. The Brewery Creek Mine, operated by Viceroy Resources, located east of Dawson City, has produced over 110,000 ounces of gold in three years of operation. Cominco's Kudz Ze Kayah project in Yukon Territory has indicated resources of zinc, lead, gold, silver and copper of 11,300,000 tonnes. Strange Lake, on the Quebec-Labrador border, has significant tonnages of potentially economic Zr-Y-Nb-Be-REE. A gold occurrence originally discovered in 1998 by a prospector following up NGR stream sediment data in southern New Brunswick led to the development of Freewest Resources Clarence Stream gold deposit. Exploration and mining activities associated with these operations and others in rural areas have provided considerable regional economic benefit in the form of local employment opportunities, both direct and indirect, as well as income generated in the form of taxes, fees, and local purchases. Participants Partners in the NGR program include federal government departments, provincial/territorial government departments, and private industry. The clients of publicly accessible, nationally consistent data include the mining and mineral exploration industry, individual prospectors, environmentalists and biologists, land use planners and bedrock and surficial mapping geologists. More Information A summary of NGR activities can be found on the National Geochemical Reconnaissance web site
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