Slave Province Minerals and Geoscience Compilation and Synthesis project

The Slave Province, in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, is host to numerous world-class producing and past-producing mines including Canada's only two diamond mines (Ekati and Diavik). Over a century of geologic interest in this area has resulted in a substantial knowledge base, however, that information remains disparate across the area.

In collaboration with federal and territorial governments, native corporations, industry and academic partners, the Slave Province Minerals and Geoscience Compilation and Synthesis project will provide an accessible, up-to-date synthesis of all available geoscience data, including mineral deposits, for the entire Slave geologic province. As a digital knowledgebase, the products of this project will provide comprehensive geological models and a forward-looking resource potential framework to guide and stimulate mineral exploration strategies. The project outputs are particularly timely and useful in light of the land-use and exploration issues that will result from improved access to the area provided by the Bathurst Inlet Port and Road Project (BIPAR).

The project will deliver a comprehensive, multi-parameter, multi-layered GIS database that will be available on CD-ROM, as well as a dedicated volume of scientific research results (EXTECH III), synthesis and primary data papers. The synthesis of expert knowledge and individual constituent datasets will be used to develop metallogenic and tectonic models. A salient goal is to deliver predictive mineral potential maps for the region wherever the data allow it. This project will empower the local communities to better use the geoscience information available for the area by providing information in accessible formats for wise resource development and land-use planning decisions. It is hoped that this project will set the stage for future geoscience work by the GSC in the western Arctic. There is an opportunity for the GSC to act as a link between the stakeholders and partners living and working in the region.

Project Priorities:

• Partnering with federal and territorial government agencies, aboriginal, and industry groups that have an interest in geoscience information in the Slave province.
• Assessing data and knowledge gaps in order to guide 1) targeted new analyses of existing archived samples, and 2) decision-making regarding future field investigations.
• Create mineral potential maps for a variety of highly sought after, high economic value mineral deposits (e.g., diamonds, iron formation-hosted gold, nickel-copper-platinum-group elements).
• Compile all available geoscience information relevant to mineral exploration and development into a GIS database.

Project Partners:

• Nunavut-Tunngavik Inc.
• Kitikmeot Inuit Association
• DIAND (Nunavut)
• Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office
• CS Lord Northern Geoscience Centre
• University of Alberta
• Carleton University
• Durham University
• Canadian Mining Industry Research Organization
• Etruscan Resources Ltd.

For More Information: Dr. Jan Peter