The Government of Canada introduced the $15-million, three-year Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI) to produce new geological maps and data about underexplored areas with a high potential of mineral deposits and to make this information more accessible through the Internet. This initiative was led by Natural Resources Canada's Geological Survey of Canada (GSC)

Note: Additional funding from the GSC and provincial and territorial governments is generally in salary, laboratory support, or in-kind services.

• Atlin British Columbia - Integrated Geoscience
  • Technical Description:
    Aeromagnetic, bedrock mapping, structural and stratigraphic studies, isotopic and paleontogical geochronology, and magma-genetic analysis of lithochemical signatures, targeted to the accretionary wedge, volcanic arc thrust boundary. To ensure resolution of small ultramafic bodies that host load gold mineralization, the survey was conducted using a 500-metre line spacing perpendicular to geologic strike.

  • Benefits:
    These data will identify terrain favourable for gold exploration and help target prospective environments for mineral deposits, volcanic massive sulfide and various gold-rich deposit types, assist geological mapping in the area, and augment the national aeromagnetic data base.

  • Partners:
    British Columbia Geological Survey

  • Total Project Cost: $816,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $248,000, Other federal - $60,000, External - $8,000

  • Contact: Carmel Lowe

• Volcanic Massive Sulfide potential of east Bella Coola map area, British Columbia
  • Technical Description:
    1:50 000-scale bedrock mapping and detailed studies of Mesozoic bimodal volcanic rocks of eastern Bella Coola map area.

  • Benefits:
    This is an underexplored area of high mineral potential. Mapping would also provide a geological model of mineralization in volcanic rock.

  • Partners:
    British Columbia Geological Survey, University of British Columbia

  • Total Project Cost: $1,060,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $15,000, Other federal - $10,000, External - $1,000

  • Contact: Bert Struik

• National Geochemical Reconnaissance surveys in British Columbia to target and attract mineral exploration
  • Technical Description:
    Reconnaissance-scale drainage sediment and water surveys of several highly prospective unsurveyed map sheets. 2000-01: Dease Lake map sheet for porphyry Cu-Mo-Au, VMS, Au (vein- and intrusion- related) and PGE occurrences. Future surveys include the Bella Coola map area, also targeted for TGI bedrock mapping, and the Interior Plateau.

  • Benefits:
    Previous reconnaissance-scale drainage sediment and water surveys of British Columbia are directly responsible for follow-up mineral exploration valued in the millions of dollars and have been credited with the discovery of numerous mineral prospects.

  • Partners:
    British Columbia Geological Survey

  • Total Project Cost: $374,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $190,000, Other federal - $14,000, External - $170,000

  • Contact: Peter Friske

• Integrated geoscience mapping for Yukon: Ancient Pacific Margin NATMAP enhancement
  • Techical Description:
    Bedrock mapping, multiparameter geophysics, and till and stream sediment geochemistry focused on areas of high mineral potential. Bedrock maps will focus exploration on stratigraphic or structural horizons. Results relate to studies concerned with the composition, metallogeny and tectonic relationships of the peri-cratonic Yukon-Tanana terrane and to a lesser extent with the character, metallogy and structural geometry of the ancestral margin.

  • Benefits:
    The surveys will have an immediate impact in identifying targets for mineral exploration.

  • Partners:
    Yukon Geology Program

  • Total Project Cost: $2,282,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $400,000, Other federal - $50,000, External - $242,000

  • Contact: Steve Gordey

• National Geochemical Reconnaissance surveys and related orientation studies in northeastern Alberta
  • Technical description:
    Bedrock and surficial mapping, coupled with regional geochemical and geophysical surveys. 2000-2001: bedrock and Quaternary mapping within the Pelican and Algar Lake map areas in northeastern Alberta.

  • Benefits:
    Almost no systematic geological mapping has been carried out in northern Alberta. Based on the information and knowledge from the orientation surveys, complete regional 1:250,000-scale geochemical surveys will be done in the final year 2002-2003. With a successful project, other areas in northern Alberta may then be studied.

  • Partners:
    Alberta Geological Survey

  • Total Project Cost: $809,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $20,000 Other federal - $3,000, External - $125,000

  • Contact: Peter Friske

• Integrated geoscience mapping & lithospheric-scale geophysical investigations, SE Slave Province, Northwest Territories
  • Technical Description:
    Bedrock mapping at ~1:100,000 scale, and geochronology and isotopic studies in the Walmsley Lake area of the southeastern Slave Province. Magnetotelluric and teleseismic studies to map in greater detail the regional extent of conductivity and velocity anomalies that are spatially associated with diamondiferous kimberlites.

  • Benefits:
    This study will provide an up-to-date geological framework in digital format for assessing mineral potential, a template for further studies over a broader area, and an assessment of the significance of conductivity and velocity anomalies for diamond exploration models.

  • Partners:
    Government of Northwest Territories, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

  • Total Project Cost: $1,572,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $190,000, Other federal - $66,000, External - $360,000

  • Contact: Bill Davis

• EXTECH III - Yellowknife Enhancement Project, Northwest Territories
  • Technical Description:
    Compilation of 2D and 3D digital data to expand and accelerate data coordination and delivery, and develop a 3D model of the mines in conjunction with underground and regional structural, metamorphic and alteration studies; a regional drift prospecting study to follow-up on anomalous diamond indicator mineral and gold grain results obtained last year; and a mineral deposit and structural study by a northern student.

  • Benefits:
    This study will develop an improved genetic and exploration model for Archean shear-zone-hosted gold deposits and addressing problems of declining metal reserves in the Yellowknife Greenstone Belt.

  • Partners:
    Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, universities of New Brunswick, Carleton and Western Ontario

  • Total Project Cost: $2,630,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $200,000, Other federal - $385,000, External - $465,000

  • Contact: Lyn Anglin

• Airborne multisensor (NATGAM) survey: Phelps Lake area, Saskatchewan
  • Technical description:
    A multisensor survey of the area, which contains many scattered gold, base metal, rare earth elements and uranium occurrences and several lake sediment geochemical anomalies, to complete regional bedrock mapping and evaluate the area's mineral potential.

  • Benefits:
    This study will produce a regionally coherent geoscientific framework for all current and future studies in the area and to help select boundaries for Protected Areas. Protected Areas exclude mineral exploration, and northern communities are concerned that removing mining lands will have long-term negative impacts.

  • Partners:
    Geological Survey of Saskatchewan

  • Total Project Cost: $1,125,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $220,000, Other federal - $30,000, External - $150,000

  • Contact: Rob Shives

• Airborne multisensor (NATGAM) survey: Uranium City area, Saskatchewan
  • Technical Description:
    An airborne multisensor survey of the Uranium City area, which hosts numerous unstudied base metal and gold deposits and has rare earth metals, silver and molybdenum lake sediment anomalies. These deposit types, enclosing host rocks and related alteration typically produce mappable airborne geochemical/geophysical patterns or anomalies which will benefit ongoing regional and detail bedrock mapping (more than 45-years-old in some areas) and deposit studies.

  • Benefits:
    The survey will provide a regionally coherent geoscientific framework for all current and future studies in the area and will directly stimulate mineral exploration, leading to new economic development opportunities for residents of Lake Athabasca communities.

  • Partners:
    Geological Survey of Saskatchewan

  • Total Project Cost: $959,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $180,000, Other federal - $30,000, External - $245,000

  • Contact: Rob Shives

• EXTECH IV - Athabasca Uranium Multidisciplinary Study [AUMS], Saskatchewan
  • Technical Description:
    An integrated multiparameter geophysical-geological study focussing on a high-resolution seismic reflection survey transecting the world's largest super-high grade uranium deposit - McArthur River. Linked stratigraphic, organic geochemical and basement studies will cover the entire basin.

  • Benefits:
    This study will enhance the 4D geoscience knowledge base of Athabasca Basin and develop new exploration methods for deep uranium deposits, thereby sustaining development of this mature mining camp.

  • Partners:
    Saskatchewan Geological Survey, Alberta Geological Survey, Saskatchewan Research Council, Cameco Corp., Cogema Resources Inc., Pacific Nuclear Company, and the universities of Regina, Saskatchewan and Laurentian

  • Total Project Cost: $4,276,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $140,000, Other federal - $467,000, External - $857,000

  • Contact: Charlie Jefferson

• Regional hydrothermal systems as an exploration guide: Flin Flon Mining Camp, Manitoba and Saskatchewan
  • Technical Description:
    Multi-disciplinary project to gain a better understanding of the factors controlling VMS deposition in the Flin Flon camp; characterize the alteration footprint created during the formation of the VMS deposits at the scale of a deposit, a group of deposits, and an entire hydrothermal system; and use this knowledge to develop new exploration criteria to assist industry in assessing the presence of deeper orebodies.

  • Benefits:
    The towns of Flin Flon, Manitoba, and Creighton, Saskatchewan, rely on mining for their existence. Their continued economic health is contingent on the ability to find and replenish ore reserves. Recent discoveries of the Callinan and Triple 7 volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits close to the 63 Mt Flin Flon deposit indicates potential for deeper VMS deposits using innovative exploration methods.

  • Partners:
    Manitoba Geological Survey, Saskatchewan Geological Survey, Laurentian University, Hudson Bay Exploration & Development Co. Ltd.

  • Total Project Cost: $852,880

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $13,000, Other federal - $22,000, External - $13,880

  • Contact: Al Galley

• Integrated geoscience mapping & geophysics of the Committee Bay Greenstone Belt, central Nunavut
  • Technical Description:
    Thematic structural, metamorphic, geochemical, geochronological and surficial studies of tectonic setting, Archean and Proterozoic tectonothermal history, and its later glacial history, to provide state-of-the-art aeromagnetic, bedrock and surficial maps and digital products covering four 1:250K NTS sheets in the Committee Bay greenstone belt, central Nunavut. A multi-disciplinary team of researchers will address the origin and age of polydeformed gold mineralization, and investigate the potential for paleoplacer gold, Ni-PGE mineralization, and base metals.

  • Benefits:
    This large unmapped area has a potentially rich metal endowment with numerous gold showings. The study will provide, for the first time, a broad basis for developing mineral exploration strategies within this extensive frontier region, which will stimulate the level and effectiveness of mineral exploration.

  • Partners:
    Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office, universities of Alberta and Waterloo

  • Total Project Cost: $3,823,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $505,000, Other federal - $175,000, External - $796,000

  • Contact: Tom Skulski

• Enhancement of kimberlite exploration methods, Timiskaming region, Ontario
  • Technical Description:
    Investigation of geochemical exploration methods for kimberlites in glaciated terrain and a regional indicator mineral survey (stream sediments and till) in the area west of the known Timiskaming kimberlites (Sturgeon Falls to Elk Lake).

  • Benefits:
    This research will potentially identify new targets for diamond exploration. New or improved exploration methods for diamonds developed as part of this research will increase the effectiveness of private sector exploration for diamonds in the region, as well other parts of Ontario. Commercial labs will benefit from research into appropriate till size fractions and kimberlite pathfinder elements in till, soil, water and vegetation.

  • Partners:
    Ontario Geological Survey

  • Total Project Cost: $1,320,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $114,000, Other federal - $100,000, External - $230,000

  • Contact: Beth McClenaghan

• Role of structure and host rocks in the evolution of Sudbury ores, Ontario
  • Technical Description:
    A regional sulphide study and production of a database to quantify the geochemical and mineralogical signatures of the various Ni-Cu-PGE deposit types; thematic regional mapping to determine the structural evolution of Cu-Ni-PGE host rocks; regional mapping to determine the controls and distribution of volatile phases within the Sudbury Igneous Complex; and study of the nature and timing of tectonic features relative to the emplacement of the ore deposits.

  • Benefits:
    Sudbury is host to the world's largest nickel camp and is highly dependant on industry's ability to sustain ore reserves through new discoveries. There is still much to be learned about the character and setting of the Ni-Cu-PGE deposits in order to develop new criteria, thereby enhancing exploration strategy.

  • Partners:
    Ontario Geological Survey, INCO Ltd., Laurentian University

  • Total Project Cost: $821,460

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $42,500, Other federal - $53,000, External - $36,000

  • Contact: Doreen Ames

• Geochronology, synthesis & database of the Quebec/Baffin segment of the Trans-Hudson Orogen
  • Technical Description:
    Study of the timing of tectonic, magmatic and depositional events in the eastern Trans-Hudson Orogen (THO) in northern Quebec and Baffin Island, emphasizing early, multi-stage orogen-margin rifting and mafic dyke emplacement, in order to establish a precise temporal context for the Raglan Ni-Cu-Co-PGE deposit and other presently explored mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the Cape Smith Belt, Labrador Trough and southern Baffin Island areas; and to generate a new geochronological data set that will be key to understanding of the tectonostratigraphic, magmatic and metallogenic evolution of the northern flank of the THO in central Baffin Island.

  • Benefits:
    The data will allow the establishment of a template for the timing of mineralisation and the age of prospective host rocks in the eastern Trans-Hudson Orogen, as a guide to mineral exploration.

  • Partners:
    Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office, Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources

  • Total Project Cost: $368,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $68,000, Other federal - $20,000, External - $134,000

  • Contact: Otto van Breemen

• Aerial Geophysical Survey: Grand North Project, Quebec
  • Project Description:
    A high-resolution aeromagnetic and radiometric survey to allow a detailed and precise mapping of the areas of interest in northern Quebec.

  • Benefits:
    This study will increase the geoscientific knowledge and further mining exploration in this region.

  • Partners:
    Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources

  • Total Project Cost: $1,657,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $602,000, Other federal - $35,000, External - $1,020,000

  • Contact: Régis Dumont

• Glacial dynamics and diamond exploration in northern Quebec
  • Technical Description:
    Reconstruction of ice-flow patterns and successions along a transect extending across the Ungava peninsula and reconnaissance-scale surveys of geochemistry and indicator mineralogy in till sample suites from selected 250,000 map sheets.

  • Benefits:
    This study will help better assess the region's potential for diamond, precious metal and base metal exploration.

  • Partners:
    Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources

  • Total Project Cost: $6,975,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $162,000, Other federal - $93,000, External - $2,070,000

  • Contact: Michel Parent

• Metallogeny of the Doyon-Bousquet-Laronde District, Abitibi, Quebec
  • Technical Description:
    A study of the nature, distribution and genesis of gold-rich deposits, the geological parameters controlling the location of deposits and the exceptionally rich gold and base metals endowment of the district.

  • Benefits:
    This study will design new exploration models for enhanced success in exploration and will maximize the potential for discovery of similar deposits elsewhere.

  • Partners:
    Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources, Royal Ontario Museum, Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd., Barrick Gold Corp., Cambior Inc.

  • Total Project Cost: $1,808,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $144,000, Other federal - $81,000, External - $379,000

  • Contact: Benoit Dubé

• Tectonic framework and evolution of the eastern Grenville Province, Quebec and Newfoundland
  • Technical Description:
    A complete tectonic transect across the eastern Grenville Province, integrating geophysics-Landsat/Radarsat spectral analysis, geochronology, and more efficient mapping tools for high-grade shield regions.

  • Benefits:
    This study will expand the geoscience data and knowledge base with new geological/thematic maps, improve understanding of the geological framework of the eastern Grenville area and provide innovative, process-oriented, geological models to support and stimulate mineral exploration.

  • Partners:
    Geological Survey of Newfoundland & Labrador, Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources, University of Alberta

  • Total Project Cost: $2,367,966

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $148,000, Other federal - $335,000, External - $343,000

  • Contact: Léopold Nadeau

• National Geochemical Reconnaissance stream sediment and water surveys in New Brunswick
  • Technical Description:
    Regional stream sediment and water sampling program over three years, augmented by detailed follow-up studies based on results from previous surveys.

  • Benefits:
    This study will address the expressed desire of the province for resource evaluation in specific parts of the province and assist in the discovery of new economic mineralization in New Brunswick. It will also add to the knowledge of local and regional surficial geochemical processes and the national geochemical database.

  • Partners:
    New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy

  • Total Project Cost: $388,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $130,000, Other federal - $60,000, External - $198,000

  • Contact: Peter Friske

• Geological Mapping for Mineral Development in Southcentral Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
  • Technical Description:
    Regional, baseline bedrock and surficial mapping of the carboniferous bedrock in southcentral Cape Breton Island, which is a proven host for gypsum, anhydrite, limestone, salt, potash, barite, base metals and crushed stone aggregate. In addition, the overlying Mesozoic and Cenozoic sediments are a potential source of high unit value silica and kaolin.

  • Benefits:
    This study will lead to an increased understanding of the region's stratigraphic and structural relationships that will stimulate resource exploration and exploitation, which should help mitigate pressing socioeconomic concerns of this economically depressed region.

  • Partners:
    Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources

  • Total Project Cost: $1,775,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $210,000, Other federal - $156,000, External - $152,000

  • Contact: Peter Giles

• Geology of the Iapetus Suture Zone, Red Indian Line, Newfoundland
  • Technical Description:
    Study of the collage and collisional tectonics in the Red Indian Line, central Newfoundland, a segment of the Iapetus suture zone, the fundamental tectonic boundary of the Appalachian-Caledonide orogen.

  • Benefits:
    There are national and international implications for understanding the development of the Appalachian-Caledonide orogen from New England to the British Isles. Decoding the local structural complexity of the local geology will have immediate significant impact on the potential for extending and developing already known mineral re, such as the Buchans deposit, and on prospecting strategies for new deposits.

  • Partners:
    Geological Survey of Newfoundland & Labrador, university of Memorial, St. Mary's, Waterloo and Oxford

  • Total Project Cost: $1,787,000

  • 2000-2001 funding:
    TGI - $180,000, Other federal - $42,000, External - $105,000

  • Contact: Cees van Staal