• evaluation of inexpensive till geochemical methods for exploring for kimberlites, including identifying pathfinder elements, optimal analytical methods (INAA, XRF, ICP-MS) and size fractions by sampling till overlying and down-ice from known kimberlites in the Lake Timiskaming area.
• evaluation of the "selective leach" geochemical methods (enzyme, Na-pyrophosphate, and hydroxylamine hydrochloride leaches) currently being applied to humus and B horizon soils to explore for base metal and gold deposits buried by thick (>20 m) glacial sediments, to determine if these surface methods can be utilized to find kimberlites; tests will be conducted over kimberlites in the Kirkland Lake and Lake Timiskaming fields (in collaboration with Stew Hamilton, Ontario Geological Survey).
• evaluation of biogeochemical methods for detecting kimberlites by sampling tree tissue (bark and twigs) from a variety of species (birch, spruce, aspen, poplar, alder) overlying known kimberlites in the Lake Timiskaming area and analyzing by INAA and ICP-MS methods (in collaboration with Gwendy Hall and Colin Dunn, GSC).
• documentation of groundwater geochemistry associated with kimberlite using ICP-MS-DRC and Sr and Nd isotopes, and stable isotopes of O, H, C and S, to determine if the isotopic signatures of the waters can be used as a vector to kimberlite, allow better understanding of geochemical anomalies observed in surficial materials and allow refinement of models of metal transport through overburden (in collaboration with Stew Hamilton, Ontario Geological Survey, and Matt Leybourne, University of Texas).
• documentation of the areal extent and ground geophysical signatures (GPR, SP) of kimberlites being studied.

Contact Information:

Beth McClenaghan
Geological Survey of Canada
(613) 992-7805
Email: bmmclenag@nrcan.gc.ca

Bruce Kjarsgaard
Geological Survey of Canada
(613) 995-5705
Email: bkjarsga@nrcan.gc.ca

Ross Kelley
Ontario Geological Survey
(705) 670-5908
Email: ross.kelly@ndm.gov.on.ca

Stew Hamilton
Ontario Geological Survey
(705) 670-5915
Email: stew.hamilton@ndm.gov.on.ca