EXTECH IV: Athabasca uranium multidisciplinary study

EXTECH IV (EXploration science and TECHnology initiative) aims to enhance the 4-dimensional geoscience knowledge base of the 1.7 billion year-old Athabasca Basin and develop new exploration methods for deep uranium deposits that are located at or near its basal unconformity with basement gneisses, thereby sustaining and enhancing the environmentally sound development of this mature mining camp.

EXTECH IV comprises 15 sub-projects with several foci:

• Integrated, multiparameter geophysical-geological studies focus on regional and high-resolution seismic reflection surveys that transect the world's largest super-high grade uranium deposit at McArthur River.

• Linked borehole geophysical, organic geochemical, stratigraphic, basement structural, airborne and ground geophysical, clay mineralogical and Quaternary studies span the basin.

Strategic impacts of the fifteen sub-projects are enhanced by guidance from an industry-chaired steering committee, student training, workshops, industry financial and logistical support, active participation and two-way technology transfer with industry, archiving substantial data sets and publication of results. Information may be exchanged at the discretion of the Steering Committee with any proprietary industry initiatives.

EXTECH IV is helping to sustain Canada's world leadership in uranium production, support northern employment, develop and transfer new exploration technology. Relevance is ensured by a close partnership among:

• Geological Survey of Canada (GSC)
• Saskatchewan Industry and Resources
• Alberta Geological Survey (AGS)
• Cameco
• COGEMA

and the universities of

• Alberta
• Laurentian
• Regina
• Saskatchewan

Application of the ESS-NSERC-Industry Partnership program (STEP) is enhancing resources, scientific relevance and the training of young Canadian scientists. The project began in May 2000, and will be completed in March 2003.

Please see the main EXTECH IV web-site for further details on all sub-projects.