Friday, March 1, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM & Saturday, March 2, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

1.5 day course

ORGANIZER: Geological Survey of Canada

LEVEL OF COMPREHENSION: A basic understanding of glacial or Quaternary sediments (e.g., till), a basic understanding of the more common mineral deposits (e.g., VMS), and a basic knowledge of pathfinder elements or minerals of interest for mineral exploration. Designed for exploration geologists and students. 

In this course we will explore the following:

Glacial erosion, transport, and deposition has formed trains or fans of metal-rich debris down-ice from mineral deposits that are much larger exploration targets than their bedrock sources. Dispersal patterns may be the result of one or more phases of ice flow and vary in length from a few tens of meters to >100 km. Recognizing the complexity of continental ice sheets and ice-sheet dynamics is essential to understand the variation in glacial dispersal patterns and successfully searching for mineralized sources. Till sampling methods have evolved considerably since the diamond rush in Canada and are now tailored for specific regions or even commodities. Pathfinder elements for varying types of mineral deposits and being able to detect a noise:signal ratio has been refined considerably. Geochemical and isotopic studies of recovered heavy minerals can now be used to provide information on sources of the grains, deposit types and potentially a vector towards mineralization. Indicator mineral chemistry has evolved considerably since the garnet classifications for diamondiferous kimberlite exploration and is now applied to a variety of mineral deposit types. New technology, like machine-learning applications to large datasets and using LiDAR for terrain analysis, are also emerging as important exploration tools in glaciated terrain.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• An improved knowledge base on the complexity of glacial erosion, transport, and deposition, to form dispersal trains in glaciated terrain

• Case studies whereby these techniques have been successfully applied and led to discovery of buried mineralization

• Geologists will learn a toolbox of techniques, that can aid mineral exploration programs, such as identification of ice flow indicators, till sampling methods and strategies, and indicator minerals that can be used to determine mineralization potential and even fertility

LAPTOPS REQUIRED TO VIEW DIGITAL MANUAL

COURSE FEES: SOLD OUT

Includes course material, continental breakfast and lunch