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Manitoba's Mineral Resources
GIS Map GalleryMGS Geoscience Projects 2007-08
Precambrian Mapping
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- Project: Geology, geochemistry and tectonostratigraphy of the northern Flin Flon Belt
Responsibility: Paul Gilbert
Location: Flin Flon (no field component)
Description: This project undertook 1:20 000 mapping of a lithologically and structurally complex portion of the Flin Flon Belt that has not been mapped since the 1950’s. Mapping and geochemistry of the volcanic rocks is completed with the following products to be released in 2009: 1) Geoscience Paper (emphasizing geochemistry) and an accompanying 1:50 000 compilation map (will include the Tartan Lake area), and 2) final 1:20 000 maps.
- Project: Geochronology and Isotope studies, Eastern Flin Flon Belt
Responsibility: Alan Bailes
Location: Eastern Flin Flon Belt
Description: Archival samples and new samples will be used to date and isotopically “fingerprint” important units and geological events in the eastern Flin Flon Belt. The project will provide an improved geological framework for mineral exploration activities in the eastern Flin Flon Belt. Results of this project will influence exploration strategies for both base metal (Cu, Zn and Ni sulphide) and gold mineralization.
- Project: Bird River belt mapping and mineral deposit studies
Responsibility: Paul Gilbert; graduate students and researchers from Waterloo University; Tim Corkery
Location: Bird River-Lac du Bonnet
Description: The objective of this project is to provide updated geological mapping of poorly mapped portions of the Bird River Belt, as well as thematic mineral deposit and structural studies. This is a collaborative project involving companies (Tanco, Gossan Resources, Mustang Minerals), University of Waterloo (Shoufa Lin and graduate students), and MGS. Geochemical, geochronological, isotopic and lithotectonic investigations will be used to characterize and subdivide the volcanic rocks. Work in 2007 involves MGS mapping of the volcanic rocks and structural/tectonostratigraphic studies by University of Waterloo graduate students.
- Project: Surficial and Precambrian bedrock geology studies in Manitoba’s Far North
Responsibility: Christian Böhm, Scott Anderson, Gaywood Matile
Location: Far North (no field component in 2007/08)
Description: In 2004-2005 new Nd isotope and geochemical analysis of archival samples from the granulite terrains from the Nejanilini Domain of Manitoba’s Far North and bedrock mapping and sampling in the Nejanilini Lake area was undertaken. In 2006-07, mapping and sampling was extended to the Kasmere Lake area where well exposed meta-igneous and supracrustal lithologies of the Ennadai block (southeast Hearne Domain) and of the Wollaston domain exist. Laser-ablation (LA-MC-ICPMS) U-Pb zircon dating is being conducted for reconnaissance magmatic and detrital age studies together with Nd isotopic and geochemical analysis of new felsic igneous and sedimentary samples from the Kasmere Lake area. Quaternary mapping and sampling is being conducted in parallel with the bedrock studies.
- Project: Superior Boundary Zone projects
Responsibility: Chris Böhm and researchers from U of Alberta and Waterloo University
Location: Sipiwesk Lake to Gull Rapids (no field component)
Description: Extent, composition, age and geological history of ancient (pre-3.0 Ga) crust within the Superior Boundary Zone (SBZ) are being investigated using detailed mapping, geochemical and isotopic techniques (Sm-Nd whole-rock isotope geochemical and U-Pb/Lu-Hf zircon isotopic studies in collaboration with the University of Alberta Radiogenic Isotope Facility). Parallel studies of the detailed kinematics and geochronology of shear zones in the SBZ (in conjunction with Waterloo University) are designed to place constraints on the tectonic evolution of the area and the timing and mechanism of the uplift of the adjacent Pikwitonei Domain.
- Project: Northern Superior granite-greenstone integrated mapping initiative
Responsibility: Chris Böhm and Paul Kremer
Location: Atik Lake
Description: The objectives of this project are to apply an integrated mapping approach to areas in the Northern Superior that provide excellent exposures of both greenstones and granite terrains (Bear and Atik lakes). Existing A-base and preliminary maps as well as high-resolution magnetic maps will be fully used and integrated into the new mapping. Analytical techniques include geochemistry and isotope geology (Nd, U-Pb, Hf) in order to provide a modern multidisciplinary geological synthesis for the area. The Bear Lake area was mapped in 2006/07 and the Atik Lake will be covered in 2007/08. Additional focus will be aimed on (the controls of) orogenic lode gold mineralization along major bounding shear zones in the project areas.
- Project: Thompson Nickel Belt compilation
Responsibility: Josef Macek, Cathy McGregor and Herman Zwanzig
Location: Winnipeg (map compilation and report writing)
Description: Compilation of bedrock geology in the Thompson Nickel Belt (TNB), from company drill core and proprietary data with local re-mapping, has produced a new series of up-to-date geological maps released as Preliminary Maps in 2001. These maps, which have been updated with new information and a new topographically correct base, were released in digital form as an Open File in 2006. In 2007/08 efforts are focussed on a final compilation of the TNB maps and writing a report on the Ospwagan Group (host to the Ni mineralization in the TNB). An Open File digital release of geological data collected from historical drill core in the southern TNB was released in 2006.
- Project: Wuskwatim and Tullibee lakes corridors
Responsibility: Herman Zwanzig and John Percival (GSC)
Location: Wuskwatim and Tullibee lakes area
Description: This Targeted Geoscience Initiative 3 project aims to 1) delineate the TNB extension west of the main part of the belt, 2) distinguish Proterozoic supracrustal assemblages, various intrusive suites and Archean crustal types that are possible TNB basement, 3) further identify and characterize pre-Hudsonian (>1.85 Ga) domes/crustal slices in the Kisseynew east margin 4) provide isotopic ages and geochemistry for intrusions at the Kisseynew Domain margin. Together with a 2006 TGI 3 aeromagnetic survey, the new mapping and isotopic data produced during this project will be used to update and modernize existing 1:50 000 geological maps.
- Project: Notigi Lake mapping
Responsibility: Linda Murphy, Herman Zwanzig
Location: Notigi Lake
Description: This project will map the north margin of the Kisseynew Domain (KD) at Notigi Lake, identifying the TNB western extension and subdividing the Sickle Proterozoic supracrustal assemblage using geological mapping, structural analysis, geochemistry and isotopic dating of the rocks at Notigi Lake.
- Project: Sub-Phanerozoic Precambrian compilation
Responsibility: Cathy McGregor
Location: Winnipeg (no field component)
Description: This project involves compiling the sub-Phanerozoic Precambrian geology from oil well, water well, diamond drill core (company and government) and geophysical data. This data set was largely completed in 2005. Public release of the data will take place in 2007/08. This database will greatly facilitate a robust compilation of the sub-Phanerozoic Precambrian geology of the province.
- Project: Flin Flon Belt-Kisseynew transition - report
Responsibility: Herman Zwanzig, Alan Bailes
Location: Winnipeg (no field component)
Description: Mapped during the Shield Margin NATMAP project, this area is composed of the same diverse suite of lithotectonic elements as those in the adjacent Flin Flon Belt, but is far more deformed and recrystallized. Geochemical and isotopic characteristics, in conjunction with mapping, have resulted in the recognition and tracing of these lithotectonic elements. A Geoscientific Report accompanied by three 1:50 000 compilation maps will fully document criteria for recognition of the lithotectonic elements and show their distribution. This report, which is scheduled for a 2009 release, will provide important new criteria for implementing exploration projects in this region. As in the Flin Flon Belt, each of the lithotectonic elements in the Kisseynew Belt has different prospectivity for mineral deposits.
- Project: Mapping the northern extension of the Thompson Nickel Belt
Responsibility: Herman Zwanzig, Josef Macek and Chris Böhm
Location: Minor field work in the Thompson area (mainly Winnipeg based)
Description: The objective of this project is to delineate TNB extensions using geological mapping, core logging, petrography, aeromagnetic data and isotope geochemistry to distinguish major Proterozoic assemblages and Archean crustal types. Reports on the isotopic work are available as Report of Activities contributions. Some results of this project from the region north of Thompson are being rolled into the updated TNB geological compilation maps. Results from the most northerly part of the TNB extension will lead to production of new 1:50 000 maps. Recognition and tracing of TNB lithologies north and northwest of Thompson has important implications for Ni exploration, resulting in expansion of exploration beyond the previously known extent of the TNB.
- Project: Mapping Metamorphism of the TNB and Kisseynew Domain
Responsibility: Chris Couëslan (University of Calgary), Josef Macek and Herman Zwanzig
Location: Thompson - Wabowden area
Description: The purpose of this project is to study of effects of metamorphism on rocks of the TNB leading to a synthesis of tectonometamorphic episodes in the TNB. This NSERC-supported project, which was begun in 2006, involves field examination of critical outcrops, extensive regional sampling and comprehensive laboratory follow-up.
Mineral Deposits
- Project: Snow Lake gold metallogeny
Responsibility: Chris Beaumont-Smith
Location: Snow Lake
Description: This new project aims to develop a regional gold metallogenic model for the Snow Lake area. The initial fieldwork will focus on structural analysis, geochronology and geochemistry in the New Britannia mine area. Future fieldwork will address the analysis of other gold deposits in the Northstar Lake, east Wekusko Lake and r areas of active exploration, culminating in a synthesis of gold deposit formation within the tectonic framework of the Snow Lake area. The regional aspect of this project is intended to encourage regional gold exploration and provide support for the more detailed fieldwork of the accompanying PhD project (below).
- Project: Snow Lake metamorphic PhD
Responsibility: Chris Beaumont-Smith, Simon Gagne, A. Williams-Jones, A. Hynes (McGill), David Corrigan (GSC)
Location: Snow Lake
Description: This project represents a cooperative three-year project between the MGS and GSC to support a PhD student based at McGill University. The focus of this study is the effects of medium to high-grade metamorphism on mineral deposits, largely focussed on gold mineralization. Fieldwork will entail the detailed mapping, geochemistry, and isotopic studies of Chisel North, Squall Lake, Nokomis Lake and Puffy Lake deposits in an attempt to characterize the effects of post-depositional metamorphism on the distribution or possible redistribution of mineralization within the selected deposits. An aspect of this research will be included in the regional gold metallogeny project.
- Project: Gold deposits in the Lynn Lake area
Responsibility: Chris Beaumont-Smith, Christian Böhm
Location: Lynn Lake
Description: Structural and mineral deposit study of gold deposits in the Lynn Lake area, focussed on the Johnson Shear Zone (Burnt Timber deposit), Agassiz Metallotect; 1:20 000 mapping in a newly burned areas along the possible strike extensions of the Johnson Shear. Compilation of the entire Lynn Lake Belt is underway, using previous mapping (e.g., Gilbert et al., 1980) and integrating new structural, geochronologic, isotopic, and lithologic information.
- Project: Lynn Lake geochronology
Responsibility: Chris Beaumont-Smith, Christian Böhm
Location: (no field work)
Description: U-Pb geochronology and Sm-Nd isotopic support of Lynn Lake gold metallogeny projects. Final analyses are in progress.
- Project: Lynn Lake geochemistry - REE
Responsibility: Chris Beaumont-Smith, PhD student (McClenaghan), Dave Lentz (University of New Brunswick)
Location: (no field work)
Description: Precise ICP-MS trace element geochemistry of samples of sulphidic sedimentary rocks and exhalites from the Lynn Lake Belt. Data interpretation and development of new metallotects for VMS and exhalite-related gold.
- Project: Winnipegosis komatiites
Responsibility: Peter Theyer
Location: TNB-SBZ (no field work)
Description: Completion of final report for the Winnipegosis Komatiites (Thompson Nickel Belt).
- Project: Northern Superior gold metallogeny
Responsibility: Scott Anderson, Chris Beaumont-Smith, Christian Böhm, Tim Corkery, Alan Bailes
Location: Oxford – Gods – Sharpe lakes
Description: Geological and geochemical assessment of orogenic lode gold mineralization along major bounding shear zones in the northern Superior Province. Emphasis in 2007 will be on site-specific visits to active exploration projects.
- Project: Rice Lake belt geochronology
Responsibility: Scott Anderson, Larry Heaman
Location: Bissett area
Description: Isotope geochemistry in support of thematic mapping programs in the Rice Lake belt.
- Project: Rice Lake belt gold metallogeny
Responsibility: Scott Anderson
Location: Bissett area
Description: 1:20 000 scale geological mapping involving integrated structural, geochemical and geochronological studies. The objective is to document the tectonic evolution of the east end of the Rice Lake belt and the setting of contained Au deposits. This study will further evaluate potential correlations with the prolific Mesoarchean supracrustal assemblages in the Red Lake belt. Work in 2007 will focus on completion of a Geologic Report and map for the Bissett area and detailed mapping in Gem Lake and the adjacent areas to finish field mapping for the Garner Gem lakes area.
Sedimentary and Industrial Minerals
- Project: Past hydroclimatic change in the Winnipeg River basin
Responsibility: Scott St. George (University of Arizona)
Location: SE Manitoba
Description: This project is designed to address climate change in the Winnipeg River basin, using dendrochronology. Plans for 2007: Report of Activities; process and analyse tree-ring network; articles for scientific journals; workshop for Manitoba Hydro, Spring 2007.
- Project: Stratigraphic and Scout Drilling
Responsibility: Ruth Bezys and Jim Bamburak
Location: West-central MB area
Description: Drilling program carried out in support of mapping, industrial and metallic mineral programs. Anticipated 2007 requirements include: five stratigraphic drillholes in support of SBZ investigations in west-central Manitoba, mainly Silurian and Devonian targets.
- Project: Phytoremediation of mine tailings
Responsibility: Sylvie Renault (U of Manitoba)
Location: SE Manitoba
Description: To develop effective strategies to revegetate mine tailings, by studying test plots on existing mine tailings in southeast Manitoba. Plans for 2007: 1) Continued field work; 2) Report of Activities; 3) Sample analyses needed.
- Project: TGI 2 Williston Basin Architecture and Hydrocarbon Potential
Responsibility: Ruth Bezys
Location: SW Manitoba
Description: To develop a seamless 3D geological model of Paleozoic and Mesozoic rocks in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Products will include structure and isopach maps of each stratigraphic unit of interest, databases, geophysical interpretations, hydrogeological interpretations and hydrocarbon assessments. Project is in completion phase. All new information is posted on the following website: www.willistontgi.com.
- Project: CAMIRO – Thompson Nickel Belt
Responsibility: Mary Doherty (ALS Chemex; project leader), Beth McClenaghan (GSC), Doreen Ames (GSC), Ingrid Kjarsgaard (consultant for GSC research), Gaywood Matile (MGS)
Location: Thompson
Description: The TNB has a large (100 km) glacial dispersal train of Cr-diopside that was detected in a GSC/MGS regional till sampling program a few years ago. One of the objectives of this new project is to determine which rocks these grains are derived from. Preliminary results of the 2005 sample data were presented in a poster at the 2006 Cordilleran Round-up. Work for 2007 will involve data processing and a small sampling program.
- Project: Bentonite and industrial minerals
Responsibility: Jim Bamburak
Location: S Manitoba
Description: Client support in the field and in the office on Industrial Minerals (bentonite, silica sand, etc.) and Phanerozoic-hosted metallic mineral deposits. Preparation of an open file report on non-swelling calcium bentonite potential of the Morden-Miami area for release by April 2008.
- Project: Superior Boundary Zone/ Camperville gravity low project
Responsibility: Jim Bamburak
Location: Winnipeg
Description: Investigation of basement structures along the Superior Boundary Zone in southwest Manitoba and to investigate the Camperville Gravity Low Anomaly. No field component. Completion of geoscientific paper and open file manuscripts for publication by April 2008; Convention presentation.
- Project: 3D Geological model of southern Manitoba
Responsibility: Gaywood Matile, Greg Keller
Location: Southern Manitoba (south of 55°)
Description: No field component. Having completed the 3D model for southeastern Manitoba and the Lake Winnipeg basin, work now will progress westward and northward. This project will build on the TGI 2 Williston Basin project by utilizing the newly created database of drillhole picks, and then model the Quaternary sediments on top. The 3D Geological Model project will be contributing to two groundwater projects: 1) study of Tertiary channels cut into the bedrock surface, in cooperation with GSC Ottawa the Water Branch; and 2) groundwater resources and climate change in the Assiniboine delta, in cooperation with the University of Manitoba Faculty of Engineering and the Water Branch (deferred); and the Capital Region to Sandilands groundwater study in cooperation with the Water Branch.
Database and compilation projects
- Project: Manitoba Stratigraphic Database
Responsibility: Glenn Conley, Ruth Bezys
Location: SW Manitoba
Description: The objective of this project is to gather all Phanerozoic data for the province into the Manitoba Stratigraphic Database (MSD). MSD is intended to serve as a reference dataset for the entire Phanerozoic subsurface stratigraphy of the province. Yearly updates are conducted. The database includes all oil and gas wells, Manitoba core holes, water wells, mineral exploration drill holes and Manitoba Hydro wells.
- Project: Manitoba kimberlite indicator database
Responsibility: Greg Keller, Christian Böhm, Gaywood Matile
Location: All Manitoba
Description: This database contains all available kimberlite indicator mineral survey data for Manitoba. Information includes sample location, sample preparation methods, reference data, as well as microprobe analyses of heavy mineral grains. This database is presently web-enabled and will be updated as new data becomes available.
- Project: Manitoba surficial geology map compilation
Responsibility: Gaywood Matile, Greg Keller, Paul Lenton
Location: All Manitoba
Description: All of the most current published surficial geology maps for Manitoba are being compiled into one coherent queriable GIS database. Two final products are in preparation to complete the project: 1) a hard copy of 1:1 000 000 two sided Surficial geology map to replace Map 81-1, the back side includes a graphical legend to make the map more accessible to the lay client; and 2) Version 2 of a DVD (SG-CMS) containing 54 1:250 000, five (5) 1:500 000 map sheets and one 1:1 000 000 map sheet (front and back). The DVD includes all these maps in PDF and ESRI Shapefile format with standardized legends and an html interface to facilitate viewing of the maps. The geology is draped on the provincial digital elevation model (SRTM DEM) which was released late 2006. These map products are targeted for release in late 2007.
- Project: Manitoba geochronology database
Responsibility: Christian Böhm, Paul Lenton, Greg Keller, Alan Bailes, Chris Beaumont-Smith, Tim Corkery, Ric Syme
Location: All Manitoba
Description: GIS database containing all published geochronology data for Manitoba. The data has been released as a digital report comprising a Microsoft ACCESS© database with custom interface and supporting custom query function and the ability to export queries to spreadsheets or GIS shape files.
- Project: Manitoba mineral occurrence database
Responsibility: Glenn Conley, Tim Corkery, Tom Heine, Dave Prouse, Peter Leskiw
Location: All Manitoba
Description: Design and implementation of a comprehensive Oracle© web-enabled database to manage mineral occurrence data in Manitoba. The initial database structure has been designed using Microsoft ACCESS© and all of the mineral occurrence data in the Mineral Deposit Series publications was entered. A data entry system for the Oracle© web-enabled database is now complete and data from the Access database and other sources such as Min Card File and cancelled assessment files will be added to the new database. The last stage of development of the database will be to design a public access system.
- Project: Manitoba 1:250 000 geology compilation
Responsibility: Tim Corkery, Dorne Lindal, Paul Lenton, Len Chackowsky, Alan Bailes, all geological staff
Location: All Manitoba
Description: Compilation of the geology of Manitoba at 1:250 000 scale into a seamless GIS database. The database will comprise geology polygons with a rich set of data attributes defined for each polygon. The initial target is to provide a higher-detail base geology layer for the departmental Internet Map Server, and for deriving an updated 1:1 000 000 Geology of Manitoba map.
- Project: Bedrock Geology Compilation Map Series
Responsibility: Dorne Lindal, Tim Corkery, Len Chackowsky
Location: All Manitoba
Description: Continue the long term compilation of the geology of Manitoba at 1:250 000 scale. The output of this program is a series of high-quality printed 1:250 000 compilation maps that include marginal notes, regional overviews, and summaries of pertinent point information such as geochronology and mineral occurrences.
- Project: Geophysical data compilation
Responsibility: Paul Lenton
Location: All Manitoba
Description: Compilation of an inventory of digital geophysics data available in the open assessment files. Where possible the data will be converted into an readily-accessible file format. The objective is to make this data avai3able for download through an Internet Map Server project.
- Project: Aggregate resources inventory
Responsibility: Heather Groom
Location: SW Manitoba
Description: Field checks for aggregate deposits in the RM of Park for development plan input. Plans for 2007: compilation, field checks; completion of previous field maps and database update.
- Project: Land use evaluations
Responsibility: Heather Groom
Location: SE Manitoba
Description: Plans for 2007: Aggregate assessment of candidate sites for Areas of Special Interest program; testing as required; focusing on the proposed site in Natural Region 5C (SE MB).
- Project: Phanerozoic and Sub-Phanerozoic linear structures in southwest Manitoba
Responsibility: Jim Bamburak
Location: SW Manitoba
Description: This project will involve compiling an inventory of all published structural linear features in Manitoba and entered into a database, in cooperation with Alberta and Saskatchewan. Plans for 2007: enter all information into database; Convention presentation; attendance at CSPG 2007 conference and booth handout; visit with provincial partners.
- Project: Petroleum Geology of the Devonian Three Forks Formation in Southwestern Manitoba
Responsibility: Michelle Nicolas
Location: SW Manitoba
Description: This is a regional study of the Devonian Three Forks Formation with detailed study of Sinclair Field, reservoir overview of all Three Forks-producing fields, detailed core logging, geophysical well log correlations and analysis, structural and isopach mapping, correlations to tectonic elements, determination of the depositional environment, and developing an exploration model. Plans for 2007 include presentations at Petroleum Expo (Regina) and CSPG (Calgary) and completion of final report.
