PROJECT PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION
Project Title:
Geoscientific project to study the application of remote sensing to exploration for base metal deposits in the
Izok Lake deposit area.
Researcher’s Name and Affiliation:
Jan Peter, Research Scientist, Geological Survey of Canada, Ottawa
Project Location:
Izok Lake deposit and surrounding area.
Timeframe
Parts of summer months (July, August) from 2013 to 2014, inclusive.
Project Description
Purpose:
Study the patterns (spectra) of light reflected from rock outcrops and drillcores, with the aim of evaluating the use
of these data to detect base metal deposits.
Goals & Objectives:
Collect remotely sensed data (data gathered while not touching an object) consisting of light reflected back from the
surface of rock outcrops and existing drillcores. These data will then be analyzed and compared with their
mineralogy. This study will help determine if this type of remotely sensed data can be used to improve our ability to
discovere concealed mineral deposits and therefore reduce the economic risks of exploration in Canada’s North.
The Izok lake deposit is ideal because the surrounding area has very little vegetation that could disturb the data
reflected back from the rocks.
Method of Transportation:
Airplanes/helicopters, vehicles, and possibly boats, provided by MMG Ltd.
Any structures that will be erected (permanent / temporary):
No.
Restoration / abandonment plans:
No.
Methodology
collection protocol & mechanisms
o Visual description of rock types in surface outcrops and drill cores.
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Using a hand-held instrument, measure the light reflected back from a rock sample.
Rock hand samples taken from outcrop or drill core samples for mineralogical and geochemical
(chemical composition of rock) laboratory analyses.
Indicate why specific communities or individuals were selected for your research
The Izok Lake deposit is a world-class base-metal deposit that, if developed, could be a major benefit to the
economic development of northern Canada and more specifically Nunavut. This study will allow us to
evaluate the effectiveness of using remote sensed data (satellite, aircraft, or handheld instrument) in the
exploration for base metal deposits. The nearest community is Kugluktuk, which is 260 km away from Izok
Lake.
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Data
Short term & long term use of data
o The collected data will be analyzed and ultimately published in governmental reports and open files;
presented during governmental, association and academic meetings; and integrated in a university thesis.
Paper copies of the public reports can be made available to communities interested in receiving them.
o The information will help communities understand their land’s resource potential and help in the location of
new deposits.
Other uses of data
Analyzed data and ensuing publications will be used by the industry to improve their exploration models and
thus reduce risks in the course of their exploration programs and limit the impact on the land by better
targeting prospective areas.
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Reporting
How will the research results be communicated to the individual participants, communities,
regional and Nunavut organizations?
o Copies of governmental publications are available to all on the internet, but will be made available to
communities interested in hard copies
o The general public will receive generalized publications, posters and talks at the Nunavut Mining
Symposium, or other regional or national geoscience meetings.
o Public awareness sessions may be organized if there is interest.
Will the research result in a publication?
Yes, in current research reports, in oral and poster presentations at various meetings, and ultimately in
theses and scientific journal articles.
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