Session Details
Surficial geochemical surveys are widely employed to generate drill targets. The surveys are relatively inexpensive compared to drill programs but poorly applied sample collection, assaying and targeting will result in many barren drill holes. In addition, there have been few recent examples of greenfield exploration but there has been a focus on re-evaluating old projects, generating little investor return. Outcomes for greenfield projects can be greatly improved by applying science-based approaches emphasizing landform geochemistry, well-controlled sampling programs, integration of data sets and high quality interpretation. The course will demonstrate the effectiveness of these approaches using Kenorland Minerals successes in northern Ontario and Quebec to define new mineral resources. These case histories will be in glaciated terrain, with additional examples from other terrains (lateritic, mountainous, etc.) based on Dennis Arne’s international experience and teaching resources.
Geochemical surveys are an inherent part of early stage exploration programs. Understanding the surficial environment, metal dispersion and data analysis optimizes targeting. Design of geochemical surveys has rarely been taught at universities for 30 years and poorly executed exploration has resulted in low discovery rates. Canadian-based Kenorland Minerals has an exemplary discovery rate in areas of low exploration maturity. The company’s methodology will be discussed in the context of geochemistry fundamentals presented by senior geochemists Lynda Bloom and Dennis Arne, as well as mechanical dispersion in glaciated terrain by Don Cummings. This one-day course is intended for early-career geoscientists or those without formal exploration geochemistry training. It is a precursor for a more in depth and technically detailed PDAC second one-day session, led by Dennis Arne, for those interested in learning more about geochemical controls and multielement data interpretation.
Top takeaways:
- High level discussion of area selection including geological and structural controls, complexity of overlying cover, sampling prospectivity, exploration maturity and availability of open source data
- Process to move from regional geochemical surveys to wide-spaced surficial sampling to detailed soil sampling and drill hole targeting
- Design of geochemical surveys including line spacing, sample spacing, sample preparation, analytical protocols and quality assurance
- Sampling protocols especially workflow, data capture and focus on consistency
- Timing of additional surveys such as LIDAR, airborne geophysics, lithogeochemistry, etc.
Laptop required for course exercises.