Lithostratigraphic setting and structural controls of uranium mineralization in the Main, Central and East zone deposits, ARC Kiggavik Property, Thelon Basin region, Nunavut

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The Kiggavik deposit and exploration camp is located ~80 km west of Baker Lake, Nunavut and represents one of the first significant uranium discoveries in this remote part of the Canadian Shield. Since its discovery, work undertaken by the principal operator, AREVA Resources Canada (ARC) Inc., has identified numerous other promising uranium deposits and prospects in the Kiggavik region, with current reserves estimated as ~51,000 tonnes (133 million lbs U3O8) at an average grade of 0.46% uranium. While the general setting of these deposits has been known for some time, the more specific geological factors involved in uranium ore genesis remain uncertain. This research aims to better understand the controls and mechanisms of uranium formation, and in particular, to determine if and how various rock structures (e.g., faults, fractures) controlled the ore-forming process. This will be accomplished by student research projects at the Masters and Bachelors levels, respectively, that will investigate rocks types and structures proximal to the main deposits using a combination of sub-surface (drill-core) and surface mapping. Results from the two studies will then be integrated and synthesized with regional-scale observations to establish both the mechanisms and timing of ore-hosting structures at the larger scale. An important, related objective of this research is to develop a set of methodologies in geological analysis that can be used to detect/predict occurrences of economic concentrations of uranium. Skills and know-how in these methodologies will be developed and shared between university and industry personnel and will directly assist in future short- and long-term exploration. This will help to delineate new resources in the immediate area, which, because it is so remote, are needed to strengthen its economic viability. This will improve the likelihood that these resources will be sustainably developed in the future, which will greatly benefit the local hamlet of Baker Lake by providing high-paying jobs and economic stability.