Magnetitic core sample parameters and magma conduit delineation using petrophysical measurements at the Marathon Deposit, Marathon, Ontario

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This project is intended to partner with Stillwater Canada Inc. to develop a unique method for exploring and developing platinum group element and copper (PGE-Cu) deposits magma conduit type deposits in the Coldwell igneous complex, near Marathon, Ontario. The Coldwell complex formed just over 1 billion years ago as an igneous intrusion. Sulphide mineralization bearing platinum group elements and copper occurred as part of the magma intrusive activity, and appears to have been concentrated in feeder channels, or conduits, which delivered the magma to the intrusive complex. Stillwater Canada's goal is to develop more effective exploration strategies to respond to this model of mineralization, by identifying possible magma conduits in known deposits and to apply these strategies in new areas. This study will be of petrophysical (primarily magnetic properties) variations in existing drillcore samples within and near known mineralization from Stillwater Canada Inc. borehole locations in the Coldwell complex. This study is intended to complement downhole magnetic surveys to be done in kind by Stillwater in summer 2015; the petrophysical measurements in this study will be crucial for interpreting the downhole magnetic surveys to create a 3D model of the deposits. The work in this study will also provide an independent estimate of magma flow directions from the drillcore samples, to provide a possible indicator of magma conduits. The outcomes of this project will be beneficial in developing an exploration tool that will accelerate the discovery of distal and blind PGE-Cu mineralization. The potential benefit to Canada is the discovery of new PGE-Cu deposits and the attendant economic benefits for northern Ontario.