Geoscience
Geological Survey Activity TrackerFlin Flon Belt and Kisseynew
Structural and stratigraphic controls on gold mineralization in the New Britannia mining district
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Project Information
Principal investigators:
Kate Rubingh (PhD candidate Laurentian University)
Simon Gagné (Manitoba Geological Survey)
Partnered with:
Harold Gibson and Bruno Lafrance (Laurentian University)
QMX
Location:
Snow Lake area, 63K16/63J13
Project Description
Main objectives:
This project supports Ph.D. research by K. Rubingh at Laurentian University. The main objectives of this study are to determine the structural controls on gold mineralization and establish a stratigraphic framework for the volcanic rocks hosting mineralization. The research will include a complete characterization of the host rocks, the alteration and sulphide minerals, vein textures and orientations, and the geochemical footprint of the ore system. The stratigraphy of the volcanic rocks will be established to delineate early structures in the thrust panel and possible lithological controls on mineralization
Methodology:
The Ph.D. project will focus on structural geology and will include detailed mapping of thrust fault exposures, mineralized outcrops and key exposures along strike of the Nor-Acme anticline. The project will also put a strong emphasis on physical volcanology, stratigraphy and geochemistry of the bimodal volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks that occupy the hangingwall of the McLeod Road Thrust. Detailed mapping of transects along power lines will be undertaken in order better describe the volcanic facies observed in drill core. Selected drill holes will be examined in details and a set of geochemical whole-rock analyses from key units will be collected.
Benefits:
The Ph.D. project will provide a greater understanding of the stratigraphic and structural architecture of the McLeod Road – Birch Lake thrust panel. Results from this study will be integrated to previous and current work led by the Manitoba Geological Survey at a more regional scale. Combination of local scale and regional scale studies will provide complementary geoscientific data that will help better understand the relationship between the various tectonic volcanic slices found in the Snow Lake area and ultimately help deciphering the tectono-metamorphic evolution of this portion of the Flin Flon - Snow Lake belt. The project also aims to provide a better understanding of the nature and controls of gold mineralization found within the McLeod Road – Birch Lake thrust panel and to provide mining companies with new exploration guidelines.
Plans for fiscal year 2017-2018:
- Finalizing paper discussing the “Structural evolution of the McLeod Road–Birch Lake thrust panel”.
- Final draft of paper on the characterization of different styles of gold mineralisation in the New Britannia mining district.
Completed outputs:
2016-2017
Rubingh, K.E., Lafrance, B. and Gibson, H. 2017: Evidence for voluminous, bimodal pyroclastic volcanism during rifting of a Paleoproterozoic arc at Snow Lake, Manitoba; Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, v. 54, no. 6, p. 654–676.
2013-2014
Bailes, A., Rubingh, K.E., Gagné, S., Taylor, C., Galley, A., Bernauer, S., Simms, D. 2013: Volcanological and structural setting of Paleoproterozoic VMS and gold deposits at Snow Lake, Manitoba; Mineralogical Association of Canada-Geological Association of Canada, Joint Annual Meeting, Winnipeg, MB, May 22–24, 2013, Field Trip Guidebook FT-A2; Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines, Manitoba Geological Survey, Open File 2013-3, 63 p.
Rubingh, K.E., Lafrance, B. and Gibson, H.L. 2013: Structural analysis of the McLeod Road–Birch Lake thrust panel, Snow Lake, west-central Manitoba (parts of NTS 63K16, 63J13); in Report of Activities 2013, Manitoba Mineral Resources, Manitoba Geological Survey, p. 106–113.
Rubingh, K.E., Gibson, H., and Lafrance, B. 2013: A Comparison between the McLeod Road Sequence and the Chisel Sequence, Snow Lake, Manitoba; Manitoba Mineral Resources, Manitoba Geological Survey, Manitoba Mining and Minerals Convention 2013, Winnipeg, Manitoba, November 20–22, 2013, poster presentation.
2012-2013
Rubingh, K.E., Lafrance, B., Gibson, H.L., and Gagné, S. 2012: Preliminary lithostratigraphic map of the McLeod Road-Birch Lake thrust panel, Snow Lake, west-central Manitoba (parts of NTS 63K16, 63J13); Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines, Manitoba Geological Survey, Preliminary Map PMAP2012-7, scale 1:5000.
Rubingh, K.E., Lafrance, B. and Gibson, H.L. 2012: Lithostratigraphy and structural geology of the McLeod Road– Birch Lake thrust panel, Snow Lake, west-central Manitoba (parts of NTS 63K16, 63J13); in Report of Activities 2012, Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines, Manitoba Geological Survey, p. 104–114.
Rubingh, K.E. 2012: Early Thrust Imbrications within the McLeod Road–Birch Lake Thrust Panel and Implications on Gold Mineralization at the New Britannia Mine, Snow Lake, Manitoba; Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines, Manitoba Geological Survey, Manitoba Mining and Minerals Convention 2012, Winnipeg, Manitoba, November 15–17, 2012, poster presentation.
Rubingh, K.E. 2012: Early Thrust Imbrications within the McLeod Road–Birch Lake Thrust Panel and Implications on Gold Mineralization at the New Britannia Mine, Snow Lake, Manitoba [abstract]; Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines, Manitoba Mining and Minerals Convention 2012, Winnipeg, Manitoba, November 15-17, 2012, Program, p. 51.
2011-2012
Rubingh, K.E. 2011: Stratigraphy of the McLeod Road–Birch Lake thrust panel, Snow Lake, west-central Manitoba (parts of NTS 63K16 and 63J13); in Report of Activities 2011, Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines, Manitoba Geological Survey, p. 68–78.
Rubingh K.E. and Gibson H.L. 2011. Stratigraphy of the McLeod Road-Birch Lake Thrust Panel, Snow Lake, Manitoba; Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines, Manitoba Geological Survey, Geoscientific Presentation, Manitoba Mining and Minerals Convention 2011, Winnipeg, Manitoba, November 17–19, 2011, poster presentation.
