Energy, Mines and Resources

Surficial Geology

Till Geochemistry/Heavy Minerals

Till geochemistry surveys were initiated in 1998 to build upon the regional geochemistry database. Areas of low topographic relief between the Anvil Range and Finlayson Lake, and west of the Glenlyon Range were targeted in a 5 year sampling program. The objective was to focus in areas with low stream densities in order to provide the mineral exploration industry with a geochemical alternative to the stream sediment geochemistry database (RGS). As part of the regional sampling programs, case studies were conducted at known mineral deposits in order to characterize both element concentrations and element dispersal patterns.

Till Geochemistry Programs

Anvil District (NTS 105K) 1998-1999

Weasel Lake (NTS 105G/13) 2000

Finlayson (NTS 105G) 2001

Glenlyon (NTS 105L) 2002

Anvil District (NTS 105K) 1998-1999

The purpose of the Anvil District study was to characterize the till geochemistry related to the known SEDEX deposits and apply this knowledge to a regional program in the till covered Swim Basin to the southeast. A total of 140 case study till samples were collected down ice-flow of the Faro deposit, 20 stratigraphic samples were collected above the Vangorda deposit and 165 regional till samples were collected in outlying areas. In addition to till sampling surficial mapping at 1:25,000-scale was completed in the study area. Results of this program:

Bulletin: Quaternary geology and till geochemistry of the Anvil district (parts of 105K/2, 3, 5, 6 and 7), central Yukon Territory [2.5 MB ]

Example Map: Surficial Geology Map and Till Geochemistry of Mount Mye [0.8 MB ]

Geochemistry data: Anvil Till Geochemistry [1.1 MB ]

Weasel Lake (NTS 105G/13) 2000

The Weasel Lake map sheet lies approximately 20 km east of Ross River. The landscape consists of low hills and ridges that are blanketed by basal lodgement till. A total 175 till samples were collected in the 1:50 000-scale map area. Results from the field program are presented in the following publications:

Yukon Exploration and Geology report: Surficial geology and till geochemistry of Weasel Lake map area (105G/13), east-central Yukon [5.8 MB ]

Example Map: Surficial Geology and Till Geochemistry of Weasel Lake (105 G/13), central Yukon [1.4 MB ]

Geochemistry Data: Finlayson Surficial Geochemistry [1.1 MB ]

Finlayson (NTS 105G) 2001

A joint bedrock and surficial geology research program, in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Canada, was launched in 2001 (Targeted Geoscience Initiative I). The surficial geology component consisted of glacial history reconstructions, stratigraphy and till geochemistry. A total of 331 till samples, including regional and deposit orientation samples from Wolverine, Kudz Ze Kayah and the Argus properties, were collected in the region. Results are summarized in the following publications:

Yukon Exploration and Geology reports:

Open Files: 2002-7(D), Digital Compilation of Bedrock Geology and Till Geochemistry, Northern Finlayson Lake Map Area, Southeastern Yukon (105G)

Geochemistry Data: Finlayson Surficial Geochemistry [1.1 MB ]

Glenlyon (NTS 105L) 2002

The joint bedrock and surficial geology research program, in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Canada, was continued in 2002 (Targeted Geoscience Initiative II). The surficial geology component consisted of glacial history reconstructions, stratigraphy and till geochemistry. A total of 285 till samples, including regional and a deposit orientation study from Clear Lake SEDEX deposit, were collected in the region. Results are summarized in the following publications:

Yukon Exploration and Geology reports:

Open Files: 2003-7(D), Digital compilation of bedrock geology and till geochemistry of Glenlyon (105L) and eastern Carmacks (115I) map areas, Yukon Territory

Geochemistry Data: Glenlyon Surficial Geochemistry [1.3 MB ]