The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) announced an investment of $3,504,000 for six geoscience projects over the next four years in Yukon. The Government of Yukon and other partners will contribute $702,000 for a total project value of $4,206,000. The projects will be managed by the Yukon Geological Survey (YGS).
These projects will contribute to establishing a stable resource development sector in Yukon that will help create jobs and revenue opportunities while reducing exploration risk. This work will support well-informed, balanced land-use decisions, which in turn will help create a clear, stable investment climate for both the resource development and tourism sectors. All projects will generate publicly-available maps, reports and/or data.
1. Geophysical Data Collection and Re-processing
CanNor funding: $1,400,000
New geophysical data is constantly in demand by the Yukon Geological Survey’s (YGS) industry clients. This data helps interpret bedrock geology, and identifies waterways with significant accumulations of sediments rich in heavy minerals (such as gold). By reprocessing older data using modern techniques, geologic features of interest can be identified, improving confidence in geological interpretations. This improved information makes it easier to evaluate resource potential for both exploration efforts and land use planning.
2. Data Mining
CanNor funding: $780,000
The YGS has valuable archived collections of mining and exploration records donated by exploration companies. These records contain information of interest to the exploration sector, and in some cases include pre-development data that provide baseline environmental information. Over the next four years, YGS plans to prioritize and scan approximately 50 percent of these documents.
3. Regional Geochemical Surveys
CanNor Funding $370,000
Over the next 4 years, YGS will upgrade existing regional stream sediment geochemical data by re-analysing archived samples using modern analytical techniques. The first two years will focus on the Selwyn Basin, where new gold discoveries suggest the potential for large, “Carlin-style” gold deposits such as those found in Nevada.
4. Surficial and Glacial Studies
CanNor Funding $430,000
Surficial mapping and glacial studies will support a number of interests. New data will increase knowledge of Yukon’s aggregate resources which will help Yukon maintain its highway infrastructure. Secondly, information on soil thickness and composition is useful for managing forest resources and is a critical factor in accurately mapping Yukon’s eco-zones for land use planning purposes. Finally, improved knowledge of ice flow and drainage histories across the territory’s various mountain ranges aids prospecting and archaeological studies, the latter of which is an important component of Yukon’s tourism appeal.
5. Targeted Placer Studies
CanNor Funding $320,000
Work will include: developing a placer gold geochemical database, targeted drilling in prospective creeks, and an annual placer technical workshop to share information with the Yukon placer industry. These activities will help focus development in certain areas, reduce economic risk for mining companies and decrease the environmental impact of placer development.
Performance Evaluation
CanNor Funding: $39,000
Performance evaluation will be built into all of the projects in order to track the effectiveness of investments being made in the different geoscience activities.
Federal investment for these projects is made possible through CanNor ’s Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity building in all three territories.
