Subventions et des contributions :

Subvention ou bourse octroyée s'appliquant à plus d'un exercice financier. (2017-2018 à 2018-2019)

Volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits are exploited primarily for Zinc (from the sulfide mineral,x000D
sphalerite - ZnS) and Copper (from the sulfide mineral, chalcopyrite - CuFeS2). VMS deposits formed fromx000D
hot, hydrothermal fluids circulating through volcanic rocks on ancient seafloor (similar to black smokers on thex000D
seafloor today). However, some VMS deposits contain unusually high amounts of the mineral magnetitex000D
(Fe3O4), rendering significant parts of the deposits uneconomic. Magnetite is thought to form by replacementx000D
of the sulfides. However, the detailed mechanism/s of this replacement process, and why the replacement of thex000D
entire deposit is nearly complete, in some cases, are not well understood. Therefore the Company-specificx000D
problem is to understand better the origin of massive magnetite in their VMS deposits at Matagami, Quebec.x000D
To address this scientific problem, the proposed project aims to provide new constraints on the formation ofx000D
magnetite in VMS deposits through a combined study of the petrography and trace element chemistry ofx000D
magnetite and sulfides from Matagami VMS deposits. We will use the innovative technique of laser ablationx000D
ICP-MS to obtain high quality, in-situ trace element data. This is a rapidly expanding field of research withinx000D
Mineral Deposit studies. The expected outcomes of the project will lead to 1) a better understanding of thex000D
replacement process/es and timing of magnetite formation and 2) identification of the type of hydrothermalx000D
fluids involved and their possible relation to new style of mineralization in the Mining Camp. The current (andx000D
last) operating mine of Matagami is owned by the Company and will last only a few years, making explorationx000D
for the next mine critical for this northern mining town. Being able to better understand the role of thex000D
magnetite in the VMS deposits of Matagami will help better define exploration criteria that will contribute tox000D
finding new exploration targets. A number of other VMS deposits in Eastern Canada contain similar massivex000D
pods of magnetite, and thus the results of this study are directly applicable and beneficial to otherx000D
mining/exploration companies in Canada.