Backgrounder - The Six Geoscience Research Projects for Northwest Territories

Six geoscience research projects funded by CanNor in the Northwest Territories (NWT) will improve the public availability of geoscience information; apply new technologies to resource exploration in the north; provide resource inventories of materials for community improvement and commercial development, and conduct surveys to enhance geological and environmental knowledge of large geographic areas. Total funding for these geoscience projects from the federal government is $1.2 million.

Project 1: Targeted bedrock mapping and mineral deposit studies
CanNor funding: $422,000

The primary bedrock mapping project is comprised of several sub-projects focused on base metal prospects in under-explored and under-mapped regions of the Mackenzie Mountains. The sub-projects will focus on specific goals such as determining effective methods to differentiate mineral potential in distinct units of similar-looking rock.

Targeted mapping and sampling projects will take place on the Yellowknife Greenstone Belt (gold) and the Blachford Intrusive Complex (rare earth metals). The projects will focus on refining mineral-deposit knowledge to encourage exploration outside of currently staked and permitted areas. Both projects involve NWT Geoscience Office (NTGO)/university/industry partnerships

Project 2: Regional stream sediment and water geochemical survey
CanNor funding: $500,000

These surveys are intended to rapidly enhance the geological and environmental knowledge of large areas. They will help locate new minerals, allowing companies to focus their exploration. They also provide important background environmental information that can inform decisions at the regulatory phase of project development.

Project 3: Information Technology and Services
CanNor funding: $105,000

Getting NWT data into the hands of explorers is key to future economic investment. The NWT Geoscience Office (NTGO) manages and distributes geoscience data through three applications: the NT Go Map that serves geoscience and other data in web-GIS format; Gateway, a web application for document distribution; and, NORMIN, an electronic database of mineral showing and reference. All three applications require ongoing updates and enhancements to ensure that information is current and functionality is optimal in order to position the NWT as a location of choice for resource development exploration.

Project 4: Geophysical data interpretation
CanNor funding: $20,000

Under previous SINED investments, five airborne geophysical surveys were completed in under-explored mineral or petroleum areas. These surveys filled gaps in the modern geophysical data record for the NWT. With new investments, this data can now be assessed and reprocessed so new exploration targets can be identified.

Project 5: Innovative Projects and Analyses
CanNor funding: $20,000

Funds will be used to meet unanticipated project needs such as age dating of new rock units discovered during field mapping. Funds will also be used for a university-based project using lake sediment samples to study climactic variability along the Contwoyto-to-Tibbet Lake ice road. This seasonal ice is important for the NWT economy.

Project 6: Technical Support
CanNor funding: $135,000

A GIS Specialist and an Information Management Assistant will support of a number of SINED project activities.

Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development

The 2009-10 geoscience projects have been funded through the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program. Canada's Economic Action Plan (Budget 2009) renewed funding for the SINED program at $90 million over five years. Funding available under SINED is divided evenly between the three territories.

SINED is administered by CanNor, the newly established agency responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for policy, research and advocacy. This announcement reinforces the Government of Canada's work to advance an integrated Northern Strategy to exercise Canada's Arctic sovereignty, protect the North's environmental heritage, promote social and economic development and improve and devolve northern governance.