MDAs in Alberta yield valuable data

Preliminary results from Albertas first mineral development agreements (MDAs) show that brines and uranium have the greatest mining potential. Nevertheless, the greatest demand, by far, is for information regarding diamond exploration.

Most requests have been for maps produced by high-resolution aeromagnetic surveys and conducted by the Canadian Geological Survey (CGS) in the Cypress Hills region of southeastern Alberta.

There are some interesting anomalies there that could actually be kimberlite pipes, said Roger Macqueen, senior manager of the Institute of Sedimentary and Petroleum geology for CGS. Theyre worth looking at.

Macqueen told The Northern Miner that another potential area in southern Alberta is the Sweetgrass Hills. Kimberlite-like rocks have been discovered there, but, in terms of diamond possibilities, they are less favorable than actural kimberlites. These rocks are best described as minettes, Maqueen explained, but there are known kimberlites in the same sort of setting across the border in Montana.

Few instant results are expected as researchers are finding previous geological data badly outdated or non-existent. A recent funding cutback has been another setback. This is a $10-million MDA which has been reduced to $7.8 million, explained Jan Boon, head of the Alberta Geological Survey (AGS). Im sure we could have spent $40 million without too much trouble. Since so little study has occurred in the past, geologists are only now discovering how vast and varied the provinces geology is. For example, AGS researchers have found numerous tertiary sand and gravel deposits occurring within the length and breadth of the province. This too has created interest among the diamond people, according to Rick Richardson, manager of minerals and coal in the geoscience section of the AGS.

Its the first time so many deposits have been shown on one map, he told The Northern Miner. There is quite a lot of pre-glacial or tertiary material available in the province. Its distribution is wide enough that many people who hold exploration leases will find the maps quite useful. These deposits are all near the surface; sub-surface deposits have yet to be explored. Our belief that Alberta has been underexplored for minerals metallic and industrial is holding true. Even in these very preliminary studies, quite a lot has been found with not too much effort. Really, weve just scratched the surface here and it looks very encouraging.

Both the provincial and federal branches spoke glowingly about the greater potential of brines, specifically magnesium and calcium.

The brines of Alberta and adjacent Saskatchewan are certainly a world-class type of sub-surface mineral deposit, said Richardson, comparing them with the industrial chemicals being produced from the Michigan Basin. Nevertheless, the economic viability of these minerals is far from certain. The question is going to be markets, Richardson explained. In the Michigan Basin, industry has built up over many years and, of course, the population base there is much greater than in Alberta or Saskatchewan. So, while the magnitude of this deposit has been proven, Richardson warned not to expect a brine boom next year.

Another area highlighted in the MDA findings is the Athabasca Basin, in the provinces northeast corner. There is good potential for uranium polymetallic deposits in the Alberta portion of the Basin said Macqueen. While there have been new discoveries, MDA researchers have dispelled a few myths as well. The Crowsnest Volcanics of southwestern Alberta were considered a prime gold and zeolite target, but such a target is now considered very unlikely, said Macqueen.

Industry has responded favorably to the MDA data. James Stewart, president of Takla Star Resources, described the information as excellent and timely. (Takla Star has exploration permits on four million acres, including properties near Cypress Hills).

Stewart believes southern Alberta shows a lot of potential. There have been no kimberlite pipes discovered yet, but that will come. What were looking for here is a very big target. But it will likely be difficult to find. While the MDA research is general in nature, it has lasting value, said Hugh Ross, president of Winslow Gold (VSE). The information wont be much use to companies which have performed their own research, but it could benefit those entering the field later and wondering in which direction they should take their programs.

If nothing else, the MDA research will help put the current diamond rush in proper perspective.

The research will have more to do with respect to assessing the real potential for diamonds than all this staking you are seeing now, Macqueen said. There has been a lot of ground staked on nothing but speculation. I think our data are what is really required.

Tony Kryzanowski, a freelance writer, contributes frequently to The Northern Miner.