Uranium/thorium (Th) ratios averaged 5:1 in samples giving uranium values >250 ppm.  Anomalous values in Th (to 6,810 ppm), Cu (to 2,720 ppm) and Pb (>5,000 ppm) were also found with the higher Th values giving low uranium values.  All samples were originally analyzed for uranium primarily using an ICP technique which also gives values for other elements including La (lanthanum) and Th which can be used to guide REE exploration.

Samples were transported to Activation Labs' preparation facility in Goose Bay by SSE personnel, then shipped to its laboratory in Ancaster, Ontario for analysis using the eight REE package.  The laboratory uses internal standards to check the analyses and blanks are included in each sample batch.  Below are plan maps of the properties showing the sample results to date, the airborne Th radiometric and magnetic data, plus pictures of the area.

In 2011, geophysical consultant Amer Smailbegovic, Ph.D. of Minera Inc., in Reno, Nevada evaluated the 2006 airborne radiometric/magnetic survey dataset with an emphasis on Th-channel anomalies which could be related to REE mineralization. He used statistical correlation of Th channels to those of uranium and potassium as a first pass to define areas of interest which were investigated on a line-by-line basis. The radiometric anomalies were tied into high resolution imagery and aeromagnetic-data derivative products to hand pick anomalies using the geomorphology and structure of the areas as a guide. Smailbegovic concludes "Published geological literature suggests that there is a potential for REE mineralization in the region, but the region is significantly under-explored. Obtaining good cue-in targets from the available geophysical data will assist in leading the ground-truthing parties to areas exhibiting permissive structural and lithologic conditions for REE mineralization".    He recommends that the selected areas, mainly concentrated in the central part of the area, which are associated with magnetic features, particularly along the contact between the Pinwarian granite and the amphibolitic /metasedimentary sequences, be evaluated by a ground follow-up consisting of prospecting and rock sampling.

Re-evaluation of lake sediment, stream, soil and rock sample results from surveys in 2010 resulted in a number of anomalous areas defined.   Lake sediments gave 33 samples with values >200 ppm La including seven >300 ppm (bg 65 ppm) with a high value of 903 ppm La.   Stream sediments gave 19 values >100 ppm La including four >200 (bg 50 ppm). Rock samples gave three values >1,000 ppm La with the highest 3,908 ppm (bg <30 ppm).  Nine samples gave Th values >1,000 ppm, including four >2,000 ppm and a high value of 6,810 ppm.  Strong correlation in the rock samples is noted between La and Th with the four samples that gave the highest La values also giving some of the highest Th values.  Twenty-five rock sample rejects were selected on the basis of Th and La values for re-analyzing for REE's and associated elements. The samples gave values up to 2.48% total rare earth elements plus yttrium (TREE), 2.2% zirconium, and 636 ppm niobium.  Thirteen samples gave values >0.1% TREE, including five (5) >0.4%.  Samples were generally LREEs with percentages in the 85-90% range of LREEs from the samples analyzed.  Most of the high values were located in outcrop in the north central and north-eastern ends of the property, however, one sample in the southwestern part gave a value of 0.5 % TREE.

A helicopter supported prospecting program on the 357 claim (approximately 89 km2) property, completed in early November, evaluated areas identified by Smailbegovic as well as other areas anomalous in La, Th and REE elements from previous surveys.  The prospecting crew collected 54 rock samples using radioactivity, thought to represent Th-bearing minerals associated with REE mineralization, as a guide.  Favourable geologic units were also targeted including the contacts between Pinwarian granite, metavolcanic sequences and pegmatite units as recommended by Smailbegovic. Scintillometer readings in anomalous area averaged 500 to 9000 cps, against a background of 150 cps.   Allanite, noted in orthogneiss units, gave scintillometer readings from 2000 to > 4000 cps and amazonite (blue-green feldspar) bearing pegmatites gave scintillometer readings ranging from 1000 to 3000 cps.   Results are pending and will be released when received.

 
Close