Ontario Geological Survey (OGS) Open File 6251 Elliot Lake -Sault Ste. Marie area lake sediment...

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Ontario Geological SurveyOpen File Report 6251

Elliot LakeSault Ste. MarieArea Lake SedimentGeochemical Survey,Northeastern Ontario

2010

ONTARIO GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Open File Report 6251

Elliot LakeSault Ste. Marie Area Lake Sediment Geochemical Survey, NortheasternOntario

by

R.D. Dyer

2010

Parts of this publication may be quoted if credit is given. It is recommended that referenceto this publication be made in the following form:

Dyer, R.D. 2010. Elliot LakeSault Ste. Marie area lake sediment geochemical survey,northeastern Ontario; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6251, 195p.

Users of OGS products are encouraged to contact those Aboriginal communities whose traditional

territories may be located in the mineral exploration area to discuss their project.

e Queens Printer for Ontario, 2010

iii

e Queens Printer for Ontario, 2010.

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Cette publication est disponible en anglais seulement.

Parts of this report may be quoted if credit is given. It is recommended that reference be made in the following form:

Dyer, R.D. 2010. Elliot LakeSault Ste. Marie area lake sediment geochemical survey, northeastern Ontario;Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6251, 195p.

v

Contents

Abstract ............................................................................................................................................................... ix Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 1 Regional Setting .................................................................................................................................................. 2

Bedrock Geology ........................................................................................................................................ 2 Quaternary Geology and Physiography ...................................................................................................... 2

Methodology........................................................................................................................................................ 3 Sampling Methods ...................................................................................................................................... 3 Sample Preparation and Analytical Methods .............................................................................................. 8

Quality Control Results ....................................................................................................................................... 8 Methods ...................................................................................................................................................... 8 General Assessment: Lake Sediments........................................................................................................ 9

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry....................................................................................................................... 9 Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis ......................................................................................... 9

General Assessment: Lake Waters............................................................................................................. 12 Geochemical Data Interpretation......................................................................................................................... 12 Discussion of Limnological Parameters: Water pH and Electrical Conductivity ................................................ 14 Discussion of Regional Lake Sediment and Water Geochemical Patterns.......................................................... 14 Description of Anomalous Areas......................................................................................................................... 15

Elliot Lake Survey Area.............................................................................................................................. 16 Sault Ste. Marie Survey Area...................................................................................................................... 23

Summary and Conclusions .................................................................................................................................. 29 Acknowledgments ............................................................................................................................................... 29 References ........................................................................................................................................................... 30 Appendix 1. Proportional Dot Maps of Lake Sediment Data ........................................................................... 33 Appendix 2. Proportional Dot Maps of Lake Water Data................................................................................. 137 Appendix 3. Lake Sediment Data ..................................................................................................................... 153 Metric Conversion Table ..................................................................................................................................... 195

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FIGURES 1. Location map of the Elliot LakeSault Ste. Marie survey area................................................................... 1

2. Generalized bedrock geology of the Elliot Lake study area........................................................................ 4

3. Generalized bedrock geology of the Sault Ste. Marie study area................................................................ 5

4. Quaternary geology of the Elliot Lake study area....................................................................................... 6

5. Quaternary geology of the Sault Ste. Marie study area............................................................................... 7

6. Elliot Lake area location of geochemically anomalous lake sediment areas described in text ................... 17

7. Elliot Lake area approximate land tenure showing geochemically anomalous areas described in text ...... 19

8. Sault Ste. Marie area location of geochemically anomalous lake sediment areas described in text ........... 24

9. Sault Ste. Marie area approximate land tenure showing geochemically anomalous areas described in text 26

10. Sample site location map of the Elliot Lake sediment and water survey area ........................................... back pocket

11. Sample site location map of the Sault Ste. Marie sediment and water survey area..................................... back pocket

TABLES 1. Elliot LakeSault Ste. Marie area lake sediment data set, summary of elements analyzed by ICP and

INAA and quality control data, including estimates of precision ............................................................... 10 2. Elliot LakeSault Ste. Marie area lake water data set, summary of elements analyzed by ICPMS and

quality control data, including estimates of precision ................................................................................. 11

Miscellaneous ReleaseData 267 (MRD 267) Lake Sediment and Water Geochemical Data from the Elliot LakeSault Ste. Marie Area, Northeastern Ontario by R.D. Dyer Lake sediment, stream sediment and lake water geochemical data and lake water quality (limnological) data, including quality control data, collected from a survey of 3013 sites in the Elliot Lake to Sault Ste. Marie area are being released in conjunction with Open File Report 6251. Data are available as Microsoft Excel 2003 (.xls) format files on 1 CD. MRD 267 is available separately from this report.

ix

Abstract

The Ontario Geological Survey (OGS) carried out a helicopter-supported, high-density lake sediment and water geochemical survey of the Elliot LakeSault Ste. Marie area of northeastern Ontario in the summers of 2007 and 2008. The centre of the survey area is located approximately 170 km west of Sudbury. The surveyed area is represented on National Topographic System (NTS) 1:50 000 scale map sheets 41 J/10, 7, 8, 5, 6, 11, 12 and partially covered by the area outlined on map sheets 41 J/1, 2, 3 and 41 K/9. Lake sediment geochemistry is based on the principle that sediment on the lake bottom represents a natural composite of all material entering the lake from within its drainage catchment. Therefore, the results reflect the geochemical signal of the combined influence of geological sources (bedrock and glacial deposits) and local surface conditions (soil type and vegetative cover). Man-made (anthropogenic) contamination is avoided by a strict protocol of sampling only deep (>20 cm depth) lake sediments that predate human industrial activities. A total of 2728 lake sediment samples and 3011 water samples were collected from 3013 lake sites visited. All samples were analyzed for a suite of over 50 major, minor and trace elements. Preliminary statistical interpretation of these geochemical analyses indicates at least 40 anomalous areas, including anomalous results for Au, Cu, Ni, Mo, Cr, Pb, U and Zn. As of February 2010, many of these areas were available for staking. Digital data for this report are available separately as Miscellaneous ReleaseData (MRD 267).

Elliot LakeSault Ste. Marie Area Lake Sediment Geochemical Survey, Northeastern Ontario

R.D. Dyer1 Ontario Geological Survey Open File Report 6251 2010

1Geoscientist, Sedimentary Geoscience Section, Ontario Geological Survey

1

Introduction

Field work for a high-density lake sediment and water geochemical survey of the Elliot Lake to Sault Ste. Marie (SSM) area was carried out between July 3 and August 24, 2007, and July 14 and August 7, 2008. The survey area is located approximately 170 km west of Sudbury (Figure 1). The survey completely covered the area defined by National Topographic System (NTS) 1:50 000 scale map sheets 41 J/10, 7, 8, 5, 6, 11, 12 and partially covered the area outlined by map sheets 41 J/1, 2, 3 and 41 K/9. The study area covers an area of historic and known mineral potential, including uranium within Huronian Supergroup rocks and copper-nickel-platinum group elements (PGE) within Nipissing diabase and East Bull Lake suite intrusive rocks. Uranium mining in the Elliot Lake area produced over 200 000 tonnes of uranium between 1956 and 1997.

A total of 2728 lake sediment samples and 3011 water samples were collected over an area of approximately 7400 km2 for an average density of 1 sample site per 2.4 km2. This survey is the first high-density regional lake sediment geochemistry coverage to be completed over the region. The study area was previously sampled at a lower density (1 sample per 13 km2) during the National Geochemical Reconnaissance (NGR) lake sediment program carried out by the Geological Survey of Canada in conjunction with Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (Geological Survey of Canada and Ministry of Northern Development and Mines 1987; Friske et al. 1991; Hornbrook and Friske 1987). A small pilot project (45 sample sites) on the geochemistry of Elliot Lake area sediments and waters was completed by the Ontario Geological Survey in the mid 1970s (Closs 1975). The OGS completed a

Figure 1. Location map of the Elliot LakeSault Ste. Marie survey area.

2

regional stream sediment survey in 2001, which identified kimberlite, base and precious metal indicator minerals within bulk (>10 kg) samples of modern alluvium (Reid 2003).

Lake sediment geochemistry is based on the principle that material on the lake bottom represents a natural composite of all transported material (hydromorphic and detrital) entering the lake from within its drainage catchment. Therefore, the results reflect the geochemical signal from the combined influence of geological sources (bedrock and glacial deposits) and local surface conditions (soil type and vegetative cover). Man-made (anthropogenic) contamination is avoided by a strict protocol of sampling only deep (>20 cm depth) lake sediments that predate human industrial activities. Therefore, lake sediment geochemistry is a very useful reconnaissance exploration technique particularly for remote Canadian shield landscapes where there are abundant lakes and generally poor road access. The detection of geochemical anomalies can help prioritize and focus mineral exploration efforts, especially in areas of unknown or poorly understood mineral potential. The results of the current study will provide new regional geochemical data for both mineral exploration and environmental baseline purposes at a significantly higher resolution than has previously been available.

Regional Setting

BEDROCK GEOLOGY

The general bedrock geology of the survey area is represented on Figures 2 and 3, which are based on the Ontario Geological Survey (OGS) 1:1 000 000 and 1:250 000 scale compilation maps (Ontario Geological Survey 1991; Ontario Geological Survey 2006). The majority of the survey area is underlain by Proterozoic Huronian Supergroup metasedimentary rocks of the Southern Province. These consist of (from oldest to youngest): 1) Elliot Lake Group; 2) Hough Lake Group; 3) Quirke Lake Group; and 4) Cobalt Group. The Elliot Lake Group is unique in that it contains volcanic units and turbidites, but lacks the typical sedimentary cycle (conglomerate overlain by mudstone, siltstone and arenites) that is common to the other younger groups (Bennett, Dressler and Robertson 1991). The Huronian Supergroup rocks unconformably overlie Archean basement rocks which consist of predominantly granitoids and minor supracrustals of the Superior craton. Significant mafic intrusive rocks in the study area include the East Bull Lake intrusion (which predates Huronian sedimentation) and Nipissing gabbro (diabase) sills and dikes.

Of particular economic significance in the Elliot Lake region are the basal portions (Matinenda Formation) of the Elliot Lake Group, which hosts significant Witwatersrand-type uranium mineralization (Bennett, Dressler and Robertson 1991). Also of potential economic significance are the Nipissing diabase sills and East Bull Lake suite of intrusive rocks within the survey area, which locally host copper-nickel and PGE mineralization (Fyon et al. 1991; Easton 2009; Easton, Jobin-Bevans and James 2004; Peck et al. 1995).

QUATERNARY GEOLOGY AND PHYSIOGRAPHY

Reconnaissance Quaternary mapping coverage of the area, at a scale of 1:506 880, was completed by Boissonneau (1965). Engineering geology terrain maps, at a scale of 1:100 000, cover the Sault Ste. Marie, Blind RiverElliot Lake, Thessalon and Wakomata Lake areas (McQuay 1980; VanDine 1980a, 1980b and 1980c, respectively), which encompass the entire survey area. A more recent regional compilation of the Quaternary geology of the area is portrayed on Figures 4 and 5, which are based on the map authored by Barnett, Henry and Babuin (1991). Detailed Quaternary geological mapping has been

3

conducted over a small portion of the study area, corresponding to NTS map sheets 41 J/7 (Elliot Lake) and 41 J/10 (Rawhide Lake) (Henderson and Halstead 1992; Ford 1993). The available sources indicate that surficial materials within the northern half of the study area are generally sparse, consisting predominantly of a thin, discontinuous veneer of glacial drift (till) over bedrock. Within the southern half of the survey area, approximately 20 to 25% of the land surface is covered with thick mappable units of till, glaciofluvial outwash and glaciolacustrine deposits. The detailed studies (Henderson and Halstead 1992; Ford 1993) show that thick mappable till units occur southwest of Elliot Lake, west of Flack Lake in Nickolas Township and within and around Deagle Township. The glaciofluvial outwash (sand and gravel) are present primarily within major structurally controlled valleys and drainage spillways. Fine-grained glaciolacustrine sediments are present in low-lying depressions (below approximately 320 m asl) and along the present-day coast of Lake Huron.

Over the study area the predominant glacial-ice flow direction, based on glacial flutings and drumlins, was toward the south-southwest (VanDine 1980a). Within the Elliot Lake area, the predominant glacial ice-flow direction, as recorded by bedrock striae, is 190, but orientations range from 170 to 255, likely due to local control by rugged bedrock topography (Henderson and Halstead 1992).

The project area lies within the Penokean Hills physiographic subdivision of the James Region of the Canadian Shield (Bostock 1970). Topography across the study area is largely bedrock controlled with the highest elevations (~600 m asl) corresponding to underlying Archean granitoid rocks. The south-central portion of the survey area, underlain by a mixture of Huronian Supergroup metasedimentary and Nipissing intrusive (gabbro) rocks, is locally very rugged (up to a maximum elevation of ~500 m asl), with the development of bedrock ridges and escarpments being due to differential erosion of the layered sedimentary rocks (Henderson and Halstead 1992). Topography is much more subdued in the southern portion of the survey area with relief rarely exceeding 30 m.

Methodology

SAMPLING METHODS

Sampling of organic lake sediments was performed using a float-equipped Bell 206B helicopter. The samples were collected using an OGS-designed gravity corer which was lowered from the helicopter float and then pulled to surface. Samples were taken from depths greater than 20 cm below the sedimentwater interface (SWI) in order to minimize or avoid anthropogenic influences and SWI effects. These deeper sediments more accurately reflect geochemical effects that may be attributed to the local geology. The samples were extruded from the collection tube into breathable fabric bags and then placed in a sealable plastic bag until the end of the sampling run. If a site contained no organic component (e.g., only sand and/or clay), only a water sample was taken.

Lake water samples were taken upon landing at a sample site prior to the collection of sediment samples. On lakes less than 2 m deep, samples were collected at 0.5 m below the water surface; on lakes deeper than 2 m, samples were collected at a depth of 2 m. A semi-automated water sampling apparatus, developed by the OGS and consisting of a pump, a YSI multi-parameter water-quality analyzer (for measurement of parameters such as pH, temperature and conductivity), a sample bottle tray and a variety of hoses and valves, was used for sample collection. Lake water is pumped through the system in order to purge it prior to the collection of a sample and the recording of water-quality data. The water samples were kept cool immediately following collection and were processed (filtered and acidified) within 24 hours of collection.

8

Sample site locations were recorded using a global positioning system (GPS) receiver mounted in the cockpit of the helicopter. In addition, a GPS receiver connected to a tablet computer was utilized to provide heads up real-time navigation between lake sites. Sediment sample information and descriptions were recorded on standardized forms and later entered into a Microsoft Access database.

Water quality data were recorded using a hand-held data logger and transferred to a computer at the end of each sampling run. The GPS co-ordinates of each sample site location, as well as flight tracks, were also downloaded to a computer at the end of each field day.

SAMPLE PREPARATION AND ANALYTICAL METHODS

Lake sediment samples were allowed to partially air dry in breathable collection bags prior to delivery to the OGS Geoscience Laboratories (GeoLabs). A total of 2728 lake sediment samples were submitted to the laboratory. Final drying was done at a relatively low temperature (

9

waters, which included the insertion of analytical duplicates, National Research Council (NRC) CRM (SLRS-4) and distilled water blanks prior to sample submission to the laboratory.

Analytical precision for each element was determined by plotting duplicate data on an XY chart and determining the variation of 95% of the data from a 1:1 ratio. Accuracy was determined by plotting the sequential values returned for certified reference materials inserted in the batch against a vertical scale of concentration and comparing this with the accepted values (e.g., Lynch 1990) for the standards. The mean and standard deviation of values returned for each standard were also compared with the accepted values.

In addition, to avoid confusion between numerically sequential geochemical patterns due to geographical groupings versus systematic analytical or sample preparation errors, the samples were randomized by assigning each a new laboratory number prior to submission to the laboratory. Therefore, samples were analyzed in a random sequence and not in the order in which they were collected.

Precision estimates for the analysis of the lake sediments and waters are provided in Tables 1 and 2, respectively. Each of these tables also contains a summary of the analytical data used to generate this report, including some basic statistics and estimates of precision for each element and coefficients of variation for the certified reference materials. A full listing of data used to prepare these tables is contained in MRD 267 (published separately from this report).

GENERAL ASSESSMENT: LAKE SEDIMENTS

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry

In general, the quality of the ICPMS and ICPOES data sets is excellent. The precision estimates and accuracy (based on the performance of CRMs LKSD-1 and LKSD-4, see Table 1) fall within a range that are typical and expected by the methods employed.

Poor accuracy and noise in the QC standards for the elements Nb and W can be attributed mostly to the natural low levels for these elements in lake sediment and the incomplete and varying digestion of the silicate phase within which these elements are most likely bound. This incomplete digestion is demonstrated by the low mean levels returned for these elements and many other lithophile major and minor elements (e.g., Al, Ba, K, Rb, Sr and Zr) shown in the LKSD-1 and LKSD-4 results (see Table 1).

In general, the determinations of all base metals (e.g., Cu, Ni, Cr, Co, Pb, Zn) in the QC samples displayed excellent precision and accuracy; the majority of the precision estimates fall within a range that, in OGS experience, are historically typical.

Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

Overall, the results of the QC samples indicate the quality of the instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was excellent. The estimated precision of 4 ppb for Au is excellent for the INAA method based on previous OGS experience. Dyer (2005) provides a discussion of the factors (e.g., insufficient sample size) that may have an impact on gold values observed in lake sediments.

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Lake Sediment (n=2728)Element Analytical Units MDL Median RANGE Estimated Certified Mean Q.C. Coefficient of Certified Mean Q.C. Coefficient of

Method Min Max Precision Value Result variation (95%) Value Result variation (95%)Ag ICPMS ppm 0.01 0.09 0.01 0.85 0.025 0.6 0.61 10.8 0.2 0.24 9.5Al ICPOES ppm 10 12901 2250 36938 3000 41300 4140 14.6 31200 11863 10.0As INAA ppm 0.5 1.8 50000 2000 18000 18726 10.9 27000 25282 10.7Ga ICPMS ppm 0.004 2.13 0.41 11.29 0.4 - 1.94 10.8 - 3.87 9.4Gd ICPMS ppm 0.15 4.98 0.50 57.52 0.8 - 2.21 9.0 - 3.87 5.8Hf INAA ppm 1 2 150 2.0 84 81.2 8.0 93 90.5 4.7Pr ICPMS ppm 0.2 9.0 0.8 >25 1.0 - 2.8 8.9 - 5.5 6.4Rb ICPMS ppm 0.15 3.16 0.49 32.0 1.5 24 3.38 11.2 28.00 9.55 11.2S ICPOES ppm 70 3741 104 >16000 1000 15700 15792 4.0 9900 9753 7.8Sb ICPMS ppm 0.06 0.11

11

Element Analytical Units MDL Median RANGE Estimated Certified Mean Q.C. Coefficient ofMethod Min Max Precision (ppb) Value Result variation (%)

Ag ICP-MS ppb 0.005

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GENERAL ASSESSMENT: LAKE WATERS

With a few exceptions, the quality of the lake water ICPMS and OES data sets was excellent. Within the sample stream of 3000 analyzes, isolated problems were detected for the elements Ag, As, Ga, Lu and Tm. This necessitated stripping out short sections of data for each of these elements that were deemed unfit for publication. The elements Sc, Se, Hf and Ta displayed a consistent lack of precision detected in the certified reference material (CRM; SLRS-4) and contamination was detected from the results of the water blanks. Therefore, these elements were stripped from the data set. The estimated precision for elements determined in waters is based on the analytical results of sample splits (duplicate pairs). Overall, reproducibility (precision) was excellent; estimates of precision are contained in Table 2. The results for the CRM (SLRS-4) indicate that a high level of accuracy for most metals was achieved. The distilled water blanks consistently returned concentrations for almost all other elements at or below detections limits. With the exceptions noted above, the complete lake water data set has been included in MRD 267.

Geochemical Data Interpretation

Factors to consider when assessing the possible significance and validity of lake sediment geochemical anomalies are as follows:

1. Correlation with bedrock geology

In mineral exploration, correlation with bedrock geology is the most important factor when assessing the significance of a surficial geochemical anomaly; however, its relative importance declines as the known level of detail of the geology declines. Many of the geochemical anomalies discussed will help focus and prioritize future geological investigations.

2. Multi-site anomalies

Multi-site anomalies provide separate verification of the anomalousness of a given area and provide some insurance against nonsystematic errors in sample quality, collection, preparation or analysis. However, because samples are collected and prepared in sequence, a uniform and numerically sequential anomaly may be the result of a systematic sample preparation error, but not an analytical error. This may produce an apparent geographic grouping of fairly uniform concentrations in one, or possibly several, elements. Every effort has been made to detect this kind of problem including submitting samples for analysis in random order. Therefore, analytical errors as a potential cause of geographic groupings or pattern can be ruled out because samples were submitted for analysis in random order, not sequentially. As always, the user is reminded to consider all available data when assessing the importance of an anomaly.

3. Multi-element anomalies

Multi-element anomalies with geologically reasonable elemental assemblages are useful in assessing the importance of many anomalies. For example, Pt and Pd, which are relatively immobile in the surficial environment compared to base metals such as Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn, would not be expected to be found in anomalous levels in lake sediment without an accompanying base metal signature. Gold on the other hand, can occur in quartz vein deposits with little or no associated base metals; therefore, a gold anomaly by itself can be significant. A gold anomaly with an associated base metal signature may be even more significant. However, certain multi-element anomalies (e.g., Mo + Zn)

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can sometimes result from limnological factors (e.g., redox conditions related to deep lakes, relative level of organic material in the sediment).

4. Magnitude of the anomaly

The magnitude of an anomaly, perhaps surprisingly, is one of the least important assessment criteria. Magnitude depends not only on the size of a deposit but on its distance from the lake, the presence and effectiveness of sinks between the source and lake, the limnogeochemical conditions in the lake, the weatherability of the deposit and the nature of the surficial deposits (i.e., level of carbonate which influences pH and metal mobility). The weatherability depends on factors such as exposure and/or depth of burial and specific mineralogy of the source. These factors combine to make magnitude an unreliable estimate of the importance of an anomaly except in extreme cases or in cases where multiple samples and/or media corroborate its importance.

5. Correlation with surficial geology

Unconsolidated deposits can, under certain circumstances, cause a greater impact on the chemistry of lake media than can bedrock. Carbonate-rich eskers and thick, ice-contact stratified drift deposits often result in nearby lakes having relatively hard, alkaline waters. This type of lake water provides a geochemical matrix for trace elements which is very different to that of most shield lakes that are mildly acidic and organic-dominated. In general, most metals are relatively immobile in such alkaline conditions; therefore, geochemical anomalies might be considered more significant and possibly relatively close to source.

Dilution or addition to the trace metal signature in sediments can occur because of the presence of fine-grained unconsolidated material such as clay. Often a spatial relationship can be seen between lake sediment anomalies and glaciofluvial deposits such as eskers. In general, the sample collection and preparation protocols employed by the OGS, when properly carried out, minimize the deleterious effects of exotic inorganic materials which may be present in the survey areas.

6. Redox conditions, lake depth and organic content

Not all spatial trends in geochemistry are due to lithological or mineralogical factors. The solubility of trace metals depends to a large extent on the geochemical matrix and, in particular, on pH and oxidationreduction (redox) conditions. Redox conditions in a lake are usually controlled by thermal conditions which, in turn, are controlled by lake morphology and lake depth. If conditions are suitable for an element to preferentially partition into the lake sediment, factors that may influence (enhance) the concentration of the element include the abundance of Fe, Mn and organic material. The mechanisms that may lead to false anomalies include sorption (scavenging) by hydrous oxides of Fe and Mn and the affinity of some elements to form organometallic complexes. Enrichment of some elements in the shallow (surface to 10 cm deep) sediment can occur due to the upward migration and precipitation or concentration of Fe and Mn (and other trace elements such as Co, Pb, Mo and Zn originally co-precipitated with Fe and Mn). The OGS sampling technique avoids the surface sediment and targets the deep (>20 cm) sediment, thereby reducing or minimizing the effects of Fe, Mn and base metal enrichment that may occur in the surface sediment, whether by redox cycling or by anthropogenic input. This assumes a similar sedimentation rate in all of the sampled lakes and that the lake sediments deposited over the past several hundred years have been undisturbed. This may not always be true. Sedimentation rates can vary depending on the energy of and the input to the depositional environment. Other factors to consider are sediment slumpage and/or mudslides, the effects of wavebase and the activities of animals. Therefore, the inadvertent collection of some mixed (shallow and deep sediment) samples is unavoidable.

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Discussion of Limnological Parameters: Water pH and Electrical Conductivity

Electrical conductivity (EC) values in lake waters obtained in the survey area range from 8 to 702 S/cm, with an average of 32 S/cm and a median of 23 S/cm. Lake water conductivities are predominately a reflection of major and minor element loadings into the drainage networks. Within the Elliot Lake survey area, the patterns of elevated conductivities predominantly reflect the effects of urbanization (including roads) and mining (drainage from tailings management areas). Within the Sault Ste. Marie (SSM) portion of the study area, elevated water conductivities are associated with both urbanization (e.g., roads) and with areas of thick mappable glaciofluvial deposits. The effect of bedrock on elevated water conductivity is clearly evident in areas where calcareous rocks exist (e.g., Quirke Lake Group limestone and dolostone) such as in Varley, Albanel and Nicholas townships.

Values for pH in lake waters range from 4.4 to 8.8, with an average of 6.7 and a median of 6.7. Bedrock geology appears to be the major factor affecting water pH values although the contribution from surficial glaciofluvial deposits is locally evident. In general, alkaline (>7) pH values occur over areas underlain by Quirke Lake Group calcareous rocks and Nipissing diabase sills. Near Elliot Lake, liming of the tailings management areas may provide an additional contribution to the alkaline conditions along the Serpent RiverWhiskey Lake, May Lake to Pecors Lake and Nordic LakeEsten LakeDepot LakeMcCarthy Lake systems. In general, near neutral to mildly acidic conditions (pH

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3. The regional patterns for the lithophile elements Cr, Cs, K, Li, Mg, Na, Rb, Th, Ti and Zr show anomalous concentrations in lake sediment at several locations adjacent to the Murray Fault within the southern Elliot Lake survey area, and, in general, over Huronian Supergroup rocks and Nipissing diabase intrusive rocks within the southern half of the Sault Ste Marie survey area. Locally, anomalous concentrations of K, Mg and Th within lake waters are present. In part, many of these anomalous concentrations came from large lakes with relatively inorganic (

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ELLIOT LAKE SURVEY AREA

1. Southern Gaiashk Tp.NTS 41J/08 Au, Ag, Cu, Hg

Sites: 07-RDD-1152

This is a single lake site, underlain by volcanic rocks of the Whiskey Lake greenstone belt, which returned anomalous gold (7 ppb), silver (0.32 ppm) and copper (242.7 ppm) from lake sediment. Recent mapping, lithogeochemistry and re-interpretation of this belt of rocks by Easton (2009) indicates excellent potential for precious and base metal mineralization, including VMS (volcanogenic massive sulphides), associated with the volcanic formations of the Elliot Lake Group and previously unrecognized East Bull Suite intrusive rocks. Easton (2009) reported the discovery of a 100 to 300 m wide metagabbro intrusion located along strike from this anomalous lake to the east. This anomalous lake may be evidence of a continuation of this metagabbro unit. As well, this lake sediment anomaly is almost coincident with an area of anomalous Au and Cu lithogeochemistry outlined by Byron and Whitehead (1991). Therefore, the drainage catchment of this lake sediment anomaly is an excellent focal point in the search for mineralization in this area. As of February 2010, all of the ground in this area was staked.

2. Ceolin Falls Area, Piche Tp.NTS 41J/10 Au, Cu, As, Y, Th, Be, Hg

Sites: 07-RDD-0876, 0896

This area features 2 lakes with copper anomalies in lake sediment, of which site 0876 also returned anomalous concentrations of Au (7 ppb), As, Be, Hg and Y. The bedrock geology is mapped as Lorrain Formation sediments (conglomerate and sandstone) intruded by Nipissing diabase sills (Ontario Geological Survey 2006). Regional airborne magnetic data indicates several crosscutting structures in the area and a prominent magnetic feature underlies this anomalous area and extends to the northwest for over 8 km. Anomalous REEs, Th and Y in lake sediment coincide with this northwest-trending magnetic feature. The highest concentration of thorium in lake water, from the Elliot Lake survey area, was obtained over this trend, from a lake 2 km northwest of site 0876. The geophysical and geochemical data suggest the bedrock geology is likely more complex than currently mapped. Data from the Mineral Deposit Inventory (MDI, Ontario Geological Survey 2002) and Resident Geologist Office assessment files indicate some exploration for U in this general area, but there is clearly a general paucity of exploration activity in this region. The lake sediment geochemistry indicates potential for mineralization associated with Lorrain Formation quartz-pebble conglomerates (Witwatersrand-style mineralization) or perhaps with mafic intrusive (Nipissing diabase or related) rocks. As of February 2010, this area was almost entirely open for staking.

3. Table Rock area, Lauzon LakeNTS 41J/02 Au, Cr, Ni, Mg, Li

Sites: 07-RDD-1844, 1845

Sample site 07-RDD-1845 returned anomalous concentrations of Au (8 ppb), chromium and nickel. Several other sample points in this general region also returned elevated to anomalous concentrations of Cr, Ni and Mg. This geochemical signature indicates the presence of mafic-ultamafic rocks, either within the drainage catchment of Lauzon Lake or in the immediate up-ice glacial flow direction to the northeast. The assessment files document historical diamond drilling for the area, which indicate the common occurrence of wide intersections of dark mafic rocks (typically described as diabase). Current bedrock mapping indicates predominately Proterozoic-age Huronian metasediments (OGS 2006) in this area. Therefore, it is suggested that an additional exploration target to be considered in this area is that of base and precious metals associated with mafic-ultramafic intrusive rocks. As of February 2010, some ground was open for staking in this area, but a large proportion of the land is privately owned.

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4. Central Salter Tp.NTS 41J/01 Au

Sites: 07-RDD-1446

This is a single site Au anomaly (19 ppb) in lake sediment. The bedrock geology is mapped as granite at/near the contact with a gabbro sill. Numerous copper showings and several small past-producing copper mines are documented in the MDI database, mostly associated with the silicified shear zones at the gabbro-granite contact. As of February 2010, no ground was available for staking in this area.

5. Little Cedar Lake area, Thorp Tp.NTS 41J/10 Ag, Cr, Cu, Sc, U, V, Y, REEs

Sites: 07-RDD-0071

This is a single lake sediment site that returned a suite of anomalous element concentrations, including highly anomalous Ag, Y and REEs. The underlying bedrock geology is mapped as granitoid and the surficial cover is a mix of glaciofluvial sands/gravel, till and organic deposits. Lake water pH is circum-neutral and the water chemistry returned elevated to anomalous Sc, Mg, Si and V. The influence of exotic sand/gravel deposits on the lake geochemistry may be a factor in this area. However, good road access is present here, which would allow relatively easy prospecting. Therefore it is recommended that this anomaly be investigated, in particular for the presence of mafic-ultramafic rocks, by prospecting within the drainage catchment of this lake. As of February 2010, all of the ground in this area was available for staking.

6. Bock Lake Area area, Deagle Tp.NTS 41J/10 Ag, Cu, Ni, Zn, Hg

Sites: 07-RDD-1167, 07-RDD-1193, 1194, 1196

This anomalous area consists of a linear series of 4 lakes that flank a prominent regional magnetic high and is underlain by Archean metavolcanics. The linear pattern of the lakes suggest an underlying fault structure. The available Quaternary geological information indicates till over this area; however, bedrock was observed along the shores of the lakes during the sediment sampling program. No MDI occurrences have been documented. Road and/or trail access into this area appears to be good; however, as of February 2010, most of the ground in this area was staked.

7. Triangle Lake area, Nicholas Tp.NTS 41J/10 Cu, Be, Hg

Sites: 07-RDD-0290, 0292, 0310, 0538, 0540

This is a large area that returned many highly anomalous Cu results from both lake sediment and lake water. The underlying bedrock geology consists of Huronian metasediments (Lorraine Formation) and Nipissing diabase sills. Quite a few Cu occurrences are documented in the MDI database (Ontario Geological Survey 2002). The geochemical results from this survey suggest that additional occurrences may be present, particularly in the northeast portion of the outlined anomalous area. As of February 2010, approximately half of the ground in the area was available for staking.

8. Birthday Lake area, Nicholas Tp.NTS 41J/10 Cu, As, Co

Sites: 07-RDD-0027, 0523, 0525, 0528, 0532, 0963, 0965

This is a large multi-site copper anomalous area with 3 lakes that also returned highly anomalous concentrations of As and Co. The highest levels of Cu, As and Co within the Elliot Lake survey area, came from site 07-RDD-0528 located on Birthday Lake. The underlying bedrock geology consists of folded Huronian metasediments (Quirke and Hough Lake formations) locally intruded by Nipissing

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diabase. The presence of calcareous rocks (e.g., limestone or dolestone), perhaps of the Espanola Formation, is apparent because of the very high pH (8.5) and water conductivity (136 uS/cm) at Birthday Lake. Sulphide mineralization is known to be associated with Espanola Formation limestone rocks that have been intruded by diabase. This geological environment, in combination with the lake sediment geochemical results, indicates potential for undiscovered Cu mineralization and is a worthy target for investigation. As of February 2010, most of this area was available for staking.

9. East-central Buckles Tp.NTS 41J/08 Cu, Be

Sites: 07-RDD-1001

This is a single lake site with highly anomalous concentrations of Cu (218 ppm) and Be in lake sediment. This small lake is located along an east-trending lineament, perhaps the trace of a fault within underlying granitoid rocks. As of February 2010, this lake and surrounding area was staked.

10. Keelor Lake area, Kamichisitit Tp.NTS 41J/07 Cu, V

Sites: 07RDD-0259, 0264, 0265

This is a single lake site (07RDD-0259) that returned highly anomalous concentrations of Cu (269.8 ppm) and 2 nearby lakes with anomalous vanadium concentrations in lake sediment. The bedrock geology is mapped as Huronian metasediments of the Gowganda Formation; however, an MDI Cu occurrence approximately 1.5 km to the southeast describes the presence of sulphide mineralized quartz veins within Espanola Formation limestone rocks (OGS 2002). The lake sediment geochemistry may be related to a similar occurrence. As of February 2010, all of the ground in this area was available for staking.

11. Winchestor Lake area, Sagard Tp.NTS 41J/10 Cu, Be, Y, Hg, Mo, REEs

Sites: 07-RDD-0188, 0189, 0740, 0741-0743

This anomalous area covers 2 distinct lake sediment anomalies. The first is a single site (07-RDD-0740) where highly anomalous concentrations of Cu, Be, Y, Hg, REEs were found in the lake sediment. The second is a string of lakes with anomalous concentrations of Mo REEs. The first is underlain by Huronian metasediments (Lorrain Formation) and is located on the flank of a prominent northeast-trending airborne magnetic structure. The Mo anomalous lakes are underlain by tonalitic granitoids rocks, near the contact with the Huronian metasediments. As of February 2010, most of the ground in this area was available for staking.

12. May Lake to Pecors Lake area, Joubin Tp.NTS 41J/07-08 Cr, Ni, Cs, Li, Mg, Th, Y, REEs, Ga

Sites: 07-RDD-0928, 0929, 0934, 1120, 1126, 1127, 1129, 1130, 1143, 1144, 1145, 1146

This is a broad anomalous area that coincides with a drainage system that receives treated effluent from uranium tailings and/or waste management areas. This deep lake sediment geochemical signature (predating the effects of uranium mining) is intriguing as it reflects the input from the underlying Huronian metasediments, in particular the uranium prospective Matinenda Formation (Th-Y-Cs-REE association) in addition to a mafic-ultramafic source (the Cr-Ni-Mg association). Many of the sample sites in this area are deep (>20 m) and contain relatively inorganic sediment (

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drill holes to depths exceeding 700 m were terminated within wide intercepts of gabbro, including rock described as quartz gabbro.

Two scenarios are possible to explain this prominent mafic-ultramafic geochemical signature: 1) the Huronian rocks are intruded by East Bull Suite rocks, which have been misidentified as Nipissing diabase or; 2) leakage and/or channelizing has brought geochemical evidence of a buried mafic-ultramafic body to the near surface and into the lake basins. As of February 2010, all of the ground in this area was unavailable for staking.

13. Kecil Lake area, Shedden and Victoria Tps.NTS 41J/01-08 Cr, Li, Mg, Ga, Rb, Ni, Cs

Sites: 07-RDD-1343, 1344, 1346, 1350, 1353, 1356, 1357

This broad anomalous area features a mixed geochemical signal originating from 2 types of source rocks: 1) granitoid and/or Huronian metasediments or; 2) mafic-ultramafic rocks. It is possible that mafic intrusive units (perhaps Archean age), other than Nipissing sills, are present in this area or to the northeast (glacial up-ice direction) and may be of economic interest for base and precious metals. As of February 2010, most of this area was available for staking.

14. Manido Lake area, Salter Tp.NTS 41J/01 Cr, Ni, Cd, Mg, Li, Cs, Ga, Hg

Sites: 07-RDD-1483, 1484, 1485

The sediment from Manido Lake returned a suite of anomalous elements that reflect the mixed bedrock geology of the immediate area. This geology consists of Huronian metasediments intruded by mafic Nipissing diabase. Copper and Ni occurrences north of this lake are related to medium- to coarse-grained gabbroic rocks, according to documents within the assessment files. Locally mineralized mafic intrusive rocks may explain the lake sediment geochemistry but there is likely more mineral occurrences present than currently identified. As of February 2010, all of the ground in this area was unavailable for staking.

15. East Bull Lake area, Gerow Tp.NTS 41J/08 Ni

Sites: 07-RDD-1046, 1102

Two lakes returned anomalous Ni concentrations over the East Bull Lake intrusion. Site 07-RDD-1102 is situated at the southern end of Moon Lake; several Cu-Ni-PGE showings occur in this immediate area and likely explain this anomaly. Closer to the northern edge of the intrusion, the Ni result from site 07-RDD-1046 may reflect similar Ni occurrences lying within the northern border contact zone. The main focus for Ni-platinum group metals (PGM) exploration within East Bull Lake intrusive suite rocks is what is known as contact-type mineralization, which is present throughout the Lower and underlying Marginal Zone, but is best developed within inclusion-bearing gabbronorite, within a few tens of metres of the sidewall or footwall contacts at the margins of the plutons (Easton, Jobin-Bevans and James 2004). As of February 2010, all of the ground in this area was unavailable for staking.

16. North Nordic Lake area, Gunterman Tp.NTS 41J/07 Ni, Zn, Co, Cd, Ag, As, Pb, S, REEs

Sites: 07-RDD-0432, 0492, 0573, 0944

This area, predominantly underlain by metasedimentary rocks of the Hough Lake and Elliot Lake groups, contains 2 distinct anomalies: 1) at the western end, Spillane Lake returned anomalous Ni and Co; and 2) at the eastern end, an unnamed lake returned highly anomalous Zn, Ag, Cd, Co, As, Pb, S and REEs. The Spillane Lake anomaly indicates a mafic-ultramafic source, which correlates well with recently recognized East Bull Lake suite intrusive rocks in the area by Easton (2009). The assemblage of anomalous metals at the eastern end of this area has the earmarks of a VMS source. Within 2 km of this

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lake, Easton (2009) reported a Cu-Pb-Zn mineralized interflow mudstone of possible exhalative origin. In addition, he reported the presence of FII and FIII rhyolites in the Kings Lake area, also approximately 2 km from this anomalous lake. Therefore, this area warrants investigation for VMS style mineralization, particularly within the metavolcanic rocks of the Thessalon Formation within the Elliot Lake Group. As of February 2010, all of the ground in this area was unavailable for staking.

17. Whitefish Lake area, Gaiashk Tp.NTS 41J/08 Ni, Zn, Cd, Pb, Co, As

Sites: 07-RDD-1112, 1114, 1150, 1151

These anomalies are not considered to properly reflect geology or mineralization, but rather, are the result of a combination of mixed (shallow and deep) sediment, landscape conditions (boulder and talus slopes) and limnological (redox) conditions of very deep lakes. As of February 2010, all of the ground in this area was unavailable for staking.

18. Cedar Lake to Square Lake area, Thorp and Tweedle Tps.NTS 41J/10 U, REEs, Be, Mo

Sites: 07-RDD-0066, 0067, 0069, 0074, 0081, 0100, 0165, 0168, 0170-0174, 0178-0182, 0184, 0724

This is a very large area covering Archean granites that returned the top 6 uranium concentrations (maximum 545 ppm) of the Elliot Lake survey and a number of lakes with either highly anomalous Be, Mo or REE concentrations. The 6 U anomalous lakes are grouped together near Distant Lake. The intensity of the anomalies may be augmented by abundant outcrop and rugged landscape conditions in this area. Road and/or trail access is present into the area of the U anomalies; therefore, investigation of these lake drainage catchments is recommended. As of February 2010, all of the ground in this area was available for staking.

19. North-central Poulin Tp.NTS 41J/10 Mo, Ca, Sc, V, Y

Sites: 07-RDD-0052, 0082, 0095, 0096, 0098, 0099

This area features a tight cluster of highly anomalous Mo concentrations in lake sediment, including the 2 highest molybdenum values of the Elliot Lake survey area. Anomalous concentrations of Mo in lake water correlate almost perfectly with the lake sediment results. The underlying bedrock geology is mapped as Archean metasediments. As of February 2010, one claim currently exists that covers one of the extremely high Mo lakes; otherwise, over half of the area is open for staking.

20. Skunk Lake area, Viel and Piche Tps.NTS 41J/10 Zn, Pb, As, Ag, Cd, REEs, Be,

Sites: 07-RDD-0864, 0892, 0894

The anomalous element assemblage in this area suggests potential for VMS style mineralization. Although the bedrock geology is mapped as mostly Archean granitoid and minor mafic to intermediate metavolcanic rocks, the regional airborne magnetics and surface lineaments suggest the presence of tightly folded supracrustal rocks. This area should be investigated to ascertain the nature of the bedrock geology and its possible link to the lake sediment anomalies. As of February 2010, all of the ground in this area was available for staking.

21. Duthorne Lake area, Bouck Tp.NTS 41J/10 Ag, Zn, Cd, As, Pb, S, Hg

Sites: 07-RDD-0796

This is a single site lake sediment anomaly with an assemblage of elements that suggests VMS style mineralization. The presence of underlying felsic volcanics is encouraging; however, these metal

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concentrations may be falsely enhanced due to the possibility of a mixed (shallow and deep) sediment sample and the limnological (redox) conditions of this very deep (20 m) lake. The assessment files document detailed prospecting in this area of Duthorne Lake which yielded some gossanous zones, but no base metals were observed. As of February 2010, most of the ground in this area was available for staking.

22. Hammer Lake area, Piche Tp.NTS 41J/10 Cu, Th, U, REEs

Sites: 07-RDD-0823

This is a single lake site anomaly in an area mapped as granitoid. A discrete 1 km wide airborne magnetic high that trends through this area suggests the presence of either a discrete magnetic granitoid body or supracrustal rocks; metavolcanic rocks have been mapped to the southeast of this area. A good road/trail network around this lake is present; therefore, follow-up exploration in this area would not be onerous. As of February 2010, all of the ground in this area was available for staking.

23. Wickstrom Lake area, Lockeyer Tp.NTS 41J/08 U, Th, REEs, Be, Co, Fe, Ga, Mo

Sites: 07-RDD-1381, 1382, 1383

Three lake sites in this area returned a suite of anomalous elements (U-Th-REE) that are typically associated with Archean granitoid rocks (e.g., mineralized pegmatitic phases). The underlying bedrock geology is a gabbro intrusive, near the contact with granites. It is possible this geochemical signature reflects down-ice direction dispersion from the granitoids to the north. Likely exacerbating the geochemistry of these lake bottoms is the depth of the lakes (redox conditions) and their relative inorganic composition. As of February 2010, all of the ground in this area was available for staking.

SAULT STE. MARIE SURVEY AREA

1. Topsy Lake area, Shingwaukonce Tp.NTS 41J/11 Au Cu

Sites: 08-RDD-1079, 1080

This is a single lake site (08-RDD-1079) that returned the highest Au concentration of the SSM survey (110 ppb). A nearby lake site returned elevated Cu, and the water chemistry of several lakes to the east of site 1079 are elevated to anomalous levels with respect to Cr, Co and Ni. The underlying bedrock geology has been mapped as Archean granitoid. There is glacial till in the area (Barnett, Henry and Babuin 1991) which may be contributing to the geochemical signature. Follow-up efforts should be directed to the drainage catchment of site 1079 and to the northeast, the up-ice direction of the last glacial advance. As of February 2010, surface rights were reserved for wind power but mining rights were available for staking.

2. Smokey Lake Area, Montgomery Tp.NTS 41J/06 Au

Sites: 08-RDD-0024

This is a single site Au anomaly (26 ppb) in lake sediment from Smokey Lake. The area is underlain by Huronian metasediments and Nipissing diabase rocks. There are a number of Cu occurrences associated with the Nipissing diabase sill rocks located to the west of Smokey Lake. Three relatively inorganic sediment samples from 3 separate sampling points were obtained from Smokey Lake, of which the only anomalous result was the Au value of 26 ppb. The lack of additional corroborating Au results and pathfinder metals indicates caution is advised with respect to this anomalous area and its Au potential. As of February 2010, Smokey Lake and its western shore (and beyond) were available for staking.

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3. Patten Lake area, McMahon Tp.NTS 41J/12 Au, Ni, Cr, Mg

Sites: 08-RDD-1572, 1573, 1574

Three sample sites on Patten Lake returned anomalous Ni, Cr and Mg, one of which (08-RDD-1574) also returned anomalous Au (24 ppb). The underlying bedrock geology is a mixture of Huronian metasediments and Nipissing mafic intrusive rocks. The MDI database documents a number of Cu occurrences in the area, and drilling results filed for assessment details the presence of gabbroic-textured intrusive rocks, locally mineralized with sulphides (41J12SW0016.pdf; Ontario Geological Survey 2002). The geochemical results obtained from lake sediment samples correlate well with the presence of mafic intrusive rocks and may be evidence of the presence of rocks with more ultramafic affinity, and perhaps some Au potential. As of February 2010, most of the ground was open for staking in this area; however, much of the shoreline area is privately owned.

4. Sandy Lake area, Jarvis and Duncan Tps.NTS 41K/09 Au, Ag, Zn, Pb

Sites: 08-RDD-1432

This is a single lake site that returned anomalous concentrations of Au (21 ppb), Ag, Zn and Pb. The bedrock geology has been mapped as Archean granite (Ontario Geological Survey 2006). A small-scale, past-producing silver-lead-zinc mine known as the Jardun Mine is located adjacent to Sandy Lake. Mineralization was predominantly associated with replacement and fissure-filling sulphides within shear zones in granite and diabase (Ontario Geological Survey 2002). This lake sediment geochemistry likely reflects the presence of the known mineral occurrences. As of February 2010, a small portion of the eastern edge of the identified anomalous area was available for staking.

5. Boyea Lake area, Montgomery Tp.NTS 41J/06 Au Cu

Sites: 08-RDD-0091, 0092

Within this area, 1 sample from Boyea Lake returned a Au anomaly of 7 ppb and another sample from an unnamed lake to the southeast returned an anomalous Cu concentration of 152.3 ppm. The underlying bedrock geology consists of Huronian metasediments. Drilling filed for assessment documents the presence of abundant silicified and brecciated conglomerate with local quartz veins carrying chalcopyrite. It is unknown if Au assaying was done as part of the assessment work; however, this area is an excellent target for shear zone-hosted gold and copper mineralization. As of February 2010, the northern half of this area was available for staking.

6. Wilson Lake area, Albanel Tp.NTS 41J/11 Cu, As, Bi, Se, Hg, In

Sites: 08-RDD-0177, 0178, 0221, 0237, 0238

This anomalous area features a tight cluster of Cu anomalies in lake sediment which includes the 2 highest concentrations of the Sault Ste. Marie survey at 323 ppm and 347 ppm (sites 0177 and 0178, respectively). The bedrock geology is dominated by Nipissing mafic intrusive rocks which are known to host Cu occurrences; the MDI database documents several such occurrences to the north of this anomalous area. The regional airborne magnetic geophysical survey identified a complex pattern through this area and, interestingly, the pattern of Cu anomalies correlate well with the traces of the prominent magnetic highs. This area is an excellent target for base and precious metal mineralization and, as of February 2010, was entirely open for staking.

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7. Southern Anderson Tp.NTS 41K/09 Zn, Ag, Ca, Cd, Ni

Sites: 08-RDD-1426, 1427

Two lake sediment samples from a small north-trending, elongate lake returned anomalous concentrations of Zn, Cd, and Ag, including the highest Zn value of the SSM survey at 394 ppm. The bedrock through this region has been mapped as Archean metavolcanics, including felsic metavolcanic rocks. The regional airborne geophysical survey and MDI occurrences indicate the presence of chert-magnetite iron formation located parallel (north-trending orientation) and to the east of the anomalous lake. The lake sediment geochemistry and characteristics of this area suggest good potential for VMS style mineralization. As of February 2010, much of this area was available for staking.

8. Checkmark Lake area, Jackson Tp.NTS 41J/11 Cu, Co, As, Ag, Bi, S, Se, V, Fe, Hg

Sites: 08-RDD-0475-0477, 0488, 0849, 0850, 0860, 0863

This elongate zone of Cu-Co anomalous lake sediment samples roughly coincides with the Pearl Lake Fault, a splay structure off the Flack Lake Fault. The general bedrock geology consists of Archean tonalites and Huronian metasediments, intruded by Nipissing diabase sills. At the northwest end of this area, 3 highly Cu-Co anomalous concentrations are spatially associated with known Cu-Co occurrences. The lake sediment geochemistry suggests potential for additional Cu-Co zones along this fault trend. As of February 2010, approximately half of the outlined anomalous area was available for staking.

9. Stringer Lake area, Varley Tp.NTS 41J/11 Cu, As, Be, Ni, Mn, Se, V, Hg

Sites: 08-RDD-0169, 0202, 0210

The anomalous area consists of 3 lake sediment samples that returned highly anomalous concentrations of Cu. The Pearl Lake Fault cuts through this area, which is underlain by Huronian metasediments and Nipissing diabase sills. The assessment files document the occurrence of significant specular hematite in this area, associated with quartz veins and shear zones within quartzite. In is unknown if the Cu and/or precious metal potential of the area has ever been evaluated. As of February 2010, all of the ground in this area was available for staking.

10. Desbarats to Rock Lake area, Johnson and Plummer Tps.NTS 41J/05 Ni, Cr, Mg, Au

Sites: 08-RDD-0318-0321, 0323, 0327, 0331-0333, 0356, 0361, 0363, 0368, 0371, 0387

This very broad area has numerous Cr, Ni and Mg anomalous lake sediments. The general bedrock geology has been mapped as Huronian-age metasedimentary rocks intruded by numerous Nipissing diabase sills. Occurrences of copper and cobalt have been documented in the MDI database, particularly within the southwestern portion of the outlined area. The presence of significant Cr and Ni concentrations in the lake sediments indicate the likelihood that, as yet unidentified, mafic-ultramafic rocks (perhaps misidentified among the ubiquitous diabase sill rocks) exist that may have base and precious metal potential. The ground in this area is, in general, privately held, therefore, very little area is open for staking.

11. Cummings Lake area, Gould Tp.NTS 41J/06 Ni, Cr, Mg

Sites: 08-RDD-0206, 0999

Two sample sites on Cummings Lake returned anomalous concentrations of Ni and Cr from deep lake sites with relatively inorganic sediment (

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lithology, i.e., the presence of a mafic-ultramafic rock types other than Nipissing diabase; however, the relatively inorganic character of the lake bottom sediments may be a factor in these metal concentrations, especially for chromium. Scatterplots of Cr and LOI demonstrate a good inverse correlation; that is, as LOI goes down, Cr concentrations tend to increase. Therefore, it is unlikely these anomalies reflect discrete mineralization. Most of this area is available for staking although, much of the shoreline is privately owned.

12. Reception Lake area, Grasett Tp.NTS 41J/06 Ni, Cr, Mg

Sites: 08-RDD-0003, 0028, 0051

The lake sediment anomalies and bedrock geology in this area are similar to anomalous area #11 (above). It is unlikely the anomalies reflect discrete mineralization but do reflect the lithologies present within the drainage catchment. As of February 2010, all of the ground in this area was available for staking.

13. Kaufman Lake area, Jarvis Tp.NTS 41K/09 Zn, Cd, Pb, Ag

Sites: 08-RDD-1436-1441, 1482, 1483, 1489

This broad area features many Zn anomalous lake sediment sites. The bedrock geology consists of Archean granites, Nipissing diabase and Elliot Lake Group metasediments and metavolcanics (Ontario Geological Survey 2006). A number of Cu and Zn occurrences are present in this area; the main mode of occurrence being northwest-trending mineralized shear zones. There is also the possibility of VMS potential within the metavolcanic units of the Elliot Lake Group Many of these Zn anomalies are likely related to, as yet, undiscovered Zn mineralization. As of February 2010, most of the ground in this area was available for staking.

14. Farrel Lake area, Dagle Tp.NTS 41J/11 Ag, As, Co, Cu, Cd, Fe, Ni, S, Se, U, REEs, V, Y, Zn

Sites: 08-RDD-0588

This single sample site over Archean granitoid rocks returned a wide assortment of anomalous metals, including the highest U concentration of the SSM survey. No MDI occurrences are present in the area. The lake sediment core from this lake encountered glaciofluvial sand below the organic bottom, some of which was unavoidably incorporated into the sample obtained. Therefore, it is likely that the geochemistry obtained has been biased by this exotic material and does not reflect bedrock or mineralization within the immediate area of this lake. As of February 2010, all of the ground in this area was available for staking.

15. Clear Lake area, Gladstone Tp.NTS 41J/06 Cr, Ni, Mg

Sites: 08-RDD-0042, 0046, 0119

This area is another example of a large lake with relatively inorganic sediment (

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suggest the potential for U-Mo mineralization, perhaps within pegmatitic phases. As of February 2010, all of the ground in this area was available for staking.

17. Randolph Lake area, Rose Tp.NTS 41J/05 As, Ca, Cr, Mo, S, Se, U, V

Sites: 08-RDD-0285, 0286, 0291

This area features 3 lakes with a wide assortment of anomalous metal concentrations, including very anomalous Cr. The anomalous lakes roughly coincide with an airborne magnetic high and the trace of a Nipissing mafic sill which has intruded Huronian metasediments. The lake sediment geochemistry likely reflects the chemistry of this mafic intrusive, which may in fact not be a Nipissing sill, based on the unusually high level of Cr in the lake sediments. This area warrants investigation to determine the nature and character of immediate bedrock geology around these lakes. As of February 2010, most of the ground in this area was available for staking.

Summary and Conclusions

This report contains a preliminary interpretation of the lake sediment analytical results for the Elliot LakeSault Ste. Marie survey area and outlines and describes the presence of 40 discrete anomalous sites or areas. Additional lake sediment geochemical anomalies within the survey area do exist but have not been described herein. These should not be ignored but the reader is cautioned to carefully assess their significance as exploration targets by reviewing them against the criteria listed in the section entitled Geochemical Data Interpretation.

With regard to uranium exploration, the general lack of a U signature within lake sediments in the vicinity of Elliot Lake suggests that U is associated with relatively insoluble (resistate) minerals (e.g., uranite and brannerite) and are not being readily released by weathering. However, there are a number of pathfinder elements that should be considered during review of the lake geochemistry. The suite of elements associated with pyritic-quartz-pebble conglomerate type uranium mineralization include As, La, Sc, Th, U, Y and REEs (Boyle 1974).

The geochemical evidence generated from this lake survey indicates excellent potential for the discovery of new mineral occurrences. In particular, the potential for VMS and magmatic Cu-Ni-CrPGE mineralization is very high. The recent recognition by Easton (2009) that the environments for both these styles of mineralization exist in the Elliot Lake area is corroborated by the results of this survey. Indeed, the potential for, as yet, unrecognized mafic-ultramafic rocks (e.g., East Bull Suite intrusives) is high throughout the study area and the results of this survey should be used to focus and prioritize exploration efforts.

Acknowledgments

Thanks are extended to National Helicopters, specifically pilot Milos Kapetanovic, and to field assistants Kyle Boland, Jon Webb, Ashley Landriault, Alyne Lalonde, Ryan Mariotti, Krista King, Melissa Chiang, Amanda Matson, Mark Patenaude and Kaya Zoratto. All figures in this report were produced by Shannon Evers of the Sedimentary Geoscience Section. And finally, special thanks to Marg Rutka (Publication Services Section) for her extreme patience during the preparation of this report.

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References Barnett, P.J., Henry, A.P. and Babuin, D. 1991. Quaternary geology of Ontario, east-central sheet; Ontario

Geological Survey, Map 2555, scale 1:1 000 000.

Bennett, G., Dressler, B.O. and Robertson, J.A. 1991. The Huronian Supergroup and associated intrusive rocks; in Geology of Ontario, Ontario Geological Survey, Special Volume 4, Part 1, p.549-591.

Boissonneau, A.N. 1965. Surficial geology, Algoma, Sudbury, Timiskaming and Nipissing; Ontario Department of Lands and Forests, Map S465, scale 1:506 880.

Bostock, H.S. 1970. Physiographic subdivisions of Canada; in Geology and Economic Minerals of Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, Economic Geology Report 1, p.10-30.

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Byron, M. and Whitehead, R.E. 1991. Lithogeochemical study of the Archean volcanic rocks of the Whiskey Lake greenstone belt, Algoma District; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 5814, 20p.

Charbonneau, B.W., Hetu, R.J. and Carson, J.M. 2001. Environmental applications of gamma ray spectrometry surveys; in A Synthesis of Geological Hazards in Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, Bulletin 548, 274p.

Closs, L.G. 1975. Geochemistry of lake sediments in the Elliot Lake region: A pilot study; Ontario Division of Mines, Open File Report 5125, 49p.

Dyer, R.D. 2005. Gold dispersion and geochemical response in surficial media: Implications for data interpretation and exploration; in Summary of Field Work and Other Activities 2005, Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6172, p.24.1 to 24.8.

Dyer, R.D., Takats, P.A. and Felix, V.E. 2004. Sudbury area lake sediment geochemical survey; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6126, 106p.

Easton, R.M., Jobin-Bevans, L.S. and James, R.S. 2004. Geological guidebook to the Paleoproterozoic East Bull Lake intrusive suite plutons at East Bull Lake, Agnew Lake and River Valley, Ontario; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6135, 84p.

Easton, R.M. 2009. Compilation mapping, PecorsWhiskey Lake Area, Southern and Superior Provinces; in Summary of Field Work and Other Activities 2009, Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6240, p.10-1 to 10-21.

Ford, M.J. 1993. The Quaternary geology of the Rawhide Lake area, District of Algoma; Ontario Geological Survey, Preliminary Map P.3231, scale 1:50 000.

Friske, P.W.B., Hornbrook, E.H.W., Lynch, J.J., McCurdy, M.W., Gross, H., Galletta, A.C. and Durham, C.C. 1991. Regional lake sediment and water geochemical reconnaissance data, northwestern Ontario (NTS 41K and 41N); Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 2361, 110p.

Fyon, J.A., Bennett, G., Jackson, S.L., Garland, M.I. and Easton, R.M. 1991. Metallogeny of the Proterozoic eon, northern Great Lakes region, Ontario; in Geology of Ontario, Ontario Geological Survey, Special Volume 4, Part 2, p.1176-1215.

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Geological Survey of Canada and Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines 1987. Regional lake sediment and water geochemical reconnaissance data, Ontario (NTS 41J); Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 1356, 106p. Accompanied by 25 maps.

Henderson, P. and Halstead, J.M. 1992. Quaternary geology of the Elliot Lake area; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Map 193, scale 1:50 000.

Hornbrook, E.H.W. and Friske, P. 1987. National geochemical reconnaissance lake sediment and water geochemical data, Ontario 1987; Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 1356, NTS 41J.

Lynch, J. 1990. Provisional elemental values for eight new geochemical lake sediment and stream sediment reference materials LKSD-1, LKSD-2, LKSD-3, LKSD-4, STSD-1, STSD-2, STSD-3 and STSD-4; Geostandards Newsletter, v.14, no.1, April 1990, p.153-167.

Ontario Geological Survey 1991. Bedrock geology of Ontario, east-central sheet: Ontario Geological Survey, Map 2543, scale 1:1 000 000.

Ontario Geological Survey 2002. Mineral deposit inventory, Version 2 (MDI2); Ontario Geological Survey.

Ontario Geological Survey 2006. 1:250 000 scale bedrock geology of Ontario; Ontario Geological Survey, Miscellaneous ReleaseData 126Revised.

McQuay, D.F. 1980. Sault Ste. Marie area (NTS 41K/NE), District of Algoma; Ontario Geological Survey, Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study 91, 21p. Accompanied by Maps 5012 and 5013, scale l:100 000.

Peck, D.C., James, R.S. and Chubb, P.T. and Keays, R.R. 1995. Geology, metallogeny and petrogenesis of the East Bull Lake intrusion, Ontario; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 5923, 117p.

Reid, J.L. 2003. Regional modern alluvium sampling survey of the Sault Ste. MarieEspanola corridor, northeastern Ontario: Operation Treasure Hunt; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6117, 147p.

VanDine, D.F. 1980a. Blind River area (NTS 41J/SE), Districts of Algoma, Manitoulin and Sudbury; Ontario Geological Survey, Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study 98, 14p. Accompanied by Map 5008, scale 1:100 000.

1980b. Thessalon area (NTS 41J/SW and part of 41K/SE), District of Algoma; Ontario Geological Survey, Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study 97, 16p. Accompanied by Maps 5007 and 5009, scale 1:100 000.

1980c. Wakomata Lake area (NTS 41J/NW), District of Algoma; Ontario Geological Survey, Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study 92, 13p. Accompanied by Map 5005, scale l :100 000.

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Appendix 1

Proportional Dot Maps of Lake Sediment Data*:

Loss-on-Ignition, Lake Depth, Ag, Al, As, Au, Ba, Be, Bi, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hf, Hg, In, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, REE, S, Sb,

Sc, Se, Sn, Sr, Ta, Th, Ti, Tl, U, V, W, Y, Zn and Zr

*Note: Dot maps are presented in the order shown here. For each element (and LOI and lake depth), the first dot map represents the Elliot Lake area; the second, the Sault Ste. Marie area.

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Appendix 2

Proportional Dot Maps of Lake Water Data:

pH, Electrical Conductivity, Cs, K, Na, sulfate, U

*Note: Dot maps are presented in the order shown here. For each element or measurement, the first dot map represents the Elliot Lake area; the second, the Sault Ste. Marie area.

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Appendix 3

Lake Sediment Data for:

Lake Depth, LOI, Ag, As, Au, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mo, Ni, Pb, total REEs, Sb, U and Zn

Elliot Lake p.154 Sault Ste. Marie p.173

Notes: Universal Transverse Mercator (metres easting and northing) co-ordinates are provided in North American Datum 1983 (NAD83), Zone 16 or 17 as indicated. Grav = Automated gravimetric method INAA = Instrumental neutron activation analysis INF = Insufficient sample for analysis MS = [Inductively coupled plasma] mass spectrometry N/A = Not available NSS = No sample OES = [Inductively coupled plasma] optical emission spectrometry REEs = Sum of ICPMS elements Dy, Er, Eu, Gd, Ho, Lu, Nd, Pr, Sm, Tb, Tm, Yb

Site Easting Northing Zone Lake LOI Ag As Au Cd Co Cr Cu Fe Mg Mo Ni Pb REEs Sb U ZnNumber Method------------------> Depth Grav MS INAA INAA MS OES OES MS OES OES MS OES MS MS MS INAA OES

Units ------------------> (m) % ppm ppm ppb ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppmDet Limit------------------> 0.1 0.01 0.5 2 0.02 1 1 1 3 3 0.03 3 0.2 n/a 0.06 0.5 1

Elliot Lake07-RDD-1 367726 5151528 17 3.0 57.4 0.09 7.0



07-RDD-74 352746 5176904 17 3.0 45.0 0.10 8.2 3 1.25 10 21 49 41282 1228 3.5 8 16.8 233 0.11 77.0 13307-RDD-75 352575 5177320 17 10.0 48.2 0.13 2.8



07-RDD-160 361093 5174282 17 6.0 48.7 0.14 1.3



07-RDD-240 359742 5124038 17 2.0 44.9 0.09 2.7



07-RDD-324 349185 5172829 17 19.0 35.8 0.07 6.4



07-RDD-413 364855 5140382 17 20.0 20.6 0.14 6.8



07-RDD-490 380910 5141023 17 1.0 69.6 0.09 4.3



07-RDD-567 371202 5153472 17 5.5 72.1 0.11 2.1



07-RDD-658 382214 5122223 17 11.0 33.2 0.13 2.2



07-RDD-739 367437 5171983 17 24.0 47.4 0.19 3.3


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