Field mapping in Yukon, Canada

Start date: 1 June 2018
End date: 31 December 2018
Funder: Klondike Gold Corp
Value: £32,675
Partners and collaborators: Klondike Gold Corp, SRK Exploration
Primary investigator: Dr Taija Torvela
Co-investigators: Oliver Campbell, Joshua Khan, Thomas Matthews, Joseph O’Neill

The Klondike Gold district in Yukon is known for its placer deposits, but their bedrock source is often unknown. The most developed bedrock resource is in the Lone Star district, where a number of gold-bearing quartz veins have been discovered by Klondike Gold Corp.

Past research has shown that these veins exist within the so-called Klondike Schist Unit (KSU), which until recently has been largely undifferentiated both structurally and lithologically. A PhD study completed in Leeds in 2017 (M. Grimshaw) established that it is possible to differentiate the KSU, and that the structure and lithological variations have a direct implication to the gold endowment, the orientation of the veins and, therefore, to future exploration, drilling, and mine planning.

The mapping project, completed in summer 2018, intended to further establish the variability in the lithology of the schist unit, and to gain a better understanding of the structural controls of the gold-bearing veins to aid future exploration and mine planning.

Four Leeds interns conducted the mapping in the field in collaboration with SKR Exploration geologists. The mapping resulted in a structural model and a new, detailed geological map of this part of the KSU. The final map and report is expected to be completed during winter 2018-19.