Project Metadata

In 1984 a reconnaissance geochemical sampling program was undertaken by the Saskatchewan Geological Survey.  The purpose of the project was to help determine the natural controls of gold distribution in vegetation and to define the reliability and limitations of biogeochemical surveys in defining gold-rich areas in general, and gold deposits in particular.  The primary focus of the survey was the collection of vegetation samples, but humus was also collected in the event that funds for analysis became available at a later date.  In 1995, 316 of the 800 humus samples collected were analysed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) by the Geological Survey of Canada.  The humus data are published in Geological Survey of Canada Open File 3345.  A summary of the vegetation data can be found in Summary of Investigations 1984, Saskatchewan Geological Survey Miscellaneous Report 84-4.  In 1985, follow-up work was conducted in a number of areas which yielded anomalous gold concentrations in plants collected in 1984.  Some new areas were also sampled.  The purpose of this study was to determine local, regional and seasonal distribution patterns of gold and associated elements in common plants.  A summary of this work can be found in Summary of Investigations 1985, Saskatchewan Geological Survey Miscellaneous Report 85-4.  In 1990, a biogeochemical gold anomaly that was highlighted by the 1984 reconnaissance survey and further delineated by the 1985 follow-up work, was investigated in the Wadin Bay area.  A summary of this survey can be found in Summary of Investigations 1990, Saskatchewan Geological Survey Miscellaneous Report 90-4.

Funding was provided by the Saskatchewan Geological Survey and the Canada – Saskatchewan Partnership Agreement on Mineral Development (1990-1995).