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(Above) , August 2009 COURTESY OF GN-EDT Contents:

Acknowledgements Land Tenure in ...... 3 The 2009 Exploration Overview Indian and Northern Affairs ...... 4 was written by Karen Costello (INAC), Andrew Fagan Government of Nunavut...... 6 (consultant) and Linda Ham (INAC) with contributions from Nunavut Tunngavik Inc...... 8 Don James (CNGO), Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office ...... 10 Keith Morrison (NTI) and Eric Prosh (GN). Summary of 2009 Exploration Activities

Front cover photo: ...... 20 Installation of power plants, ...... 41 Meadowbank Mine COURTESY OF AGNICO-EAGLE MINES LIMITED /Baffin Region...... 61

Back cover photo: Index ...... 75 Out on the land prospecting COURTESY OF CNGO About the Nunavut: , Mineral Exploration and Geoscience Overview 2009 This exploration overview is a combined effort of four partners: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Government of Nunavut (GN), Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) and Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office (CNGO). The intent of this publication is to capture information on exploration and mining activities in 2009 and to make this information available to the public. All exploration information was gathered prior to mid-November 2009. We thank the many contributors who submitted data and photos for this edition. Prospectors and mining companies are welcome to submit information on their programs for inclusion in the next Overview. Feedback is appreciated. NOTE TO READERS This document has been prepared on the basis of information available at the time of writing. All resource and reserve figures quoted in this publication are derived from company news releases, websites and technical reports filed with SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Readers are directed to individual company websites for details on the reporting standards used in each resource and reserve estimate. The authors make no warranty of any kind with respect to the content and accept no liability, either incidental, consequential, financial or otherwise, arising from the use of this document. All exploration information was gathered prior to mid-November 2009. A project’s status (active versus inactive) for INAC tracking purposes and for inclusion in this publication (both for the magazine and accompanying map) was determined by several factors, including: information publically available (e.g., corporate presentations, press releases, ftp sites such as those of the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) and the Nunavut Water Board (NWB)), active mineral tenure as shown on SidViewer, and valid Land Use Permits and Water Licenses as issued by INAC and NWB, respectively. With reference to the use of the term National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101): This is an industry standard outlining rules and guidelines for reporting and disclosing scientific and technical information about mineral projects. This standard is supervised by the Canadian Securities Administrators.

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Land Tenure in Nunavut

The territory of Nunavut was created in April 1999 Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI). NTI issues rights to as a result of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement explore and mine through its own mineral tenure (NLCA), the largest Aboriginal land settlement in regime. Mineral rights (mineral claims or leases) Canadian history. Spanning two million kilometres that existed at the time of the NLCA signing — (km), the territory has 25 communities and known as grandfathered rights — continue to be approximately 30,000 people. represent 85 per administered by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada cent of Nunavut’s population, creating the (INAC) until they terminate or the holder transfers foundation of the territory’s culture and values. This its interests to the NTI regime. For both surface and culture is inherently connected to the land, shaping subsurface IOL, access to the land must be obtained government, business and day-to-day life. from the appropriate RIA. In addition to the creation of the territory, the The Crown owns mineral rights to 98 per cent of NLCA gave Inuit fee simple title to 356,000 square Nunavut. INAC administers these rights through the kilometres (km 2) of land. There are 944 parcels of and Nunavut Mining Regulations Inuit Owned Lands (IOL) where Inuit hold surface (NTNMRs). This includes surface IOL, for which title only (surface IOL). The or access to the land must be obtained from the RIAs as “the Crown” retains the mineral rights to these lands. explained above. Inuit also hold fee simple title — including mineral Significantly, the NLCA is a final settlement rights — to 150 parcels of IOL (subsurface IOL), whereby all land claims in Nunavut have been which total 38,000 km 2 and represent approximately settled with the Inuit of Nunavut, thus providing an Prospecting course, sighting claim line, two per cent of the territory. Surface title to all IOL unmatched level of land tenure certainty. Clyde River, August 2009 is held in each region by one of the three Regional For more information on the location of IOL and COURTESY OF GN-EDT Inuit Associations (RIAs) while Inuit subsurface title Crown land in the territory, take a look at the 2009 to subsurface IOL is held and administered by Nunavut Exploration and Activity Map.

GUIDE TO ACRONYMS CNGO Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office KivIA Kivalliq Inuit Association DPA Development Partnership Agreements MRO Mining Recorder’s Office EA Inuit Owned Lands Mineral Exploration NGO Non-Government Organizations Agreement NIRB Nunavut Impact Review Board EDT Department of Economic Development and NLCA Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Transportation, Government of Nunavut NRCan Natural Resources Canada EIS Environmental Impact Statement NT Northwest Territories EM Electromagnetic NTI Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. GIS Geographic Information System NTNMR Northwest Territories and GN Government of Nunavut Nunavut Mining Regulations GSC Geological Survey of Canada NTS National Topographic System IIBA Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement NWB Nunavut Water Board INAC Indian and Northern Affairs Canada NWNSRTA Nunavut Waters and IOL Inuit Owned Land Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act IPG Institutions of Public Government PGM Platinum Group Metals KIA Kitikmeot Inuit Association QIA Qikiqtani Inuit Association KIM Kimberlite Indicator Mineral(s) RIA Regional Inuit Association

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Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

rocks, minerals and careers in the exploration and development industry. Outside the territory, INAC promotes Nunavut as a premiere location for mineral- related investment. As part of this, INAC co-manages the Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office (CNGO) with the GN, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and NTI. INAC has also been busy in 2009 with Crown land and water-related responsibilities, as well as inspections and enforcements. Under the Territorial Lands Act and the Nunavut Waters and Surface Rights Tribunal Act , INAC works with license, permit and lease holders — and partner organizations as required — to ensure that certain terms and conditions are met for Crown land and waters in Nunavut. In terms of land administration, INAC manages and administers surface and subsurface rights on Crown land in Nunavut. The department also ensures compliance of the Territorial Lands Act and Boulder sampling, In Nunavut, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s related regulations. INAC also issues land use permits, , (INAC) broad mandate encompasses the leases, quarry permits and licenses of occupation to COURTESY OF CNGO stewardship of land and natural resources, and ensure Crown land is used responsibly. In February northern governance. In partnership with the 2009, the Nunavut Region Mining Recorder’s Office Government of Nunavut (GN), Nunavut issued 122 prospecting permits (214 permits were Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), Institutions of Public issued in 2008). Government (IPGs) and other federal partners, As an intervener in the environmental assessment INAC works to meet the federal government’s and regulatory process in the past year, INAC provides constitutional, political and legal responsibilities to technical advice to the Nunavut Impact Review Board Inuit and Northerners. (NIRB) and the Nunavut Water Board (NWB). INAC does this in a number of ways. It ensures 2009 was another busy year for INAC’s work in compliance with assessment requirements under the the management of fresh water in Nunavut, in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Mining Regulations area of monitoring, inspection and enforcement as well (NTNMRs). INAC geologists monitor, assess and as providing technical advice to the Nunavut Water Indian and Northern report on mineral-related activities in Nunavut. Board (NWB) for the development of numerous Affairs Canada They also maintain an archive of Nunavut's mineral water licenses. INAC participated as an intervener in Nunavut Regional Office exploration and mining history available to clients. the NWB’s process for public hearings related to PO Box 2200 INAC’s Nunavut Regional Office serves as an Type A water licenses for the and Lupin Building 918 advocate for sustainable mineral development in the mines, as well as security reviews (estimates/ , NU X0A 0H0 territory by helping industry understand Nunavut’s reductions) for the Meliadine West Project and Telephone: 867 975 4500 co-management and regulatory system. This is often . Fax: 867 975 4276 done through MDAG (Mineral Development As part of INAC’s inspection and enforcement Advisory Group) meetings that INAC coordinates with responsibility, INAC completed 199 inspections of Website partner organizations. INAC also visits schools and exploration camps, mines and research camps in www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nunavut community events to spread the word about local 2009.

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Chidliak claim post COURTESY OF PEREGRINE LTD.

STAFF CONTACTS MINERAL RESOURCES Linda Ham District Geologist for 867 975 4292 [email protected] Kitikmeot and Qikiqtaaluk regions Karen Costello District Geologist for 867 975 4569 [email protected] Kivalliq and Qikiqtaaluk regions

Archives Orders or Inquiries Fax: 867 975 4276 [email protected] LAND ADMINISTRATION Spencer Dewar Manager 867 975 4280 [email protected] MINING RECORDER’S OFFICE Becky Leighfield Mining Recorder 867 975 4281 [email protected] Mining Recorder’s Office Fax: 867 975 4286 WATER RESOURCES DIVISION Lou-Ann Cornacchio Manager 867 975 4550 [email protected] ENVIRONMENT DIVISION Leslie Payette Manager 867 975 4549 [email protected] FIELD OPERATIONS (INSPECTIONS) Peter Kusugak Manager 867 975 4295 [email protected]

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Government of Nunavut

territory by major, multinational mining companies is a strong vote of confidence in Nunavut’s mineral potential, its regulatory system, and the commit ment of its people. The Department has its headquarters in Iqaluit, and Resident Geologist Offices in and .

Parnautit: The Nunavut Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy To maintain Nunavut’s position as a jurisdiction of choice for mineral investment, the GN developed Parnautit: The Nunavut Mineral Exploration & Mining Strategy , which provides a framework of policies and actions to encourage mineral discovery and development. The goal of Parnautit is: “To create the conditions for a strong and sustainable minerals industry that contributes to a high and sustainable quality of life for all Nunavummiut.” The strategy addresses Nunavut’s regulatory and taxation regimes, workforce training, infrastructure development and Prospecting course, environmental baseline availability. examining outcrop The Government of Nunavut (GN), through the near town, , Department of Economic Development and Trans - The strategy was released in March 2007, and July 2009 COURTESY OF GN-EDT portation (EDT), is working in support of a strong work is underway on areas of legislative renewal and and diversified minerals industry based on best regulatory reform, development of a policy on practices of sustainable development, and partner - uranium and community consultation guidelines. ship between Nunavummiut and industry. A number The GN remains strongly committed to public geo - of quality discoveries have been made in Nunavut, science as a means of encouraging new exploration and there will be substantial opportunities to be opportunities. The GN provides core funding to the realized in the territory as exploration continues and Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office (CNGO), and as more projects evolve into producing mines. EDT direct program support of the CNGO’s territorial Department of is working to ensure that all Nunavummiut are in a mapping and research projects. For more infor - Economic Development position to benefit from these opportunities, and mation, or to view a copy of Parnautit: The Nunavut & Transportation, that they have the option to become full participants Mineral Exploration & Mining Strategy , please visit Minerals & Petroleum in development in the territory. www.edt.gov.nu.ca/parnautit. Resources Division At the same time, it is recognized that exploration Government of Nunavut and mining companies have the option of investing in Development Partnership Agreements PO Box 1000, Station 1150 many competing jurisdictions worldwide. Therefore, The Development Partnership Agreement (DPA) Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0 EDT is committed to working with its partners in program was introduced in 2006, as a means of Fax: 867 975 7870 NTI and the Government of Canada to make the extending the territorial off-road fuel tax credit legislative, policy and regulatory environment of (rebate) to developing and producing mines. Through Website Nunavut efficient, internationally competitive and a DPA, the GN and operator work cooperatively in www.edt.gov.nu.ca attractive to investors. Significant investment in the such areas as education and training, socioeconomic

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monitoring and mitigation and infrastructure Ptarmigan COURTESY OF CNGO development. As the physical and economic circumstances of no two mines are alike, so too each DPA should reflect the unique and shared needs of the mine operator and the local population. Proponents entering the regulatory phase are encouraged to begin negotiations with the GN on a Development Partnership Agreement for their projects.

Nunavut Prospectors’ Program (NPP) & Prospector Training EDT provides technical and financial assistance to Nunavummiut with demonstrated prospecting skills to carry out their own prospecting projects. The Nunavut College and industry. EDT is a program has been in existence since 1999, and up to member and provides secretarial support. $8,000 in annual financial assistance is available The first roundtable meeting was held in the winter for each prospector. There are typically 15 to 20 of 2008. Through regular meetings, the roundtable projects, from across the territory, funded annually. will identify short-term training opportunities, Every year, EDT geologists present a six-day monitor industry requirements and develop a long- Introductory Prospecting Course to interested term training plan for Nunavut. residents in communities throughout the territory. GN and INAC geologists completed distribution Since 2000, the course has been held in all of of the Nunavut Common Rocks and Minerals teaching Nunavut’s 25 communities, with more than 600 kit this year. The kits are now in every high school graduates to date. Graduates of the course often apply and middle school in Nunavut, and are also being used for NPP funding to start their own prospecting for the introductory prospecting course (mentioned programs, and many work as field assistants on above). The kits contain more than 60 geological mineral exploration projects. In 2009, the Prospector specimens, common testing tools and a guidebook in Course was held in 10 Nunavut communities: Iqaluit, Nunavut’s four official languages. Many exploration , , , Pond Inlet, companies contributed specimens to the kits. , Clyde River, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Companies interested in including geological Arviat. education as part of their consultation activities may arrange to borrow the teaching kit, by contacting Minerals Education and Training one of the GN or INAC geologists listed in these EDT works with many other stakeholders, including pages. the Department of Education, the Government of Other EDT programs and information include Canada and the mining and exploration industries the Nunavut High School Math and Science Awards in a number of programs designed to inform Program, the Independent Science Program for Nunavummiut of all ages of the opportunities in the Youth (I-SPY) to support science-education camps minerals industries. and activities throughout Nunavut, the Mineral The Nunavut Mine Training Roundtable was Exploration Field Assistant’s Course (offered by formed last year to coordinate mining-related ), curriculum development training. Industry stakeholder members include Inuit for Nunavut schools and “Careers in Mining” school organizations, the GN, Government of Canada, and community presentations.

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Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

agreement. Rather, the application requires only a description of the exploration area based on latitude and longitude. The applicant must submit to NTI a completed application form (available on request from NTI). The completed application includes a description of the proposed exploration area defined by latitude and longitude of the boundaries as well as a map showing the proposed exploration area. Applications are kept confidential until the close of the application period in which they are received, thus ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly. Further details on the application process are included in the application form. Mapping at Herbert Zone, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) is the Inuit It should be noted that although the process and Commander Resources Ltd.’s Qimmiq property corporation responsible for overseeing imple - documents described here normally apply, NTI, as a COURTESY OF COMMANDER RESOURCES LTD. mentation of the NLCA. NTI’s mandate includes private organization, has complete discretion as to safeguarding, administering and advancing the whether it will issue an exploration agreement (or rights and benefits of the Inuit of Nunavut to other agreement), what the process will be for promote their economic, social and cultural well- obtaining an agreement and what the terms of the being through succeeding generations. The Lands agreement will be. The terms may include, for and Resources Department of NTI is responsible for example, NTI holding a direct interest in a project. the implementation of Inuit responsibilities related Under the standard terms, successful applicants, to the management of Inuit Owned Lands (IOL), the upon executing the new exploration agreement and environment, minerals, oil and gas and marine areas. submitting the first year’s annual fees, will be There are two forms of mineral tenure that grant granted the exclusive right to explore for minerals exclusive rights on subsurface IOL administered on the exploration area. In order to gain access to the by NTI. These are the Inuit Owned Lands Mineral land, however, the applicant must obtain a surface Exploration Agreement (Exploration Agreement, or right issued by the appropriate Regional Inuit EA) and the Inuit Owned Lands Mineral Production Association (RIA). Lease (Production Lease). The Exploration Agreement Holders of exploration agreements are required grants a company or individual the exclusive right to to submit annual exploration work reports to NTI explore and prospect for minerals (excluding oil and that remain confidential for a period of up to three gas and specified substances such as construction years. materials and carving stone) on subsurface IOL. This area, referred to as the exploration area, is similar in NTI Uranium Policy NTI Lands many ways to a mineral claim under the Northwest In September 2007, NTI approved a Uranium Policy PO Box 1269 Territories and Nunavut Mining Regulations . which will guide NTI’s decisions regarding proposed Cambridge Bay, NU X0B 0C 0 The production lease grants the holder of an uranium exploration and mining projects on NTI’s Telephone: 867 983 5600 exploration agreement the right to produce minerals mineral rights and on NTI’s submissions to Fax: 867 983 5624 from a portion of the exploration area known as the regulatory agencies regarding projects on Crown production lease area. mineral rights. The policy states that NTI will Website NTI has in place a system of application that does support and allow uranium-related activities as long www.ntilands.com not require staking when applying for an exploration as they meet the requirements listed in the policy.

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Those requirements are: In 2008, NTI entered into its first exploration agreement with Kivalliq Energy that included the 1. The safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy. right to uranium and thorium in the Lac Cinquante 2. Benefits to Inuit from mining and exploration. area. In 2009, NTI entered into its second exploration 3. Protection of human health. agreement including uranium rights with Forum 4. Limited negative impacts of exploration and Uranium on land just east of Kiggavik. mining. Many of the advanced exploration projects in 5. Participation of Inuit in the environmental Nunavut fall on subsurface IOL. The following table assessment and operation of uranium projects. summarizes the current active exploration agree - The text of the uranium policy is available from NTI. ments and their locations.

PROJECT/DEPOSIT HOLDER(S) QIKIQTANI REGION Piling Project 1 Commander Resources Ltd. Melville Comaplex Minerals Corp. KIVALLIQ REGION Meliadine 2 Resource Capital Fund Meadowbank 3 Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited Ukalik Forum Uranium Corp. Sedna 4579 Nunavut Ltd. Lac Cinquante Kivalliq Energy Corporation KITIKMEOT REGION Hope Bay 4 Newmont Mining Corporation Contwoyto Tahera Corporation/Golden River Resources Tahera Diamond Corporation/Golden River Resources High 5 MMG Resources Inc. (Minmetals) 6 5050 Nunavut Ltd./MIE Metals Inc. Rockinghorse 7 Kennecott Canada Exploration Inc. Strongbow North Arrow Minerals Inc.

Note: All projects referenced below are discussed in this report. 1. Overall project involves Crown land and subsurface IOL. 2. The project involves land held under NTI exploration agreements as well as grandfathered claims and leases. 3. The project involves land held under NTI exploration agreements and grandfathered leases. 4. The Boston deposit is located on surface IOL, while the Doris, Madrid, South Patch, Naartok and Suluk are on subsurface IOL, distributed among grandfathered leases and NTI exploration agreements. Potential extension of the Boston deposit down-dip or along strike to the north will also be on subsurface IOL. 5. The project involves Crown land and land held under NTI exploration agreements and grandfathered leases. 6. The project involves Crown land, surface IOL and subsurface IOL under NTI exploration agreements. 7. Near the edge of the project referred to later in this report. STAFF CONTACTS

Carson Gillis Director, Lands and Resources [email protected] Keith Morrison Senior Advisor, Minerals, Oil and Gas [email protected] Jorgan Aitaok Manager, Mineral Agreements and Promotion [email protected]

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Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office

The Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office (CNGO) is GEM projects are multi-faceted and include a partnership between the Geological Survey of Canada components of ground-based bedrock and surficial (GSC), Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) mapping, geophysical, geochemical and geochrono - and the Government of Nunavut’s Department of logical studies, airborne geophysical surveys and Economic Development and Transportation. NTI is comprehensive data compilation activities. In an ex-officio member of the partnership. CNGO’s addition, field-based projects involve community mandate is: engagement and public outreach activities. The outreach is intended to demonstrate the importance • To collect, interpret and disseminate geoscience of mineral and energy resources for economic data in support of exploration and development development and society, to provide awareness of of mineral and energy resources; employment opportunities in geoscience and to • To provide GIS and cartographic expertise; promote Earth science education for students. • To provide training opportunities for young CNGO projects are anticipated to improve the geologists and Nunavummiut; and quality of life for Nunavummiut by allowing them • To promote geoscience education in Nunavut. to derive economic and social benefits resulting In 2009, the CNGO’s work included: from responsible development of mineral and energy resources. • Participation in multi-component field-based projects of Natural Resources Canada’s Booth River (Nickel) Project: GSC GEM GeoMapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) (J. Bédard, C. Lesher, C. Mealin) initiative; The objective of the Booth River project is to under - • Continued hydrocarbon source-rock studies; stand the Ni-exploration potential and petrogenesis • An industrial minerals (limestone) project; of the 2025 Ma Booth River Intrusion in western • Support to university and university-industry Nunavut. In 2009, the project included making two, research partnerships; detailed sample sections through the thickest part of • A remote-sensing survey in support of mineral the intrusion, exposed on the north flank of the exploration ‘tool’ development; Kilohigok Basin. • GIS and cartographic support; Canada-Nunavut Igneous layering indicates the intrusion dips • Outreach and community consultation Geoscience Office shallowly to the southeast. Most of the intrusion activities; and 626 Tumiit Plaza is composed of homogeneous gabbronorite, although • Continued as a principal partner in the Suite 202 olivine-rich rocks occur locally in the westernmost development and implementation of a PO Box 2319 part of the intrusion. Two types of gossanous zones web-based system of data delivery Iqaluit, Nunavut were recognized. The first type is associated with (nunavutgeoscience.ca). X0A 0H0 the lower contact of the intrusion and appears to The objective of each project is to highlight correspond with the location of banded iron Telephone: 867 975 4412 mineral and energy exploration opportunities by formations in the footwall. The second gossan Fax: 867 979 0708 providing new ideas, data and the geoscience tools type corresponds with small concentrations of for making effective exploration decisions leading to sulphides in pegmatoidal patches. Based on field Website successful discoveries. Projects are designed to test examinations, neither gossan type appears to have www.nunavutgeoscience.ca/cngo geologic hypotheses, address critical geoscience economic importance, but their origin will be knowledge gaps, develop new geologic and explor - investigated to improve understanding of the scale Nunavut Geoscience Data ation models and make a significant contribution to of metal scavenging processes and metallogenic www.nunavutgeoscience.ca the geoscience knowledge base of Nunavut. The potential.

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The lower contact of the intrusion is very the mineralized ultramafic rocks occurred in 2009 Cumberland Batholith, southeast Baffin Island irregular in attitude. Detailed mapping demon strates for geochronological and geochemical analysis. COURTESY OF CNGO the form of the lower contact is neither a topo - The Booth River project will constitute the PhD graphic nor fault effect, but rather is inferred to thesis of Caroline Mealin (Laurentian U.), with C.M. reflect the upwelling into the intrusion of plumes Lesher (Laurentian U.) and Jean Bédard (GSC- (diapirs?) of sedimentary rocks from the footwall. Québec) as co-supervisors. The plumes are spaced approximately two kilometres (km) apart, and transfer abundant metasedimentary Cumberland Peninsula Integrated material several hundred metres from the lower Geoscience (GEM) Project contact. Mixing and dissolution of metasedimentary (M. Sanborn-Barrie, M. Young, A. Dyke, D. James) xenoliths with Booth River rocks could represent an In 2009, the GeoMapping for Energy and Minerals effective crustal contamination mechanism. (GEM) Cumberland Peninsula project included Northrock Resources has gold and nickel 1:200,000-scale bedrock, surficial and detailed properties (see Turner Lake project, this volume) in geophysical (magnetotelluric) mapping of a rugged the area. The company intersected > and frontier region of eastern Baffin Island. The (greater than) ten metres (m) of massive Ni-Cu-Fe area, which had only been investigated in a very sulphide mineralization at the base of a lens of cursory manner in the early 1970s, is under-explored ultramafic rocks (Booth River rocks?) in 2008. As and includes a previously unrecognized orthogneiss part of the GEM Booth River project, sampling of complex and presumed, Paleoproterozoic meta-

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Studies in the Elu Belt, NE Slave Province (H. Mvondo, D. Lentz) The Archean Elu Greenstone Belt, northeast Slave Province, contains a number of gold occurrences, although factors influencing gold mineralization are poorly understood. New, detailed-scale mapping, structural and stratigraphic studies in the Elu Belt are intended to develop a better understanding of the setting and timing of gold mineralization. Results may provide tools for making better exploration decisions in greenstone belts of the northeast Slave Province. In 2009, field work focused on an arcuate east-west to northeast-southwest trending and northwards concave shaped zone that forms a structural and stratigraphic link between Elu and Hope Bay greenstone belts. The Geologic mapping, Cumberland Peninsula volcanic, metasedimentary and meta-plutonic zone is informally referred to as the Elu Link. (GEM) project, Baffin Island rocks. The supracrustal rocks have exploration Preliminary work shows the Elu Link consists of COURTESY OF GN-EDT potential for base and precious metals. Models for highly strained, thick pillowed flows and sub ordinate regional, stratigraphic correlation of the supra - intercalations of felsic lavas, psammites and banded crustal rocks exposed on the Cumberland Peninsula iron formation. The supracrustal rocks are flanked with similar Paleoproterozoic rocks of central Baffin to the south and the north by regionally extensive, Island (see Baffin Gold project of Commander partly migmatized metagranitoid complexes. Elu Link Resources, this volume) and west may supracrustal rocks are intruded by syn-tectonic, help in developing metallogenic models for the sheet-like bodies of hornblende metagabbro which are Cumberland Peninsula. In view of the discovery of themselves cut by a syn- to late-tectonic porphyritic diamonds on neighbouring (see and equi granular hornblende +/- biotite metagranites Chidliak Project of Peregrine Diamonds, this containing slivers of migmatitic gneiss. The supracrustal volume), deciphering tectonic affinity of the rocks and the migmatic gneiss suffered a D1 to D3 plutonic complex will be critical in evaluating the deformation history contrasting with the metagabbros diamond exploration potential of the Cumberland and the metagranites that only record D2 and D3 strain. Peninsula. To assist with field mapping and to better use In advance of ground-based studies, a 57,000 available magnetic data, magnetic susceptibility was line-km aeromagnetic survey was flown over the measured on hand samples. The results indicate southern part of the GEM Cumberland Peninsula averages of 1.53 +10.47/-1.30 (SI) (n=41) for project area in 2008. The data were released in April metagranites, 1.68 +5.88/-1.31 for 43 readings on 2009 as GSC Open Files 6086 to 6094. Digital data metagabbro, 1.00 +5.19/-0.85 for 19 readings on and maps are available from the Geoscience Data metavolcanic rocks, and 8.64 +15.90/-5.60 (n=5) for Repository (GDR) website (www.gdr.nrcan.gc.ca). diabases, summarized from their log distributions. The survey was co-funded by the Government of These values show variations denoting subdivisions Nunavut ($1.3 million, Strategic Investments in within the main lithologic units and demonstrate Northern Economic Development [SINED] funding) that magnetic susceptibility data is a useful tool for and GSC ($1.1 million, GEM funding). mapping in this region.

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The project is a partnership between the confirmed the Ordovician sequence in University of New Brunswick (H. Mvondo and D. Basin to contain potential hydrocarbon source rocks Lentz), Newmont UAS Limited and the CNGO. (see Zhang, S. 2008a: New insights into Ordovician Work is supported by SINED funding, and logistical, oil shales in Hudson Bay Basin: their number, in-kind and technical guidance provided by Newmont stratigraphic position, and petroleum potential. USA Limited. Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology, 56-4; and Zhang, S. 2008b: Rock-Eval data for four wells in Hall Peninsula (GSC GEM) Project Hudson Bay and . Geological Survey of (W. Miles, R. Dumont) Canada, Open File 5872.) The Ordovician of Foxe In advance of ground-based studies anticipated to Basin is inferred to have a Hudson Bay Basin start in the 2010 field season, a 93,643 line-km equivalent. aeromagnetic survey was flown over the Hall In the 2009 field season, the Ordovician sequence Peninsula, southern Baffin Island, in 2009. This on was systematically examined survey fills a geoscience knowledge gap as there were and sampled. Field observations and measured no pre-existing publicly available aeromagnetic data stratigraphic sections reveal the upper part of the for the Hall Peninsula. The new data should be Ordovician sequence on Melville Peninsula to be available for public release by May 2010 and will be equivalent to that on (northern available through the Geoscience Data Repository Hudson Bay Basin), which contains oil shales. (GDR) website (www.gdr.nrcan.gc.ca/aeromag). However, the sequence is significantly thinner on The Hall Peninsula is poorly mapped and mostly Melville Peninsula than on Southampton Island. Oil underexplored. It is thought to consist of Archean shales were not observed in 2009. Examination of orthogneisses of uncertain tectonic affinity, Paleo - conodonts (in progress) will be used to strengthen proterozoic supracrustal rocks (Lake Harbour stratigraphic correlations between the Foxe and Group?), and plutonic units. Peregrine Diamonds Hudson Bay basins. Limited has discovered diamond-bearing kimberlite intrusions (see Chidliak Project, this volume) on the Hyperspectral Project: Hackett River and Hall Peninsula, significantly elevating the diamond Hope Bay Greenstone Belts. Developing prospectivity of the region. The supracrustal rocks Remote Sensing Exploration Tools may have base-metal exploration potential. (L. Wickert, J. Peter, J. Harris, D. James) The Hyperspectral Project is intended to test the Arctic Cotton Hudson Bay–Foxe Basin (GEM) usefulness of airborne hyperspectral imaging as a COURTESY OF CNGO Energy Project (S. Zhang) mineral exploration tool in Canada’s North. Foxe Basin is a large and mainly unexposed Airborne or satellite-based spectral platforms are Paleozoic sedimentary basin in eastern Nunavut; its effective in areas having little to no vegetation in hot, hydrocarbon potential is largely unknown. In 2009, arid environments with abundant outcrop and/or field studies of Paleozoic outcrops on Melville regolith. However, there are no case-studies in the Peninsula representing the exposed western margin public domain demonstrating the efficacy of of Foxe Basin, were intended to address key detection and delineation of alteration zones (and questions relating to potential hydrocarbon systems associated mineral deposits) by spectral response in the basin. This work is a continuation of the using airborne hyperspectral data under the CNGO’s Nunavut Energy Project (2007-08, geographic and climatic conditions of the northern transferred into the GEM Hudson Bay-Foxe Basin Slave Province. The anticipated result of this project project in 2009). Previous studies by S. Zhang will be development of a hyperspectral exploration

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Fisherites sp. fossil from tool for volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) and Bad Cache Rapids, Industrial Minerals (Limestone) Project, Southampton Island orogenic gold deposits in the Arctic. Southampton Island (S. Zhang, E. Prosh) COURTESY OF GN-EDT In 2009, hyperspectral surveys were flown in Areas around , Southampton Island, western Nunavut over parts of the Hackett River contain regionally extensive exposures of limestone. greenstone belt (VMS deposit), adjacent areas Some of the limestone units may have a ‘pure’ immediately to the east and the Hope Bay green - composition and have potential use as an industrial stone belt (orogenic gold). Hydrothermal alteration mineral. Industrial limestone has a diversity of uses styles (e.g., chloritization, sericitization and including acid-water treatment around mines, the carbonatization) associated with VMS and orogenic manufacture of lime and cement, aggregate (crushed gold deposits are mineralogically ideal for detection limestone), rock dust for explosion abatement and by hyperspectral methods. However, it is uncertain if the application to soils to adjust pH (agricultural the method will be effective at high, northern use). In particular, reagent grade lime (calcine or latitudes. quicklime) will be required at new or planned mines This is a cooperative project involving personnel in the - area of Nunavut. from the Geological Survey of Canada, Canada- The outcome of the project will be an assessment of Nunavut Geoscience Office and Canada Centre for the industrial mineral (carbonate) potential in the Remote Sensing, and is supported by logistical, in- Coral Harbour area. The project is supported by kind and technical guidance provided by industrial SINED funding. partners Newmont USA Limited, Sabina Field studies in 2009 included detailed sampling Corporation and Minerals and Metals Group at 21 sites located west and north of Coral Harbour. Limited. The survey contractor was SpecTIR LLC of A total of 135 samples were collected from the Reno, Nevada. Preliminary data are expected to be 21 localities, each is between one and three publicly available for the Hackett River area before kilograms (kg) and covers a stratigraphic interval the end of 2009. Data for Hope Bay will remain of approximately 1.5 m. Samples were collected confidential until spring 2011, in accordance with a mainly from the Bad Cache Rapids limestone confidentiality agreement. The project is supported (Upper Ordovician) mapped by S. Zhang in 2007. by SINED funding. Geochemical and petrographic studies of the

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samples are ongoing and data will be available in a and metamorphic evolution of the entire region. GSC open file in 2010. Gossanous horizons, especially those associated with silicate- and oxide-facies iron-formation and Multiple Metals - with ultramafic flows and sills, were systematically Melville Peninsula (GEM) Project sampled for assay (in progress). The mapping also (D. Corrigan, T. Tremblay, L. Nadeau) provided new insights on two areas of interest, The Multiple Metals – Melville Peninsula Project is a including a) a relatively large gabbro unit having three-year bedrock and surficial mapping project disseminated chalcopyrite and pentlandite and b) a intended to focus on the Precambrian Shield of small mafic-ultramafic complex with orthopyro - Melville Peninsula. The project’s principal objective xenite and finely layered gabbro-anorthosite, which is to enhance mineral exploration and development also locally contains disseminated chalcopyrite. by generating an improved geoscience database and Most areas where gossans were found corresponded geologic models for the region. These activities stem with anomalies previously detected in till. Samples from collaboration between the GSC, CNGO, with suitable metamorphic minerals and/or datable Memorial University, University of , accessory minerals were collected for in-situ U-Pb University of Western , University of Waterloo dating and thermobarometry in order to determine and Boston College. The area forms part of the Rae the range and intensity of Paleoproterozoic tectono- Province and consists of multiple belts Archean-age thermal overprint on the Archean basement. Prince Albert Group and associated granitoid rocks, Representative samples from most of the main rock overlain in the southern part of the peninsula by the types or main map units were sampled for tracer Paleoproterozoic Penrhyn and Folster Lake groups. isotope and U-Pb zircon age determination in order The project area is about 45,000 square to establish whether they represent more than one kilometres (km2) and is located within parts of NTS suite of rocks, to constrain crustal evolution and to map sheets 46J, K, N to P, and NTS 47A to D. The allow for better regional correlations. 2009 field season was preceded by analysis of till A number of studies form the basis for a Post- samples from northern Melville Peninsula, as well as Doctoral study, a PhD thesis and of M.Sc theses that re-analysis of approximately 2,200 archived lake were initiated in fly camps in the Penrhyn Group, ahead of the 2010 field season planned in that area. sediment samples, mainly from the central part of Marine delta, Melville Peninsula the peninsula, using modern LA-ICP-MS The Post-Doctoral study is focussed on the age, COURTESY OF CNGO techniques. Prior to the field season, three airborne geophysical surveys were flown. One of the surveys (aeromagnetic only) was completed in the summer of 2009 in the central Melville area, mainly in NTS map sheets 47A and 47B. The two other surveys, consisting of aeromagnetic and radiometric measurements, were flown over the Penrhyn Group. Bedrock studies, co-led by David Corrigan (GSC- Ottawa) and Léopold Nadeau (GSC-Québec) were concentrated mostly in NTS map sheets 47A and B, and mainly over belts of Prince Albert Group rocks. Field mapping, enhanced by the newly acquired high-resolution aeromagnetic survey, provided a better understanding of the stratigraphic, structural

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source and potential mineral enrichment of scale structural patterns and led to more precise Paleoproterozoic granitoid units and pegmatites mapping of tectonically dismembered segments of that intrude the Penrhyn Group. The PhD study the Prince Albert Group. The radiometric surveys, (University of Manitoba) is focussed on basin flown uniquely over the Penrhyn Group, will allow a evolution of the Penrhyn Group and its stratigraphic better understanding of the geological significance equivalent on Baffin Island (Piling Group), with and spatial distribution of strong gamma-ray particular attention to the nature and economic anomalies that were detected during an earlier, five significance of polymetallic black shales. Two M.Sc. kilometre-spacing survey flown in the 1970s. A theses, funded in large part by an NSF Grant to ground magnetotelluric survey, using both long- and Dr. Yvette Kuiper (Boston College), focus on the short-polarity instruments, was acquired along an structural evolution of the Penrhyn Group. This across-strike transect extending from the northern study is also relevant to the Piling Group on Baffin to southern extent of the peninsula. The objective of Island, particularly the Bravo Formation which this survey was to gain a better understanding of hosts significant gold occurrences. mantle conductivity, and potentially link conductivity An important component of this project is with lithosphere-scale structures. The short-polarity dedicated to adding to an already substantial survey was conducted to gain insights on crustal amount of Quaternary data and knowledge, mainly conductors and their potential links to mineralized produced by Lynda Dredge (GSC). The new studies, zones. led by Tommy Tremblay (CNGO), focus on a) providing a better understanding of the ice flow Mesoproterozoic Basins of Nunavut history in the region and b) providing tighter till (GEM) Project (E. Turner, D. Long) sample grids over areas down-ice from known This project aims to update and refine under - bedrock mineralization, or in areas showing existing standing of the evolution and metallogeny of the till anomalies. The geochemistry and mineralogy of Bylot Basins. Field activities in 2009 were conducted both heavy mineral concentrates from till and silt- from two-person camps and focussed primarily on sized till matrix will be analyzed to obtain results sedimentary architecture and metal potential of demonstrating base-metal, gold and diamond terrigenous clastic units near the base of the Borden potential. In 2009, Quaternary mapping was focused (Baffin Island), Fury and Hecla (Baffin Island) and Geologist checking out on the northern half of Melville Peninsula, and will Aston and Hunting (Somerset Island) basins. Results glacially eroded ultramafic rock, deploy over the southern half in the summer 2010. are intended to provide exploration companies with Melville Peninsula COURTESY OF GN-EDT Airborne aeromagnetic and radiometric surveys new exploration concepts for these basins. This project were acquired during the summer 2009 as an aid to is a partnership among Laurentian University, GEM mapping and mineral exploration. A 44,500 line-km and CNGO, and is a continuation of multi-year aeromagnetic survey was flown over the central metallogenic and stratigraphic studies of the Meso- Melville Peninsula area in order to gain a better proterozoic geology of eastern Nunavut by E. Turner understanding of the various lithological map units, of Laurentian University. Preliminary results from lithological contacts, and to allow extrapolation of 2009 field work are presented below. units in areas of thick and widespread Quaternary The Mesoproterozoic Bylot Basins were a series cover. A 41,700 line-km aeromagnetic-radiometric of sub-parallel extensional depressions associated survey was flown over the Penrhyn Group. The latter with the Mackenzie Igneous event (approximately will complement bedrock geological mapping 1,270 Ma). In the Borden Basin, basal strata planned for the summer 2010. The aeromagnetic dominated by theoliitic basalt and siliciclastic survey flown over central Melville revealed large- sandstones were previously interpreted as pre-

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dominantly terrestrial flows and fluvial sandstones. study, basin bottom-water was O2-depleted and New field data indicate that the basalt flows were could have had the potential to carry significant partly subaqueous, and that the overlying Adams base-metal concentrations in other deep areas of Sound Formation is almost exclusively marine. A this segmented, tectonically active rift system. similar, marine-dominated setting can be demon - strated for basal terrigenous clastic units in the NE Thelon Basin Uranium (GSC GEM) Aston and Hunting and Fury and Hecla basins. The Project (C. Jefferson) potential for extensive unconformity-type deposits, The NE Thelon Basin Uranium project, part of the analogous those in the Athabasca Basin, is low in the larger Northern Uranium for Canada Project, will Bylot Basins owing to a dearth of feldspar, and to improve framework and conceptual knowledge of extensive, early quartz cementation. Uranium areas around the northeast margin of the Meso - present in associated basement rocks may have been proterozoic Thelon Basin which are prospective for scavenged by fluids well after lithification of the uranium. This project builds on knowledge Mesoproterozoic basin-fill to produce local, vein- obtained during the preceding Secure Canadian Glacially eroded granite, type U deposits. Energy Program, providing attributes to test in new Melville Peninsula COURTESY OF CNGO The marine mudstone (shale)-dominated Arctic and poorly understood districts. In Nunavut, the Bay Formation overlies basal basalt and sandstone in project targets the northeast part of the Thelon the Borden Basin. Although overlying carbonate Basin, and will determine what methods from the rocks of the Nanisivik and Iqqittuq formations well-known Athabasca Basin can be applied as well (formerly Society Cliffs Formation) host numerous as what unique new methods must be developed for base-metal showings (e.g., Nanisivik deposit), the the region. Partnerships will include the GSC, INAC, prospectivity of the Formation for shale- exploration companies and academia. hosted mineralisation has not been determined. Industry is exploring and developing new Three well-exposed sections through the Arctic Bay resources in the area. Challenges to making and Formation in the Graben (MIG) were developing new discoveries include data gaps and examined using (a) standard lithostratigraphic multiple possibilities for exploration paradigms. techniques to evaluate the possibility of basinal Remote predictive mapping will maximize the characteristics favourable for SEDEX mineralisation effectiveness of geological field work by linking and (b) using a portable XRF device to test for remotely sensed data to rock properties in strategic anomalous base-metal concentrations and redox- training areas. Remotely sensed data will be obtained sensitive elements. Although most of the critical from public sources, industry consortia and new stratigraphic and structural prerequisites for SEDEX surveys. AREVA’s development of the Kiggavik mine mineralisation are demonstrably present, geo - provides unprecedented training opportunities. chemical profiles through the two closely spaced Activities in the project include multi-parameter stratigraphic sections tested indicate generally low to airborne geophysical surveys, deposit studies and negligible Zn and Pb concentrations. Molyb denum multi-partner (public–private) data compilation is present only in a thick (>100 m) black shale activities. Evaluations will use deposit model interval (< [less than] 65 ppm), and U is present at attributes based on type reference areas, discovery sub economic yet elevated levels (<50 ppm) in the history, uranium mass balance and comparison of black shale. The consistent presence of these two processes between established and frontier areas. redox-sensitive elements throughout the black shale Basin tectonic evolution, paleo-climate, mineral interval indicates that although no significant metals alteration, uranium sources, transport and traps are were supplied to the basin area tested by this pilot key process measures.

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For the bedrock component, digital geology maps are already compiled for all three territories at 1:5 million scale with most onshore areas available at 1:500,000 scale. Digital geology maps for large parts of Nunavut, NWT and all of the are already published at 1:250,000 scale. Priority is to populate these data with a consistent set of relevant Faulted BIF outcrop, Tri-Territorial Bedrock and Surficial map unit attributes including age, rock composition, Melville Peninsula tectonic setting, state of metamorphism (etc.), and COURTESY OF GN-EDT Compilations (GEM Tri-T) Project: Nunavut Overview 2009 to deliver a GIS-enabled tri-territorial compilation map at target 1:500,000 scale, where feasible. (M. St-Onge, C. Harrison, D. Kerr) For more information, please contact: Within the partnered Geo-Mapping for Energy and Tri-T bedrock: Marc St-Onge ([email protected]) Minerals (GEM) Program, the Tri-Territorial and Christopher Harrison ([email protected]) bedrock and surficial compilations (Tri-T) project is Tri-T surficial: Dan Kerr ([email protected]) focusing on the digital capture and integration of geological spatial data to produce seamless geo- databases for the three territories, populated with Web-Based Data Delivery: source-map information from digitized paper maps www.NUNAVUTGEOSCIENCE.ca and existing digital formats. Important derivative (C. Gilbert, J. Rupert, B. Lau, S. Sharpe) products will be internally-consistent surficial and Publicly accessible geoscience information is a vital bedrock geological compilation maps of the three tool used by resource exploration companies territories. Once assembled, the two databases will working or planning to work in Nunavut. Public be regularly updated and serve as an interpretative geoscience information held in government offices framework for mineral and energy resource assists companies make strategic exploration and exploration, land use planning and infrastructure investment decisions. However, for geoscience development. information to have real value, it must be managed Within Nunavut, 239 surficial geology maps have and web-disseminated to a global client base. been identified, with 112 in digital format. As an aid To disseminate Nunavut geoscience information to ongoing and new GSC/CNGO surficial geology through one authoritative website, the Nunavut - mapping projects in 2009/10, digitizing priority is geoscience.ca project was initiated in October 2005. focused on 15 maps (completed, in progress): The project is a partnership between the CNGO, Melville Peninsula (six), Cumberland Peninsula INAC, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Nunavut (one), Somerset/Prince of Wales/ Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) and the Government of (four) and (three). Nunavut (GN).

STAFF CONTACTS

Dr. Donald James Chief Geologist 867 975 4412 [email protected] Celine Gilbert GIS Specialist 867 975 4414 [email protected] Dr. Shunxin Zhang Research Scientist: Paleozoic Geology 867 975 4579 [email protected] Tommy Tremblay Research Scientist: Surficial Geology 867 975 4505 [email protected]

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Nunavutgeoscience.ca

Screen shots of nunavutgeoscience.ca COURTESY OF INAC

Nunavutgeoscience.ca went on-line in September 2006. of the Earth Sciences Sector of NRCan. Users can It hosts the Nunavut minerals database, NUMIN also access CNGO information and GDR, the and various web applications, including: Reference national Geoscience Data Repository hosted by Query, for searching mineral publications; Gateway, NRCan. for downloading publications; Showing Query, for In addition, nunavutgeoscience.ca contains a searching mineral showings and overlaying them on searchable version of Nunavut Exploration Overview regional data sets (e.g., bedrock geology, geological covering years 2006 to 2008 (www.nunavutgeoscience.ca/ provinces, regional-scale aero magnetic data); eo/index_e.html). Along with an interactive map, Mirage, for accessing Nunavut specific geoscience exploration projects can be filtered by commodity maps made available for down load by the group, project name, exploration company and Geological Survey of Canada; and GEOSCAN, Nunavut region. Projects are linked across years and the bibliographic database for scientific publications project data can be downloaded.

Rocks of the Mesoproterozoic Borden Basin, northern Baffin Island COURTESY OF CNGO

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Kitikmeot Region

In 2009, exploration in the Kitikmeot region was not as robust compared to previous years, although there were more than 40 active mineral exploration projects. The region has diverse geology commodities being sought including base metals, diamonds, gold, lithium, the platinum group metals (PGM) and uranium. Newmont Mining Corporation, one of the world’s largest gold producers, continued with revising an exploration and development strategy for the Hope Bay greenstone belt. This shift in focus by Newmont followed on its acquisition of Miramar Mining Limited in 2008. Sabina Gold & Silver Corp., owner of the silver- rich volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits at Hackett River (western Kitikmeot), now owns most of the Hackett River volcanic belt. The George Junior mining companies have historically been the and Goose gold deposits ( Project), driving force behind much of the exploration east of the Hackett River property, are also owned by activity in the territory, with senior companies Sabina Gold & Silver, and were the focus of advanced progressively increasing their presence. In 2009, exploration programs in 2009. The Hackett River belt several companies working in the Kitikmeot region also hosts the Yava and Musk base-metal deposits. were the focus of mergers and takeovers. China Advanced exploration in the Kitikmeot region Minmetals, through its Canadian subsidiary MMG includes the Gondor, High Lake, Hood, Izok Lake Resources Inc., acquired the majority of OZ deposits and the Ulu gold deposit. All of these deposits, Minerals’ assets in 2009. OZ Minerals Limited itself formerly owned by OZ Minerals, are now under the was formed in 2008 through the merger of Zinifex control of MMG Resources Inc.. Limited work was Limited and Oxiana Limited. Minmetals, through undertaken on Izok Lake and High Lake in 2009. MMG Resources Inc., now owns numerous zinc and Active diamond exploration continued across the copper exploration projects in the western Kitikmeot Boothia Peninsula and over areas south of Kugaaruk region. Early in 2009, Dundee Precious Metals, owner in the eastern Kitikmeot. Land also was held for of the Back River gold project and the Wishbone diamond exploration over parts of the western gold and base metal properties of the western mainland and Victoria Island. Kitikmeot region, was taken over by Sabina Gold & Several nickel-copper-PGM and uranium Silver Corp. (formerly Sabina Silver Corporation). exploration camps in the western Kitikmeot were The Kitikmeot region spans the western and put on care and maintenance by operators in 2009. northern mainland of Nunavut, parts of Victoria No work was conducted on these properties but Island and all of Prince of Wales, King William and many companies are anticipating work in 2010. Somerset islands. Cambridge Bay and are the largest communities and provide support and services to exploration projects in the region. is also an important logistical centre.

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Base Metals

Sulphide-rich outcrop over the occurrences). Other work included drill- main showing, Blue Caribou COURTESY OF INAC testing the grade and continuity of the showings, prospecting, geophysical surveys BLUE CARIBOU (horizontal loop EM; HLEM) and soil geochemistry. Operator/Owner Results suggest the mineral deposit Mega Precious Metals Inc. environment is similar to an Iron Oxide Commodities Copper, Molybdenum, Silver, Gold, Copper Gold (IOCG) deposit type. Copper mineralization was intersected in all drill ANIALIK 1, CANOE LAKE 2 Rhenium NTS holes and the shallowly-dipping deposit is Operator/Owner 76G/01, 76G/02, 76G/07 open on-strike and down-dip. The best values North Arrow Minerals Inc. 1, 2 , MMG Location intersected in drilling at a vertical depth of Resources Inc. (Minmetals) 2 191 km south of Bathurst Inlet approximately 100 m were 4.35% Cu and Commodities 0.087% Mo (molybdenum) over four metres. Copper, Zinc 1; Results from a step-out drillhole returned Copper, Zinc, Silver, Gold 2 The Blue Caribou exploration project was owned and operated by Skybridge Develop - 4.2 m of 3.0% Cu, 0.06% Mo, 40.23 grams NTS 76M/06, 76M/07, 76M/11, 76M/12 1; ment Corp. (Alyris Gold Corp), a wholly- per tonne (g/t) Ag and 0.26 g/t Au at 700 m 76M/02 2 owned subsidiary of Mega Silver Inc. In down-dip or 225 m below surface. These Location May 2009, Skybridge amalgamated with results extend the depth of the deposit to at 160 km southeast of Kugluktuk 1, Mega Silver and in September, Mega Silver least 225 m. Rhenium (Re), a rare-earth 183 km southeast of Kugluktuk 2 Inc. changed its name to Mega Precious metal, was intersected in drill core and Metals Inc. returned values up to 10 g/t. Given a The Anialik base metals property comprises The Blue Carbiou project in western common Mo-Re association, more detailed two projects, Rush and Run Lake. Historical Kitikmeot is a property consisting of 27 studies of this distribution are planned for exploration and drilling reports document claims covering 25,606 ha. In 2008, Skybridge the property. Drilling delineated an inferred that 70 holes were drilled in the High Lake drilled 37 diamond drill holes (totalling mineral resource (43-101 compliant) of greenstone belt in this area; 48 of these 3,615 metres [m]) on two exploration targets. 2.77 million tonnes at weighted average holes were drilled in the Run Lake volcano - The showings have been known since early grades of 2.82% Cu, 0.06% Mo, 31.26 g/t genic massive sulphide (VMS) showing. 1980s. Ag and 0.20 g/t Au, using a 1% cut-off grade Drillholes collared in felsic to mafic volcanic Quartz breccia and sulphide- and quartz- for copper and a minimum true width of rocks returned anomalous copper and zinc rich boulders mark a feature termed the two metres. The company speculates that values at both showings, and the minera l - Blue Caribou structure. This feature, exposed gold and silver values increase to the west ization is open to depth. in bedrock with a width up to 12 m, has a and east, respectively, and increase with The Canoe Lake property covers 15,909 mapped strike-length of 1,500 m. Mineral - depth. The host Blue Caribou structure is hectares (ha). In 2008, MMG Resources ization occurs in a main zone and several persistent and up to 13.2 m wide at the Inc. and North Arrow Minerals Inc. entered sub-zones (West Trench, Central Rotated, down-dip limit of drilling. into an agreement for MMG to earn up to Legs-Elbow and Copper). Three late-stage In 2010, metallurgical testing is planned, a 70 per cent interest in the property by north-south-striking faults offset all zones. in addition to conducting a deep-seeking having spent a minimum of $1 million by Exploration targets in 2008 were the Blue time domain electromagnetic or induced December 1, 2008, and $3 million by Caribou Copper Zone (formerly referred to polarization/resistivity survey, to confirm December 1, 2009. This option agreement as the IRA Showing) and the Blue Caribou continuity of the mineralization to depth. A is currently being amended to extend this Deformation Zone (formerly referred to as property-scale, remote sensing alteration deadline to December 2010. the Echo Bay North and Echo Bay South study is also planned.

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of a regional airborne survey (flown in This property hosts a VMS deposit that GONDOR 1, HOOD 2 2007 and 2008), and followed-up on currently has three main ore zones — the Operator/Owner geophysical targets using mapping, pros - Boot, East Cleaver Lake and the Main 1, 2 MMG Resources Inc. (Minmetals) , pecting and ground geophysical surveys. Zone. This latter body includes three zones Xstrata plc 1 Twenty-five electromagnetic targets were — East, West and Keel. The mineralogy is Commodities selected for follow-up evaluation and were broadly similar across the three zones, and Copper, Lead, Zinc 1; Copper, Zinc 2 identified for future drilling. includes coarse-grained pyrite, pyrrhotite, NTS The Hood deposit is smaller than sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena, freibergite, 76E/05, 76E/12, 86H/07, 86H/08, 86H/09 1; 86I/02 2 Gondor and comprises a series of multiple arsenopyrite and rare tetrahedrite. Location near-surface deposits in proximity to one Secondary mineralization is reported at 225 km southwest of Bathurst Inlet 1, another. Some of these deposits offer good the nearby JO zone and several other 220 km south of Kugluktuk 2 base metal exploration potential. Further unnamed exploration targets. All of the delineation and assessment work is mineralized zones are located within a China Minmetals Nonferrous Metals Co. required at this property. structural window two kilometres wide by Ltd. — a subsidiary of the state-owned Results from the 2009 season have not five kilometres long that lies adjacent to China Minmetals Corporation (CMM or been released by MMG Resources Inc. the contact between felsic volcanic units Minmetals) — acquired the Gondor and and pelitic sediments. Hood deposits from OZ Minerals in June HACKETT RIVER Sabina completed two phases of 2009. The acquisition was coupled with the Operator/Owner drilling in 2009. Spring and summer drill acquisition of other high-grade pre-feas ibility- Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. programs of approximately 5,400 m and grade properties in Nunavut. Through its Commodities approximately 3,500 m, respectively, were Canadian subsidiary MMG Resources Inc., Silver, Zinc, Gold, Copper, Lead used to test targets located by geophysical Minmetals now also owns the zinc-copper- NTS and ground surveying techniques. The lead-silver Izok Lake property, the copper- 76F/15, 76F/16 spring drilling phase commenced in April zinc-gold High Lake project and the past- Location and continued through May; the nature of producing Lupin Gold Mine. 104 km south-southwest the ground around Boot Lake and East of Bathurst Inlet Gondor and Hood are known base Cleaver Lake required winter conditions to metals systems have been explored for mount a successful drill program. A total many years. OZ Minerals considered these In 2009, Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. of 28 holes were drilled in the spring and deposits to be peripheral deposits to Izok (formerly Sabina Silver Corporation) focused on near-surface extensions of the Lake, and a possible additional source of completed an extensive exploration and known mineralized zones. Exploratory base- and precious-metal ore to augment resource delineation program at its wholly- drilling was completed at the Main Zone, supply from a future Izok Lake Mine. The owned Hackett River silver-zinc property. Finger Lake, Bat Lake, Hungrat Lake and Gondor deposit hosts historical resources Hackett River contains indicated resources in the strongly mineralized JO Zone. of 4.38 million tonnes at 0.1% Cu, 1.2% totalling 43 million tonnes grading 144 g/t The JO Zone is located immediately Pb, 9.7% Zn, 0.78 g/t Au and 64.6 g/t Ag, Ag, 4.65% Zn, 0.42% Cu, 0.64% Pb and south of the Main Zone. Drilling has and remains open in all directions and at 0.30 g/t Au. Additional inferred resource indicated this zone has potential for a depth. The deposit is believed to offer figures total 14.6 million tonnes grading high-grade shallow deposit to be potentially significant potential and may be large 136 g/t Ag, 4.46% Zn, 0.31% Cu, 0.57% Pb used as a mine-starter pit. Drill intercept enough to be developed as a stand-alone and 0.31 g/t Au. The deposits are covered highlights from the 2009 work at the JO property. In 2009, before the properties’ by surface Inuit Owned Land (IOL) and Zone include 26.2% Zn, 457 g/t Ag, 0.13% acquisition by CMM and MMG Resources nine mining leases with an aggregate area Cu, 2.51% Pb and 0.12 g/t Au over 8.8 m at Inc., OZ Minerals had completed analysis of 12,250 ha. a down-hole depth of 61.6 m. These values

22 Kitikmeot Region 20-40_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 9:40 PM Page 23

include a zone 4.85 m in thickness having In 2009, Hole SHR-09-39 was drilled at ment report in accordance with NI 43-101 values of 40.92% Zn, 618 g/t Ag, 0.08% Main Zone West to the north of previous guidelines. The assessment outlined a Cu, 3.70% Pb and 0.12 g/t Au. The drilling and targeted an inferred structure mining operation that could produce an company completed a reassessment of identified in a previous resource model. estimated 12.4 million ounces of Ag, historical data, re-drilled a series of holes The hole intersected 288 g/t Ag, 8.28% Zn, 147,300 tonnes of Zn, 9,400 tonnes of Cu, and confirmed mineralization of 5.55% 0.90% Cu, 1.41% Pb and 1.29 g/t Au over 16,800 tonnes of Pb and 17,200 ounces of Zn, 98 g/t Ag, 0.77% Cu and 0.11 g/t Au 20.10 m; the mineralized zone was inter - Au annually. Mine life was estimated to be over 23.6 m, and 8.57% Zn, 436 g/t Ag, sected 4.3 m below surface. Mineralization 13.6 years, at a 10,000 tonnes per day 0.26% Cu, 1.41% Pb and 0.44 g/t Au over continued at depth; silver-bearing spha - milling rate. This assessment was recently 10 m. The latter interval had a one metre lerite and galena were intersected to a upgraded, and all contained metal values section containing 35.28% Zn, 1,770 g/t depth of 16.5 m, followed by a well- were increased to include an additional 7.1 Ag, 0.23% Cu, 8.80% Pb and 0.59 g/t Au. developed silver-rich chalcopyrite stringer million ounces of Ag, 448,000 tonnes of Drilling has delineated the deposit to a zone down to 24.8 m. Below this Zn, 57,000 tonnes of Cu, 12,000 tonnes of depth of 200 m and it remains open. mineralized zone was a 150 m-deep zone Pb and 24,000 ounces of Au. East Cleaver Lake was delineation- of intense alteration containing dissemi - In September 2008, the Minister of drilled during the summer of 2009. nated chalcopyrite. Three additional holes Indian Affairs and Northern Development Numerous historical holes dating back to drilled to the north of Main Zone West also approved a Part 5 environmental the 1970s were reassessed, with some holes intersected copper stringer mineral ization assessment of the Hackett River project. In requiring re-drilling to confirm reported associated with similar alteration. Assay April 2009, the NIRB provided Sabina grades. Drilling was completed to assist in results for this zone have not been released. with the scope of the guidelines for locating the proposed pit outline at East In early 2007, Wardrop Engineering preparation of its draft EIS. The mine Cleaver, and to assess ore grade variability completed a preliminary economic assess - application process is on-going. over the area. Several strongly mineralized layers were intersected and returned values Aerial photo of Wilberforce Falls including 691 g/t Ag, 0.13% Zn, 0.42% Pb COURTESY OF SABINA GOLD & SILVER CORP. and 1.90 g/t Au over an interval of 1.1 m at a down-hole depth of 176 m, and 124 g/t Ag, 4.12% Zn, 0.17% Pb, 0.08 g/t Au over 1.05 m at a hole-depth of 182.5 m. The East Cleaver system remains open to the west; further assay results are pending. Until 2008, the Main Zone was considered to be one contiguous deposit. However, delineation drilling over the last two years has identified two separate zones, East and West, within this zone. The Main-West zone contains high-grade resources, with assay values almost twice as high as those found within the Main- East deposit. Mineralization lies near the surface and both zones could be accessed by an open-pit style operation.

Mineral Exploration, Mining and Geoscience 2009 23 20-40_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 9:40 PM Page 24

in stratigraphically similar rocks 1.5 km HEPBURN HIGH LAKE 1, IZOK LAKE 2, south of the drill holes; this copper-silver HIGH LAKE EXPLORATION 3 Operator/Owner mineralization occurs along strike for Diamonds North Resources Ltd. one kilometre. Additionally, five magnetic Operator/Owner MMG Resources Inc. (Minmetals) Commodities anomalies with copper-silver potential Copper, Silver Commodities were identified over a 12.5 km-long area. 1 NTS Copper, Zinc, Silver, Gold ; Mineralized grab samples collected by 2 86J/01, 86J/02, 86J/05-86J/07, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Silver ; Diamonds North indicate that mineral - 3 86J/11-86J/13, 86K/09, 86K/10, 86K/15 Copper, Zinc, Silver, Gold ization is more widespread than originally Location NTS 1 150 km southwest of Kugluktuk reported. Metal values from 20 of 24 76M/07, 76M/10 ; 86H/10, 86H/11, samples range from 1% to more than 30% 86H/14, 86H/15 2; 76M/01, 76M/08, 76N/04, 76N/05 3 Located on the border between Nunavut copper with 3 g/t to 1,129 g/t of silver. Two styles of mineralization have been observed Location and the Northwest Territories (NT), the 1 on the property: copper-only zones and 190 km east-southeast of Kugluktuk , Hepburn Project covers 607,028 ha of the 255 km southwest of Kugluktuk 2, wider zones comprised of high-grade western Slave Craton. The majority of this 225 km east-southeast of Kugluktuk 3 property is located in the NT but some copper and silver. Copper minerals are mainly chalcopyrite and bornite with work conducted in recent field seasons was The Izok Lake and High Lake properties chalcocite. Native copper is also reported. in Nunavut. are two undeveloped high-grade VMS Uranium mineralization is also reported In 2009, Diamonds North reported re- deposits located between the communities in values up to 0.45% U O . evaluation of historical work on the 3 8 of Bathurst Inlet and Kugluktuk. Reserve Diamonds North planned to conduct Hepburn property. High copper and silver estimates for both deposits have to be further prospecting to determine the extent values were reported from drill core and confirmed, but resources at Izok Lake and continuity of the mineralized zones, trench samples. Historical drilling had include 14.8 million tonnes grading 12.7% and the results will be used to determine a intersected zones having 1% to 4% copper Zn, 2.5% Cu, 1.3% Pb and 70.5 g/t Ag; future drill program. and silver values up to 203 g/t. Regional while High Lake contains resources of 17.3 exploration also identified mineralization million tonnes grading 17.3% Zn, 2.3% Cu, 0.3% Pb, 70.1 g/t Ag and 1.0 g/t Au. The High Lake property consists of 15 leases (1,710 ha) located mainly on IOL surface and subsurface parcels. Ownership of these deposits has changed several times in recent years. At the beginning of 2009, they were 100 per cent owned by OZ Minerals Ltd., a public company based in Australia, and both were entering the pre-feasibility stage of development. In early 2009, the Chinese state mining company China Minmetals Corporation (CMM) and its 100 per cent owned subsidiary China Minmetals Non -

Non-mineralized drill core, High Lake Camp COURTESY OF INAC

24 Kitikmeot Region 20-40_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 9:40 PM Page 25

Altered and structually deformed volcanic rocks hosting the High Lake deposit COURTESY OF INAC

ferrous Metals Co. Ltd. attempted to acquire all outstanding shares in OZ Minerals. In June 2009, CMM (or Min - metals) succeeded in acquiring a signifi - cant portion of the OZ Minerals’ assets. The Izok Lake and High Lake deposits are now owned by Minmetals through its Canadian subsidiary MMG Resources Inc. Izok Lake and High Lake deposits lie near to the surface, and are hosted in a series of felsic pyroclastic, dacitic and basaltic flows, sulphide-rich iron formation and turbiditic sedimentary rocks. Dacitic and gabbroic dykes, which feed overlying flows, intrude into the felsic volcanic sequences. The complex is Archean in age. Mapping, prospecting and detailed ground geophysics were completed at Izok Lake in current form could not provide sufficient MUSK 2009. Fifty-seven electromagnetic targets return on investment as a stand-alone project. Instead, a combination of several Operator/Owner were selected for exploratory drilling. At Xstrata plc high-grade deposits (e.g. High Lake, Izok High Lake, a regional exploration program Commodities Lake, Gondor and Ulu) could make the was completed and drilling confirmed Copper, Zinc, Silver, Gold region economical when extracted, shipped significant mineralization at nearby Sand NTS and processed together. During 2008, with Lake. 76G/05 the depression of the world markets and A pre-feasibility study was undertaken Location on Izok Lake. Due to the remoteness of an increased debt load, OZ Minerals 430 km southeast of Kugluktuk this site, the study included assessment of announced the postponement of the planned feasibility studies on the Izok and transportation options and localities for The Musk VMS deposit was discovered by High Lake properties. building an all-weather road from the Noranda Inc. in 1979 and is currently owned MMG Resources also intends to to the potential mine-site. by Xstrata plc. The property is comprised explore further the Izok Lake and High Several port and road combination routes of a single 221 ha mining lease as well as Lake properties using reconnaissance ge o- were examined, including: , 21,000 ha of mineral claims and 8,558 ha logical mapping and prospecting to expand Bathurst Inlet and east of Kugluktuk. After of IOL. The deposit is hosted by Archean the knowledge base of the properties and initial research, the Grays Bay option was volcanic rocks of the Hackett River potentially discover additional base-metal favoured as this route would allow ore to greenstone belt. A resource (pre NI 43-101 showings. No work was completed at the be shipped to the and compliant) of 415,000 tonnes comprising Izok Lake site in 2009. At the High Lake the . The mine plan 1.4 g/t Au, 324 g/t Ag, 1.1% Cu, 1.4% Pb site, a limited drill program plus care and proposed both an open pit and unde r- and 9.8% Zn was outlined by Noranda in maintenance work was undertaken. No ground operation, producing 4,000 tonnes the 1980s. The deposit was defined along a information is available regarding future per day for 10.5 years. strike length of 250 m and to a depth work, exploration or development plans After completing economic assessment of 150 m. In 1994, a single drill hole by for either site. and pre-feasibility studies, the company Metall Mining confirmed the presence of concluded that the Izok Lake deposit in its mineralization at a depth of 280 m.

Mineral Exploration, Mining and Geoscience 2009 25 20-40_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 9:40 PM Page 26

of variably silicified and carbonate-altered The Wishbone property comprises 95 SILVERTIP felsic volcanic rocks. Cominco Ltd. tested mining claims and covers most of the Operator/Owner the Pale Showing in the late 1970s with 13 Hackett River greenstone belt with an area Strongbow Exploration Inc. drill holes (2,541 m) and 12 of the holes of up to 50 km in length and up to 30 km Commodities intersected mineralization over a strike in width. This area has received little Gold, Silver, Lead, Zinc length of approximately 300 m and up to a exploration attention and Sabina views the NTS depth of 200 m. property as highly prospective. In 2008, 76B/12, 76B/13, 76C/09, 76C/16 a 12,350 line-km VTEM survey was Location WISHBONE completed over the southern portion of 453 km southeast of Kugluktuk Operator/Owner the property; this survey area was also near Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. the Yava and Musk base-metal deposits. The Silvertip project comprises 11,332 ha, Commodities This survey was successful and formed the and the property covers the Pale, Minou Copper, Silver, Zinc, Lead, Gold basis of defining exploration targets for and Silverhart silver, gold and base-metal NTS the 2009 program. showings — as well as more than 15 km of 76F/01, 76F/08-76F/10, 76F/15, In 2009, surface mapping, prospecting, prospective volcanic stratigraphy. North 76F/16, 76G/02-76G/06, 76G/12, ground-checking of geophysical anomalies Arrow Minerals Inc. was a partner in the 76G/13, 76J/04, 76K/01, 76K/02 defined by the VTEM survey, and project and drilled in 2008 (1,594 m; nine Location geophysics were all undertaken on the holes) with the intention of further defining 415 km southeast of Kugluktuk Wishbone property. This work located a the showing and reproduce historical new VMS deposit, designated the May drilling values. Mineralization was verified, The Back River Project contains both the Zone, lying approximately 15 km to the although neither higher grades nor wider George and Goose Lake gold deposits, and east of the Hackett River deposits and mineralized zones were intersected. The the Wishbone gold and base-metal project occurring within a similar setting. property was returned in 2009 to Strongbow in the western Kitikmeot region (see Fourteen drill holes were collared on the Exploration Inc. who is re-evaluating the Hackett River section for further details). May Zone, and it was traced to a depth of property. In June 2009, these projects were acquired 100 m over a 600 m strike-length that The most significant showing, Pale, by Sabina Gold & Silver Corp, formerly remains open at depth. The mineralized consists of quartz veining and locally Sabina Silver Corporation, from former zone is made up of a series of massive to significant sulphide mineralization hosted owners Dundee Precious Metals for $7 semi-massive sub-zones of sphalerite, within a thick northwest-striking sequence million. chalcopyrite, galena and pyrite hosted within a series of cordierite-anthophyllite Mineralized drill core, High Lake COURTESY OF INAC altered felsic volcanic rocks. Alteration associated with the May Zone has been traced to the southwest over a three kilometre by one kilometre area. Assay results from the first seven holes drilled on this target include: 10.60 m grading 73 g/t Ag, 10.86% Zn, 0.28% Cu, 1.15% Pb and 0.19 g/t Au; 8.10 m grading 45 g/t Ag, 15.08% Zn, 0.32% Cu, 0.59% Pb and 0.10 g/t Au; and 7.10 m grading 83 g/t Ag, 14.82% Zn, 0.36% Cu, 1.53% Pb and 0.13 g/t Au.

26 Kitikmeot Region 20-40_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 9:40 PM Page 27

Aerial photo of landscape, western Kitikmeot COURTESY OF INAC

the early 1970s and exploration was carried suggested in 1976 of 1.3 million tonnes of YAVA out on the property until 1975. In 2004, 1.03% Cu, 1.60% Pb, 4.98% Zn, 3.42 Operator/Owner Expatriate Resources Ltd., later to become ounces per tonne (oz/t) Ag and 0.0008 oz/t Savant Explorations Ltd. Pacifica Resources Ltd., conducted Au. This reserve calculation is historical Commodities geophysical and geological surveys. In and non-NI 43-101 compliant. Copper, Lead, Zinc, Silver, Gold 2007, Pacifica transferred the property to a In late 2007, Savant reported positive NTS new company, Savant Explorations Ltd. results from a high-resolution time-domain 76F/09, 76F/16, 76G/12 The Yava deposit is comprised of electromagnetic/magnetic survey and pre - Location volcanic flows and fragmental rocks of liminary ground follow-up work. The survey, 395 km southeast of Kugluktuk mafic, intermediate and felsic compo sition . which was flown at 100 m line spacing, At the north end of the belt is the Hackett located and verified historically identified The Yava base-metal property consists of River deposit and at the southern end, the conductors and also identified new one mining lease covering 1,304 ha and 16 Musk deposit. There are four mineralized anomalies. A conductor is also associated claims covering 4,449 ha. The property is zones at Yava: Yava Main Zone, Yava North with a mineralized grab sample which approximately 25 km along strike from Zone, Yava Caribou Lake Zone and Yava assayed 3.45% Pb, 1.47% Zn, 1.17 g/t Au Archean Hackett-Back River greenstone South Zone. Only Yava Main Zone has and 4,960 g/t Ag. It contained the mineral belt. Mineralization has been known since been drilled and an inferred reserve was pyrargyrite, a silver-arsenic sulfosalt.

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Diamonds

The kimberlites include Beluga-1 through lite on the Amaruk property. A sample of AMARUK Beluga-3, Qavvik-1 through Qavvik-10, Tuktu 868 kg of Kanguq kimberlite was collected Operator/Owner kimberlites (Tuktu-1 through Tuktu-10), from one vertical drill hole for DMS Diamonds North Resources Ltd. C-27, Ptarmi gan and Umingmak. processing. Commodities Work to date includes 128,000 line-km Diamonds of airborne geophysics, completion of 567 BARROW NTS ground-based magnetic surveys and 140 56O/14, 56O/15, 57A/02-57A/07, Operator/Owner reverse circulation drill holes. In 2009, 57A/13, 57D/02, 57D/04, 57D/06, Indicator Minerals Inc., 57D/11 Diamonds North collected 6,780 kilograms Hunter Exploration Group Location (kg) of drilled kimberlite from the Beluga- Commodities 40 km southwest of Kugaaruk 3 kimberlite pipe. Diamond processing of Diamonds this sample by dense media separation NTS The Amaruk property is located in the (DMS) is underway. The Beluga-3 kimber - 57A/02, 57A/07 eastern Kitikmeot region. Since 2003, 25 lite has a subtle magnetic signature. Initial Location kimberlites have been discovered; and 80 results returned coarse diamonds including 25 km southeast of Kugaaruk per cent of kimberlites on the property are coarse diamond fragments. diamondiferous. Amaruk covers approxi - The Kanguq kimberlite, located approxi - The Barrow property covers 44 mineral mately 1.5 million ha and hosts abundant mately 10 km north of the Beluga-3 claims (45,986 ha). In 2008, a six-week, kimberlite indicator minerals and kimber - kimberlite, was discovered in 2009 by $1.3 million drilling program tested five lite float occurrences spanning an area of drilling a geophysical target and is inter- geophysical targets but kimberlite was approximately 80 square kilometres (km 2). preted to represent a new area of kimber - not intersected. Heavy-mineral sampling

Aerial view of the Amaruk camp COURTESY OF INAC

28 Kitikmeot Region 20-40_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 9:40 PM Page 29

A pair of muskoxen, Hackett River camp area COURTESY OF SABINA GOLD & SILVER CORP.

returned concentrations of indicator minerals whose texture and chemistry suggest a local source. A 25.5 kg sample of a kimberlite boulder also believed to be from a local source returned 176 diamonds. Airborne geophysical surveys were flown over selected areas of the property. Indicator was anticipating a small reverse circulation drilling program in 2009 but GRAIL HAMMER no field work was undertaken. Operator/Owner Operator/Owner DARBY Indicator Minerals Inc., Stornoway Diamond Corporation, Hunter Exploration Group North Arrow Minerals Inc. Operator/Owner Commodities Commodities Teck Resources Limited, Diamonds Diamonds Indicator Minerals Inc., Hunter Exploration Group NTS NTS 57F/01, 57F/03-57F/06 86I/15 Commodities Diamonds Location Location 80 km northwest of Taloyoak 142 km southeast of Kugluktuk NTS 56M/01, 56M/08, 56N/02-56N/07, The Grail Project was recently expanded to The Hammer property, a new project, is 56N/10-56N/14 cover an estimated 95,105 ha on the partnered between Stornoway Diamond Location Boothia Peninsula. Indicator Minerals Inc. Corporation (the operator) and North Arrow 250 km southwest of Kugaaruk; Minerals Inc. Till sampling identified a KIM 176 km southeast of and Hunter Exploration Group hold the ground, with Indicator (the operator) on train to the north of an original claim; pyrope The Darby project comprises 273 mineral the project holding an 80 per cent interest and eclogite garnets were identified in the claims (280,242 ha). Teck Resources can in the diamond rights. train. In 2008, an additional claim was staked earn a 51 per cent interest in the property Indicator completed heavy mineral over a promi nent topographic low, south by spending $14 million before June 2010. sampling and airborne geophysical surveys of the KIM mineral train. The property Upon formation of a joint venture, on the property. Kimberlite indicator covers an area of approximately 1,025 ha. Indicator Minerals Inc. has the right to minerals have been isolated to a part of the In July 2009, the companies announced have its remaining 29 per cent interest property and are thought to originate that the Hammer kimberlite had been carried to production on a project loan from diamond-bearing kimberlites. Work discovered on the property. The size of the basis. Hunter Exploration Group retains a also returned positive diamond inclusion kimberlite is not defined, although it is 20 per cent interest in Darby. mineral chemistry and outlined airborne associated with a prominent topographic Nine kimberlites have been discovered geophysical targets for follow-up. Indicator feature 225 m long and between 15 m to to date at Darby, five of which are added to its land holdings in 2009 and 100 m wide and has a surface expression of diamondiferous, including the ‘Iceberg’ preliminary plans for the 2010 exploration approximately one hectare. Numerous kimberlite. Work on the property involved program include ground geophysics to kimberlite boulders and fragments have prospecting, ground and airborne geo - delineate and confirm airborne targets. been found on surface. Weathered kimber - physics and heavy mineral sampling. Pending results, this work will be followed lite breccia was identified in bedrock. Three distinct kimberlite clusters or fields by a drill program to test targets. Indicator Future work is anticipated to include have been identified at Darby. In 2009, is currently acquiring necessary approvals additional prospecting, kimberlite sampling, there was no field program. and permits in preparation of work. ground geophysics and drilling.

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HEPBURN Operator/Owner Diamonds North Resources Ltd. Commodities Diamonds NTS 86J/01, 86J/02, 86J/05-86J/07, 86J/11-86J/13, 86K/09, 86K/10, 86K/15 Location 170 km south-southwest of Kugluktuk

Located on the border between Nunavut and the NT, the Hepburn Project covers 607,028 ha of the western Slave Craton. Most of the property is located within the NT. Work on the property includes airborne geophysics; numerous targets have been identified and surveyed. Limited drilling on geophysical targets has not intersected kimberlite although there are high-priority targets yet to be tested.

JERICHO Operator/Owner Benachee Resources Inc. (a subsidiary Bird’s nest in drill core racks, Stornoway Coronation Gulf Project Eureka Camp, south of Kugluktuk of Tahera Diamond Corporation) COURTESY OF INAC Commodities Diamonds Arrangement Act (CCAA). In February 2008, an order was granted approving an agree - NTS Tahera suspended its mining operations. ment between the companies and AG 76E/13, 76E/14, 76L/03, 76L/04 At the time, options were explored for Growth Income Funding to continue Location agreements to continue mining, but these efforts to re-start the Jericho Mine. In 255 km south-southeast of Kugluktuk efforts were not productive. In late 2008, September 2009, the Court granted an INAC, following discussions with Tahera, extension of the stay period to December In 2006, Tahera Diamond Corporation intervened at the site under section 89 of 10, 2009. This extension allowed time for opened the . Financial the Nunavut Waters and Nunavut Surface developing mining and business plans and losses were incurred over the lifetime of Rights Tribunal Act (NWNSRTA). INAC potentially to complete a transaction to the mine due to operational difficulties, a took over care and maintenance of the site re-open the Jericho Mine. high Canadian dollar, high oil prices and to ensure that appropriate steps would be The Jericho Mine site closed for the an early closure of the ice-road in 2006. In taken to address potential adverse effects winter in September 2009. Regular security mid-January 2008, Tahera filed an appli - on the environment. and environmental monitoring will occur cation for protection from creditors pursuant In early 2009, Tahera and Benachee over the winter. to the provisions of the Companies’ Creditors Resources evaluated alternatives. In April,

30 Kitikmeot Region 20-40_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 9:40 PM Page 31

Landscape in Coronation Gulf area, western Kitikmeot COURTESY OF INAC VICTORIA ISLAND Operator/Owner Diamonds North Resources Ltd. Commodities Diamonds NTS 77F/02, 77F/07, 77F/08, 77F/10, 77F/15, 77G/10 Location 240 km northwest of Cambridge Bay

Diamonds North Resources Ltd. holds a surrounds the Darby project on three 100 per cent interest in central Victoria 1 2 3 SAKARI , SIKU , UALLIQ sides. The 184,132 ha property is owned Island on its Victoria Island project. This Operator/Owner and operated by Diamonds North with a property hosts a reported 39 kimberlite Diamonds North Resources Ltd. 1, 2, 3 , 50 per cent option agreement with Arctic occurrences and covers ground both in the Shear Minerals Ltd. 1, Star Diamond Corp. Results from till NT and Nunavut. The Nunavut land 2 Arctic Star Diamond Corp. , samples collected from the Siku property holdings cover approximately 127,071 ha. 3 International Samuel Exploration Corp. have yielded indicator minerals; these Kimberlite occurrences and kimberlite Commodities results suggest that the Darby kimberlite trends identified include Galaxy, Jaeger, Diamonds field may extend onto the property. King Eider, Pintail, Sanderling, Sand Piper, NTS Following airborne geophysical work, the Snow Bunting, and Turnstone. 56N/05, 56N/10-56N/12 1; companies planned an extensive field The King Eider kimberlite exhibits 56N/05-56N/07, 56N/10-56N/12 2; 57A/04, 57A/05, 57A/07, 57A/11, program including drill-testing of 15 to 30 significant potential; a 680 kg sample 57A/12, 57A/14, 57B/08 3 targets in 2008 and further work in 2009. returned diamond values of 1.6 carats per Location No results are available. tonne (cpt), including a 0.74 carat 150 km southeast of Gjoa Haven 1, The Ualliq property covers 445,154 ha, diamond. Other targets include the Snowy 170 km southwest of Kugaaruk 2, is adjacent to Diamonds North’s Amaruk Owl kimberlite and the Southeast Galaxy 3 67 km west of Kugaaruk project, and is owned and operated by trend. More than 80 per cent of the Diamonds North with a 30 per cent option kimberlites identified are diamondiferous. The Sakari Project covers 19,977 ha adj a- agreement with International Samuel Work in 2008 involved converting many of cent to the Darby project operated by Teck Exploration. Numerous geophysical targets the Victoria Island claims to leases. Resources. Sakari is owned and operated have been outlined on the property, Diamonds North continues to evaluate by Diamonds North Resources Ltd. with a although no kimberlite has been inter sected this property. 50 per cent option agreement with Shear to date. More than 300 targets remain Minerals Ltd. Ten geophysical targets have untested. KIM trains have been identified been identified on the property following on the property and currently have an airborne magnetic surveying. No field work unknown source. was undertaken on this project in 2009. Although no field work was under taken In the same area, the Siku Project is on the Sakari, Siku or Ualliq properties in located within the southwest portion of 2009, the companies maintained their land Diamonds North’s Amaruk project and tenure on all projects.

Mineral Exploration, Mining and Geoscience 2009 31 20-40_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 9:40 PM Page 32

Energy Sources Uranium

property and Lac Rouviere joint venture, Rockgate devolved these properties to 1 , are collectively referred to as the Copper - Northrock Resources Inc., its former COPPERMINE 2, LAC ROUVIERE 3 mine project. The project is partnered wholly-owned subsidiary. Northrock is with Cameco Corporation who owns 19.5 primarily focused on the Turner Lake Operator/Owner per cent of UNOR. polymetallic properties; land tenure on the UNOR Inc. 1, 2, 3 , Cameco Corporation 3 Uranium mineralization on the Copper - Bathurst Inlet uranium properties is Commodities mine property occurs along an unconformity currently being maintained. Uranium 1, 2, 3 , Diamonds 1 in the Proterozoic sandstone Hornby Bay Three known unconformity-type ura - NTS Basin. The occurrence is similar to that of nium (± gold, selenium, silver) showings, 86O/01, 86O/08, 86O/09 1; 86J/10-86J/15, 86K/16, 86N/01, 86O/03, 86O/04 2; Cameco’s Eagle Point Deposit in the Pomy, Upits and Von, are contained within 86K/14, 86K/15, 86M/01, 86M/08, Athabasca Basin. This structural setting these claims. The property is located 86N/01-86N/06, 86N/12 3 and style of mineralization at one main within the Kilohigok Foreland Basin. Location showing, Hot Creek, is analogous to that Mineralization is concentrated primarily 64 km southeast of Kugluktuk 1, of the sandstone-hosted Mountain Lake along the regional Bathurst Fault within 2 110 km southwest of Kugluktuk , Deposit (with an identified uranium basalts at basalt-sandstone contacts. No 120 km southwest of Kugluktuk 3 resource) owned by Triex Minerals field work was conducted in 2009. Corporation and Pitchstone Exploration UNOR is the operator on several projects Ltd. located 40 km to the west. BEAR VALLEY on 16 mineral claims and 39 mining leases UNOR has operated in the Hornby Bay Operator/Owner covering 47,725 ha within the Hornby Bay Basin since 1996. Work to date has involved 5050 Nunavut Limited, Basin. These properties, known formerly 71 holes (19,233 m), geological and MIE Metals Corp. as the Asiak River property, Coppermine structural mapping, extensive airborne Commodity and ground geophysical surveys and ground Uranium prospecting. NTS All Coppermine properties were on 86O/03-86O/06 care and maintenance in 2009. UNOR is Location main taining its land tenure and continuing 75 km southwest of Kugluktuk to evaluate these properties. In 2009, Adriana Resources Inc., the former BATHURST INLET owners of the nickel-copper-PGM project and uranium projects over the Muskox Operator/Owner Northrock Resources Inc. Intrusion in the western Kitikmeot region, sold the properties to 5050 Nunavut Limited Commodities Uranium, Gold, Selenium, Silver and MIE Metals Corp. The Bear Valley 2 NTS Uranium Project covers 350 km along the 76J/02, 76J/03, 76J/11, 76J/12, 76K/09 eastern edge of the Hornby Bay Basin. This Location program was part of a larger exploration 85 km south of Bathurst Inlet program that included work on the company’s MIE project and the UNAD joint venture In the Bathurst Inlet area, Rockgate Capital project with UNOR Inc. Some of the Corp. acquired 155 contiguous mineral permits and claims for the Bear Valley claims including 149 active and six pending project are joint-ventured with UNOR. No Arctic Lupin COURTESY OF INAC claims, totalling 161,186 ha. In 2008, work was done on the property in 2009.

32 Kitikmeot Region 20-40_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 9:41 PM Page 33

Clay beds of southern Boothia Peninsula, near Kugaaruk COURTESY OF INAC DISMAL LAKE 1; NORTHERN HEPBURN DISMAL LAKES WEST 2 (SANDY CREEK); Operator/Owner KENDALL RIVER 3; Uranium North Resources Corp., MOUNTAIN LAKE 4 Diamonds North Resources Ltd. Commodity Operator/Owner Uranium Triex Minerals Corporation, NTS Pitchstone Exploration Ltd. 86J/12, 86J/13, 86K/09, 86K/10, Commodity 86K/15, 86K/16 Uranium Location NTS On the Nunavut/NT border, 1 86N/05, 86N/06, 86N/11, 86N/12 ; 130 km southwest of Kugluktuk 86M/08 2; 86N/01, 86N/02 3; 86N/03, 86N/06, 86N/07 4 The Northern Hepburn project includes Location part of the Hornby Bay Basin. This project 115 km west of Kugluktuk 1, 140 km west of Kugluktuk 2, has land in both Nunavut and the NT. 100 km southwest of Kugluktuk 3, Diamonds North Resources Ltd. holds a 100 km west of Kugluktuk 4 50 per cent interest on five claims of the project. Six uranium occurrences with up

Triex Minerals Corporation and Pitch stone to 0.82% U 3O8 have been previously Exploration Ltd have a 50-50 joint venture identified. At BB Lake, lake sediments have agreement exploring four main properties returned uranium values ranging from in the Hornby Bay Basin: Mountain Lake, 23.7 parts per million (ppm) to 115 ppm

Dismal Lake, Dismal Lakes West (Sandy U3O8. No work was reported on this Creek) and Kendall River. The Mountain property in 2009. Lake property covers 6,647 ha and includes the Mountain Lake deposit discovered by UNAD Esso Resources in 1976. The deposit has an identified inferred uranium resource of Operator/Owner UNOR Inc., 5050 Nunavut Limited, 8.2 million pounds U O , with an average the west, north and east of the UNOR’s 3 8 MIE Metals Corp. grade of 0.23% U O contained in 1.6 Coppermine Property and also adjoin 3 8 Commodity million tonnes of rock. The tabular, Uranium MIE Metals’ Bear Valley and MIE projects. stratabound deposit is within 20 m of Five of the claims are located in the NTS surface at its southwestern end and dips 86J/14, 86N/01, 86N/07, 86O/03, Kendall River area and these claims include less than 10° (degrees) to the northeast. 86O/04 several historic uranium occurrences. Previous work on the properties Location UNOR is the operator of 10 mineral involved prospecting, drilling and ground 90 km southwest of Kugluktuk claims of the property, covering 10,451 ha, resistivity surveys completed on the and owns 13 mineral claims and one Mountain Lake and Dismal Lake pro - The UNAD project is a 50-50 joint venture mining lease of the joint venture covering perties to extend previously existing grids. between MIE Metals Corporation and 14,627 ha. No field work occurred in 2009; No field work occurred in 2009; the camp UNOR Inc. on 29 mineral claims and one the companies operated care and main - was under care and maintenance and land mining lease. The project covers an area of tenance programs and continued to tenure was maintained. 24,648 ha. The majority of the claims lie to maintain land tenure of the properties.

Mineral Exploration, Mining and Geoscience 2009 33 20-40_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 9:41 PM Page 34

Gold

ANIALIK 1, CANOE LAKE 2 Operator/Owner North Arrow Minerals Inc. Commodities Gold Sunset near the Hackett River camp NTS COURTESY OF SABINA GOLD & SILVER CORP. 76M/06, 76M/07, 76M/11, 76M/12 1; 76M/02 2 Resources Inc.) in 2008 defined several mineral ization is hosted within a thick, Location 150 km southeast of Kugluktuk 1, targets. With the change of corporate folded unit of iron formation. Indicated 186 km southeast of Kugluktuk 2 ownership and changing focus for MMG resources are 1.57 million tonnes grading Resources, no work occurred in 2009. 11.9 g/t Au for a contained indicated The Anialik gold project hosts three resource of 603,000 ounces of gold and an showings. Gold mineralization occurs at the BACK RIVER PROJECT additional 1.83 million tonnes grading 9.2 Frank, Felicia and Locanna showings. The (GEORGE LAKE 1, GOOSE LAKE 2) g/t Au for a contained inferred resource of Frank showing consists of gold-bearing 295,000 ounces of gold. The Goose deposit Operator/Owner pyritic gossans in discrete quartz veins. The Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. contains more than 60 per cent of the Felicia showing is in gold-bearing quartz- Commodity known Back River resources. chalcopyrite veinlets in carbonate-altered Gold Drilling focused on other exploration intermediate to mafic volcanic rocks. The NTS targets on the property consisting of Locanna gold prospect is characterized by 76G/09, 76G/10, 76G/13, 76G/14 folded iron formation located within a deformed stockwork pyritic quartz veins Location structurally complex zone containing that locally contain anomalous concen tr a - 372 km southeast of Cambridge Bay 1, synvolcanic intrusions. Drilling continued tions of gold. Mineralization occurs in a 400 km southeast of Cambridge Bay 2 through September and results are pending. 300 m wide, 3,000 m-long corridor. Gold Geophysical surveys were conducted to values include 44.2 g/t, 20.9 g/t and 14.2 g/t The Back River Project contains both the prioritize the drill targets; some of this from grab samples. George and Goose Lake gold deposits, and work resulted in the discovery of the Echo The Canoe Lake Project (Bamako gold the Wishbone gold and base-metal project Zone deposit. showing) is located approximately 1.7 km in the western Kitikmeot region (see Hackett This new zone is approximately 2,000 m west of the Canoe Lake base-metal River and Wishbone sections for further from the Goose Lake deposit. It forms a showings. Exploration has identified three details). In June 2009, these projects were broad zone of highly altered and folded sub-parallel, near-vertical gold-bearing acquired by Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. iron formation. The Echo Zone is approxi - mineralized horizons within a 300 m from then-owners Dundee Precious Metals. mately two to three kilometres in size. The stratigraphic interval. Mineralization is The George and Goose Lake gold deposits area has not been drilled. Similar geology, dominated by pyrrhotite with lesser contain measured and indicated gold structures and mineralization occur within amounts of pyrite and chalcopyrite and is resources of 3.4 million tonnes grading this zone as at the Goose Lake deposit. A characterized by zones of sulphide enrich ment, 10.9 g/t Au for 1.19 million ounces of gold total of six holes were drilled and three pervasively brecciated quartz flooding and and inferred resources of 3.6 million holes returned grades of 8.57 g/t Au over silicification within sheared mafic meta vol - tonnes grading 10.2 g/t Au for 1.16 million 6.05 m, 5.22 g/t Au over 8.60 m including canic rocks. Surface samples have returned ounces of gold. 8.29 g/t Au over 4.95 m, and 8.17 g/t Au assays up to 54.4 g/t Au. Time domain The 2009 program at Back River was over 15.15 m including 9.00 g/t Au over ground geophysics carried out by OZ focused on the Goose Lake claim group 13.20 m. The other three holes encountered Minerals (now Minmetals and MMG which hosts the Goose Lake deposit. Gold similar mineralization and veining; assay

34 Kitikmeot Region 20-40_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 9:41 PM Page 35

results are pending. The zone remains of Twin Peaks has potential for both Bluffs Deposit, currently the most significant open in all directions with all holes gold and copper-zinc mineralization. on the property, lies in central portion of intersecting mineralization no deeper than A 1,100 m drilling program was planned the belt and is hosted within a folded iron 150 m from surface. for 2009 to test gold mineral ization in the formation. A new resource figure for Three The results of this work are currently Twin Peaks area. An additional 800 m of Bluffs was estimated in 2009. The revised being compiled and are expected to form drilling was also planned for the Chicago resource figures are: 508,000 indicated the core of a drill program in 2010 showings. Bear Lake Gold is currently gold ounces (2.7 million tonnes at 5.85 g/t designed to expand the mineralized zone reviewing and re-evaluating its portfolio Au) and 244,000 inferred gold ounces and test new targets on the Goose Lake of mineral properties. (1.27 million tonnes at 5.98 g/t Au). These property. estimates represent an increase of 39,000 GOLD indicated gold ounces and 14,000 Inferred 1 2 1 2 CHICAGO , TWIN PEAKS PROJECT (ANURI , INUK , gold ounces over the 2008 resource RAVEN 3, THREE BLUFFS 4, Operator/Owner WEST PLAINS 5) estimate. This 2009 estimate was based Newmont Mining Corporation, on metal lurgical test work and 15,673 m Bear Lake Gold Ltd. Operator/Owner (89 holes) of drilling which includes 903 CBR Gold Corp. Commodity m in five holes drilled in 2008 on the Gold Commodity deposit’s western margin subsequent to Gold NTS the 2008 resource estimate. About 85 per 76O/10 1, 76O/15 2 NTS 1 cent of these resources are within 120 m of Location 56K/02, 56K/07-56K/10 ; 2 surface. 185 km south-southwest 56J/16, 56O/01, 56P/03-56P/07 ; 3 Following the revised resource of Cambridge Bay 1, 135 km south- 56K/06, 56K/10, 56K/11 ; 4 estimate, CBR Gold initiated a scoping southwest of Cambridge Bay 2 56J/10-56J/16 ; 56K/03, 56K/04, 56K/06 5 study to investigate the economic viability The claims are two separate groups Location of the deposit. The deposit was modeled 1 totalling 114 km 2. Exploration work began 265 km south of Kugaaruk , using three domains; a high-grade hinge 135 km south of Kugaaruk 2, in the summer of 2004. All work on this zone, south limb and north limb. CBR 260 km southwest of Kugaaruk 3, Gold envisions the Three Bluffs deposit project has been conducted by Hope Bay 220 km south of Kugaaruk 4, Mining Ltd. under contract to the former 247 km northeast of Baker Lake 5 to be a low-tonnage, high-grade open-pit Maximus Ventures Ltd. For the Twin Peaks- mine. Metallurgical testing has indicated a Discovery ground at the north end of the The Committee Bay greenstone belt is gold recovery rate of 93 per cent using Hope Bay greenstone belt, numerous gold more than 300 km long, five to 50 km wide gravity, flotation, cyanide leaching and a occurrences were found within zones of and geologically similar to the greenstone combination of these methods. strong iron-carbonate alteration and/or belts that host the Meadowbank and A limited exploration program in 2009 silicification. Gold mineralization is Meliadine gold deposits. The Committee Bay consisted of follow-up surface mapping accompanied by anomalous silver, copper, belt hosts more than 40 high-grade gold and sampling of high-priority targets lead and zinc values. Mineralization is occurrences. CBR Gold Corp., formerly identified in earlier prospecting work. found within argillaceous sediments and Committee Bay Resources Ltd., holds Mapping and sampling (rock, till) programs conglomerates overlying volcanic rocks greater than 360,000 ha of land with pro s - concentrated on areas such as Raven West, and syenitic intrusives adjacent to a major pective geology and controls more than 85 COP, Anuri South and Prospector where lineament. Twin Peaks has been inter - per cent of the greenstone belt. significant gold mineralization (3.5 g/t to preted as being similar to Newmont’s Significant mineralization has been 15 g/t) has been found. Results of the gold-bearing Nartok-Madrid area. The outlined at Antler, Anuri, Inuk, Raven, programs will be used to develop drill Chicago ground located to the south Three Bluffs and West Plains. The Three targets for 2010.

Mineral Exploration, Mining and Geoscience 2009 35 20-40_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 9:41 PM Page 36

At the north end of the system (Doris on the Madrid Trend. New geological HOPE BAY PROJECT (BOSTON, DORIS, MADRID) North deposit), the veins are folded into a models were constructed of Doris, Madrid doubly-plunging anticline with the high- Trend and Boston, providing improved control Operator/Owner grade hinge zone lying close to the surface. on drill targeting and resource definition. Newmont Mining Corporation The Madrid deposit is comprised of the Infrastructure development was also Commodity Rand, Naartok East, Naartok West and undertaken; during the year, a new core Gold Suluk deposits, as these have been shown shack was built, a new 50-person camp NTS in recent years to be linked. The Madrid was developed near the existing 118-person 76O/09, 76O/10, 76O/15, 76O/16, 77A/02, 77A/03, 77A/06, 77A/07, 77A/10 Trend extends north and south of the Madrid Doris camp, and new core-storage pads deposit, and hosts the Spur, Marianas, were constructed near the Doris airstrip. The Location 130 km southwest of Cambridge Bay Patch 7 and Patch 14 zones. Gold mineral - project continues towards mine permitting. ization is lithologically and structurally The Hope Bay Gold Project covers the controlled and occurs adjacent to a complex, LUPIN 1, ULU 2 majority of the Hope Bay greenstone belt, large-scale structural feature known as the Operator/Owner Deformation Zone. Most resources lie within one of the most prospective greenstone belts MMG Resources Inc. (Minmetals) in Canada. Newmont Mining Corpor ation the northern two kilometres of this zone. Commodity The Boston deposit, located near the south acquired the Hope Bay Project in early Gold end of the belt, is hosted by a tightly folded 2008 with the finalization of its acquisition NTS sequence of volcanic and sedimentary rocks. of Miramar Mining Corporation. The 76E/11, 76E/14 1; 76L/15 2 Four zones of mineralization have been project covers ground held by mineral Location claims, mineral leases and IOL exploration identified at Boston. 287 km south-southeast of Kugluktuk 1, agreements for a combined total area of In 2009, Newmont undertook a belt- 202 km southeast of Kugluktuk 2 approximately 110,151 ha. The Hope Bay scale study consisting of geological, geo - greenstone belt, 80 km long and seven to physical and geochemical data compilation, The Lupin gold deposit was discovered in 20 km wide, lies in the Bathurst Block in re-interpretation and assessment of meta- 1961. Kinross Gold Corporation acquired the northeast Slave Province. The belt and morphic anomalies. To compliment the study, Lupin, then an operating underground its deposits are classified as Archean lode- a belt-wide prospectivity analysis was also gold mine, from Echo Bay Mines in 2003 gold type. The belt is isoclinally folded and completed. This analysis outlined targets and operated it until closure in 2005. Over contains belt-parallel shear zones. Gold for future work, including helicopter- the life of the mine, Lupin produced more deposits are associated with large-scale supported gravity surveys and a geochemical than 3.37 million ounces of gold at an regional structures. sampling program, detailed geological average grade of 9.3 g/t. Upon closure of the Significant gold deposits on the property mapping, IP surveying and diamond drill- mine, remaining resources were 1.1 million include, from north to south, the Doris testing on a number of regional exploration tonnes at 11.3 g/t Au. In 2009, MMG North, Madrid and Boston deposits. All targets. Prospectivity analyses will be ongoing Resources Inc. (the Canadian subsidiary of deposits and showings occur within or features of future regional exploration. China Minmetals) acquired the majority proximal to a major shear zone. The est i- Newmont completed an aggressive drill of OZ Minerals’ assets, including the mated combined resource (indicated and program of infill and step-out drilling at and the Ulu gold deposit. The inferred resources) for the Hope Bay deposits Doris, with significant work also conducted Ulu deposit, located 160 km north of is more than 10 million ounces of gold. at Madrid and particularly in the Patch 14 Lupin, was discovered by BHP in 1989, The Doris deposits (Doris North, Doris area. In 2009, a drill program totalling contains gold in a number of quartz-veined Central and Doris Connector) occur in a approximately 48,000 m was completed. shear zones and may have the potential to steeply-dipping quartz-vein system in Drilling comprised 7,000 m on regional supply additional reserves to feed the folded and metamorphosed pillow basalts. targets, 15,000 m at Doris and 26,000 m Lupin mill.

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In 2008, OZ Minerals, the then-owner exploration expenditures totalling $2 million of the Lupin and Ulu deposits, completed and staged share payments to Kaminak by a preliminary economic assessment of the December 31, 2010. Lupin gold mine with the option of In a NI 43-101 report produced in milling and processing ore from High 2007, a two-phase exploration program Lake and Izok Lake at the Lupin site. The was proposed in which drilling, ground company concluded that the combination geophysics and field work would be of several high-grade deposits (e.g. High followed by a second phase of drilling on Lake, Izok Lake, Gondor and Ulu) could targets delineated by the initial work. be economically extracted, shipped and Drilling completed in 2008 confirmed processed at the Lupin mine site. However, historical values on the property and also with the current depressed market conditions identified a new vein structure within 100 m and the corporate restructuring of OZ of a mineralized boulder that returned Minerals, now China Minmetals and significant gold (486 g/t Au). Drilling MMG Resources Inc., further work on the also tested a new style of mineralization

Izok Lake and High Lake properties has in which zinc and lead were discovered, float plane at the been postponed. In 2009, both the Lupin in addition to anomalous gold. TerraX Main Camp Lake dock, Hackett River COURTESY OF SABINA GOLD & SILVER CORP. and Ulu deposits remained under care and continues to review the work. maintenance. exposure of over 500 m and to be present TURNER LAKE to a depth of at least 100 m. Historical NEEDLE LAKE Operator/Owner values (non NI 43-101 compliant) indicate Operator/Owner Northrock Resources Inc. 28.0 g/t Au over 4.75 m, 12.86 g/t Au over TerraX Minerals Inc., Commodities 8.87 m and 15.20 g/t Au over four metres. Kaminak Gold Corporation Gold, Copper, Nickel, Platinum, In 2008, Rockgate Capital Corp. devolved Commodity Palladium these properties to Northrock Resources Gold NTS Inc., its former wholly-owned subsidiary, NTS 76N/02 and the claims were held in an agreement 76G/03 Location with Trade Winds Ventures Inc. In Location 57 km northwest of Bathurst Inlet September 2009, Northrock Resources 455 km south-southwest of Inc. completed an agreement to acquire Cambridge Bay The Turner Lake Property covers four the remaining 25 per cent interest from mineral claims covering an area of 1,012.5 Trade Wind Ventures. The Needle Lake Property consists of two ha, located near Bathurst Inlet. There are In 2009, 1,187 m (nine holes) were claims covering 2,090 ha. The claims three known showings: Main Gold, Turner drilled at the Main Gold Zone as two owned by Kaminak Gold Corporation, East Gold and Nickel Knob showings, all fences of holes were completed from the have numerous high-grade surface gold of Archean age. Significant gold minera l - same drill pad. Visible gold was identified showings hosted by banded iron for - ization occurs in meta-greywacke that is in eight of the nine holes; the most mation, a similar geological setting to the surrounded by an ultramafic unit. The significant intersection was 13.21 g/t Au past-producing Lupin Mine. The property Main Zone occurs along a metasedimentary- over 13.0 m. Elevated silver and bismuth contains more than a dozen untested gold ultramafic contact with gold minera l- concentrations are also found within occurrences with historical assays greater than ization concentrated within the iron-rich, mineralized zones. Gangue mineralogy 10 g/t Au. TerraX can earn up to a 60 per brecciated meta-greywacke. Exploration includes arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite and cent interest in the property by incurring has determined the zone to have a surface minor chalcopyrite.

Mineral Exploration, Mining and Geoscience 2009 37

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0 #

# Lithium

0 # # Spodumene-bearing pegmatite was invest i- was prospected for additional lithium-rich TORP LAKE gated by the Geological Survey of Canada pegmatite. From the sampling program, Operator/Owner in the early 1990s. The main dyke, the values up to 3.5% Li 2O were returned. North Arrow Minerals Inc. McAvoy, is described in historical work Spodumene characteristically contains a Commodity as being traceable for at least 200 m, maximum lithium content of approxi - Lithium potentially up to 400 m along strike, and mately 8.0% Li O and lithium-bearing NTS 2 76N/05, 76N/06 attaining widths of 10 m to 15 m. pegmatite typically returns grades of 1.0% Location Spodumene, a lithium-bearing silicate to 1.5% Li 2O. The 3.5% Li 2O reported for 245 km east-southeast of Kugluktuk mineral, occurs in the McAvoy pegmatite the McAvoy pegmatite, therefore, indicates as columnar crystals up to 1.5 m in length. the sampled area of the pegmatite contains The Torp Lake lithium project covers two The mineral occurs over a 110 m interval. approximately 40% to 50% spodumene. mineral claims (2,006.6 ha) and was staked In the summer of 2009, the dyke was North Arrow is planning a ground to cover a known lithium-rich pegmatite. mapped and sampled and the property geophysical and drilling program for 2010.

GF Nickel–Copper–Platinum Group Metals (PGM)

explored over the intrusion and histori c- gram were put on care and main ten ance. GF MIE ally sampled along the walls of the body Research work involved data compilation Operator/Owner for high-grade copper, nickel and PGM and 3D-modelling of historical data. 5050 Nunavut Limited, occurrences. MIE Metals Corp. The two properties held under the MIE GF MUSKOX Commodity project are the All Night Lake and Nickel, Copper, Cobalt, Platinum, Operator/Owner Palladium, Gold McGregor Lake projects. The All Night Platinex Inc. Lake project covers the layered series and NTS Commodity 86J/14 roof zone of the intrusion and is being Nickel, Copper, Cobalt, Platinum, Location explored for chromitite-PGM reef-style Palladium, Gold 110 km south-southwest of Kugluktuk mineralization, similar to the reefs of the NTS South African Bushveld complex. 86O/05, 86O/06, 86O/11, 86O/12 In 2009, Adriana Resources Inc. sold its The McGregor Lake Property occurs Location nickel-copper-PGM and uranium projects over part of the Muskox Intrusion where 45 km southwest of Kugluktuk to 5050 Nunavut Limited and MIE Metals anomalous nickel-copper-PGM mineral i z a - Corp. The MIE project is comprised of tion occurs in the wallrocks. Additionally, Platinex Inc. acquired 38 mining claims two properties covering more than 630 the southern part of the property is (35,231 ha) on the Muskox Intrusion in km 2. The economic potential of the situated over a major northwest-trending 2007. These claims are on Crown land and Muskox Intrusion was first recognized in structural corridor which intersects the surface IOL. The Muskox Reef, which the 1950s by Inco Limited while exploring base of the intrusion. contains up to 6.2 g/t PGM and gold, for native copper in the For 2009, with the changes in corporate occurs in the upper portion of the ultra - area. Since then, various companies have ownership, the exploration camp and pr o- mafic zone of the intrusion. Platinex is

38 Kitikmeot Region 20-40_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 9:41 PM Page 39

Below: Aerial photo of landscape, western Kitikmeot COURTESY OF INAC

conducting exploration work to the north ranging from 20 m to 65 m. Additional up-ice from PB2 and a minor gold-in-till of where the Muskox Intrusion is exposed. similar anomalies and oxidized sulphide anomaly is found down-ice. Platinex considers this area to be an zones exist in the area. At PB3, four sulphide-bearing samples untested down-dip extension of the main Exploration work and prospecting in returned values of 1.2 g/t and 0.6 g/t Au, body. The mining claims are underlain by 2008 and 2009 returned encouraging up to 49.5 g/t Ag and elevated base metal well-exposed basalt flows of the Copper - results for gold mineralization. A single grab values (0.14% Cu, 0.57% Pb and 0.29% mine River Formation which in turn are sample taken from the Tunerq showing Zn). PB4 prospect has numerous sulphide- conformably underlain by the upper from a three to five metre-wide oxidized bearing boulders identified over an area sequence of Middle Proterozoic sedimentary gossan zone exposed for 50 m returned approximately one square kilometre. The rocks of the Dismal Lakes Group. Platinex’s 5.8 g/t Au. Numerous gold anomalies in source of the boulders appears to be the exploration target for nickel, copper and till were also identified. In 2009, an 80 by contact area of a quartz diorite pluton platinum group metals lies at depth below 80 km area was identified in the central intruding metasedimentary rocks. Five the cover rocks. part of the Amaruk property and numerous samples were collected for assay and one In October 2008, Platinex released an gold anomalies were defined in this area. sample taken close to the contact returned NI 43-101 Qualifying Report in which a Mineralization occurs in an oxidized a value of 1.0 g/t Au. detailed analysis was made of the property. sulphide-bearing zone (100 m long and For 2010, Diamonds North is planning Recommendations made at that time were three metres to eight metres wide with local an extensive gold exploration program to for a $2.6 million program to geologically widths of up to 20 m) and within a quartz begin in the first quarter of 2010. The map the property and conduct ground feldspar porphyry whose extent is unknown. focus will be drilling the PB1 gold showing, geophysics to delineate targets for follow- The gold-bearing porphyry extends laterally with emphasis placed on 21 other gold up drilling. tens of metres beyond the oxide zone. showings for mapping and prospecting Four areas identified as PB1 to PB4 have followed by drilling. Other anomalous FG TUNERQ returned assay values of greater than 1.0 areas will be prospected. Operator/Owner g/t Au, seven areas have returned values of Diamonds North Resources Ltd. 100 parts per billion (ppb) to 1.0 g/t Au Commodity and 11 areas have elevated gold values of Nickel, Copper, Cobalt, Gold 20 ppb to 100 ppb. Each of these discrete NTS areas anoma lous in gold covers approx i- 56O/14, 56O/15, 57A/02-57A/07, mately 5 km 2 (square kilometres). 57A/13, 57D/02, 57D/04, 57D/06, The PB1 prospect occurs along a 40 km- 57D/11 long structure. A continuous rock chip Location sample across an oxidized sulphide zone 40 km southwest of Kugaaruk yielded 9.4 g/t Au over three metres. A In 2007, Diamonds North Resources Ltd. nearby grab sample of un-oxidized altered discovered nickel mineralization in an porphyry with no apparent sulphide outcrop from the Tunerq showing on the mineralization contained 24 g/t Au. PB2 Amaruk diamond property. Grab samples was outlined from reverse circulation drill returned nickel-copper-cobalt-PGM minera l chips returned during initial drilling for assays up to 1.36% Ni, 0.21% Cu and kimberlite on Amaruk. The chips were 0.07% Co. The mineralized outcrop is sulphide-bearing and assay results yielded approximately 20 m to 30 m wide. Associated 1.4 g/t Au and 1.0 g/t Au over two separate with this showing is a 700 m- to 1,500 m-long 1.5 metre intervals. Additionally, a gold- magnetic anomaly with estimated widths in-till anomaly occurs two kilometres

Mineral Exploration, Mining and Geoscience 2009 39 20-40_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 9:41 PM Page 40

Inactive Projects

A number of projects had no active of companies acquired ground in the The Muskox property, operated by exploration work undertaken in 2009 but Coronation Gulf area following the Silvermet Inc. and owned by Prize Mining the land is still held in good standing by discovery in 2001 of the Artemisia kimber- Corporation, was being explored for nickel- companies. lite pipe by Ashton Mining of Canada Inc., copper-PGM over the Muskox Intrusive in On the Corhill uranium-gold-platinum Stornoway’s wholly-owned subsidiary. To the western Kikitmeot. Drilling work in 2007 project located on NTS map sheets 86K/14 date, 17 kimberlites are known to exist in intersected new mineralization, and further and 86K/15 (145 km southwest of Kugluk- the area. No work was conducted on any of work in 2008 included ground geophysical tuk, operator Xemplar Energy Corp.) kept the properties in 2009. surveys along the eastern and western the ground. Golden River Resources The BR/SC diamond property located margins of the Muskox Intrusion. Silver - conducted no exploration work on its Hood north of is owned by met planned to transfer the Muskox Project River project located 165 km southeast of Western Standard Metals Ltd. (formerly into a newly formed company, Muskox Kugluktuk on NTS map sheet 76L/13. This Nordic Diamonds Ltd.). In 2008, Nordic Metals Inc., and retain the right of earning ground has been explored for gold and drilled six targets on the property did not up to 70 per cent interest in the property. base metals in the Contwoyto Lake and intersect kimberlite and evaluated options No work was undertaken in 2009. Hood River area. On North Arrow’s Hope for the property. In 2009, Nordic was taken Kaminak Gold Corporation and partner Bay gold project (Oro) , 125 km southwest over by Western Standard Metals Ltd. No Mega Uranium Ltd. hold permitted of Cambridge Bay and located on NTS work was conducted on the ground. ground on the Washburn Uranium map sheet 77A/03, no exploration work Indicator Minerals Inc. and Hunter property 125 km northwest of Cambridge was undertaken in 2009. Exploration Group held prospecting permits Bay. This project covers portions of the Stornoway Diamond Corporation holds and claims southwest of Kugaaruk. Reco n- Proterozoic Elu Basin located on south- varying interests (between 30 and 100 per naissance exploration was conducted on this eastern Victoria Island. No exploration cent) in nine different properties covering ground in 2008 for diamonds following work was conducted on this project in 177,252 ha in the Coronation Gulf area of positive results from heavy mineral samp ling. 2009. western Kitikmeot. Stornoway is operator These projects were termed IME Grassroots ; Helicopter coming in for a crew change, western on all but two of the properties. A number no further work was done in 2009. Kitikmeot COURTESY OF SABINA GOLD & SILVER CORP.

40 Kitikmeot Region 41-60_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 10:04 PM Page 41

Kivalliq Region

The Kivalliq region includes Nunavut’s construction of service buildings eastern mainland, Southampton Island and the processing and power and several small islands in Hudson Bay. plants, and acquired additional The communities of Rankin Inlet and Baker operational equipment. Commis- Lake provide logistical support for many sioning of the processing plant is exploration projects in the region. scheduled for January 2010; half The level of exploration activity in 2009 a million tonnes of ore from the in the Kivalliq region was at reduced levels Portage Deposit are currently when compared to the previous three years. ready for processing. Agnico- However, because of extensive field pro - Eagle continued with additional grams in 2007 and 2008, most companies exploration off the mine site, have maintained their prospective ground with further ground acquired without a field presence in 2009. near the Meadowbank mine Rocks of the Archean-Proterozoic trend. Western Churchill geological province Seventeen companies conducted underlie much of the Kivalliq region. field programs in the Kivalliq Islands within Hudson Bay, including the region in 2009. This translated into 26 advanced uranium project, Kiggavik, is southern portion of Southampton Island, active properties with land tenure main - operated by AREVA Resources Canada are underlain by sedimentary rocks of the tained or consolidated on an additional 15 Ltd. In late 2008, AREVA filed a project Paleozoic Hudson Platform. The Western properties. Follow ing the release of description with the Nunavut Impact Churchill Province spans a 1.5 billion year airborne magnetic survey and preliminary Review Board for a combined open-pit interval and, with its diverse geology, is mapping data from the Southampton and underground uranium mine operation host to a variety of mineral deposit types. Island Integrated Geoscience Project, large and related infrastructure development. Known mineral deposits, prospects and blocks of ground were acquired through The company is awaiting a decision from occurrences identified in the Kivalliq prospecting permits by Anglo American the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern include: mafic to ultramafic-related Exploration (Canada) Ltd. and Vale Inco Development on the next step in the magmatic nickel-copper-cobalt-Platinum Limited. regulatory process. Group Metals (PGM); orogenic (meso- Comaplex Minerals continued to NTI signed its second exploration thermal) lode gold; volcanic massive advance the Meliadine gold property, 25 agreement with Forum Uranium Corp. This sulphides; syngenetic and epigenetic kilometres (km) east of Rankin Inlet. With agreement covers uranium exploration on uranium, quartz-carbonate veins containing detailed knowledge from its under ground Inuit Owned Land (IOL) west of Baker precious metals, and diamonds associated program on the Tiriganiaq Deposit and a Lake. with Phanerozoic kimberlite intrusions. NI 43-101 resource estimate for the Diamond exploration efforts in 2009 Past-producing mines in the Kivalliq adjacent Discovery Deposit, an indepen dent were limited to prospecting and infill till region are the North Rankin Nickel Mine preliminary assessment was completed. The sampling by two operators. at Rankin Inlet and the Cullaton/Shear Lake results indicate gold production from the Gold Mine, north of . Meliadine property is feasible under The Meadowbank Gold Mine is scheduled current and projected economic conditions. to begin production in early 2010. In 2009, uranium exploration within Meadowbank is Nunavut’s largest mineral the territory was limited to the Kivalliq development project. Mine develop ment region. The main area of interest remains expenditures at Meadowbank hit $600 the Proterozoic Thelon Basin and under- million in 2009 as the company completed lying Archean basement. The most

Mineral Exploration, Mining and Geoscience 2009 41 41-60_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 10:04 PM Page 42

Base Metals

(including arsenopyrite) and as sulphide volcanogenic massive sulphide occurrence GREYHOUND LAKE replacements in iron formation. at Aura Lake. Among these indicators are Operator/Owner Interpretation of 2008 airborne electro - sodium (Na 2O) depletion and manganese Aura Silver Resources Inc. magnetic and magnetic survey data identi - (MnO) enrichment in the footwall. Potassium Commodities fied numerous anomalies over a strike-length (K 2O) is similarly enriched in the footwall Copper, Lead, Zinc, Silver, Gold of 25 km, with specific linear targets each sequence. The exhalite units are locally NTS at least 800 metres (m) in length. Distinct enriched in silver, zinc, thallium and 66A/08 conductors are coincident with previously europium, as well as manganese. Current Location described geochemical anomalies and interpretation suggests that there are two 40 km north of Baker Lake high-grade assays. These conductors include separate types of mineralization within The Greyhound Lake project area comprises a series of discrete anomalies over a strike- the property; one a copper-lead-zinc-silver approximately 23,000 hectares (ha) in 25 length of more than five kilometres near VMS system and the other an orogenic minerals claims. Eight distinct targets have Aura Lake. Anomalous zinc, copper and gold system. been identified: three gold and five base gold samples were collected from an iron- In 2009, an 857 line-km helicopter- metal targets. Gold mineralization (up to rich occurrence in this area. borne electromagnetic survey was carried 28 grams per tonne (g/t) Au) occurs in The company has identified what it out. Plans are underway to implement a association with disseminated sulphides considers to be geochemical indicators of a drill program in 2010.

Banded sulphide mineralization found on the Greyhound Lake property COURTESY OF AURA SILVER RESOURCES INC. Diamonds

CHESTERFIELD INLET Operator/Owner Shear Minerals Ltd., Stornoway Diamond Corporation, Kennecott Canada Exploration Inc. Commodity Diamonds NTS 55O/05-55O/07 Location 15 km west of

In 2009, Kennecott Canada Exploration and near the indicator minerals dispersion and Stornoway have jointly granted Inc. entered into an agreement with Shear train termed the North Corridor of the Kennecott the right and option to acquire Minerals and Stornoway Diamond larger Churchill Diamond Project. Portions up to a 70 per cent interest, subject to Corporation on the Chesterfield Inlet of the Chesterfield Inlet project area can existing underlying royalties, in the Diamond Project. The project comprises be accessed by gravel road from the diamond rights to this project. approximately 28,330 ha located within community of Chesterfield Inlet. Shear

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Diamond drill located on the Churchill project COURTESY OF INAC

CHURCHILL, DIAMONDS NORTH PERMITS CHURCHILL WEST Operator/Owner Operator/Owner Diamonds North Resources Ltd. Shear Minerals Ltd., Stornoway Commodity Diamond Corporation Diamonds Commodity NTS Diamonds 56H/03-56H/06, 56A/13 NTS Location 55N/08, 55N/09, 55O/02-55O/07, 215 km southwest of Repulse Bay 55O/11, 55O/12 (KIM) grains and another sample (TDS5- 126) containing a small micro-diamond. Location Fourteen prospecting permits were acquired 45 km north of Rankin Inlet To augment this survey, in 2009 Star field by Diamonds North in February 2008. In completed a helicopter-borne geophysical October 2009 the company staked 17 claims The Churchill Diamond Project (Churchill survey in the Y Lake area. This detailed within two prospecting permits. No work and Churchill West properties) covers program comprised electromagnetic and has been publically reported. 809,371 ha and was first explored in 2003. horizontal magnetic gradiometer surveys Since that time, a kimberlite field has been FERGUSON LAKE totalling 4,729 line-km. Fourteen anomalies well-defined by operator Shear Minerals were identified; several of these displayed and its partners. The project area is Operator/Owner standard characteristics of kimberlitic Starfield Resources Inc., underlain by the Churchill Province bodies. Anomaly M4 was significant as it Thanda Resources Ltd. cratonic rocks. The Churchill kimberlites was located approximately 1.5 km up-ice Commodity drilled to date range in age from 177 to Diamonds of the diamond-bearing till sample TDS5- 228 million years and are covered by a thin 126. NTS overburden layer. 65I/09-65I/15, 65J/14, 65J/16, 65O/01, In September 2009, Starfield signed a Since 2003, 88 kimberlite occurrences 65P/03, 65P/04 joint-venture agreement with Thanda have been discovered. Nine new kimber - Location Resources Inc. to develop the diamond lites were discovered in 2008, including the 160 km south of Baker Lake potential on the Ferguson Lake property. Killiq and Kahuna Breccia kimberlites. The agreement gives Thanda the right to The Killiq kimberlite is interpreted as a 1.1 Starfield Resources Inc. owns a 100 per earn an initial 50 per cent participating km-long, north-south trending kimberlite cent stake in the property which is interest by incurring cumulative explor ation estimated to be approximately 0.75 m comprised of 264 mineral claims totalling expenses of $6.5 million over a three-year wide, similar to another kimberlite dyke 526,090 ha, making it one of the largest period. Starfield would continue to be the (PST003) found on the property. Macro combined base metals and platinum main operator with Thanda providing diamonds have been recovered from the group metals (PGM) projects in Nunavut. financial and diamond exploration Kahuna Breccia and Killiq kimberlites. As the property covers a vast amount of expertise. Work in 2009 focused on continued ground, Starfield began to assess the Starfield and Thanda conducted a exploration of new indicator mineral trains potential for other commodities. In 2005, limited diamond-drilling program at the Y and geophysical anomalies. Addition ally, the company initiated a regional scale till Lake site in late 2009, targeting a series of evaluation continued of the system of sampling program which was completed geophysical targets interpreted as potential diamond-bearing, vertically-emplaced during the 2006 field season. Results from kimberlite bodies. Seven high-priority kimberlite dykes. this survey included one sample (Y Lake geophysical targets were identified for drill TDS5-125) that contained a significant testing. Results of this exploration program number of kimberlitic indicator mineral are expected early in 2010.

Mineral Exploration, Mining and Geoscience 2009 43 41-60_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 10:04 PM Page 44

Below: Inuksuk near Nanuq North camp COURTESY OF INAC

In 2007, Peregrine discovered three INDIGO NANUQ kimberlites: Kayuu (Hawk), Naturalik (Eagle) Operator/Owner Operator/Owner and Tudlik (Sandpiper). Processing of drill Indicator Minerals Inc. Peregrine Diamonds Ltd. core samples indicated all kimberlites were Commodity Commodity diamondiferous. Radiometric age dating o f Diamonds Diamonds the Naturalik and Kayuu bodies indicated ages NTS NTS of 80 and 70 million years, respectively. 66G/16 56G/01-56G/03, 56G/06-56G/11 A $1.5 million diamond exploration Location Location program was completed in 2009. Field work 200 km northwest of Baker Lake 225 km northeast of Baker Lake consisted of collecting approximately 1,300 In February 2008, Indicator Minerals Inc. Peregrine Diamonds holds a 100 per heavy mineral samples, and evaluating 10 to acquired 20 prospecting permits, 200 km cent interest in the 314,000 ha Nanuq 20 geophysical anomalies by pros pecting southwest of its Darby Project. No work property subject to a two per cent and geophysical sampling. The goals of the has been publically reported and only one gross overriding royalty payable to BHP 2009 program included increasing the permit remains in good standing. Billiton. kimberlite indicator mineral sample density, evaluating geophysical anomalies and collecting follow-up samples of unexplained kimberlite indicator mineral anomalies. Results from this program are expected to be received in late 2009 and early 2010. Inter - pretation of these results will assist in planning details of a drill program that is currently scheduled to commence in the spring of 2010.

NANUQ NORTH Operator/Owner Indicator Minerals Inc., Peregrine Diamonds Ltd., Hunter Exploration Group Commodity Diamonds NTS 56H/02, 56H/03 Location 300 km northeast of Baker Lake

Indicator Minerals Inc. and Peregrine Diamonds Ltd. have a joint venture on the 33,100 ha Nanuq North property, with Indicator as operator. Each company retains a 40 per cent interest in 16 core claims covering 13,900 ha with Hunter Exploration Group holding a 20 per cent

44 Kivalliq Region 41-60_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 10:04 PM Page 45

interest to be carried through to exploration using airborne geophysics Prospecting in the vicinity of other completion of a scoping study. Peregrine (magnetic, electromagnetic and gravity unsourced mineral trains on the property and Indicator each have an undivided 50 surveying) together with property-wide has yet to discover kimberlite; these anoma - per cent interest in the remaining claims. till sampling, drilling and limited mini- lous areas remain unexplained. Additional Exploration work in 2008 consisted of bulk sampling. Eleven kimberlites were till samples collected in 2008 will help to airborne and ground geophysical surveys, discovered as a result of BHP Billiton identify the source bodies. To date, no with a follow-up reverse circulation work; 10 were tested and all were diamon - results have been released from this drilling campaign. One kimberlite was diferous. Stornoway optioned the property sampling program. During 2009, no field - discovered, NQN-001. A total of 206 and took over as operator in 2006, and has work was completed at this locality as diamonds larger than the 0.075 millimetre subsequently discovered seven kimberlites Stornoway concentrated its exploration (mm) sieve size was recovered by caustic ( 1 to Naujaat 7). These bodies, efforts and expenditures on more fusion from a 152.75 kilogram (kg) sample together with the 11 kimberlite pipes advanced properties. of the NQN-001 kimberlite. discovered by BHP Billiton, all lie within a A dispute arose between the partners 26 km-long belt. concerning the proposed 2009 program View south of Nanuq North camp and no field work was implemented. COURTESY OF INAC Arbitration proceedings are currently scheduled for May 2010.

QILALUGAQ Operator/Owner Stornoway Diamond Corporation, BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc. Commodity Diamonds NTS 46L, 46M Location 10 km north of Repulse Bay, extending across the Rae Isthmus

The 420,870 ha Qilalugaq project is covered by an option agreement between Stornoway Diamond Corporation and BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc. Stornoway can earn a 50 per cent interest in the project from BHP by spending $9 million before December 31, 2012. The property hosts 18 known kimbe r- lites, including the Q1-4 coalescing bodies that cover 14 ha. The initial permits were acquired by BHP Billiton in 2001. The project has undergone several phases of

Mineral Exploration, Mining and Geoscience 2009 45 41-60_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 10:04 PM Page 46

Below: Cameco's exploration camp at Qamanaarjuk Lake Energy Sources COURTESY OF INAC Uranium

Exploration in 2008 consisted of ABERDEEN, TURQAVIK AMER LAKE diamond drilling, in-fill prospecting and Operator/Owner sampling of outcrop and boulders and Operator/Owner Cameco Corporation detailed mapping over selected outcrops. Uranium North Resources Corp. Commodity Semi-regional and detailed gravity surveys Commodity Uranium Uranium were also undertaken. Within the drill - NTS holes, weak to moderate clay alteration and NTS 66A/05, 66A/12, 66B/01, 66B/02, 66H/09, 66H/10 strong hematite alteration was intersected 66B/07-66B/10, 66B/13-66B/16, 66G/03 Location locally. Strong hematite alteration in one Location 135 km north-northwest of Baker Lake 85 km west of Baker Lake drillhole was identified to the end of the hole, a depth of 280 m. However, no Uranium North Resources Corp. acquired mineralization was intersected in any of the the ground as prospecting permits in The Aberdeen and Turqavik properties 2008 drillholes. A single boulder of mafic 2006, converting its holdings to claims in consist of more than 300 claims. In addition volcanic rock with hematite alteration and 2008. The property is now comprised of to these land holdings, Cameco Corporation sooty pitchblende mineralization was 24 contiguous claims totalling 24,560 ha. holds 23 mining leases in the Deep Rose discovered during the ground prospecting The area covered by the Amer Lake Lake area, northwest of . and mapping program. The source of the property was explored by Aquitaine Company The project areas are situated along the boulder is unknown. of Canada, Uranerz Exploration and eastern margin of the Paleoproterozoic The 2009 field program at Aberdeen Cominco Ltd. between 1969 and1981. The Thelon Basin near the Kiggavik and Sissons and Turqavik consisted of ground geo - most significant work completed on the uranium deposits. The area is underlain by physical gravity work, followed by drilling, property during this period was by Archean to Paleoproterozoic granitoid mapping and related sampling. This was Aquitaine who drilled 37 holes in the gneiss, metasedimentary and metavolcanic the fourth year of field work in this area. A project area. Aquitaine defined a resource rock and undeformed granite and syenite. field program is expected in 2010. of 7.4 million pounds at 0.10% U 3O8 in 1970. In 1977 Cominco defined a 6.7

million pound resource at 0.07% U 3O8 at the Amer Lake deposit, Main Zone. A number of other uranium showings including Faucon, Main East, A, B, C, D, E, Horned Lake and Split Lake were also identified within the property. A laterally extensive (more than 25 km) shallowly south-dipping (20° (degrees) to 40°) sequence of sandstones, siltstones and minor dolo stones of the Paleoproterozoic Amer Group underlies much of the property. The Main Zone appears to be a sandstone-hosted uranium deposit with possible localized higher grade, structurally controlled uranium mineral- ization. The main mineral ized zone is hosted within a magnetic sand stone unit

46 Kivalliq Region 41-60_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 10:04 PM Page 47

Drilling on Lac Cinquante uranium deposit, Angilak project COURTESY OF INAC

that is geophysically traceable. Uranium occurs in a series of thin beds over a stratigraphic interval of 250 m and a strike-length of 1,500 m. Assay values

range from 0.5% to 1.5% U 3O8 over 0.2 m intervals with mineralization present in further surrounding intervals of 1.5m to 2.0 m thicknesses and grades up to 0.17%

U3O8. Drilling by Uranium North in 2008 a south-easterly direction for seven extended the Main Zone, intersecting ANGILAK (LAC CINQUANTE, YATHKYED [K]) kilometres. The Lac Cinquante trend uranium mineralization to the south and extends 1.6 km to the northwest, beyond Operator/Owner east along strike of the deposit. A total of the western margin of the historic 1,763 m of reverse circulation drilling was Kivalliq Energy Corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. uranium deposit. In addition, more than completed in 16 vertical holes. 20 significant uranium surface showings A NI 43-101-compliant inferred mineral Commodity Uranium are related to electro magnetic anomalies resource calculation was completed in NTS within the trend. 2009 for the deposit. Using the current 65J/10, 65J/07, 65J/09-65J/11 In 2009, Kivalliq Energy completed industry standard cut-off of 0.01% U O , 3 8 Location 1,745 m of drilling in 16 holes. Fourteen an inferred resource of 19.3 million 235 km southwest of Baker Lake holes evaluated the Lac Cinquante deposit; pounds U 3O8 at a grade of 0.04% has been one tested an exploration target while defined. Using a cut-off grade of 0.05% The combination of mineral tenure on another was not completed. Twelve holes U3O8, 9.7 million pounds U 3O8 are inferred. Crown land (prospecting permits now drilled at the deposit intersected radio - This resource is confined to drilling converted to mineral claims) and IOL active zones 0.6 m to 4.7 m in width, along undertaken within an area measuring covers about 91,054 ha; these lands are 900 m of strike-length and to a depth of 1,400 m in an east-west direction and 500 now collectively called the Angilak Project. 125 m from surface. The deposit’s main m in a northwest-southeast direction. The Angilak project area is host to over zone was historically described as a vein- Further geological and geophysical data 150 historic mineral occurrences, mostly type uranium deposit occurring within a suggests that the Main Zone deposit may discovered between 1975 and 1981. These near-vertical alteration and structural additionally extend 1,200 m to the showings have variable metal content and zone over a strike-length of one kilometre southeast. The NI 43-101 report concludes include significant uranium, silver, gold and to a depth of 250 m. Mineralized that the deposit remains open to the south and/or copper. zones containing pitchblende veins and and east and that resources and reserves can A 600 line-km ground geophysical survey sulphides are hosted within the Archean potentially be increased with continued was conducted over the Lac Cinquante basement rocks and associated with a drilling in these directions. property early in 2009, covering an area hematite/carbonate/chlorite/graphite-altered In addition to the expansion potential measuring 14 by four kilometres and tuff unit. Assays from the 2009 drilling of the deposit, Uranium North has using 100 m line-spacing with more reflect assay values returned on core identified numerous other similar uranium- detailed surveying over selected areas. recovered from nine historic drillholes. bearing zones within a 10 km radius of Results show a nine kilometre-long trend Both sets of assay data will be used by the deposit. The company is currently of parallel VLF-EM conductors; this trend Kivalliq to improve the model for Lac developing plans for an early 2010 drill is referred to as the Lac Cinquante trend. A Cinquante, to guide drilling in 2010 and to program. VLF-EM conductor specifically associated develop a NI 43-101 compliant resource with the Lac Cinquante deposit is traced in for this deposit.

Mineral Exploration, Mining and Geoscience 2009 47 41-60_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 10:04 PM Page 48

Kazan Falls, south of Baker Lake COURTESY OF INAC

Below: Ptarmigan using walkway at Kiggavik camp COURTESY OF INAC BUGS Operator/Owner Ur-Energy Inc. Commodity Uranium NTS 65K/03 Location 400 km west-northwest of Arviat

Historical work discovered two areas of boulders with assays ranging from 0.3% up to 7.3% uranium in lapilli tuffs. Recent work by UR-Energy confirmed the location of the high-grade boulders and their grades. However, extensive prospecting did not locate the source and the potential of this property remains unknown. Uranium is concentrated in the tuffaceous and sedimentary members of the Christopher Island Formation. This hole drill program designed to further test BAKER LAKE BASIN mineralization is described as volcano- the Lucky 7 zone. A 7,001 line-km, airborne genic exhalative-type and exemplified by Operator/Owner magnetic, radiometric and broadband the HFB north and south occurrences. Aurora Energy Resources Inc., electromagnetic survey was completed in Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. Evaluation is ongoing as part of the October. Concurrently, a 435 line-km ground company’s plan to prioritize future Commodity magnetic survey, with 50 m spacing, was Uranium programs on all its properties. completed around the Lucky 7, Niner and NTS 7-1 zones. Inter pretation of these results 55M/10 - 55M/15 indicates that mineralized structures are Location 65 km south of Baker Lake continuous on a kilometre scale. Geological mapping of mineralized zones and a Historical exploration has identified sed i- comprehensive geochemical sampling pr o - ment-hosted and intrusion-associated, gram of the areas surrounding mineral ization near-surface uranium mineralization within were also completed in 2008, in an effort and beneath the Baker Lake Basin. to better characterize the alteration system Aurora Energy Resources Inc. entered associated with mineralization. into an agreement with Pacific Ridge in In April 2009, Aurora became a wholly September 2008 whereby Aurora can earn owned subsidiary of Fronteer Develop ment an initial 50 per cent interest by spending Group Inc. Results from the 2008 drill $15 million over three years (Kivalliq Energy program were released in 2009. The best

Corporation will retain a back-in right). intercepts were 0.13% U 3O8 over two

The 2008 program included a 603 m two- metres and 0.22% U 3O8 over 4.5 m.

48 Kivalliq Region 41-60_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 10:05 PM Page 49

Drill core from the Sissons property - black uranium mineralization along fractures COURTESY OF INAC KIGGAVIK PROJECT structure, oriented east-northeast at (KIGGAVIK, SISSONS, the Andrew Lake deposit and northeast at ST. TROPEZ CLAIMS) the End Grid deposit. Mineralization Operator/Owner consists mainly of pitchblende in both AREVA Resources Canada Inc., deposits. DAE Woo International Corporation, Within the Andrew Lake deposit, JCU Exploration (Canada) Co. Ltd. mineralization is controlled by the Commodity lithologies within steeply dipping shear Uranium zones. Higher grade mineralization is NTS present as remobilized mineralization 66A/05 along fractures and tension faults. At End Location Grid, several subvertical faults have 75 km west of Baker Lake created horst and graben structures in the CANADA URANIUM JOINT The Kiggavik property consists of 17 metasediments which control the location VENTURE (AMER EAST, and extent of mineralized zones. 1 2 Crown mining leases totalling 3,972 ha. AMER WEST , ITZA LAKE , Geological resources are estimated for PERMIT 1 AND PERMIT 2 3) T h e Sissons site is situated approximately 17 km southwest of Kiggavik and consists of each deposit: Kiggavik contains 40.4 Operator/Owner 22 mining leases totalling 14,730 ha. Eighteen million pounds U 3O8, Andrew Lake contains Bayswater Uranium Corporation 1, 2, 3 , mineral claims make up the St. Tropez block 59.10 million pounds U 3O8 and End Grid Strongbow Exploration Inc. 3 to the north of the Kiggavik property. contains 34.47 million pounds U 3O8. Commodity Updated resource estimates are being Uranium Collectively these three property blocks form the Kiggavik Project. determined using the drill results acquired NTS since 2007. The potential for additional 66F/01, 66F/02, 66F/15, 66F/16, 66G/07 Structurally, the Kiggavik area is located resources exists on the Bong and Granite Location between two regional fault zones, the 150 km northwest of Baker Lake Thelon fault to the north and the Sissons grids, both in the vicinity of the Kiggavik fault to the south. Uranium mineralization site. Diamond-drill holes have intersected Bayswater Uranium Corporation holds is localized near structures at the Kiggavik, 33 m at 0.41% U and 14.6 m at 0.38% U at varying interests in approximately 267,900 Andrew Lake and End Grid deposits. Bong and Granite, respectively. ha in the North Thelon region. Through the The Kiggavik deposits (End, Center and In November 2008, AREVA submitted a joint venture with Strongbow Exploration, Main) are located two kilometres south of proposal for developing open-pit and Bayswater holds a 50 per cent interest in the fault contact between the Thelon underground mining operations with 15,520 ha and 100 per cent interest in the Sandstone and the basement metased i- milling facilities at the Kiggavik and remaining 252,645 ha. The property mentary units. Uranium mineralization Sissons sites. consists of five blocks — Permit 1, Itza occurs in altered metasediments and to a The proposal received a positive Lake, Permit 2, Amer West and Amer East. lesser extent in altered granite and intrusive conformity determination from NPC The exploration targets are unconformity- rocks. Cross-cutting diabase dikes are not with respect to the Keewatin Land Use related uranium deposits and sediment mineralized. Alteration associated with Plan. In 2009, NIRB recommended to the hosted uranium deposits. mineralization is characterized by desilif i- Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Portions of the ground in Permit 1 and cation and conversion of feldspar and mica Development that an environmental assess - Permit 2 were converted to 16 mineral claims to illite and sericite. The two major uranium ment of the proposal should be carried in 2008. In 2009, Bayswater consolidated minerals are pitchblende and coffinite. out. A decision from the Minister is its land position over the properties but no The Sissons deposits (Andrew Lake pending. As part of the company’s field work was conducted. and End Grid) are proximal to a major ongoing feasibility study, AREVA held

Mineral Exploration, Mining and Geoscience 2009 49 41-60_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 10:05 PM Page 50

Late stage carbonate coated vugs in drill core from Sissons property COURTESY OF INAC two to three years later. Current resources all minerals on 27,344 ha of the northern will support a production rate of close half of IOL parcel BL-21. Forum can earn to eight million pounds of uranium (as its interest by incurring minimum annual

U3O8 yellowcake) over a mine-life of rental payments, minimum annual approxi mately 17 years. exploration expenditures and completing 2,500 m of diamond drilling within five NORTH THELON (UKALIQ, years. This parcel of land is now termed KIGGAVIK NORTH, KIGGAVIK the Ukaliq project. SOUTH 1; JUDGE SISSONS, Anomalous uranium in the Ukaliq area SCHULTZ LAKE 2; is known from new showings as well as 3 TANQUERAY OPTION ) from re-assessment of historical occurrences. Operator/Owner Some samples returned anomalous rare Forum Uranium Corp. 1, 2, 3 , earth element values. One sample in an Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited 2, outcrop of metasedimentary rocks returned Tanqueray Resources Ltd. 3 1.80% U 3O8 with 672 parts per million Commodity (ppm) Cerium, 676 ppm Neodymium and Uranium 113 ppm Lantha num. Exploration activities NTS in 2009 identified uranium values grading 66A/02-66A/12, 66B/01, 66B/09 from 1544 ppm U 3O8 to 2.21% U 3O8. Location 50 km east of Baker Lake NUELTIN LAKE Within the North Thelon project area, there Operator/Owner community engagement sessions in the are several historic occurrences, grading Cameco Corporation seven Kivalliq communities in 2009. from 0.06% to 0.31% U 3O8, within Commodity Throughout 2009, work continued at hematized and brecciated quartzites, fault Uranium the Kiggavik site. The drilling program breccias and granites — the same units NTS focused on testing geotechnical features hosting the Kiggavik deposits. 65B/04, 65C/01 within the End Grid, Andrew Lake and The exploration program for 2008 Location Main Zone deposits. A detailed airborne included an airborne survey, ground 325 km west of Arviat gravity survey was completed over the gravity surveys, mapping, prospecting, till project area. Environmental baseline and sampling and limited diamond drilling. The project lies along the contact between engineering studies in support of the The apparent resistivity airborne survey the Wollaston Group metasedimentary feasibility study continued. revealed several east-northeast structures rocks (pelite, semipelite, arkose and calc- AREVA has indicated that, if a positive and a major north-east structure that silicate) to the southeast and the Hurwitz decision for a Nunavut-led environmental continues onto IOL (now part of the Group low-grade metasedimentary rocks assessment is made by the Minister in Ukaliq project). The north-east structure (arkose, siltstone and carbonate) to the 2009, a draft environmental impact stat e- is of particular interest as it is parallel to northwest. Historical work has identified ment (EIS) could be submitted to the the Kiggavik trend and has several uranium and gold occurrences in the area. regulators by the end of 2010. Based on associated uranium showings. A program of drilling, prospecting and time lines estimated by the company, In March 2009, Forum Uranium Corp. mapping was completed in 2008. Follow- construction could begin five years after entered into an Exploration Agreement up work in 2009 consisted of a short receipt of required permits and author i- with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. whereby drilling program, ground geophysical zations, with production commencing Forum can earn a 100 per cent interest in surveys, mapping and sampling.

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Drill core from Lucky 7 zone, hole L708-12, Baker Project COURTESY OF INAC

RUBY HILL Operator/Owner Western Uranium Corporation Commodity Uranium NTS 66F/01, 66F/06-66F/08, 66G/06, 66G/07 Location 200 km northwest of Baker Lake

The Ruby Hill property consists of 49 mineral claims along the northern edge of the Thelon Basin where it unconformably overlies the Amer Group. Exploration work examined the area for potential Kiggavik-style uranium mineralization, with particular attention paid to the Amer Fault Zone and Chantey Mylonite Zone. Field work in 2008 consisted of scin til- acquired prospecting permits covering the and is commonly associated with chlorite, lometer traverses and boulder and till area in 2005 from its sister company hematite and carbonate alteration. The prospecting. Follow-up work was done in Diamonds North Resources Ltd. The land 2008 drillholes intersected the formation areas which were selected based on holdings have now been converted to 48 to a depth of 200 m without encountering anomalous 2007 soil geochemistry and minerals claims on specific areas of basement rocks. Based on regional work, ground geophysical survey results. No interest. Four prospects under evaluation Uranium North considers the basement work was carried out in 2009. are Hawk, SW Hawk, Kam, and L1. Other rocks to represent another target for targets within the property include several uranium on the property. SOUTH BAKER (HAWK, JG, boulder trains where sampling has returned Of the 2008 drilling at the Hawk KAM, L1, SW HAWK), values of 0.2% to 2.5% U O and numerous prospect, one vertical drillhole intersected YATHKYED 3 8 showings with uranium mineralization at an upper five metre zone grading 0.05% Operator/Owner surface. U O , a middle zone of 16.8 m grading Uranium North Resources Corp. 3 8 The 2008 drill program focused on two 0.07% U 3O8 and a lower 14.3 m zone Commodity of the 12 known prospects: Kam and Hawk. grading 0.16% U O including six metres Uranium 3 8 Three drillholes were completed at Hawk. of 0.31% U O . A second vertical drill - NTS 3 8 Three uranium mineralized zones were hole, collared 30 m to the south, inter - 65K/04-65K/06, 65K/10, 65K/11, 65K/14, 65K/15 intersected in two drillholes to a depth of sected three similar zones: an upper four Location 144 m, confirming the presence of shallow metre zone grading 0.05% U 3O8, a middle 440 km west of Rankin Inlet U3O8 mineralization and significantly three metre zone grading 0.08% U 3O8 expanding the overall dimensions of the and a lower 12.5 m zone grading 0.15%

The South Baker project covers more than mineralized zone. U3O8. The lower zone includes a two

12 historic uranium prospects originally Mineralization at the Hawk prospect metre zone grading 0.31% U 3O8 and discovered as a result of boulder pro s - occurs in fractured and brecciated volcanic an additional two metre interval with

pecting. Uranium North Resources Corp. rocks of the Christopher Island Formation 0.29% U 3O8.

Mineral Exploration, Mining and Geoscience 2009 51 41-60_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 10:05 PM Page 52

Five of six holes completed on the Kam activity associated with a fracture zone THELON BASIN prospect during 2008 intersected zones developed in mudstone adjacent to quart - with anomalous radioactivity. Uranium Operator/Owner zite. The best analytical result was 0.19% Titan Uranium Inc., Mega Uranium Ltd. mineralization was intersected along a 200 m U3O8 over 0.40 m. zone with several significant mineralized Commodity The 2008 drill program was augmented Uranium intersections including grades up to 1.59% by prospecting which focused on claims U O . The drilling results significantly NTS acquired in 2007 as well as on boulder 3 8 66B/15, 66G/01, 66G/02, 66G/08, expand the size potential of the Kam fields identified by prior exploration 66H/05 prospect, as mineralization is open to the programs. Numerous boulders with anoma - Location north, south and at depth. Surface explor - 150 km northwest of Baker Lake lous radioactivity were identified and 62 ation indicates additional uraniferous samples were sent for analysis. The best zones may exist to the west. Future work The property covers 988 square kilometres results were from the RAD113 claim where for Hawk and Kam includes modeling of (km 2) (or 98,874 ha) and is subject to an four boulders were analyzed returning a all drill holes to better understand the option agreement between Mega Uranium high value of 0.24% U 3O8. orientation of the mineralization. Ltd. and Titan Uranium Inc. Titan has In 2009, Titan reported on results from Results from a 2008 airborne radi o- operated all field programs to date and its 2008 till program collected from 25 metric and magnetic geophysical survey Mega has fulfilled its earn-in obligations by locations down-ice of magnetic features completed over the Yathkyed property contributing $5 million in exploration identified in a high-resolution magnetic were released in 2009. Fifty-six uranium expenditures in 2007 and 2008. survey. The features were identified as anomalies were identified with two targets During 2008 a total of 1,244 m of possible kimberlites and occurred in areas considered high-priority anomalies. The diamond drilling was completed in 12 holes. with no outcrop. Analyses of the samples northern anomaly is located within 500 m Drilling tested six targets considered showed no kimberlite indicator minerals. of three historic uranium prospects. possible bedrock sources of glacially In 2009, all data from the exploration Trenching at these prospects returned dispersed uranium-bearing boulders which programs was compiled and interpreted in 1.9% U 3O8 and 0.46% Cu over 1.2 m and form linear boulder trains. One drillhole order to plan future work. 0.28% U 3O8 over 0.6 m and 0.85% Cu, intersected a 10.70 m interval of radi o- respectively. A grab sample assayed 0.38% Camper at Kazan Falls U3O8 and 0.16% Cu. The airborne COURTESY OF INAC anomaly does not appear to be coincident with these three occurrences but appears to be associated with north-south and east-west trending structures and is accompanied by multiple lesser uranium anomalies. It is believed that this northern anomaly may represent part of a larger overall zone of several hundred metres of uranium mineralization. A second anomaly, located six kilometres to the south, with similar intensity, also falls along north-south and east- west trending structures and is accompanied by multiple weaker anomalies. A historical grab sample collected near this airborne

anomaly yielded 0.16% U 3O8.

52 Kivalliq Region 41-60_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 10:05 PM Page 53

Construction of foundations for crusher at Meadowbank mine COURTESY OF INAC Gold

MEADOWBANK Operator/Owner Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited Commodity Gold NTS 56E/04, 66H/01 Location 75 km north of Baker Lake

CHURCHILL KIYUK The Meadowbank property is made up of both Crown land mining leases (7,395 ha) Operator/Owner Operator/Owner and NTI land concessions (23,126 ha). Shear Minerals Ltd., Evolving Gold Corp., The Meadowbank Deposit is comprised of Stornoway Diamond Corporation Marcelle Hauseux, Archean-aged gold deposits hosted within Commodities Shawn Sumacz Gold, Nickel Commodity highly deformed rocks of the Woodburn NTS Gold Lake Group. This group forms part of the 55N/08, 55N/09, 55O/02-55O/07, NTS series of Archean supracrustal assemblages 55O/11, 55O/12 64B/05, 64B/12, 64C/08, 64C/09 comprising the Western Churchill Super - Location Location group. 45 km north of Rankin Inlet 350 km west-southwest of Arviat There are four main gold deposits defined on the Meadowbank property; they The Churchill property is underlain by a Kiyuk is an early-stage gold exploration exist sequentially along a 25 km structural number of Archean greenstone belts property, located 50 km north of the trend. The known gold resources all lie which are favourable for high grade gold Manitoba border on the northwest side of within 225 m of surface, making the project and nickel deposits. In October 2009, Shear Nueltin Lake. Historic work by the Geo lo - amenable to an open pit mining operation. Minerals Ltd. announced that it had gical Survey of Canada and others identified Of the four deposits, only three are currently acquired all of the non-diamond rights, numerous gossans, some with elevated incorporated into the development of the and the related databases, to the Churchill gold and arsenic, in bedrock and multiple mine plan, these being the Portage, Goose Project from Kaminak Gold Corp. These arsenic anomalies in lake sediment samples. Island and Vault deposits. non-diamond rights were originally acquired Newmont Mining Corporation optioned The Portage deposit is defined over a by Kaminak Gold Corp. from Shear in the property from vendors Hauseux and 1.85 km strike-length and varies in 2005. Kaminak will retain a 20 per cent Sumacz and completed field programs thickness between 100 m and 230 m. The back-in right to the non-diamond mineral during 2007 and 2008. In early 2009, geometry consists of a north-northwest rights of the Churchill property, exerci s - Newmont elected not to pursue the striking recumbent fold with limbs extending able at any time up to the completion of a project and the property was returned to to the west. The high-grade mineralization feasibility study compliant with NI 43- the vendors. The property was then in the lower limb of the fold is typically six 101. Kaminak conducted a shallow five optioned to Evolving Gold Corp. who to eight metres in true thickness and can hole diamond drill program (457 m) in completed a small field program in 2009 attain thicknesses of up to 20 m in the June 2006 that tested three geophysical consisting of re-logging and sampling of hinge area. The Goose Island deposit is and geochemical targets. No other gold or 2008 drill core, a limited geophysical similar in its geometry and setting to the base metals exploration work has been program of IP surveys and prospecting Portage deposit, but occurs in a northwest- completed on the property since 2006. traverses. trending fold and steeply westerly-dipping

Mineral Exploration, Mining and Geoscience 2009 53 41-60_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 10:05 PM Page 54

Below: Exploration drill at Vault deposit COURTESY OF INAC

limbs. The deposit is currently defined Site construction is on schedule for an The company initiated a scoping study over a 750 m strike-length and to a depth early 2010 commissioning of the mill. to assess the possibility of increasing the of 500 m, with true thicknesses of 10 m to Components such as the power plant, proposed production rate at Meadowbank 12 m. Both the Portage and Goose Island mills and leach tanks have been installed, from 8,500 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes per deposits are hosted in highly-deformed with final piping and electrical installa - day. The increased volume would initially magnetite-rich iron formation, with the tions currently being completed. Develop - come from accelerated development of the gold associated with quartz, pyrite and ment of the east dyke, which will allow the high-grade Goose Island and Portage open pyrrhotite. The Vault deposit is structur - start of production from the Portage and pits and later potentially from an under - ally different; it represents a shallowly- Goose Island open pits, is also well- ground operation on the southern end of the dipping planar body, with a defined strike- advanced. Waste material from the Portage deposit. The company anticipates releasing length of 1.1 km. pit was used as the main building material the results of the expansion study shortly. The Vault deposit is cut by two sets of in the dikes around the site. For 2009, Agnico-Eagle budgeted normal faults lying perpendicular to each With the completion of dyke con- $11 million for its exploration and drilling other. The east-west set has a moderate struction, the mine will become fully program; this budget allowed the continual southeasterly dip, and the north-south set operational. The first gold produced use of five drill-rigs. The focus of the work dips steeply to the east. The main lens has from the Portage open pit is anticipated was on upgrading the resource estimate a true thickness of eight to 12 m. The Vault in early 2010. Approximately 66,500 and, by delineation drilling, refining the deposit is hosted within an intermediate tonnes of ore grading 3.0 g/t Au are geological model of the Vault, Goose volcanic assemblage, but displays the same stockpiled from this pit. The mine is South and Portage zones. gold-mineral association as Portage and expected to produce an average of The mine site program drilled a total of Goose Island deposits. The three current 350,000 ounces of gold per year over 27,400 m in more than 100 holes and deposits have probable gold reserves of an initial nine-year mine life. Extension tested near-surface extensions to the 3.64 million ounces, indicated resources of of mine life is currently under examin - current open pit reserves (particularly in 1.68 million ounces and inferred resources ation with options such as unde r ground the Goose Island area). The drilling was 0.45 million ounces. mining being assessed. designed to convert resources to potential underground reserves and to test for resource extensions along the Meadow bank mine trend. A cluster of holes (G-09-77, G-09-81 and G-09-87) returned gold values of up to 5.6 g/t over 6.8 m from an area that is relatively close to surface and within 100 m south of the currently planned Goose Island open pit. Drilling also defined a ‘deep zone’ to the south of the Goose Island pit; this zone is approximately 500 m long and 300 m deep (down to an actual subsurface depth of 500 m). The zone is open below this depth to both the north and south. Some of the better intercepts include hole G-09-20 with 8.33 g/t Au over five metres at a depth of approximately 200 m and hole G-09-11 with 8.9 g/t Au over three metres. A review

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Mine rescue team practicing at Meadowbank Mine COURTESY OF AGNICO-EAGLE MINES LIMITED

of the 2009 pit delineation drilling, returned 6.2 g/t Au over 4.4 m (including exploratory drilling and the potential for 18 g/t Au over 1.4 m). These values, when underground operations will be included assessed with results returned from the in a further Meadowbank expansion study. Gosling Zone, suggest that there is Regional reconnaissance and ground potential for significant gold mineraliz a- exploration activities were carried out by tion suitable for open pit and under ground Agnico-Eagle in early June, with explor - development along the Meadowbank ation consisting of regional helicopter- trend to the south of the mine site. supported geophysics, prospecting, geolo - Delineation drilling was completed at MELIADINE EAST gical mapping and exploratory diamond the Vault and Vault South deposits. At drilling using two drill-rigs. Approxi - Vault, over 10,000 m of diamond drilling Operator/Owner Meliadine Resources Ltd., mately 20,500 m of diamond-drilling was was completed from 35 drillholes drilled Comaplex Minerals Corp. completed on exploration targets. both within and outside of the current Commodity Other activities on the Meadowbank extent of the Vault pit. Drillholes within Gold property away from the Portage and the pit confirmed continuity and grade of NTS Goose Island mine-sites included work mineralization; drilling intersection results 55J/13, 55J/14 completed on the Gosling Zone, the may be used to upgrade the previously Location northeast gold trend (PDF deposit area), inferred resources into the indicated 25 km northeast of Rankin Inlet the southern extension of the Meadowbank category. Values of gold intersected include trend and on the Vault South showing. 1.73 g/t over 55 m, 7.3 g/t over 3.0 m, 3.15 In 2009, Meliadine Resources drilled 14 The Gosling Zone is a mineralized area g/t g over 11.1 m and 1.67 g/t over 27.0 m. exploratory holes (approximately 2,400 m) lying 400 m south of the Goose Island open Additional holes drilled outside of the into the Discovery Zone on the Meliadine pit. A small drill campaign was conducted current pit were drilled to extend the gold East property. Highlights of the assay results over the zone in an effort to trace near- trend to the east and south away from the include: gold intersects of 4.9 g/t over 21.8 surface gold mineralization along strike. The main Vault site. Highlights included 3.1 g/t m; 37.7 g/t over 2.4 m; 13.8 g/t over 2.3 m; drillholes confirmed and better delineated Au over 28.5 m and 10.1 g/t Au over 4.5 m. and 6.8 g/t over 8.8 m. This drill program this small deposit, and located a mineral - Vault South was located during the was further augmented by drilling 10 ized horizon 100 m deeper than expected. 2008 drilling operations and lies approxi - geotechnical holes (600 m) designed to Some of the best results include 11.7 g/t mately one kilometre to the southeast of delineate areas suitable for open pit Au over 2.8 m located almost at surface in the main Vault site. Mineralization is development. Environmental and meta l- hole G09-54, and 2.7 g/t Au over 8.9 m at comparable to Vault, and eight drillholes lurgical studies were also completed on the a depth of approximately 75 m below (1,724 m) were completed in 2009. Discovery Zone. surface in hole G09-57. This target zone Currently, results (from south to north) A NI 43-101 compliant report and an remains open to the south and at depth. include 2.6 g/t Au over 4.1 m, 2.4 g/t Au updated gold resource estimate are being The Meadowbank trend follows a over 3.0 m, and 0.9 g/t Au over 22.0 m. compiled using all results from both the structural corridor leading south away Further exploration at this site is scheduled. 2008 and 2009 drill programs. This work from the main pit location. A series of Results are pending from both the mine will build towards a full resource estimate drillholes tested the continuation of the delineation work and the regional explo r- for this deposit. mineralization down to a depth of 200 m. ation drill programs. Once released, all In late 2009, Comaplex Minerals Reported gold values intersected along the data will be incorporated into updated completed a transaction with Perfora Invest- trend include drillhole GS-09-832 that year-end resource and reserve estimates; ments S.a.r.l. (100 per cent owner of returned 3.1 g/t over 5.8 m (including 4.1 this research will also outline the potential Meliadine Resources) to acquire 100 per g/t over 3.6 m), and hole GS-09-834 that for underground or open pit expansion. cent interest in the Meliadine East property.

Mineral Exploration, Mining and Geoscience 2009 55 41-60_Overview2009_Layout 1 07/01/10 10:05 PM Page 56

Folded iron formation at Discovery Gold Zone outcrop, Meliadine East COURTESY OF INAC

At the F Zone deposit, development 2.6 m), 830 (12.2 g/t Au over 13.2 m), 836 and economic plans envisage an initial 80 and 838. This new zone is interpreted to be m-deep open pit using a 2.5 g/t Au cut-off similar to the 1,050 lode gold minerali - grade. This plan would yield an indicated zation that is present in the upper levels of resource of 692,800 tonnes at 4.66 g/t Au the deposit and now present at depth. and an inferred resource of 775,100 tonnes These characteristics are typical of large at 3.88 g/t Au. The potential underground shear-hosted mesothermal gold systems. gold resources below 80 m, using a 6.5 g/t A total of 15 holes (3,013 m) were Au cut-off grade, are: indicated resources completed on a reconnaissance target in MELIADINE WEST of 27,000 tonnes at 8.31 g/t Au and the Musket Bay area, the location of a inferred resources of 65,300 tonnes at 8.06 previously recorded high-grade gold- Operator/Owner g/t Au. bearing boulder train. Despite drilling and Comaplex Minerals Corp., Meliadine Resources Ltd. In 2009, a total of 23,600 m of core ground prospecting, the source of the from 110 drillholes was completed on the boulder train was not located. Interpre - Commodity Gold Meliadine West property. A total of 34 tation of the 2009 results is continuing NTS holes (2,712 m) were drilled in F Zone, 35 in preparation for future work at this 55K/16, 55N/01, 55N/02, 55O/04 holes (16,732 m) drilled in Tiriganiaq, 16 location. Location holes (3,013 m) completed on reconnais - In May 2009, Comaplex met with 25 km northwest of Rankin Inlet sance targets and 25 holes (1,143 m) were representatives of 19 federal and territorial drilled for geotechnical purposes. High - regulatory groups involved in the permit- The Meliadine West property consists of lights from holes in the main Tiriganiaq ting processes of the proposed mine. A 37,751 ha with 34,131 ha on Crown land deposit include 12.2 g/t Au over 13.2 m and preliminary project description and mine and 3,620 ha held as Nunavut Tunngavik 15.2 g/t Au over 8.8 m. Other significant development application are being compiled Inc. subsurface concessions. intersections are: 12.9 g/t Au over 14.4 m by the company. Geo technical, geo chemical An updated NI 43-101 compliant and 16.1 g/t Au over 4.5 m. and environmental field work was also resource estimate was released in 2009 for Exploratory drilling in the Western carried out at the Tiriganiaq and F Zone the Tiriganiaq and F Zone deposits. Using Deeps portion of the Tiriganiaq deposit deposit sites throughout the year. Geo - a 2.5 g/t Au cut-off grade, the Tiriganiaq targeted and delineated gold minerali - technical drilling to aid in the mine deposit, a potential open-pit gold operation, zation in a number of different lodes. Infill application process was completed in each has a measured resource of 122,800 tonnes drilling on the 1,255 lode continued, while of the pits, in and around the proposed at 8.5 g/t Au, an indicated resource of 2.11 focused drilling of the 1,153 lode in the waste and ore piles, and in the proposed million tonnes at 6.1 g/t Au, and an deeper parts of the deposit outlined a tailings and mill site areas. Environmental inferred resource of 581,600 tonnes at 3.7 g/t continuous zone of gold enrichment over studies (fish, water, wildlife) were completed Au. The report also highlights the 800 m. Analytical results indicate similar i- and geochemical work (including kinetic potential for expansion below the current ties between the mineralization of the testing) on waste, overburden and ore is mine development plan that considers a 1,153 and the 1,255 lodes, with both bodies progressing. Addi tional metallurgical studies 70 m-deep open pit. If extracted using a open down-plunge to the west. Multiple are underway and the results will be 5.5g/t Au cut-off, the expansion plans intersections were tested in the Western incorporated into any future feasibility would yield an additional measured Deeps, with mineralized zones commonly study. resource of 126,900 tonnes at 16.8 g/t Au; reaching substantial widths and returning Comaplex consolidated its interests in an indicated resource of 4.64 million tonnes high gold grades. the Meliadine area with its acquisition of at 10.2 g/t Au; and an inferred resource of A new zone of gold mineralization was the 22 per cent interest held by Meliadine 3.2 million tonnes at 7.9 g/t Au. intersected by holes 805 (28.5 g/t Au over Resources in the Meliadine West property.

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Installation of ball mill, Meadowbank Mine COURTESY OF AGNICO-EAGLE MINES LIMITED

MUSKOX Operator/Owner Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited Commodity Gold NTS 56E/02, 56E/03 Exploratus conducted work in 2007 Location SY and 2008 completing a 2,541 line-km 95 km north-northeast of Baker Lake helicopter-borne magnetic-electromagnetic Operator/Owner airborne geophysical survey over the Corsa Capital Ltd., Located 50 km east of the Meadowbank Kaminak Gold Corporation property with the identification of several site, the nine claims of this property cover Commodity priority targets suggestive of kimberlites. A 9,234 ha. The area was selected based on Gold follow-up mapping, sampling and pros - target-generative studies by the explor- NTS pecting field program was completed by ation division of Agnico-Eagle Mines 65I/14, 65I/15 APEX Geoscience Ltd. in 2008. Shear has Limited in the Meadowbank area. Location carried out an in-house desk-top compi - 250 km west of Whale Cove NAPAJUT lation of all available data from known showings including geology, geophysics The property consists of 44 mineral claims Operator/Owner and all sample results. This work will be Shear Minerals Ltd., Exploratus Ltd. and covers approximately 101,170 ha of the complimented by a 2010 prospecting Archean greenstone belt. Commodities program to follow up priority anomalies Gold, Diamonds The mineral rights to the property do not for both their gold and diamond potential. NTS include diamond rights; these diamond 66A/06 rights are held by Indicator Minerals Inc. Location PARKER LAKE and Hunter Exploration Group. There is a 80 km west-northwest of Arviat two per cent net smelter royalty and gross Operator/Owner Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited over-riding royalty payable to Hunter In November 2009, Shear Minerals Ltd. Exploration Group. Commodity signed a letter of intent with Exploratus Gold The geology of the Yathkyed Lake green - Ltd. in which Shear can earn an option in NTS stone belt is similar to other gold-bearing all mineral rights to the Napajut gold- 56M/08, 56M/09 greenstone belts in the Kivalliq region, diamond project. In 2004, Exploratus Location including the Woodburn Lake belt and the purchased the Napajut property from 130 km southeast of Baker Lake Rankin Inlet belt. Limited historical Phelps Dodge Corp. which retained a 2.5 exploration in the Yathkyed Lake belt per cent net smelter royalty. Phelps Dodge These 21 claims were staked in November resulted in the discovery of at least 20 was acquired by Freeport-McMoran Copper 2008 and cover approximately 19,635 ha, individual high-grade gold occurrences and Gold Inc. in 2007. The bulk of the past 60 km south of Chesterfield Inlet. Previous over a strike-length of 30 km. exploration at Napajut was focused on its gold exploration in the area was Corsa completed short exploration gold potential. The main showings are the conducted by Cumberland Resources Ltd. programs in 2007 and 2008. Assay results Cliffside and North showings with add i- and Comaplex Minerals Corporation. confirmed historic work done on the tional potential from several unsourced property by previous operators and gold-bearing boulder trains (up to 36 g/t identified several new gold and base Au) elsewhere on the property. metals targets.

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GF Nickel–Copper–Platinum Group Metals (PGM)

Geologist on Southampton Island project COURTESY OF INAC pyrite is the main copper-bearing sulphide. Cobalt mineralization occurs as the cobalt-iron arsenic sulphide, glaucodot, which is typically fine-grained and included within the pyrrhotite. PGM mineralization varies across the deposit, but occurs ubiquitously throughout the massive sulphide mineralization. The PGM are also associated with a series of lower sulphide horizons or zones that occur several tens of metres below and in the footwall of the massive sulphide mineralization. Previous drilling on the West Zone Extension, which is believed to represent the down-plunge western continuation of mapping, till sampling and drilling. FERGUSON LAKE the West Zone, indicates that the massive During the 2008 drilling season, work sulphide lenses are considerably thicker Operator/Owner focused on upgrading the West Zone than those present in the eastern half of Starfield Resources Inc. resources from inferred to indicated status, the West Zone. To further evaluate this Commodities as well as defining the associated low Nickel, Cobalt, Copper, Platinum, deeper mineralization, two holes (FL08-407 sulphide, high-grade PGM mineralization. Palladium and FL08-410), totalling 2,005 m, were To date, drilling has defined massive NTS completed during the 2008 drill program. sulphide mineralization within the horn- 65I/09-65I/15, 65J/14, 65J/16, 65O/01, As in some of the previous drilling, FL08- 65P/03, 65P/04 blendite horizon over a strike-length of 407 encountered massive sulphide minerali - more than 10 km. This known minerali- Location zation, with an intersection of 25.5 m 160 km south of Baker Lake zation, which remains open along strike grading 0.63% Ni, 1.18% Cu, 0.08% Co, and at depth, comprises four main zones, 2.00 g/t Pd and 0.42 g/t Pt. The Ferguson Lake massive sulphide (copper- referred to as the West Zone, West Zone nickel-cobalt-PGM) deposit is hosted by an Extension, Central (Lake) Zone and the SOUTHAMPTON Archean less than 2.6 Ga east-west trending, East Zone. Within the hornblendite Operator/Owner possibly structurally controlled, igneous horizon, massive sulphide mineralization Vale Inco Limited complex. These rocks are highly deformed (40 to 50 per cent total sulphides dominated Commodities and representative of a differentiated by pyrrhotite) occurs as a series of irregular, Nickel, Cobalt, Copper, Platinum, mafic intrusive body mainly composed north-dipping, stacked to coalescing lenses Palladium of gabbros and amphibolites. Starfield 1.5 m to 8.0 m thick. Pentlandite and NTS Resources Inc. owns 100 per cent interest minor violarite are the dominant nickel- 46B/10, 46B/15 in the property, which is comprised of 264 bearing sulphides interfingered with pyrrho - Location mineral claims totalling 1.3 million acres tite. Studies indicate that the nickel content 55 km north of Coral Harbour — making it one of the largest combined of the Ferguson Lake deposit is similar to base metal and PGM projects in Nunavut. that found at the nickel-copper-PGM-rich In February 2009, Vale Inco acquired three The company was active on the property Duluth Complex (north-eastern Minnesota prospecting permits on Southampton over the last few years, conducting multiple to southern Canada), but less than nickel Island. No details on work during 2009 are platform geophysical surveys, geological values in the Sudbury Complex. Chalc o- available.

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Coral harbour shoreline COURTESY OF INAC

SOUTHAMPTON ISLAND Operator/Owner Anglo American Exploration (Canada) Ltd. Commodities Nickel, Cobalt, Copper, Platinum, Palladium NTS 46B/11-46B/14, 46G/01 Location Geoscience Project. As part of this geophysical survey using its proprietary 85 km north-northwest and geoscience project, an airborne survey was Spectrum system covering approximately 55 km west of Coral Harbour flown and the data released as a series of 13,500 line-km. A field program of GSC Open File Reports in 2008. The area prospecting selected geophysical targets, In February 2009, Anglo American covered by the permits is considered soil sampling and claim staking occurred Exploration (Canada) Ltd. acquired 19 prospective for ultramafic hosted nickel- over the summer. Additional work is prospecting permits on Southampton copper-PGM mineralization. dependent on results from the 2009 Island over an area covered in part by the Following acquisition of the permits, program. CNGO Southampton Island Integrated Anglo American completed an airborne Muskox in Meadowbank area COURTESY OF AGNICO-EAGLE MINES LIMITED

0## Rare Earth Elements

# accompanied by elevated levels of zirco - 0# NUTAAQ nium, niobium and tantalum. Operator/Owner During the 2009 field season, Forum Forum Uranium Corp., conducted further geological mapping Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited and sampling. An area of alkaline intrusive Commodity rocks occurring over a 10 km by 10 km Rare Earth Elements area was identified. Fifty-five samples of NTS representative rock types from the alkalic 66A/06 complex were collected for geochemical Location and whole rock analysis. Twenty-nine a metasomatic alteration characteristic of 65 km west of Baker Lake samples graded over 0.1% total rare earth alkaline systems associated with rare earth Approximately 900 grab samples were oxide, with a peak of 2.7%. Representative element deposits. Additional studies are on - collected from Forum Uranium Corp.’s hand specimens were also collected during going at the University of ’s North Thelon Project during the uranium the 2009 sampling program and sent for microprobe laboratory to better determine exploration programs in 2007 and 2008. petrographic analysis. The Nutaaq host the rare earth element ore mineralogy as Of the 255 samples collected in the Nutaaq rock is an alkali-feldspar syenite and the well as chemistry of those minerals. area of the Judge Sissons claim block, 155 rare earth element ore mineral monazite Further work on the property will be samples grade from 0.1% to 3.8% total rare was identified. Also identified was a type contingent upon completion of a full earth oxides. These rare earth elements are of alteration that may be fenitization — review of this new data.

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Inactive Projects Kerchoffer Falls, west of Coral Harbour COURTESY OF INAC

The Keewatin property consists of 16 The property was under option to Newmont Affairs and Northern Development that the claims about 120 km southwest of Arviat. Mining Corporation from 2004 to 2006. program be reviewed under Article 12, Part Tri Origin Exploration Ltd. has completed Kaminak retains 100 per cent ownership 5 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. prospecting and airborne geophysical of these claims. Shortly thereafter, the Minister accepted surveying, as well as preliminary shallow Maze Lake is a grassroots gold explor- this recommendation. drilling on the property. In 2008, Tri Origin ation project consisting of five contiguous In November 2008, a Public Scoping and acquired 100 per cent interest in the properties, Maze 1 to Maze 5 for a total Environmental Impact Statement Guide - property subject to underlying royalties to area of 39,866 ha. Laurentian Goldfields line Development Workshop was hosted BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc. Tri Origin Ltd. is acquiring an interest in the property by the NIRB in Baker Lake. Following the has been considering bringing in a partner through an agreement with Terrane workshop, the NIRB submitted ‘Draft to further explore the area. Metals Corp. No work was conducted on Guidelines to the Preparation of an Work by Tanquerary Resources Ltd on the property in 2009. Environmental Impact Statement for its Baker Lake project has identified six Majescor Resources Inc. owns 100 per Uravan Minerals Inc.’s Project’ areas with precious metal potential (Ayak cent interest in the Baker Lake uranium for comment by interested parties and Gossan, Ayak Mouth, Jaegar North and property, located along the eastern Uravan. In early 2009, Uravan filed a South, Muskox Head and Sam Vein) and margins of the Thelon Basin. Since response to the NIRB; no work was under - one area (Mum Claims) with nickel-copper completing a late season field program in taken on the Garry Lake project this year. potential. A drilling program was completed 2008, no subsequent results or additional The Itza Lake property is controlled by in 2008. Twelve holes tested precious metal work have been reported. an agreement between Stornoway Diamonds occurrences (gold, silver) within quartz The Garry Lake property consists of Corporation and Bayswater Uranium veins or iron formation and two holes 355 mineral claims held by Uravan Minerals Corporation, whereby Stornoway may tested nickel and copper mineralization Inc. covering about 335,553 ha on the earn up to an 80 per cent interest in the within an ultramafic intrusion. Results of northern margin of the Thelon Basin in an diamond rights to the property. In 2007, this program have not been announced. area considered prospective for uranium. Stornoway completed ground geophysical The Matrix Gold property in south- Uravan submitted a land use application surveys and collected surficial sediment central Kivalliq covers gold targets hosted in early 2008 for a proposed field program samples. A planned field program for 2008 in Proterozoic quartz-pebble conglo me rates that included drilling and establishing a was not completed due to logistical considered analogous to the goldfields of new camp. In February 2008, the NIRB considerations. No exploration program the Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa. recommended to the Minister of Indian was undertaken on the property in 2009.

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Qikiqtaaluk Region

The is the largest in Nunavut, covering Baffin Island, islands of the High Arctic (e.g. Ellesmere, Devon, Axel Heiberg, Prince of Wales, Bathurst, Cornwallis), and northern Melville Peninsula. The largest diamond project in Nunavut is located on southern Baffin Island northeast of Iqaluit. The Chidliak Property was the object of regional till geochemical surveys in 2005 and 2006, leading to the 2008 discovery of kimberlite outcrop by Peregrine Diamonds Ltd. Three diamond- bearing kimberlites were discovered in 2008 and 13 more this year. In 2009, Peregrine spent $9.2 million at Chidliak, funded by partner BHP Billiton. Diamond exploration programs on Baffin Island have also identified areas with significant anomalies indicative of uranium and other metals deposits. These results contributed, in part, to the Qikiqtaaluk region having the most new prospecting permit geotechnical and geo-mechanical studies. In 2009, acquisitions in 2008 and again in 2009. the program was generally reduced in scope, but The Qikiqtaaluk region is host to Nunavut’s activities included continued environmental base - largest mineral deposits, the hematite line studies, metallurgical test work and delineation and magnetite deposits, owned by Baffinland Iron drilling of Deposit No.1. Mines Corporation. The main deposit, Deposit For the central Baffin area, junior explorer No.1, has proven reserves of 160 million tonnes (at Commander Resources Ltd. signed a Farm-in and 64.4% Fe) and probable reserves of 205 million Joint Venture Agreement with AngloGold Ashanti tonnes (at 64.9% Fe). An intensive program in 2008 Holdings Plc, who will acquire a 51 per cent interest saw Baffinland complete its two-year bulk sample in Commander’s Baffin Island gold project. An shipment, road construction from the site to the expanded multi-target drill campaign operated by coast, expansion of the camp facilities and continued Commander is planned for 2010.

Bedrock exposures in the mountains of southeast Baffin Island COURTESY OF CNGO

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Base Metals

Green copper mineralization in outcrop at Storm occurrence, Somerset Island COURTESY OF COMMANDER RESOURCES LTD.

STORM Operator/Owner Commander Resources Ltd. Commodities Copper, Zinc, Silver NTS 58C/10, 58C/11 assessment work completed in 2008, Location construction at the Nanisivik port site is 120 km south-southeast of Operator/Owner expected to commence in the summer of Canzinco Ltd. 2010. ( Ltd.) Historical exploration work in the 1990s Commodities resulted in the discovery of the Seal and Zinc, Silver POLARIS MINE Storm base metal occurrences on north- western Somerset Island. The first zone, NTS Operator/Owner Seal, is a carbonate-hosted zinc-silver deposit 48C/01 Teck Resources Limited located on . The second zone, Location Commodities 28 km east-northeast of Arctic Bay Lead, Zinc Storm, is a carbonate-hosted copper body located 20 kilometres (km) inland of the NTS The Nanisivik mine produced 932,635 68H/08 Seal zone. In 2008, Commander Resources tonnes of Zn, 15,208 tonnes of Pb and Ltd. acquired three prospecting permits Location 7,564,206 ounces of Ag from 1986 to 2002. , covering the two zones. This property is In its final year of production (to the end 95 km northwest of Resolute 62,324 hectares (ha) in size. of September 2002), Nanisivik produced In 2009, the company completed a 516,544 tonnes of ore at a grade of 10.0% The Polaris mine, once the world’s most National Instrument (NI) 43-101 compliant Zn and 42 grams per tonne (g/t) of Ag. northerly mining operation, was deco m- report which concentrated on the Storm Nanisivik ceased operations on September missioned by owners Teck Resources copper deposit and included findings from 30, 2002, due to low metal prices. Closure Limited (formerly Teck Cominco) in 2002, the 2008 field program. The report con - and remediation work was completed in after a mine-life of more than 20 years. firmed that chalcocite-bornite minerali - 2006. The mine is currently in an enviro n- The Polaris mine shut down on September zation is dominant and also confirmed mental monitoring phase. 4, 2002, after exhausting its ore reserves high-grade copper mineralization over In 2007, the Government of Canada and having produced 2.6 million tonnes of significant intervals. In particular, the selected the Nanisivik port facility, originally Zn and 666,000 tonnes of Pb concentrates. 4100N Zone shows significant potential built to support the mine, as the location There are no current mining operations for expansion and exploration. No field - for a strategic northern naval and coas t- on-site; reclamation work has finished and work was completed during 2009; however, guard station for the Canadian Forces. monitoring work is scheduled to continue Commander intends work on the property With environmental studies and technical through 2011. in 2010.

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Diamonds

the best exploration strategies for AVIAT BORDEN DIAMOND achieving a NI 43-101 compliant mineral Operator/Partners resource estimate for the Eastern Sheet Operator/Partner Stornoway Diamond Corporation, Complex. Valuation of diamonds recovered Indicator Minerals Inc., Hunter Exploration Group CBR Gold Corp. from ES1 complex, geological mapping, Commodity Commodity sampling and exploration geophysics are Diamonds Diamonds all expected to be carried out during the NTS NTS 2010 field season. 47C/01, 47C/08, 47D/03-47D/06 48A/05, 48A/06, 48A/11, 48A/12 Location Location 72 km west-southwest of Igloolik BAFFIN ISLAND 92 km southeast of Arctic Bay Operator/Owner The 192,637 ha Aviat Project is a joint venture Burnstone Ventures Inc. The property consists of five prospecting between Stornoway Diamonds Corporation Commodity permits and 37 mineral claims totalling as the operator (90 per cent) and Hunter Diamonds more than 133,951 ha. Results from programs Exploration Group (10 per cent). Twelve NTS to date have been used to define an area distinct kimberlite bodies have been 37F/12, 37F/13, 37G/04, 47E/09, believed to host kimberlites from which identified on the Aviat property since 47E/16, 47H/01, 47H/08 kimberlitic indicator mineral (KIM) grains 2002. The bodies range from small pipe- Location found on the property may have been derived. like intrusions to layered sheets, attaining 185 km north of Igloolik Preliminary interpretation of the 2008 widths of up to 16 m (metres). These geophysical survey data results showed In 2008, Pure Diamonds Exploration Inc. shallowly-dipping (8º (degrees) to 20º) several high-priority magnetic targets. (now Burnstone Ventures Inc.) retained kimberlite bodies, and their associated Kimberlite float was found by prospecting independent geological consultants, Apex zones of kimberlitic breccia, are thought over one of the geophysical anomalies. Geoscience Ltd., to review results from to be part of a sequence of layered, Indicator is currently acquiring the exploration to date on this property. A horizontally stacked sheets. Each layer is necessary permits for further work. number of target areas were identified for vertically separated by 10 m to 30 m. detailed exploration. Information known Results from a mini-bulk sample of 202 about the Amon-Aliguja kimberlite wet tonnes extracted from ES1 in 2008 boulder trend was augmented and several were reported in 2009. A total of 89.55 areas containing anomalous kimberlite carats of diamonds were recovered and indicator minerals were isolated, both represents an overall diamond recovery of along and adjacent to the boulder trend. 210 carats per tonne (cpt). The remaining The initial field review of the property 148 tonnes of kimberlite taken from a included detailed indicator mineral sam p- different exposure (previously known as ling, prospecting and geological mapping AV2 outcrop) yielded 213.2 carats with the in 2008. Recommendations for further largest diamond weighing 3.99 carats, for a work included detailed drilling of the diamond content of 144 cpt. These samples Amon-Aliguja trend to define the kimbe r- collectively represent 302.7 carats from lite and to identify areas for trenching and 190.9 (dry) tonnes of kimberlitic material surface sampling. No results from this and returned an overall diamond recovery work have been reported. of 159 cpt. In 2009, Stornoway reviewed the Exposure of AV6 kimberlite, a flat lying sheet, potential mining methods and identified and a green regolith present in overlying till COURTESY OF INAC

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Prospecting mafic outcrops associated with EM anomalies COURTESY OF INAC

Right: Helicopter at Chidliak camp COURTESY OF INAC

The CH-4 kimberlite lies 1.5 km west of CH-1; this kimberlite, with an estimated surface expression of two hectares, was found by drilling two holes above a ge o- physical anomaly. The longest kimbe r lite intersections in each hole were 71 m and 60 m, respectively. The CH-4 kimberlite, displaying significantly olivine-rich petr o- logy, is more altered than CH-1. A 201.6 kilogram (kg) sample of drill core and surface material was sent for micro diamond analyses and yielded 15 diamonds larger than the 0.075 mm sieve size, including CHIDLIAK greater than 0.425 millimetre (mm) sieve one diamond larger than the 0.600 mm size were recovered from this sample, sieve size. Operator/Partner including 34 commercial-sized diamonds The CH-5 kimberlite, with an estimated Peregrine Diamonds Ltd., BHP Billiton larger than 0.85 mm. One 2.01 carat, ge m- geophysical surface expression of one to Commodity quality, clear and colourless octahedron two hectares, lies approximately eight Diamonds was also recovered from this sample. kilometres west of CH-4 and was found NTS In November 2008, BHP Billiton elected by prospecting over a magnetic high 25O/15, 25O/16, 25P/13, 26A/04, 26A/05, 26B/01-26B/03, 26B/06-26B/11 to exercise its earn-in rights for Chidliak geophysical anomaly. Kimberlite CH-6 was located by drilling a magnetic low Location and agreed to incur a total of $22.3 million 115 km north-northeast of Iqaluit in exploration expenditures to acquire a target — the first target of this type to be 51 per cent stake in the property. Peregrine drilled on the property. This kimberlite is The largest diamond program in Nunavut, operated the 2009 exploration program, located 12 km north of CH-1 and has Chidliak, is owned by Peregrine Diamonds fully funded by BHP Billiton. three distinct lithologies: an upper section Ltd. in partnership with BHP Billiton. The 2009 program included drilling of (0 m to 70 m) of volcaniclastic kimberlite; In 2009, this property was the focus of a selected geophysical targets, collection of a a primary pyroclastic facies (70 m to 250 m $9.2 million exploration program. In 2006 50-tonne sample from CH-1, collection of depth); and another kimberlite, possibly and 2007, Peregrine discovered high 1,273 samples for heavy mineral analysis, magmatic in origin, below 250 m. The KIM con cen trations over the 980,000 ha ground magnetic and electromagnetic surface area is estimated from geophysical property. A heliborne magnetic/electr o - geophysical surveys, and the initiation of data at two hectares. Caustic of CH-6 drill magnetic survey was completed over selected an environmental baseline study. Fifty-eight core recovered 2.50 carats of +0.85 mm target areas in 2008. Follow-up on this ge o - geophysical anomalies were evaluated by diamonds from a 398.8 kg sample. An physical survey led to the collection of till ground prospecting and geochemical additional 170.3 kg sample of drill core samples con taining high concentrations of sampling. Of the 13 new kimberlites collected from a magmatic phase of KIM. Three diamond-bearing kimberlites discovered in 2009, seven (CH-4, CH-6, CH-6 (CH-6C) has returned 2.08 carats of (CH-1, CH-2 and CH-3) were discovered in CH-10 and CH-13 through 16) were found +0.85 mm diamonds. A total of 2,007 2008, with 13 more discovered in the 2009 by drilling geophysical targets and six diamonds larger than the 0.075 mm sieve explor ation season using similar methodology. found by prospecting and geological size, including 91 diamonds larger than A 2.28 tonne mini-bulk sample was han d- mapping. These new discoveries bring the the 0.600 mm sieve size, were recovered collected from the surface of CH-1 in the total number of kimberlites on the Chidliak from the sample. The two largest diamonds fall of 2008. A total of 168 micro-diamonds property to 16. recovered were a 0.420 carat white,

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translucent aggregate and a 0.361 carat Northwest of CH-6, Peregrine discovered Petrologic examination suggests that the yellow, transparent distorted crystal. the CH-10 kimberlite by drilling one of a CH-8, CH-10, CH-14 and CH-15 kimbe r- Further drilling is required to define CH-6 number of linearly arranged magnetic lites are largely magmatic in origin, with in greater detail. lows. A 111.4 kg sample of drill core CH-13 and CH-16 being dominated by Kimberlites CH-7, CH-8 and CH-9 yielded 152 diamonds larger than the pyroclastic material. were all discovered by ground prospecting 0.075 mm sieve size, including two Also in 2009, a mini-bulk sample of over targets revealed by the airborne diamonds larger than the 0.600 mm sieve approximately 50 tonnes was collected geophysical survey. The CH-7 target has size. CH-11 and CH-12 kimberlites are each from an outcrop exposure of the CH-1 an estimated area of 1.4 ha and is characterized by magnetic high anomalies kimberlite; results from this sample are composed of magmatic kimberlite with measuring approximately 100 m by 50 m. pending. Initial caustic fusion micr o- abundant mantle xenoliths and indicator Two different types of kimberlite were diamond results from a 178.8 kg sample of minerals. A 220.9 kg sample yielded 664 tentatively identified in the field at these CH-1 drill core yielded a total of 322 micro-diamonds larger than the 0.075 sites. Both kimberlites are diamondi ferous: diamonds larger than the 0.075 mm sieve mm sieve size, including 11 diamonds a 210.0 kg surface sample from CH-11 size, including five diamonds larger than larger than the 0.600 mm sieve size. A 0.64 yielded one 0.075 mm stone and a 251.7 kg the 0.600 mm sieve size. carat translucent off-white diamond was surface sample from CH-12 yielded 270 Planning is underway for the 2010 recovered with this sample. CH-8 is diamonds larger than the 0.075 mm sieve program; work is currently scheduled to located 1.5 km west of CH-7, and yielded size, including three diamonds larger than begin in April with the drilling of lak e- 17 diamonds larger than the 0.075 mm the 0.600 mm sieve size. based geophysical anomalies. Airborne sieve size from a 187.9 kg sample of drill CH 13, CH-14, CH-15 and CH-16 were and ground geophysical coverage will be core and surface material. CH-9, seven all discovered by drilling geophysical expanded. An increased diamond-drilling kilometres west of CH-1, coincides with a targets. CH-14 and CH-15 are represented program will test any new geophysical geophysical anomaly with target area of by magnetic high anomalies and kimbe r- anomalies and further delineate the 2009 approximately one hectare; the discovery lite was intersected over widths of 35 m discoveries. Peregrine also plans to con tinue outcrop itself measures 5 m by 25 m. A and 45 m, respectively. CH-13 and CH-16 ground prospecting and mapping, and to 216.8 kg surface sample of CH-9 yielded two are defined by magnetic lows, and inte r - collect additional samples for indicator diamonds, one larger than the 0.075 mm sected 44 m and 35 m, respectively, of mineral analyses. sieve and one larger than the 0.106 mm kimberlite. Diamond results for these sieve size. kimberlites are pending.

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Pangnirtung Fiord, Nunavut COURTESY OF CNGO DORSET Operator/Partner Indicator Minerals Inc. Commodity Diamonds NTS 36C/10, 36C/11, 36C/14, 36C/15, 36F/02, 36F/03 Location 60 km northwest of Cape Dorset

The Dorset property consists of nine prospecting permits, four of which were acquired in 2009, covering an area of 164,990 ha. In 2008, Indicator Minerals completed a limited till sampling program on the prospecting permits. Kimberlite indicator minerals, including pyrope garnet, were recovered from heavy mineral samples. The four new permits were selected to ensure that all potential KIM source areas were captured. A short field program was its eastern boundary being the coastline, QILAQ 1, TIMMIJUUQ 2 conducted on the property in 2009. the Qilaq property surrounds Chidliak to Operator/Owner the north, east and south. According to FOXE BASIN 1, MIRAGE BAY 2 Peregrine Diamonds Ltd. current geological interpretation, the same Commodity ancient Archean bedrock underlies both Operator/Partner Diamonds Peregrine Diamonds Ltd., BHP Billiton Qilaq and Chidliak. During the 2009 NTS exploration season, geochemical till samples Commodity 25O/01, 25O/07-25O/10, (approximately 600) were collected and Diamonds 25P/03-25P/06, 25P/10-25P/15, 26A/03, NTS 26A/04, 26A/06, 26A/11-26A/13, are being analyzed for kimberlite indicator 37A/03-37A/06, 37A/11, 37A/12, 37B/01, 26B/12-26B/16, 26G/03, 26G04 1; minerals; results are pending. 37B/08, 37B/13, 37B/14, 37C/03, 25P/02, 25P/07, 25P/08 2 Prospecting permits for the Timmi- 1 2 37C/04, 37C/06, 37C/11 ; 36P/08 Location juuaq property located at the northern tip Location 140 km east of Iqaluit 1; of the Hall Peninsula were originally 220 km east of Hall Beach 1, covering 2 193 km east-northeast of Iqaluit acquired in 2006 as part of a six-property islands in the Foxe Basin; 300 km west of Pangnirtung 2 block that includes the Chidliak and In February 2009, Peregrine Diamonds Ltd. Kimmirut properties. With the acquisition Peregrine and BHP Billiton have found was granted 86 prospecting permits (approx i - in 2009 of additional permits and claims, KIM chemistries indicative of a proximal mately 1.3 million ha) bordering the information resulting from work on kimberlite source within the boundary of Chidliak property. This acquisition more the Timmijuuaq project has been their Foxe Basin and Mirage Bay property than doubled the company's prospecting incorporated into the larger Qilaq areas. No work was reported by Peregrine rights on Baffin Island. The Qilaq property property. on either property in 2009. is 100 per cent owned by Peregrine. With

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Energy Sources Coal &3

1 was granted 13 coal exploration licenses Preparing for field operations, Polar Continental , Shelf Project, Resolute Bay, Nunavut 2 that collec tively cover 168,817 ha. The , COURTESY OF CNGO 3 properties are Bache Peninsula with six licenses (60,506 ha), Fosheim Peninsula Operator/Owner with four licenses (54,741 ha) and Lithologies present in the upper mem ber Canadian Sovereign Coal Corp. Strathcona Fiord with three licenses include claystone, siltstone, unconsoli dated Commodity Coal (37,628 ha). sandstone and coal. Coal is the most The coal-bearing, late Cretaceous to indurated lithology and commonly forms NTS 39H/03, 39H/04 1; 49G/16 2; Tertiary, Group in the ridges and hilltops, and can control creek 49E/11, 49E/14 3 Fosheim Peninsula area consists of two drainage patterns. Structurally, the area is Location informal units; a non-coal-bearing basal termed the Fosheim Synclinorium and 370 km north-northeast of 1; member 30 m thick and a coal-bearing consists of broad, open, gentle synclines 408 km north-northwest of Grise Fiord 2; upper member up to 3,200 m thick. Near and anticlines, and normal faults. Past 3 262 km north of Grise Fiord the base of the section, individual coal workers have reported variations in coal seams reach a maximum of six metres rank within the Fosheim Peninsula area; In 2008 and 2009, Canadian Sovereign thick but higher in the section, zones coal near the top of the Eureka Sound Coal Corp. (CSCC), a wholly-owned containing 50 per cent coal can achieve Group is lignite in rank and coal near the subsi diary of Weststar Resources Corp., thicknesses of up to 20 m. base is high-volatile bituminous.

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Energy Sources Uranium

FURY–HECLA BASIN Operator/Partner UNOR Inc., Cameco Corporation Commodity Uranium NTS 47F/01, 47F/08 Location 135 km west-northwest of Igloolik

Cameco Corporation acquired 12 pros- pecting permits in the Fury-Hecla Basin in February 2007. The permits were incor - porated into a joint venture with UNOR Inc.. No results have been announced and no field activities were conducted on-site during 2009.

KIMMIRUT

Cross-beds in eolian Cambrian sandstone, Operator/Owner FLINT Roberson River Area Peregrine Diamonds Ltd. COURTESY OF UNOR INC. Operator/Partner Commodity Peregrine Diamonds Ltd. Uranium Commodity NTS Uranium FURY–HECLA 25M/07-25M/10, 25M/16, 25N/12, NTS Operator/Owner 25N/13 37A/14, 37D/03, 37D/05, 37D/06, Uranium North Resources Corp. Location 37D/11, 37D/12 Commodity 75 km north of Kimmirut Location Uranium 260 km southwest of Clyde River NTS In February 2008, Peregrine Diamonds 47E/04 was granted 39 prospecting permits on the This 300,000 ha property represents 12 Location Meta-Incognita Peninsula of Baffin Island. prospecting permits acquired by Peregrine 105 km northeast of Igloolik Field work was conducted in 2007 and Diamonds in February 2008. Uranium 2008 and results identified anomalous minerals, along with pyrite, chalcopyrite Uranium North Resources Corp. acquired amounts of the mineral series uraninite- and gold grains, were recovered in till two prospecting permits in 2008 covering thorianite. Exploration work anticipated samples from several sites on the property. part of the Fury-Hecla Basin. Historical for 2009 on this property was postponed In 2009, Peregrine concentrated much work has documented uranium enric h- to allow the company to focus on other of its exploration efforts on other pro pe r- ment in the basal sequence of the basin. properties, particularly Chidliak. However, ties. However, desk-top research, planning No results on work have been publically a full exploration field season is expected and logistical exercises were undertaken in reported by Uranium North. on the Kimmirut property in 2010. 2009 for this project in preparation for future field work.

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Gemstones

Blue sapphires with purple diopside, creamy beige scapolite, plagioclase, and altered nepheline from Beluga property COURTESY OF INAC marble of the Lake Harbour Group. These BELUGA 1, CROOKS INLET 2 marbles extend from Kimmirut along the Operator/Owner southern Baffin Island coast toward Cape True North Gems Inc. Dorset. Commodity The 2009 field season involved a Sapphires targeted program of sampling, minor NTS trenching, delineation work and environ - 25K/13 1; 25L/15 2 mental baseline work. Collaborative Location research, as Ph.D. work, between True 2.9 km south-southeast of Kimmirut 1, 45 km west of Kimmirut 2 North Gems and the University of British Columbia is currently underway on Gem-quality corundum mineralization sapphire samples from the Kimmirut (blue, pink and colourless), as the mineral property. Results from this study and the sapphire, lies within a series of calc-silicate 2009 season are pending. lenses at Kimmirut. They are hosted by

Gold

an interpreted series of thrust faults. Gold in excess of two g/t Au. Thirty per cent of BRAVO LAKE, QIMMIQ mineralization is hosted within steeply- samples assayed in excess of five g/t Au and Operator/Partner dipping quartz veins and minor strat a- 17.5 per cent assayed in excess of 30 g/t Au. Commander Resources Ltd., bound semi-massive gold-bearing arseno - Rock chip and grab sampling of outcrop AngloGold Ashanti Holdings Plc pyrite gossans. Mineralized vein systems and boulders returned values of 1,388 g/t Commodity are hosted by a gently-dipping, inter - Au, 861 g/t Au, 720 g/t Au, 213.5 g/t Au Gold bedded sequence of greywacke and micro- and 660.3 g/t Au. NTS conglomerate. Based on previous seasons’ Work during the 2009 field season was 27B/11, 27B/12 1; 27B/12, 37A/07-37A/10 2 analytical results, a gold-silver-bismuth- aimed at defining the ‘Hebert Zone’. As a Location lead association is apparent in this system. result, the property was geologically 220 km south of Clyde River 1; Gold was also discovered at the ‘Frankie mapped at regional and detailed scales, 250 km south of Clyde River 2 Showing’ and ‘Southeast Showing’; these more than 650 channel and soil samples showings occur in structures parallel and were taken and ground prospecting was The Bravo Lake and Qimmiq occurrences sub-parallel, respectively, to the main completed over previously identified gold were previously explored as Commander Hebert trend. anomalies. A regional-scale till sampling Resources Ltd.’s Baffin Gold Project. Since In December 2008, Commander program was conducted over the Bravo the discovery of the Hebert Prospect in Resources reported high-grade gold results Lake Formation in an area previously not 2007, the Hebert system is now recognized from surface channel sampling and pro s - sampled and approximately 40 km west of as being more than 3.5 km long in a gold- pecting on the Hebert Prospect within the the main Herbert trend. Hebert South, a enriched structural corridor that is at least Qimmiq property. Forty per cent of new extension located one kilometre 10 km long. The mineralized corridor is channel samples taken from mineralized south of the central Hebert Zone, contains structurally controlled and lies parallel to quartz veins and host rock returned values a number of significant arsenopyrite-

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Geologic mapping, Borden Basin, northern Baffin Island COURTESY OF CNGO

bearing quartz veins. Channel samples widths of 0.3 m to 0.75 m. Channel sampling During the fall of 2009, Commander from quartz veins returned values includ - in 2009 returned values of 66.84 g/t Au signed a Farm-in and Joint Venture Agree - ing 373.90 g/t gold over 0.25 m; 241.30 g/t over 0.38 m, and 31.49 g/t Au over 0.85 m. ment with AngloGold Ashanti Ltd's gold over 0.25 m; 104.50 g/t gold over 0.30 At Traciane North, 100 m to the north of subsidiary, AngloGold Ashanti Holdings m; 98.71 g/t gold over 0.25 m; and 48.64 Traciane, gold-bearing veins are also Plc. Under the agreement, AngloGold may g/t gold over 0.44 m. Rock chip and grab exposed and returned a value of 96.51 g/t earn a 51 per cent participating interest in samples include gold values of 442 g/t, Au over 0.20 m. the project by funding $20 million over a 252.90 g/t, 134.80 g/t, and 103.60 g/t. In 2009, Commander Resources co m- six-year period and by completing a $1.2 A new showing, Traciane, discovered in pleted its mobilization of fuel and supplies million private placement in shares of 2008 lies 1.5 km northeast of the main in anticipation of a full field season in Commander. The agreement includes a zone. This showing lies within the same 2010. The 2009 sampling program and its commitment to fund $5.5 million in structural corridor as known showings resulting analytical data will be used to exploration expenditures within the first and brings the total number of identified define and target a 2010 drill program. two years and to diamond-drill a gold prospects to 18. Traciane consists of a Additionally, the company staked a further minimum of 3,000 m. The 2010 field work series of gold-bearing quartz-arsenopyrite 34,500 ha of mineral claims; this increases on this property will be fully funded by veins exposed over an area 100 m by 50 m, the Baffin Gold Property to a size of AngloGold Ashanti. with individual mineralized veins attaining approximately 780 square kilometres (km 2).

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Iron

MARY RIVER Operator/Owner Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation Commodity Iron Ore NTS 37G/05 Location 160 km south of Pond Inlet

The high-grade Mary River iron deposits occur in interbedded sequences of banded iron formation, iron silicate, greywacke, granite and hornblende gneiss. To date, five main deposits have been identified in the Mary River area. While Deposits No. 1 to 4 were previously known, Deposit No. 5 was discovered this year. This new deposit was sampled over a wide range of outcrop exposures containing hematite-dominant mineralization and returning assay grades ranging from 61% to 70% Fe. Saxifrage getting a foothold on top of Deposit No. 1, Mary River COURTESY OF INAC Deposit No. 1 has proven reserves of 160 million tonnes at 64.4% Fe, and probable the Mary River Project for a Part 5 review materials. These results were a key step in reserves of 205 million tonnes at 64.9% Fe. under Article 12 of the Nunavut Land determining commercial suitability of the The combined resources (exclusive of Claims Agreement. This referral was made in iron ore. reserves) from Deposits No. 2 and 3 are: response to recommendations of the NIRB Baffinland conducted a $30 million measured resources of 0.4 million tonnes following a positive conformity of the multi-faceted field program at the Mary (at 65.4% Fe), indicated resources of 52.0 project to the North Baffin Regional Land River site during the summer of 2009, million tonnes (at 64.6% Fe) and inferred Use Plan, as determined by the NPC. The primarily designed to delineate and provide resources of 448.0 million tonnes (at environmental assess ment guidelines were further control on the resources and 65.5% Fe). issued by the NIRB for the proposed reserves currently lying within Deposit In March 2008, Baffinland Iron Mines project in November 2009. Based on these No. 1. The company completed 2,316 m of Corporation submitted a development guidelines, Baffin land can now prepare an drilling. Other activities included recla - proposal and associated mine-permitting environmental impact statement mation and regulatory and environmental applications which initiated a regulatory Results from the blast furnace tests of assessment work. The company also review of the project. The current proposal a 113,217 tonne bulk sample (shipped in facilitated several Inuit training courses suggests a 21-year mine life based on 2008) conducted at several steel mills in funded by both the federal government known and well-defined iron ore reserves, Germany were released in 2009. Results and Government of Nunavut initiatives. with 18 million tonnes of iron ore shipped from production tests indicated that high Baffinland expects exploration in 2010 annually to European steel mills. rates of blast furnace productivity can be to focus on delineating Deposit No. 4 and In early 2009, the Minister of Indian achieved using the Mary River ore without Deposit No. 5, and to continue advancing Affairs and Northern Development referred degradation in the quality of the molten through the regulatory process.

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Roche Bay exploration Camp COURTESY OF INAC

2008 drill program over the iron-rich C- uncovered a mineralized magnetite-rich ROCHE BAY 1, TUKTU 2 Zone. With a 25% Fe cut-off grade, Golder banded iron formation about 60 km Operator/Partner defined an inferred resource of 350 million northwest of the Roche Bay project and 45 Advanced Explorations Inc., tonnes at 28.07% Fe to a depth of 250 m km due west of Foxe Basin on the Melville Roche Bay plc from surface. Zones A, B and D represent Peninsula. Eleven claims were staked over Commodity future drill targets with an existing the iron formation and the company refers Iron Ore historical (non-NI 43-101 compliant) to this area as the Tuktu property. The NTS combined resource estimate of 700 million magnetite-rich banded iron formation can 47A/04-47A/06, 47B/02, 47B/07 tonnes. be traced for roughly 2,700 m in length, Location 72 km southwest 1 and Results from a preliminary economic has a width of up to 700 m and is exposed 70 km west-northwest 2 of Hall Beach assessment were released in June 2009. vertically for over 60 m. Massive magnetite This assessment assumes that if a mine mineralization is exposed at surface. The The Roche Bay Magnetite Project, owned were to open, a 20-year starter open-pit down-dip extent of the mineralization is by Advanced Exploration Inc. (AEI) and mine would be over C-Zone North with unknown, but field mapping has shown Roche Bay plc, includes five deposits of an initial ore production rate of 15,000 that the iron formation beds dip Algoma-type banded iron formation tonnes per day (5.0 million tonnes per approximately 70º (degrees) to the southwest. (BIF) known as Zones A (or Adler), B, C, year). The iron ore that crops out on Seventy-five rock samples from various D and E. These deposits are characterized surface (at a grade of 30% Fe) is expected lithologies were collected from this by alternating bands of magnetite and to create a low initial waste-to-ore strip discovery area. Samples were analyzed for silica occurring over strike lengths of 820 m ratio of 0.5:1. According to the prelimi nary iron and other elements; analytical results to 4,200 m and widths of 120 m to 160 m. assessment, the main pit, stockpile and returned grades of up to 34% Fe and with The zones are subsets of a larger, regional production facilities would be linked by an low levels of contaminate. A large portion iron formation unit that extends from the all-weather road to the natural deep-water of the iron formation samples graded southwest to the shores of Roche Bay, a harbour at Roche Bay. 0.04% sulphur or less. The samples have distance of approximately 30 km. In 2009, AEI continued with enviro n- been sent for metallurgical testing to A NI 43-101 compliant resource est i- mental impact assessment work and desk- determine if a high-grade (plus 63% Fe) mate was completed by Golder Associates top metallurgical and engineering studies. iron product can be produced. Ltd. in 2009, using data from the 2007 and Summer mapping and prospecting have

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Nickel–Copper–Platinum Group Metals (PGM) GF

Drill testing the Ch-6 target on Chidliak property COURTESY OF COURTESY OF PEREGRINE DIAMONDS LTD. AXEL HEIBERG Operator/Owner Vale Inco Limited Commodity Nickel, Copper, Platinum, Palladium NTS 59G/09, 59G/10, 59G/G8, 59H/02, 59H/03, 59H/06 Location 370 km northwest of Grise Fiord

Vale Inco acquired 11 prospecting permits samples collected across the anomalous area, on in 2008. The property 17 contained elevated levels of the mineral DOME PROJECTS covers 158,086 ha considered prospective sperrylite. This mineral is most commonly Operator/Owner for Noril’sk type nickel-copper-PGM sulphide associated with platinum, palla dium and Saulnier mineralization associated with the Cret a- nickel mineralization. Several grains of Commodity ceous Strand Fiord Formation of the sperrylite and many grains of the mineral Platinum, Palladium, Lead, Zinc, Sverdrup Basin. goethite were recovered outside of the Copper, Gold main platinum group metals-enriched area. NTS CHIDLIAK 69E/07, 69E/10, 69F/02, 69F/06, The potential for metamorphic-type 69F/09, 69F/10, 69F/13-69F/15, Operator/Partner massive sulphide deposits on the property 69G/02, 69G/03 Peregrine Diamonds Ltd., BHP Billiton is supported by the recovery of anomalous Location Commodity levels of gahnite, the primary indicator , Amund Ringnes Platinum, Palladium, Lead, Zinc, mineral for lead-zinc-silver-copper systems. Island; 490 km north-northwest of Copper, Gold This Gahnite Anomaly is approximately Resolute Bay NTS 2.5 km 2 in area. Ninety per cent of the soil 25O/15, 25O/16, 25P/13, 26A/04, 26A/05, 26B/01-26B/03, 26B/06-26B/11 samples collected over the anomaly con - Twelve permits were acquired to explore Location tained highly elevated levels (47 to 1,600 for platinum and palladium (+/- gold, 115 km north-northeast of Iqaluit grains per sample) of gahnite. A large lead, zinc and copper) in gabbroic rocks geochemical anomaly measuring 15 km by on Ellef Ringnes and Amund Ringnes The Chidliak property, although being 20 km was also identified and termed the islands in the High Arctic. Altered and explored primarily for diamonds, also has Chalcopyrite Anomaly. Within this area magnetite-bearing gabbro has intruded potential for several other commodities. are anomalous concentrations of chalc o- into the basal evaporate layer of Ground prospecting, mapping and sampling pyrite mineralization that are suggestive of piercement domes, the main landforms in during 2007 and 2008 was augmented by several metallic deposit types. the area, within Sverdrup Basin sediments. an airborne geophysical survey flown over In 2009, exploration work continued Exploration work in 2007 was undertaken the entire property in 2008 and 2009. on the entire Chidliak claim block. Further on the Malloch Dome, South Fiord Dome, Results of this work identified and assessment of the platinum group metals Amund Ringnes Piercement Dome and on outlined three anomalous zones with potential of this property is expected the Christopher Peninsula. This work geochemical signatures unrelated to the during the 2010 season in addition to the involved collecting rock samples and presence of kimberlite and diamonds. diamond exploration activities on the conducting ground magnetic surveys. No The Sperrylite Anomaly covers an area property. Full geochemical results from work was conducted recently; the land of approximately 10 km 2. Of the 44 till the 2009 season are pending. tenure is being maintained.

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Inactive Projects

Patrician Diamonds Ltd., the predecessor The Brodeur property is located 100 Baffin Island). The Brodeur Diamond company to Diamond Exploration Inc., km northwest of Arctic Bay and comprises project, formerly known as the Jackson staked mineral claims for diamond explor - 85.37 ha covering 82 claims (NTS map Inlet Project and operated by Altanta Gold ation on the (NTS map sheets 48B/02 through 48B/04, 48C/04 Inc., is centered 3.3 km south of Jackson sheets 48A, 48B; located 90 km southeast of through 48C/06, 48C/11, 48G/11 through River on NTS map sheets 58D/01 and Arctic Bay) in 2004. Patrician entered into 48G/14, 48H/08, 48H/09 and 58D/06). 58D/08, 100 km west of Arctic Bay. The an agreement at the time with Mountain The property hosts three known diamond- Freightrain and Cargo 1 kimberlites occur Province Diamonds to acquire its database bearing kimberlite bodies: Tuwawi, Nanuk within the property. An independent on the area. A brief prospecting and recon - and Kuuriaq. Diamondex Resources Inc. technical review completed in 2006 naissance survey was initially imple mented earned 100 per cent interest in the pr o- identified 12 targets as priorities for and recovered a 0.31 carat diamond of perty, subject to an underlying property follow-up drilling. No work has been good quality from a small sample of kimber - acquisition agreement with Kennecott reported since 2006; however, the land lite rubble collected from a stream bed in Canada Exploration Inc. Due to poor tenure has been maintained. the Falls Area. Collective work in the area market conditions, none of the planned has identified eight kimberlites in outcrop field activities were carried out in 2009. and an additional five areas of unsourced The Brodeur cluster of kimberlite pipes kimberlite rubble in glacial drift. No activity is located 12 km east of tidewater on the Inactive site at Brodeur property, Diamondex has been reported on the property since 2006. (north-westernmost COURTESY OF INAC

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Index (Company names appear in bold, projects in regular type)

5050 Nunavut Limited Commander Resources Ltd. Marcelle Hausaux Shear Minerals Ltd. Bear Valley (32) Bravo Lake (69) Kiyuk (53) Chesterfield Inlet (42) MIE (38) Qimmiq (69) Mega Precious Metals Inc. Churchill (gold) (53) UNAD (33) Storm (62) Blue Caribou (21) Churchill (diamonds) (43) Advanced Explorations Inc. Corsa Capital Ltd. Mega Uranium Ltd. Churchill West (diamonds) (43) Roche Bay (72) SY (57) Thelon Basin (52) Napajut (57) Tuktu (72) Daewoo International Corp. Meliadine Resources Ltd. Sakari (31) Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. Kiggavik Project (Kiggavik, Sissons, Meliadine East (55) Starfield Resources Inc. Meadowbank (53) St. Tropez Claims) (49) Meliadine West (56) Ferguson Lake (diamonds) (43) Muskox (57) Diamonds North Resources Ltd. MIE Metals Corp Ferguson Lake (Ni-Cu-PGM) (58) North Thelon Project (52) Amaruk (27) Bear Valley (32) Stornoway Diamond Corporation (Judge Sissons and Schultz Lake) (50) Diamonds North Permits (43) MIE (38) Aviat (63) Nutaaq (59) Hepburn (base metals) (24) UNAD (33) Chesterfield Inlet (42) Parker Lake (57) Hepburn (diamonds) (30) Newmont Mining Corporation Churchill (gold) (53) Anglo American Exploration (Canada) Ltd. Northern Hepburn (33) Chicago (35) Churchill (diamonds) (43) Southampton Island (59) Sakari (31) Twin Peaks (35) Churchill West (diamonds) (43) AngloGold Ashanti Holdings Plc Siku (31) Hope Bay Project Hammer (29) Bravo Lake (69) Tunerq (39) (Doris, Madrid, Boston) (36) Qilalugaq (45) Qimmiq (69) Ualliq (31) North Arrow Minerals Inc. Strongbow Exploration Inc. Arctic Star Diamond Corp. Victoria Island (31) Anialik (base metals) (21) Canada Uranium Joint Venture Siku (31) Evolving Gold Corp. Anialik (gold) (34) (Amer East, Amer West, Itza Lake, AREVA Resources Canada Inc. Kiyuk (53) Canoe Lake (base metals) (21) Permit 1, Permit 2) (49) Kiggavik Project (Kiggavik, Sissons, Exploratus Ltd. Canoe Lake (gold) (34) Silvertip (26) St. Tropez Claims) (49) Napajut (57) Hammer (29) Tanqueray Resources Ltd. Aura Silver Resources Inc. Forum Uranium Corp. Torp Lake (38) North Thelon Project Greyhound Lake (42) North Thelon Northrock Resources Inc. (Tanqueray Option) (50) Aurora Energy Resources Inc. (Ukaliq, Kiggavik North, Kiggavik Bathurst Inlet (37) Teck Resources Limited Baker Lake Basin (48) South, Judge Sissons, Schultz Lake Turner Lake (37) Darby (29) Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation and Tanqueray Option) (50) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Polaris Mine (62) Mary River (71) Nutaaq (59) Angilak (Lac Cinquante, Yathkyed) (47) TerraX Minerals Inc. Bayswater Uranium Corporation Hunter Exploration Group Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. Needle Lake (37) Canada Uranium Joint Venture Aviat (63) Baker Lake Basin (48) Titan Uranium Inc. (Amer East, Amer West Itza Lake, Barrow (28) Peregrine Diamonds Ltd. Thelon Basin (52) Permit 1, Permit 2) (49) Darby (29) Chidliak (diamonds) (64) Thanda Resources Ltd. Bear Lake Gold Ltd. Grail (29) Chidliak (Ni-Cu-PGM) (73) Ferguson Lake (diamonds) (43) Chicago (35) Nanuq North (44) Flint (68) Triex Minerals Corporation Twin Peaks (35) Indicator Minerals Inc. Foxe Basin (66) Dismal Lake (33) Benachee Resources Inc. Barrow (28) Kimmirut (68) Dismal Lakes West (Sandy Creek) (33) Jericho (30) Borden Diamond (63) Mirage Bay (66) Kendall River (33) BHP Billiton Darby (29) Nanuq (44) Mountain Lake (33) Chidliak (diamonds) (64) Dorset (66) Nanuq North (44) True North Gems Inc. Chidliak (Ni-Cu-PGM) (73) Grail (29) Qilaq (66) Beluga (69) Foxe Basin (66) Indigo (44) Timmijuuq (66) Crooks Inlet (69) Mirage Bay (66) Nanuq North (44) Pitchstone Exploration Ltd. UNOR Inc. BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc. International Samuel Exploration Corp. Dismal Lake (33) Asiak River (32) Qilalugaq (45) Ualliq (31) Dismal Lakes West (Sandy Creek) (33) Coppermine (32) Burnstone Ventures Inc. JCU Exploration (Canada) Co. Ltd. Kendall River (33) Fury-Hecla Basin (68) Baffin Island (63) Kiggavik (Kiggavik, Sissons, St. Tropez Mountain Lake (33) Lac Rouviere (32) CBR Gold Corp. Claims) (49) Platinex Inc. UNAD (33) Committee Bay Gold Project (Anuri, Inuk, Kaminak Gold Corporation Muskox (38) Ur-Energy Inc. Raven, Three Bluffs, West Plains) (35) Needle Lake (37) Roche Bay plc Bugs (48) Borden Diamond (63) SY (57) Roche Bay (72) Uranium North Resources Corp. Cameco Corporation Kennecott Canada Exploration Inc. Tuktu (72) Amer Lake (46) Aberdeen (46) Chesterfield Inlet (42) Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. Fury-Hecla (68) Fury-Hecla Basin (68) Kivalliq Energy Corporation Back River Project Northern Hepburn (33) Lac Rouviere (32) Angilak (Lac Cinquante, Yathkyed [K]) (47) (George Lake, Goose Lake) (34) South Baker Nueltin Lake (50) MMG Resources Inc. (Minmetals) Hackett River (22) (Hawk, JG, Kam, L1, SW Hawk) (51) Turqavik (46) Canoe Lake (base metals) (21) Wishbone (26) Yathkyed (51) Canadian Sovereign Coal Corp. Gondor (22) Saulnier Vale Inco Bache Peninsula (67) High Lake (24) Dome Projects (73) Axel Heiberg (73) Fosheim Peninsula (67) High Lake Exploration (24) Savant Explorations Ltd. Southampton (58) Strathcona Fiord (67) Izok Lake (24) Yava (27) Western Uranium Corporation Canzinco Ltd. (Breakwater Resources Ltd.) Hood (22) Shawn Sumacz Ruby Hill (51) Nanisivik (62) Lupin (36) Kiyuk (53) Xstrata plc Comaplex Minerals Corp. Ulu (base metals) (36) Gondor (22) Meliadine East (55) Musk (25) Meliadine West (56)

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