Industrial Mineral Resource Assessment of the Nipissing Diabase

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Industrial Mineral Resource Assessment of the Nipissing Diabase Highway 17 Corridor from Massey to Blind River and North Channel Islands

Ontario Geological Survey Mineral Deposits Circular 32

1996

Industrial Mineral Resource Assessment of the Nipissing Diabase Highway 17 Corridor from Massey to Blind River and North Channel Islands

Ontario Geological Survey Mineral Deposits Circular 32

Staff of the Sedimentary Geoscience Section and Golder Associates Ltd.

1996

CANADA ONTARIO This publication was funded under the Minerals program of the EDNO ¥ Northern Ontario Development Agreement Canada-Ontario Northern Ontario Development Agreement (NODA), Entente de développement du nord de l'Ontario a four year joint initiative signed November 4, 1991.

NODA Minerals • Minéraux

i © Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 1996 ISSN 0706-4551 ISBN 0-7778-4916-X

Publications for the Ontario Geological Survey and the Ministry of Northern Develop- ment and Mines are available from the following sources. Orders for publications should be accompanied by cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance.

Reports, maps and price lists (personal shopping or mail order): Mines and Minerals Information Centre M2-17 Macdonald Block 900 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario M7A 1C3 Toll-free long distance, 1-800-665-4480 (within Ontario)

Reports, maps and price lists (personal shopping): Publication Sales Ministry of Northern Development and Mines Willet Green Miller Centre Level B2, 933 Ramsey Lake Road Sudbury, Ontario P3E 6B5 Telephone: (705) 670-5691 Fax: (705) 670-5770 E-mail: [email protected]

Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data Ontario Geological Survey and Golder Associates Ltd. Industrial mineral resource assessment of the Nipissing diabase, Highway 17 corridor from Massey to Blind River and North Channel islands (Ontario Geological Survey mineral deposits circular, ISSN 0706-4551 ; 32) ISBN 0-7778-4916-X 1. Aggregates (Building materials)ÐOntarioÐAlgoma Region. 2. Industrial mineralsÐGeologyÐOntarioÐAlgoma Region. 3. DiabaseÐOntarioÐAlgoma Region. I. Golder Associates. II. Ontario. Sedimentary Geoscience Section. III. Ontario Geological Survey. IV. Series. TN939.I52 1996 553.6’2’09713132 C96-964001-3 Every possible effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this report, but the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines does not assume any liability for errors that may occur. Source references are included in the report and users may wish to verify critical information.

If you wish to reproduce any of the text, tables or illustrations in this report, please write for permission to the Manager, Publication Services Unit, Information Services Section, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Willet Green Miller Centre, 933 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, Ontario P3E 6B5.

Cette publication est disponible en anglais seulement.

Parts of this publication may be quoted if credit is given. It is recommended that reference be made in the following form: Ontario Geological Survey and Golder Associates Ltd. 1996. Industrial mineral resource assessment of the Nipissing diabase, Highway 17 corridor from Massey to Blind River and North Channel islands; Ontario Geological Survey, Mineral Deposits Circular 32, 30p. Edited/Produced by: Geomatics International Inc.

ii Contents

Introduction ...... 3

Part I - Inventory Methods ...... 4 Field and Office Methods ...... 4 Resource Tonnage Calculation Techniques ...... 4 Bedrock Resources...... 4

Part II - Data Presentation and Interpretation...... 5 Map 1: Bedrock Resource Areas...... 5 Resource Area Symbol...... 5 Map 2: Bedrock Resource Areas and Possible Shipping Access for North Channel Islands Resource Areas ...... 5

Part III - Assessment of the Nipissing Diabase, Highway 17 Corridor from Massey to Blind River and North Channel Islands ...... 6 Background ...... 6 Topography ...... 6 Mainland ...... 6 Islands ...... 6 Surficial Geology ...... 6 Bedrock Geology ...... 7 Selected Bedrock Resource Areas ...... 9 Mainland Selected Resource Areas ...... 9 Selected Resource Area 1 ...... 9 Selected Resource Area 2 ...... 9 Selected Resource Area 3 ...... 9 Selected Resource Area 4 ...... 10 Selected Resource Area 5 ...... 10 Selected Resource Area 6 ...... 11 Selected Resource Area 7 ...... 11 Selected Resource Area 8 ...... 11 Selected Resource Area 9 ...... 11 Selected Resource Area 10 ...... 13 Selected Resource Area 11 ...... 13 Selected Resource Area 12 ...... 13 Selected Resource Area 13 ...... 13 Selected Resource Areas 14, 15 and 16 ...... 13 Potential Additional Mainland Resource Area ...... 14 Island Selected Resource Areas...... 14 Aird Island Selected Resource Areas ...... 14 Fréchette Island Selected Resource Area ...... 15 Green Island Selected Resource Area ...... 15 Hotham Island Selected Resource Area ...... 15 Shanly Island Selected Resource Area ...... 15 Kirke Island Selected Resource Area ...... 17 Potential Additional Island Resource Areas ...... 17 Aggregate Quality and Suitability ...... 17 Suitability of Aggregate for Use in Hot-Laid Asphalt...... 17 Suitability of Aggregate for Use in Concrete ...... 18 Suitability of Aggregate for Use as Granular Material ...... 18 Other Potential Uses ...... 18 Extraction and Processing...... 20 Summary ...... 22

References ...... 23

iii FIGURES 1. Location of study area ...... 3 2. Bedrock geology of the study area...... 8

TABLES 1. Mainland Selected Resource areas, summary ...... 10 2. Mainland Selected Resource areas, size and tonnage ...... 11 3. Aggregate suitability test results, mainland samples...... 12 4. Island Selected Resource areas, summary ...... 14 5. Island Selected Resource areas, size and tonnage ...... 15 6. Aggregate suitability test results, island samples ...... 16 7. Physical requirements for coarse aggregate (OPSS/MTO) ...... 19 8. Physical requirements for fine aggregate (OPSS/MTO) ...... 20 9. CP rail track ballast standards ...... 21 10. CP rail track ballast gradation standards ...... 21

APPENDIXES Appendix A - Nipissing Diabase Study, Mainland Sampling Program ...... 24 Appendix B - Nipissing Diabase Study, Island Sampling Program ...... 26 Appendix C - Glossary ...... 27

GEOLOGICAL MAPS Map 1 Ð Bedrock Resource Areas ...... back pocket Map 2 Ð Bedrock Resource Areas and Possible Shipping Access for North Channel Islands Resource Areas ...... back pocket

iv Abstract

This report includes a partial inventory and a preliminary evaluation of the aggregate resource potential of the Nipissing diabase along the Highway 17 corridor between Massey and Blind River in northern Ontario (Figure 1). The study area lies within the Algoma, Manitoulin and Sudbury districts of Ontario and includes numerous islands which lie within the North Channel of Lake Huron. Some of these islands are composed mainly of diabase.

Within the study area, 23 sites were identified as having potentially significant resources of Nipissing diabase and are designated as Selected Resource Areas (SRA). Of these, 16 lie on the mainland and 7 are on islands in the North Channel of Lake Huron. In total, the mainland SRAs cover approximately 1904 ha with a combined resource of approximately 976 Mt of diabase. The island SRAs cover a total of 503 ha with an estimated total resource of 163 Mt of diabase above lake level. These SRAs represent approximately 2.5% of the land area within the region of study. In addition to the identified island SRAs, a number of other islands have potential additional diabase resources; however, access to these areas may be problematic.

The mainland SRAs extend from the western boundary of the study area (SRA 1) to the eastern boundary (SRAs 10 and 11). Almost all of the mainland sites are currently accessible by all-weather road or paved provincial highway; some, however, have limited or no access. Most of the SRAs are located within 5 km of Highway 17, which transects the study area. Sites situated on the North Channel islands have potential shipping chan- nels and deep-water access close to shore.

Nipissing diabase, a basic igneous intrusive rock, occurs as sills and dikes that have intruded igneous and sedimentary rocks of the Canadian Shield. It is the ridges of this rock type that have been designated as SRAs.

Sites for sampling were selected on the basis of access, potential size, exposure and simplicity of structure. Surface samples were collected at 13 sites on the mainland and 9 sites on 5 islands. These samples were tested for aggregate suitability at the laboratories of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Many of the samples tested were suitable for all high-quality aggregate uses. A few were not suitable for some concrete or skid-resistant aggregate uses, possibly due to surface weathering of the bedrock material that was collected for testing.

Other potential end uses for the diabase include granular materials for various building products, armour stone and riprap and, subject to further testing and assessment, limited building stone applications. The stone may also be suitable as a raw material for the production of rock wool insulation; however, testing would be required to determine usability.

Extraction of diabase for the production of a wide range of coarse and fine aggregates would require a quarry operation with the processing plant design dominated by crushing and screening facilities. The Nipissing diabase is a resource that will likely have increasing significance as available sources of aggregate around the Great Lakes diminish. Access to open water for distribution by freighters is a very important advantage.

This report is part of the ongoing mandate of the Sedimentary Geoscience Section of the Ontario Geological Survey to provide aggregate and industrial minerals resource information for the province.

Ontario Geological Survey and Golder Associates Ltd. 1996. Industrial mineral resource assessment of the Nipissing diabase, Highway 17 corridor from Massey to Blind River and North Channel islands; Ontario Geological Survey, Mineral Deposits Circular 32, 30p.

v vi Industrial Mineral Resource Assessment of the Nipissing Diabase Highway 17 Corridor from Massey to Blind River and North Channel Islands

Staff of the Sedimentary Geoscience Section and Golder Associates Ltd.

Manuscript approved for publication by C. Baker, Chief, Sedimentary Geoscience Section, Ontario Geological Survey. This report is published with the permission of John Wood, Director, Ontario Geological Survey.

The completion of this project has involved the assistance of several members of the Golder Associates Ltd. (GA) staf f, staff of the Ontario ministries of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM), Transportation (MTO) and others. We would like to acknowledge R.B. Craddock, S. Espinoza, G.M.M. Ley , B. Esford, D. McPhedran, M. Weirdsma (GA); G. Bennett, R.I. Kelly , C.A. Kaszycki, J. Norwood (MNDM); R. Gorman, C.A. Rogers (MTO); and B.L. Bailey of Collingwood and J. Vance of Blind River.

vii viii INDUSTRIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, NIPISSING DIABASE Introduction

The study area occupies a strip of land along Highway 17 Declining availability of high-quality aggregate extending from east of Massey, approximately 90 km west of close to the markets of southern Ontario and the neigh- Sudbury, to just west of Blind River. The area covers approx- bouring areas of the United States has prompted the imately 1000 km2, and includes numerous islands within the industry to explore for other potential sources. The north North Channel of Lake Huron. The Nipissing diabase under- shore of Lake Huron was identified as a location with lies approximately 2.5 to 3% of the land surface within the known resources of diabase and available modes of bulk study area. transportation, including rail and potential deep-water harbours for freighters. Currently, diabase is being This study constitutes the second phase in the evaluation exploited at 2 sites west of the study area and one site of aggregate resources along the Highway 17 corridor. An east of the study area. earlier study (Kristjansson and Kelly 1993; Dames & Moore, Canada and OGS 1995) evaluated surficial aggregate This project provides a base of information that can resources between Blind River and Bruce Mines. A detailed be used by industry in locating economically viable evaluation of bedrock resources for aggregate use was not sources of diabase. The study includes results of aggregate included in the previous work. The Nipissing diabase has quality testing on grab samples from selected diabase bod- numerous potential aggregate uses due to its physical proper- ies throughout the region. Where available, the report also ties. The diabase is often referred to as “trap rock” and, due includes results of aggregate suitability testing conducted to its excellent abrasion resistance, soundness and durability, by others. Available geological mapping was used to has many applications as aggregate for asphalt paving and define the location of diabase bodies within the study area concrete, armour stone, riprap, rail track ballast and as a raw (Robertson 1964, 1970, 1976, 1977; Robertson et al. 1972; material for the production of rock wool insulation. OGS 1984).

Figure 1. Location of study area, scale approximately 1:910 000.

Juillette Timmermans Gunterman Bolger Parkinson ELLIOT LAKE Wells Montgomery

Gladstone Gough Day Patton Scarfe Mack McGiverin Esten Cadeau Tennyson Proctor Deagle

Cobden Salter Striker Spragge Bright Long Lewis May Thompson Shedden Victoria Foster BLIND RIVER MASSEY Hallam Merritt SPANISH Mongowin Curtin McKinnon

Harrow North Channel

COCKBURN ISLAND

MANITOULIN Lake Huron

ISLAND

Study Area 20 km

3 OGS MINERAL DEPOSITS CIRCULAR 32 Part I - Inventory Methods

FIELD AND OFFICE METHODS RESOURCE TONNAGE CALCULATION TECHNIQUES The methods used to prepare this report included review and interpretation of published geological data, such as bedrock and surficial geology maps and reports, airphoto interpretation This report uses the SI mass and volume units Mt (mega- 3 and field examination of potential resource areas. Field meth- tonnes) and Mm (megametres cubed). ods included the examination of natural and man-made exposures of the Nipissing diabase. Most observations were made at natural bedrock exposures located from published Ontario Bedrock Resources Geological Survey maps. Airphotos at various scales were used to determine the continuity of potential bedrock resources, The following method was used to calculate the extent especially in areas where published information is limited. of bedrock resources. The areal extent of bedrock for- mations, determined from bedrock geology maps, were Resource areas with potential for commercial extraction transferred to the appropriate topographic map. Areas were studied in greater detail. At these sites, representative were determined for the base elevation and successive samples (60 kg) of fresh bedrock were collected from existing contours above the base elevation. Base elevation was exposures. The samples were analyzed for a suite of aggregate generally taken as the nearest adjacent water level or properties in the laboratories of the Soils and Aggregates levels and/or the general elevation of the surrounding Section, Engineering Materials Office, Ontario Ministry of plain or adjacent road. This provided a conservative esti- Transportation. mate of the unit’s thickness. Very limited subsurface information did not allow for the calculation of subsur- Water-well records, held by the Ontario Ministry of face resources, thus, they have not been included in the Environment and Energy, were used in some areas to corrobo- resource estimates. Using a vertical average end area rate thickness estimates or to indicate the presence of buried method, the volumes of the rock masses were deter- material. These records were used only in conjunction with mined from the contour areas. From the volumes, in situ other evidence. Topographic maps of the Ontario Basic tonnages were calculated using an average rock density Mapping (OBM) program, at a scale of 1:20 000, were used as of 2.99 t/m3 for the mainland samples and 2.924 t/m3 for a compilation base for the field and office data. The informa- the island samples. These values were based on sample tion was then transferred to a base map, at a scale of 1:50 000. density tests.

4 INDUSTRIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, NIPISSING DIABASE Part II - Data Presentation and Interpretation

The distribution of potential bedrock aggregate resources Resource Area Symbol in the study area is illustrated on Map 1 (back pocket) which accompanies this report. A second map (Map 2, The resource area symbol is similar to those commonly back pocket) shows potential water access routes to the found in soil mapping and land classification systems used North Channel islands. in North America. The components of the symbol indicate the size, potential aggregate uses, access, and environmental and cultural characteristics for every resource area MAP 1: BEDROCK RESOURCE AREAS shown on Map 1 (back pocket). These components are illustrated in the following example: Map 1 (back pocket) is an interpretative map derived from bedrock geology maps, water-well data from the Ontario Selected Resource Area (Sample No.) Ministry of Environment and Energy, drilling assessment data from the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development Potential Resource Size Aggregate Uses and Mines and from the Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain studies produced for the Ontario Existing Site Access Environmental and Cultural Constraints Geological Survey (VanDine 1980). This resource area symbol is further explained on Map 1 The geological boundaries of the Nipissing diabase (back pocket), which shows the Selected Resource areas. bedrock unit are shown by a solid line. Areas where outcrop occurs, or where bedrock is within 1 m of the ground surface, are indicated by a dashed line. Bedrock in these MAP 2: BEDROCK RESOURCE areas is either exposed or would require minimal overburden stripping to access the resource. As such, these areas AREAS AND POSSIBLE SHIPPING are considered to constitute potential resource areas of primary significance. ACCESS FOR NORTH CHANNEL ISLANDS RESOURCE AREAS The evaluation of bedrock resources was based primarily on performance and suitability data that has been Map 2 (back pocket) shows the North Channel islands established by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation Selected Resource areas, additional potential resource through years of testing. The main characteristics of the areas and possible water access routes to these locations. bedrock units found in the study area are summarized in “Bedrock Geology”. Map 2 is an interpretative map derived from bedrock geology maps, Northern Ontario Engineering Geology The area of a Selected Resource Area is related Terrain studies (VanDine 1980) and Fisheries and Oceans, directly to the extent of outcrop and/or areas with thin Canada hydrographic survey charts. drift cover overlying the Nipissing diabase. Quality of the aggregate derived from specific bedrock units was The potential water access routes to the North established by comparison of laboratory test results to Channel islands Selected Resource areas shown on the Ontario Provincial Standards (see “Aggregate Quality map are intended only as possible shipping routes and and Suitability”). should not be used for navigation.

5 OGS MINERAL DEPOSITS CIRCULAR 32 Part III - Assessment of the Nipissing Diabase, Highway 17 Corridor from Massey to Blind River and North Channel Islands

BACKGROUND of the Precambrian Shield has resulted in a uniform level of the horizon. The ground rises from the level of Lake The study area has undergone numerous phases of explo- Huron at 176.6 m asl, to an elevation of approximately 260 ration since the discovery of copper in Bruce Mines in to 275 m asl with a maximum local relief of 30 to 45 m 1848. The copper occurs in quartz veins within the diabase (Robertson 1964). country rock. This type of mineralization is common in the region, and numerous pits and trenches have been exca- vated at copper showings within the diabase. These work- Mainland ings represent the earliest investigations of the Nipissing diabase within this region. In general, the mainland topography is structually controlled. Major valleys are fault controlled or occupy areas of softer Nipissing diabase was extracted for aggregate from a sedimentary rocks which occur between ridges of more small quarry northeast of Massey, sometime during the resistant sedimentary and igneous intrusive rocks of the area. early twentieth century. A quarry also operated on Passage The diabase occurs as dikes and sills intruded into the sur- Island in the Whalesback Channel during the same time rounding sediments and structures. It is resistant to erosion period. This quarry exploited a quartz vein within the dia- and often forms pronounced ridges within this terrain. base, for use as smelter flux. Just south of the study area, on Croker Island, a dimension-stone quarry operated during the early 1960s. In 1967, the quarry was closed when Islands pressures for recreational land use resulted in denial of the company’s application for a new quarrying permit. The islands within the North Channel generally have relief ranging from 7 to 30 m above lake level. The diabase In 1960 and 1961, Hotham and Fréchette islands were islands that were sampled ranged in relief from approxi- investigated as potential sources of trap rock (diabase) by mately 7 to 20 m. Most of the exposed rock surfaces have Tough Rock Quarries Ltd. The islands were under patent to been smoothed by glacial action, resulting in a generally Poly Ores Mining Corp. at the time, and may continue to undulating topography. be so. At that time, 7 diamond-drill holes were advanced on Hotham Island, producing a total of approximately 850 m of core. On Fréchette Island, one hole was reportedly SURFICIAL GEOLOGY drilled on a copper-gold target. This investigation defined 450 Mt of trap rock on Fréchette Island and 45 Mt on The general surficial geology of the area is summarized Hotham Island (Robertson 1976). Production was never from previous work completed by Boissonneau (1965) started on either of these islands. and VanDine (1980). The dominant terrain units in the study area are bedrock knobs and ridges. Rock is seldom Also during the early 1960s, a geologist from Toronto, far from the ground surface. A. Hopkins, investigated several diabase bodies within the North Channel. These included the diabase peninsula on In the southeast part of the study area, where sedi- the west side of Shoepack Bay (which is part of the mentary and metamorphic rocks are predominant, relief is Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation), as well as Green, moderate to high and the topography is rugged. A thin Aird and other small islands within the Whalesback veneer of till is present as ground moraine in most of the Channel. The investigations proceeded far enough that a rock ridge areas. The till is usually less than 1 m thick, but quarry (the Gibralter Quarry) was proposed for the penin- may thicken to several metres on the flanks of bedrock sula on the west side of Shoepack Bay. A sufficient market ridges. This till has a sand-rich matrix, and boulders and for the diabase could not be developed and the project cobbles are common. never proceeded (Robertson 1977). Rock knobs are the dominant bedrock landform in most of the central part of the study area. Here, the terrain TOPOGRAPHY is underlain mainly by felsic intrusive igneous and metamorphic rocks. Relief is moderate to high and the topog- Topography within the study area is typical of the north raphy is rugged. Till also occurs in this terrain, ranging in shore of Lake Huron. It is characterized by a lack of major thickness from less than 1 m on bedrock highs to several relief contrasted with locally rugged terrain. Peneplanation metres on the flanks and between the knobs.

6 INDUSTRIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, NIPISSING DIABASE

Ground moraine is the dominant landform in areas or by adding chemicals that erode the smooth surfaces. In where the till is greater than about 1 m in thickness. The addition, Rogers (1985) reports that silica from some largest concentrations of this till-dominated terrain are in granitic rocks can slowly react with the alkalies from the western part of the study area, with small localized Portland cement concrete, resulting in concrete deterio- areas in the central part. ration.

Glaciolacustrine plain deposits are concentrated near Nipissing diabase, a basic igneous intrusive rock, the town of Blind River in the southwest corner of the occurs as dikes and irregular sill-like bodies which intrud- study area, and near the town of Massey and the commu- ed the surrounding sedimentary rocks of the Precambrian nity of Spanish in the east-central area. Near the end of Shield (see Figure 2). The dikes were emplaced along the Pleistocene Epoch, a glacial lake covered these areas. existing fractures during folding and faulting associated The lake waters deposited silt and sand in low areas to with the Hudsonian Orogeny, approximately 2.15 billion form silty sand glaciolacustrine plains. In the study area, years BP (Robertson 1977). The rocks have undergone organic deposits are found in poorly drained depressions metamorphism associated with continued movement within bedrock, ground moraine and glaciolacustrine along major structures, such as the Murray Fault, and as a units (VanDine 1980). result of subsequent periods of orogeny and the emplace- ment of the Cutler granite batholith. BEDROCK GEOLOGY To the south of the Murray Fault, the sill-like diabase has been metamorphosed to amphibolite or metadi- abase and consists primarily of hornblende and interme- The general bedrock geology for the Blind River area is diate to sodic plagioclase with varying amounts of epi- summarized from papers by Robertson (1964, 1970, dote, quartz, sphene, magnetite, chlorite, biotite, zircon, 1976, 1977) and Robertson et al. (1972). Figure 2 out- apatite and sulphide minerals. Garnets up to 2.5 cm lines the general bedrock geology for the study area. across are characteristic at the margins of the sill-like diabase located near the Cutler post office and Imperial The bedrock in the report area forms a part of the Oil Company’s storage plant at Cutler. South of the Southern Province of the Canadian Shield and is repre- Spanish River estuary, and on the islands in the sented by Precambrian rocks of Archean and Proterozoic Whalesback Channel, the diabase retains a diabasic tex- age. The Archean rocks consist mainly of granitic rocks ture, but the pyroxene has been replaced by amphibole. and migmatites. These rocks are overlain by Proterozoic rocks, including 1) sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the North of the Murray Fault, metamorphism has Huronian Supergroup, 2) granite and granodiorite of the affected the rocks to a lesser degree. Pyrite and, to a less- Cutler Pluton, 3) granite, syenite, diorite and gabbro of er extent, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite are associated with the Croker Island Complex, and 4) Mesoproterozoic the marginal phases of the dikes and sills (Robertson mafic intrusive rocks. The report area is crossed by a 1977). Very little change in chemical composition has number of faults including the northeast-trending Murray been observed as a result of the metamorphism. Also, Fault, a prominent geological feature in the region. within this region, the Archean granites are cut by numerous near-vertical diabase dikes striking west- The Huronian Supergroup consists of a succession northwest or northwest. The dikes range from 6 to 45 m of metamorphosed sedimentary rocks comprising 4 in thickness. groups: the Elliot Lake Group, the Hough Lake Group, the Quirke Lake Group and the Cobalt Group. The rocks North of the Murray Fault, very few sill-like diabase in these groups range in texture and composition from bodies occur; however, south of the Murray Fault, numer- conglomerates, sandstones and argillites, to limestones ous sill-like bodies of diabase have been mapped. These and dolostones. Of these rocks, the clastic metasedimen- bodies represent the most significant potential resource of tary rocks are the most common. The quartzites, the area. These sill-like bodies are generally steeply dip- greywackes and argillites of the Huronian Supergroup ping within the sedimentary rocks, with maximum thick- are known to be alkali-reactive in Portland cement con- nesses ranging from 230 to 305 m. The texture and com- crete (Rogers 1985). position of these sills was found to vary only slightly from margin to core. In the study area, the Archean granitic rocks and the Proterozoic granites of the Cutler Pluton are potential The Spanish River sill, a major Nipissing diabase sources of quality aggregate. These rocks are usually sill-like body south of Massey, was found to be differen- massive, hard and durable, and appear to be suitable for tiated, the more mafic material being at the base, and the a variety of aggregate uses. Rock types that contain high more felsic toward the top of the sill. Sulphides, including mica, feldspar and quartz contents may, however, have pyrite, chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite, are often associated bonding problems with asphalt and concrete mixes. with the margins of the diabase units. Additionally, Adhesion problems, caused by the smooth cleavage and numerous copper showings have been noted and during fracture surfaces of these minerals, may be circumvented the last century many of these were often the site of min- by weathering the rocks in stockpiles for a period of time ing activities.

OGS MINERAL DEPOSITS CIRCULAR 32

9 12 9

9 15 8

15 6 13 14 15 15 7 8 10 11

15 4 12 6 11

7 6 15 Fault 4 Unsubdivided granitic and migmatitic rocks Gabbro, anorthosite, diorite Unsubdivided

Massey 5 17

15 17

8 12 2

6 2 2 3 3 1 1 10

METAVOLCANICS MAFIC TO INTERMEDIATE METAVOLCANICS EARLY PRECAMBRIAN (ARCHEAN) FELSIC INTRUSIVE AND METAMORPHIC ROCKS INTRUSIVE CONTACT MAFIC INTRUSIVE ROCKS UNCONFORMITY, INTRUSIVE CONTACT

8 11 3 10 7 9 6

15 15

12 9 8 7 10 11

10 13 2

12 12 11 9 10 10

8 17 15 12 9

9 3

12 9 6

15 9

1 8 6 10 8 15 10 5 12 7 9 6 15 11 11 15 18 10 9

9 18 8 10 9 9 Conglomerate Quartzite, arkose, conglomerate, uranium-bearing conglomerate Siltstone, argillite, quartzite

Basalt, andesite, amphibolite, minor rhyolite and intercalated sedimentary rocks

15 8 8 9

8 6 8

8 15 5 5 7 7 4 4 8 6 6 16 Spanish 15 15 8

17 17 MATINENDA FORMATION VOLCANIC ROCKS RAMSAY LAKE FORMATION UNCONFORMITY-DISCOMFORMITY ELLIOT LAKE GROUP MCKIM FORMATION RELATIONSHIP UNKNOWN 12 7

8 15 15 11 15 2 8 10

16 6 15 6 15 5

15 9 10 11 6 6 15

6 9 Cutler 7 1 15 6 16 18

6 15 6

9 18 15 Quartzite, conglomerate Quartzite, conglomerate Limestone, dolomite, calcareous siltstone Conglomerate Argillite, siltstone 15

9 15 6 16 9 9 9 2 8 8 10 10 11 11 9 10 10 1 15 16

QUIRKE LAKE GROUP SERPENT FORMATION

DISCONFORMITY HOUGH LAKE GROUP MISSISSAGI FORMATION ESPANOLA FORMATION BRUCE FORMATION PECORS FORMATION 15 9 18 15 6

15 9 5 6 1

15 9 12 15 15 5 Spragge

18 15 9 9 12 5 9 15 15

5 km 9 Siltstone, argillite, quartzite Quartzite, arkose, conglomerate Conglomerate, argillite, greywacke, quartzite, siltstone Diabase, gabbro, metagabbro, granophyre 5

16 Giblin and Leahy 1979). 6 9 5 9 15 12 after 6 14 14

15 15

12 12 13 13 9 LORRAINE FORMATION GOWGANDA FORMATION HURONIAN SUPERGROUP COBALT GROUP GORDON LAKE FORMATION NIPISSING DIABASE INTRUSIVE CONTACT 5 12 15 17 17 5 9 10 15 5 Algoma Mills 15 15 10 12

12 9 9 16 6

8 15 0 15

9 7 9

Fault 9 15 8

Murray 6 10 10 9 12 15

Bedrock geology of the study area ( Diabase, gabbro, diorite Granite, quartz monzonite, granodiorite, trondhjemite, pegmatite Granite, syenite, diorite, gabbro BlindRiver 15 9 (North Channel) 8 e 2. LAKE HURON 15

17 17 18 18 16 16 15 9 15 RELATIONSHIP UNKNOWN CROKER ISLAND COMPLEX KEWEENAWAN MAFIC VOLCANIC ROCKS INTRUSIVE CONTACT F igur PRECAMBRIAN LATE PRECAMBRIAN (PROTEROZOIC) MAFIC INTRUSIVE ROCKS MIDDLE PRECAMBRIAN (PROTEROZOIC) CUTLER PLUTON LEGEND

8 INDUSTRIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, NIPISSING DIABASE

SELECTED BEDROCK were tested for aggregate suitability and the results of these tests are shown in Table 3. All the samples, with the excep- RESOURCE AREAS tion of the sample from Selected Resource Area 6, are suitable for a wide range of high-quality products. The sample Within this report, the Selected Bedrock Resource areas from Selected Resource Area 6 is suitable for most applica- should be regarded as sites in which a major resource of tions except some high-specification hot-laid products. Nipissing diabase is known to exist. Evaluation and selection Detailed descriptions of the individual samples are given in of deposits was based primarily on a number of site specific Appendix A. criteria, including 1) geological character, 2) deposit size, 3) aggregate quality, 4) thickness of glacial drift, and 5) deposit location and setting. A number of man-made or natural fea- SELECTED RESOURCE AREA 1 tures may prove to be constraints on extraction but these constraints have not been considered in this report. Selected Resource Area 1 (SRA 1) is an area west of and adjacent to the town of Blind River, as shown on Map 1 Within the study area, potential diabase bodies were (back pocket). The area is underlain by a sill-like diabase identified based on previous geological mapping. An initial body which has limited outcrop throughout the area. The assessment of the study area was conducted, based on the topography is undulating, with low relief and numerous geology, topography and cultural features of the sites. wet, swampy areas. The area is generally covered with a thin layer of overburden. The site can be accessed from For those sites on the mainland, access refers to exist- roads within the western part of the town of Blind River. ing roads and rail lines. Resource size was simply deter- Highway 17 and the railway line form the northern limit of mined from relative areal exposure of the various diabase the site. The resource area covers approximately 155.6 ha bodies. Those bodies that were not extensively faulted were within Cobden Township and is bounded by the town to the given a higher priority. Sites were selected so as to provide east and south and on the west by a branch of the Blind representative coverage of the entire study area from River. Massey to Blind River. Many other diabase bodies occur within the study area but were not rated highly enough to A potential resource of 8.7 Mm3 was calculated for the warrant a detailed investigation. bedrock lying above the level of the river adjacent to the site. This volume translates to a potential tonnage of 26.0 For the islands, the above criteria were defined slightly Mt based on an average density of 2.99 t/m3. The area was differently. The island resource areas were selected, firstly, assessed with a surface rock sample collected at SLS-1-1. on the potential for lake freighter access, that is, the pres- The results of the testing performed on this sample are pre- ence of a deep-water channel and the potential for nearshore sented in Table 3. loading facilities. The second criteria was the potential of the island to contain a quarry with at least 5 Mt of rock com- pletely within the central portion of the diabase body, allow- SELECTED RESOURCE AREA 2 ing for a buffer between the potential quarry and the water. On the islands, the size and shape of the body had to be Selected Resource Area 2 (SRA 2) lies east of Blind uncomplicated and amenable to simple quarry development River and is a continuation of the rock mass associated in order to be selected. Several islands which met the above with SRA 1 (see Map 1, back pocket). The SRA 2 rock criteria were selected within the study area. body occurs as a thin dike-like structure which expresses itself as a rock ridge of high relief. At the west edge of The Selected Resource areas are outlined on the maps the area, in the vicinity of Highway 17, this ridge rises that accompany this report (back pocket). Each of the sites some 20 m above the general ground level. This ridge has been assessed considering the above selection criteria. starts within the town and continues east for 4 km. The The results of aggregate testing on the collected rock sam- area is accessed by a road which leads to a microwave ples are summarized in Tables 3 and 6 for the mainland and tower installation that is situated on top of this ridge. The island samples, respectively. Preliminary sampling locations area covers approximately 53.2 ha. Using the highway were selected based on several criteria, including 1) existing level as a base, the potential resource contains 10.6 Mm3 access, 2) potential resource size, 3) structural characteris- (31.7 Mt) of diabase bedrock. Sample SLS-2-1 was col- tics of the rock, and 4) representative regional coverage. lected at the top of the ridge.

Mainland Selected Resource Areas SELECTED RESOURCE AREA 3

Sixteen sites on the mainland have been designated as Immediately to the east and along the same structures as Selected Resource areas (SRA). The SRAs are summarized SRA 2 lies Selected Resource Area 3 (SRA 3; see Map 1, in terms of access, area, volume and sample identification in back pocket). This area consists of the diabase ridge which Table 1 and in terms of area and tonnage in Table 2; they are lies along the south shore of Lauzon Bay. The ridge drops shown on Map 1 (back pocket). Bedrock samples were off to the west into the Blind River sanitary landfill site taken at a majority of the sites (see Table 1). These samples and ends in the east at the shore of Lauzon Bay. Access to

9 OGS MINERAL DEPOSITS CIRCULAR 32

Table 1. Mainland selected resource areas, summary.

Selected Resource Access Area1 Volume2 Sample Area (distance in km) (ha) (Mm3) Number

SRA 1 Rd, Hwy, RR 155.6 8.7 SLS-1-1 SRA 2 Rd, Hwy (0.5), RR (1) 53.2 10.6 SLS-2-1 SRA 3 Rd, Hwy (0.5), RR (1) 86.4 13.1 SLS-3-1 SRA 4 Rd, Hwy (0.5), RR (0.5) 100.9 13.4 SLS-4-1 SRA 4 Extension NA, Rd (3), Hwy (17) 519.0 116.0 NS SRA 5 Hwy, RR (2.5) 102.4 15.4 SLS-5-1 SRA 5 Extension NA, Hwy (3.5) 100.4 15.1 NS SRA 6 Rd, Hwy (1), RR (2) 37.2 6.7 SLS-6-1 SRA 7 BT, Rd (0.5) Hwy (1), RR (0.5) 110.0 19.7 SLS-7-1 SRA 8 Rd, Br, Hwy (2.5), RR (3) 22.1 8.2 SLS-8-1 SRA 9 Rd, Br, Hwy (2.5), RR (3) 41.6 6.6 SLS-9-1 SRA 10 Rd, Br, Hwy (7), RR (7.5) 75.2 16.3 SLS-10-1 SRA 11 Rd, Hwy (0.5), RR (0.5) 13.4 3.2 SLS-11-1 SRA 12 Rd, Br, Hwy (2), RR (2.5) 171.7 15.2 SLS-12-1 SRA 13 Rd, Br, Hwy (3), RR (3.5) 81.0 22.4 SLS-13-1 SRA 14 Rd, Br, Hwy (7), RR (7.5) 45.6 7.2 NS SRA 15 Rd, Br, Hwy (7.5) RR (8) 106.0 13.8 NS SRA 16 Rd (1), Hwy (8) 82.4 14.9 NS

BT Bush trail RR Railroad line Rd All-weather road NA No access Hwy Provincial highway, paved NS Not sampled Br Bridge crossing

1Area at base contour elevation. 2Volume above base contour, based on OBM contouring. the site was gained by Highway 17, cottage roads and the 100 m of Highway 17 by roads servicing homes on the road to the landfill. This SRA is within 0.5 km of Highway north side of the highway. The area covers approximately 17, however, extraction may be limited in parts of the area 100.9 ha with estimated reserves of 13.4 Mm3 (40.1 Mt). by the presence of cottages. A sample was collected from SRA 4 at site SLS-4-1. The aggregate test results for this sample are presented in The resource area outlined on Map 1 (back pocket) Table 3. covers approximately 86.4 ha of diabase. The calculated volume of bedrock for the site is 13.1 Mm3, for a potential The diabase body of SRA 4 continues northwest of resource of 39.2 Mt. A sample was collected from the top Long Lake to the limit of the study area, as outlined on of a rock ridge situated to the east of the Blind River land- Map 1 (back pocket). This area has been designated as fill site, adjacent to a microwave tower. The sample was SRA 4 Extension. It has the potential for over 300 Mt of designated SLS-3-1, and the results of the aggregate test- bedrock resources, but currently this area has no road ing are given in Table 3. access. SELECTED RESOURCE AREA 4 SELECTED RESOURCE AREA 5 Selected Resource Area 4 (SRA 4) lies to the north and northwest of the village of Spragge (see Map 1, back A sill-like body extending west-northwest from Highway pocket). The diabase forms moderately high rock ridges 108 was designated as Selected Resource Area 5 (SRA 5). with steep sides which limit the village’s size. The This unit was emplaced into the structure of the surround- resource area is partially bounded by Waugush Lake and ing units. The overall structure parallels that of the units Spragge Creek to the north. The diabase is a sill-like body containing SRA 4. The area has low relief adjacent to the bounded to the south by the Beaver Pond Fault. The body highway but rises to the west with moderate relief and trends westerly, parallel to the fault, and then trends to the extensive outcrop. The body also continues for about 1 km northwest following the structure of the overall rock mass east of the highway. The site can be accessed from of the region. The topography is relatively rugged, with Highway 108 and lies approximately 2.5 km north of moderate to high relief. The site can be accessed within Highway 17.

10 INDUSTRIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, NIPISSING DIABASE

Table 2. Mainland selected resource areas, size and tonnage. SELECTED RESOURCE AREA 7

Selected Total Estimated An irregular-shaped diabase body located approximately 1 Resource Area Tonnage of 5 km west of Massey is designated as Selected Resource Area (ha) Diabase2 (Mt) Area 7 (SRA 7). This sill-like diabase unit forms a ridge of high ground north of Highway 17. The ridge has irregular SRA 1 155.6 26.0 topography and moderate to high relief, rising up to 60 m SRA 2 53.2 31.7 above the terrain adjacent to the highway. The site was SRA 3 86.4 39.2 accessed from the north along an all-weather road and a SRA 4 100.9 40.1 bush trail. SRA 4 519.0 346.8 Extension The resource area outlined on Map 1 (back pocket) SRA 5 102.4 46.0 covers approximately 110 ha. The resource quantity for 3 SRA 5 100.4 45.1 the site was calculated as 19.7 Mm (58.9 Mt) for the entire Extension resource area. To test the rock mass, sample SLS-7-1 was SRA 6 37.2 20.0 taken. The results of the aggregate testing for this site are summarized on Table 3. SRA 7 110.0 58.9 SRA 8 22.1 24.5 SRA 9 41.6 19.7 SELECTED RESOURCE AREA 8 SRA 10 75.2 48.7 SRA 11 13.4 9.6 Several blocks of the Spanish River diabase sill lie south SRA 12 171.7 45.4 of Massey. Selected Resource Area 8 (SRA 8), as illustrated on Map 1 (back pocket), consists of one of the central SRA 13 81.0 67.0 blocks. The blocks are defined by topography, faulting and SRA 14 45.6 21.5 the location of roads. The relief on these hills is moderate SRA 15 106.0 41.3 to high, with several areas having steep scarps associated SRA 16 82.4 44.6 with faulting and rock unit contacts. The resource area has extensive outcrop. The area lies on the south side of the Spanish River and is accessed by a bridge on the south TOTAL 1904.1 976.1 side of Massey and several all-weather roads.

1Area at base contour elevation. The resource area covers approximately 22.1 ha with 3 2Tonnage based on average density of 2.99 t/m3. an estimated in situ rock volume of 8.2 Mm (24.5 Mt). A sample from SRA 8 has been tested, collected at site The resource area covers approximately 102.4 ha SLS-8-1. The results of the aggregate testing are summa- within the study area, which includes several areas of low rized on Table 3. relief and swamp. A resource of 15.4 Mm3 (46.0 Mt) has been calculated for the area, based on the rock that is above the surrounding water levels. Test results for this SELECTED RESOURCE AREA 9 area are listed under SLS-5-1 on Table 3. The continuation of the unit to the northwest was calculated to contain a Selected Resource Area 9 (SRA 9) lies immediately to the potential 15.1 Mm3 of rock and is listed as SRA 5 east of SRA 8 and along the same lithological unit (see Extension in the tables. Map 1, back pocket). A ridge forms SRA 9 on the south side of the road which runs along the Spanish River. A road that separates SRA 8 and SRA 9 leads south into SELECTED RESOURCE AREA 6 Harrow Township. The site lies within 1.5 km of the access bridge across the river. La Cloche Creek runs Selected Resource Area 6 (SRA 6) refers to a section of along the south side of the diabase ridge. The ridge has ground northwest of Walford, where a sill-like diabase moderate relief, rising some 50 m above the level of the body pinches out within the Spanish Anticline (see Map 1, surrounding plain, and is underlain by softer sedimenta- back pocket). The diabase forms a crescent-shaped ridge ry rocks. The site can be accessed from the river road and of moderate relief with an undulating topography adjacent the road which divides it from SRA 8. to an extensive swamp area to the east. The site lies within 1 km of Highway 17 and is accessed by an all-weather The resource area outlined on Map 1 (back pocket) road servicing homes and farms to the north. A resource covers approximately 41.6 ha, with an estimated estimate for the area, which covers approximately 37.2 ha, resource of rock of 6.6 Mm3 (19.7 Mt). A sample collect- was calculated as 6.7 Mm3 (20.0 Mt). Sample SLS-6-1 was ed at site SLS-9-1 provides initial data on the aggregate taken from the rock mass for testing. The results of aggre- quality of the rock mass. The results of testing on this gate tests are given in Table 3. sample are summarized in Table 3.

11 12 Table 3. Aggregate suitability test results, mainland samples. MINERALDEPOSITSCIRCULAR32 OGS

Selected Field Laboratory PN PN MgSO4 MDA L.A. Freeze- Absn Relative PSV AAV Accelerated Remarks Resource Sample Sample Granular Hot Mix Loss Loss Abrasion Thaw % Density Mortar Bar Area Number Number & % % Loss Loss Expansion Concrete % % %

SRA 1 SLS-1-1 94-B-9012 100 101 1.0 3.6 11 2 0.251 2.934 47 2.7 -

SRA 2 SLS-2-1 94-B-9013 100 101 1.0 4.8 12 3 0.401 2.954 50 2.5 -

SRA 3 SLS-3-1 94-B-9014 100 104 1.0 4.8 14 2 0.384 2.933 50 2.8 -

SRA 4 SLS-4-1 94-B-9015 100 100 1.0 6.0 14 2 0.301 2.930 50 3.4 - Mainland

SRA 5 SLS-5-1 94-B-9016 100 102 1.0 3.4 9 2 0.234 3.012 47 2.2 0.032 samples

SRA 6 SLS-6-1 94-B-9017 100 134 1.0 11.1 18 3 0.301 3.091 50 4.2 - (see

SRA 7 SLS-7-1 94-B-9018 100 100 1.0 6.5 14 3 0.284 3.035 50 2.8 - Appendix A)

SRA 8 SLS-8-1 94-B-9019 100 100 1.0 5.7 10 2 0.184 3.057 52 3.2 -

SRA 9 SLS-9-1 94-B-9020 100 106 1.0 5.0 11 1 0.284 3.029 51 3.1 -

SRA 10 SLS-10-1 94-B-9021 100 101 1.0 4.8 12 2 0.217 3.022 51 3.0 -

SRA 11 SLS-11-1 94-B-9022 100 101 1.0 5.8 16 2 0.234 3.029 47 3.3 0.046

SRA 12 SLS-12-1 94-B-90231 104 108 1.0 12.1 11 2 0.434 2.784 56 7.2 -

SRA 13 SLS-13-1 94-B-9024 100 100 1.0 5.3 12 - 0.250 2.951 47 3.3 -

PN Petrographic Number MDA Micro Deval Abrasion Absn Absorption AAV Aggregate Abrasion Value

MgSO4 Magnesium Sulphate Soundness L.A. Los Angeles PSV Polished Stone Value

1Sample 94-B-9023 possessed iron-oxide coatings on the fractures. INDUSTRIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, NIPISSING DIABASE

SELECTED RESOURCE AREA 10 The resource area outlined on Map 1 (back pocket) includes only the relatively high ground of the unit; the Selected Resource Area 10 (SRA 10) is located to the rock mass itself continues to the south along the south south of the Spanish River and to the east of SRA 9 (see side of La Cloche Creek and around Little La Cloche Map 1, back pocket). As the diabase ridge continues to Lake. However, in the southern area the rock mass is generally not exposed. This area covers approximately the east, it drops off due to a fault zone and re-emerges 3 to the east on the north side of the access road. This site 171.7 ha with an estimated 15.2 Mm of rock in place, or is approximately 5 km to the east of the bridge at Massey. approximately 45.4 Mt. The site quality was tested with A gravel pit was operated on the southern flank of the a sample collected at SLS-12-1 on the east-central side ridge. The ridge has moderate to high relief with exten- of the unit. The summary results of aggregate testing on sive outcrop. The ridge rises approximately 50 m above this sample are presented in Table 3. the level of the road and 65 m above the level of the Spanish River. SELECTED RESOURCE AREA 13

The resource area outlined on Map 1 (back pocket) Selected Resource Area 13 (SRA 13) forms the central covers approximately 75.2 ha within the study area, the block of the Spanish River sill. The area is defined by 2 limit of which truncates the ridge to the east. The esti- north-trending faults which separate it from SRAs 8 and mated in situ rock resource, above the river level, was 3 12 to the east and west, the river access road on the calculated as 16.3 Mm (48.7 Mt). The site was tested north, and Maas Road on the south. The area lies direct- with a rock sample collected at SLS-10-1 within the area ly south of the access bridge from Massey. The site has of the gravel pit excavation. The results of aggregate test- moderate to high relief with a steep cliff face along the ing on sample SLS-10-1 are summarized in Table 3. western margin, associated with faulting. The site can be most readily accessed from Maas Road on the south side.

SELECTED RESOURCE AREA 11 This area of diabase, outlined on Map 1 (back pocket) as SRA 13, covers 81.0 ha with a resource of approxi- Selected Resource Area 11 (SRA 11) lies approximately mately 22.4 Mm3 (67.0 Mt) of rock above the level of the 5 km east-northeast of Massey, to the north of Highway adjacent farmland. A sample was collected at the south 17. The site also lies at the study area’s eastern limit, side of the rock mass at SLS-13-1 and submitted for which transects the diabase body. The site contains a aggregate testing. The results of this testing are summa- copper occurrence which shows signs of having been rized in Table 3. worked sometime during the past century. The site has high relief, up to 60 m, with prominent scarp faces on the south side of the body. The site is accessed by Geotz SELECTED RESOURCE Road, an all-weather road, and lies within 500 m of the AREAS 14, 15 AND 16 highway. Several other reasonably large areas of diabase were The resource area outlined on Map 1 (back pocket) identified within Harrow Township. The SRAs 14, 15 yielded an estimated resource of 3.2 Mm3 (9.6 Mt) of and 16 lie approximately 5 km southeast of Massey and rock over an area of 13.4 ha. A sample collected at site form west-trending ridges. The ridges have moderate SLS-11-1 was tested to assess the aggregate suitability of relief, rising 20 to 30 m above the surrounding plain and the area. The results of aggregate testing are summarized water levels. The areas can be accessed from an all- in Table 3. weather road off of the Little La Cloche Lake access road.

SELECTED RESOURCE AREA 12 Potential resource quantities calculated for these sites are

Selected Resource Area 12 (SRA 12) forms the major Selected Area Volume Tonnage Resource (ha) (Mm3) (Mt) part of the Spanish River sill. The area forms a crescent- Area shaped body along the eastern shore of the Spanish River and surrounding Manido Lake. The area has mod- SRA 14 45.6 7.2 21.5 erate to high relief, with the western edge of the diabase forming steep cliffs, with talus slopes. The ridge rises up SRA 15 106.0 13.8 41.3 to 50 m above the level of the access road. The northern SRA 16 82.4 14.9 44.6 edge of the resource area lies within 1 km of the access bridge and the diabase body stretches south for over 3 km. During the time period that the study was conducted, The site can be accessed from the adjacent river road access to the areas was restricted by snow cover. leading to the lands of the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Consequently, no samples were obtained from any of Nation. these resource areas.

13 OGS MINERAL DEPOSITS CIRCULAR 32

POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL MAINLAND 4 summarizes each of the sites by name, access, area, RESOURCE AREA volume and sample number. Potential shipping access for the island SRAs is shown on Map 2 (back pocket). Five of these islands were visited and samples were collected In the study area, a number of other areas of diabase at 9 sites. Samples collected from the island resource occur on the mainland. Most of these areas are hampered areas are described in Appendix B. by lack of access, small resource size or thick drift cover. As a result these areas were not chosen as Selected Resource areas. AIRD ISLAND SELECTED One area that may be a potential additional source of RESOURCE AREAS diabase is found south of the community of Spanish along the north side of the Spanish River. In this area, a Aird Island is one of the larger islands that separates the North dike forms a ridge which extends east from Buswell Channel from the Whalesback Channel. Parts of the island are Point along the north side of the Spanish River. This underlain by a diabase sill as shown on Map 1 (back pocket). ridge extends for almost 2 km and may contain several The diabase on the east side of the island forms 2 bodies of million tonnes of diabase. rock, one adjacent to Little Detroit Channel and a second, lenticular one, extending west into the interior of the island. The island has a moderate to low relief with an undulating Island Selected Resource Areas topography. The land rises some 18 m above the lake level. The site can be accessed from the east along the McBean Channel The study area, as shown on Figure 1, included a section with deep water off Arnold Point, just north of the abandoned of the North Channel of Lake Huron containing numer- community of Spanish Mills (see Map 2, back pocket). ous islands. Numerous diabase sills and dikes cut across these islands as shown on Map 1 (back pocket). Diabase The most easterly body, Aird Island 1, was sampled at occurs in significant quantities on the islands in 2 areas King and Arnold points, at sample sites SLA-1 and SLA-2, within the study area. The first concentration occurs to respectively. This area covers some 40 ha with an estimated the southwest of the mouth of the Spanish River in resource of 3.0 Mm3 or 8.7 Mt of rock above water level. The Whalesback Channel. Here, 2 sill-like bodies form 2 second body, Aird Island 2, was not sampled but a resource of chains of islands composed predominantly of diabase. 2.4 Mm3 (7.0 Mt) was estimated over an area of 32.6 ha. The second concentration lies in the southeast part of the Outcrop in this area is, however, sparse. Resource area ton- study area, to the west of McBean Harbour. Areas on 6 of nages are listed in Table 5 for the island sites. The results of the islands have been designated as Selected Resource aggregate testing of samples SLA-1 and SLA-2 are summa- areas based on potential resource size and access. Table rized in Table 6.

Table 4. Island selected resource areas, summary.

Selected Resource Area Access Area1 Volume2 Sample (distance in km) (ha) (Mm3) Number

Aird Island 1 SC, DWA (0.1) 40.0 3.0 SLA-1, 2 McBean Channel Aird Island 2 SC, DWA (0.25) 32.6 2.4 NS Whalesback Channel Fréchette Island SC, DWA (0.1) 175.0 11.1 SLF-1, 2 McBean Channel Green Island SC, DWA (0.1) 123.6 19.1 SLG-1, 2 Whalesback Channel Hotham Island SC, DWA (0.1) 81.2 11.2 SLH-1, 2 McBean Channel Shanly Island SC, DWA (0.1) 24.2 3.7 SLSH-1 Whalesback Channel Kirke Island SC (0.25), DWA (0.25) 26.4 5.4 NS Whalesback Channel

SC Potential Shipping Channel DWA Potential Nearshore Deep Water Access NS Not Sampled

1Area at base contour elevation. 2Volume above base contour, based on OBM contouring.

14 INDUSTRIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, NIPISSING DIABASE

Table 5. Island selected resource areas, size and tonnage.

Selected Resource Area Total Area1 (ha) Estimated Tonnage of Diabase2 (Mt)

Aird Island 1 40.0 8.8 Aird Island 2 32.6 7.0 Fréchette Island 175.0 32.5 Green Island 123.6 55.8 Hotham Island 81.2 32.7 Shanly Island 24.2 10.8 Kirke Island 26.4 15.8

TOTAL 503.0 163.4

1Area at base contour elevation. 2Tonnage based on average density of 2.924 t/m3.

FRÉCHETTE ISLAND SELECTED shore, SLG-1 and SLG-2, as shown on Map 1 (back RESOURCE AREA pocket). The results obtained from testing the samples are summarized in Table 6 Fréchette Island lies adjacent to McBean Channel in the southeast part of the study area. The island has relatively low and undulating relief and contains a large pond HOTHAM ISLAND SELECTED in the centre of the rock mass. The island rises a maxi- RESOURCE AREA mum of 12 m above the level of Lake Huron and covers a relatively large area with only very minor sections of Hotham Island lies to the east of Fréchette Island on the non-diabase rock on the island. The island could be north side of McBean Channel, which potentially pro- accessed along the McBean Channel with potential for vides deep water access to the island (see Map 2, back nearshore deep-water access off the east side (see Map 2, pocket). A reasonably large diabase body was mapped back pocket). on the eastern end of the island (Robertson 1976). The island has low to moderate relief with an undulating The resource area of the island, as outlined on Map 1 topography and extensive outcrop in the area underlain (back pocket), covers some 175 ha. Approximately 11.1 Mm3 by diabase. The island rises a maximum of 24 m above or 32.4 Mt of rock lie above water level on the island. Two the lake level. Map 2 (back pocket) shows the potential samples were collected on the island, at sites SLF-1 and channel and deep-water loading site in this area. SLF-2 (see Map 1, back pocket). These samples were tested for aggregate quality and suitability with the results sum- The resource area outlined on Map 1 (back pocket) is marized in Table 6. the main body of diabase on the island, with no allowance for setbacks. This area covers 81.2 ha with a diabase resource of 11.2 Mm3 or 32.7 Mt. Samples were collected GREEN ISLAND SELECTED at 2 locations, SLH-1 and SLH-2, and the rock was tested RESOURCE AREA for aggregate suitability. The results are summarized in Table 6. Green Island lies in the eastern end of the Whalesback Channel and west of the Spanish River estuary. Green Island is composed predominantly of diabase with minor SHANLY ISLAND SELECTED pockets of clastic rocks along the northern shore. The RESOURCE AREA island is over 2.5 km long and up to 700 m wide. The island has moderate relief rising some 33 m above the Shanly Island lies at the west end of Whalesback Channel, lake level and has a rolling topography with steep scarps north of Aird Island (see Map 1, back pocket). The island on the south shore. The island could be accessed by deep is roughly rectangular in shape with high terrain on the water off the south shore (see Map 2, back pocket). eastern edge. The island has moderate relief, up to 25 m above the lake, with steep cliffs on the southeast shore. The resource area delineated on Map 1 (back pocket) Minor areas of clastic sedimentary rocks are found on its covers approximately 123.6 ha or approximately 97% of eastern and southwestern margins. The site can be the island’s surface. A resource of approximately 19.1 Mm3 accessed from the west along the Whalesback Channel, or 55.8 Mt of diabase exists above the level of the lake. with deep water on the south side of the island (see Map 2, The island was sampled at 2 locations along the south back pocket).

15 OGS MINERAL DEPOSITS CIRCULAR 32 see - 0.36 @ 14 days 56 days Acceler a ted Remarks V Aggregate Abrasion Value AA AAV PSV ve Rela ti Absn Absorption Value Polished Stone e- eez Fr Absn PSV L.A. A 6.7 10 2 0.27 2.919 59 3.3 0.136 @ 5.1 10 1 0.18 2.954 54 3 MD 4 MgSO Micro Deval Abrasion Micro Deval Los Angeles MDA L.A. Concrete % % % PN PN 100 134100 1 100 1 18.9 15 3 0.60 2.895 63 7.5 - 2 1 y tor bora La ield F Magnesium Sulphate Soundness Petrographic Number Aggregate suitability test results, island samples. 4 le 6. Sample 94-B-9034 appeared to be very schistose. Sample 94-B-9035 possessed iron-oxide coatings on the fractures. Green Is. SLG-2Aird Is. 94-B-9033 SLA-1 100 94-B-9034 108 0 9.1MgSO 10 2 0.27 2.883 57 4.4 - Appendix B) Tab Selected Hotham Is. SLH-1Hotham Is. 94-B-9028 SLH-2 100Fréchette Is. 94-B-9029 SLF-1 103 100Fréchette Is. 94-B-9030 SLF-2 100 100Green Is. 1 94-B-9031 SLG-1 100 100 1 5.4 94-B-9032 0 100 100 4.0 11 1 103 4.5 10 3 1 4.1 9 2 0.28 10 5.8 2 0.18 2.929PN 3 10 48 0.18 2.9241 3.2 0.22 492 3 3.004 2.9 - 47 2.95 0.35 2.4 51 - 2.898 2.8 - 53 - 3 Island samples - ( Shanly Is. SLSH-1 94-B-9036 100 100 1 Aird Is. SLA-2 94-B-9035 ResourceArea Sample Number Sample Granular Number Hot Mix Loss Loss & Abrasion Thaw % % % Density Loss Loss Mortar Bar Expansion

16 INDUSTRIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, NIPISSING DIABASE

Shanly Island covers approximately 24.2 ha with an considerable margin. One or 2 samples were evidently estimated 3.7 Mm3 (10.8 Mt) of rock above the lake level. affected by mineralization and/or weathering, in spite of A rock sample, was obtained from the east end of the attempts to sample fresh material. These individual island and designated SLSH-1. The results of the testing samples failed to meet required standards for some high are summarized in Table 6. specification uses. Fully representative sampling would probably show that, overall, the affected resource areas possess aggregate properties similar to the other resource KIRKE ISLAND SELECTED areas listed in the tables. RESOURCE AREA Kirke Island lies to the north of Green Island and is just Suitability of Aggregate for offshore of Indian John Point, next to Buswell Bay. Kirke Island is part of a chain of islands associated with an east- Use in Hot-Laid Asphalt trending dike. Minor areas of argillite are found along the shore of the island. Access to the area could be gained by All samples meet Ontario Provincial Standard Specifications constructing a road across the low ground between Indian (OPSS) 1003 criteria for Hot-laid (HL) 3, HL 4 and HL 8 John Point and the island. asphalt aggregate, but 2 do not meet the specification for HL 1 in terms of the Petrographic Number (PN) require- Kirke Island Selected Resource Area is approximately ments. The maximum PN for HL 1 is 120 and both the 3 26.4 ha in extent with an estimated 5.4 Mm (15.8 Mt) of sample from SRA 6 and one sample from Aird Island potential resources. No samples were collected from this exceed this maximum. If these samples are excluded, then resource area. all remaining samples meet the OPSS 1149 specification criteria for Dense Friction Course (DFC) and Open Friction Course (OFC) coarse aggregate. Even though the POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL ISLAND majority of the grab samples meet the OFC and DFC spec- RESOURCE AREAS ification criteria of OPSS 1149, the aggregate supplier is responsible for arranging and securing a test section on an Several other islands having potential for diabase MTO contract. For DFC mixes, which require premium resources in excess of 5 Mt exist in this area. Access to fine and coarse aggregate, both the coarse and fine aggre- these islands is likely to be problematic and as such they gates used in the test section must come from the candi- have not been selected as resource areas. Individual date source. The test section must normally be in place for resource areas are outlined on Map 2 (back pocket). 2 winters before a decision is made on the performance of Islands that are considered to have sizeable diabase the aggregate. This period could be extended if any doubts resources include Clara, Klotz, Jackson and Passage are raised regarding the performance of the aggregate dur- islands. ing field inspections of the test section. Only recently have OFC aggregates been produced from Nipissing diabase along the north shore of Lake Huron. AGGREGATE QUALITY AND SUITABILITY While the mean Polished Stone Value (PSV) and Aggregate Abrasion Value (AAV) test results suggest Limited surface samples were taken from most of the iden- that the Nipissing diabase could meet requirements for tified resource areas and were tested for a variety of phys- skid-resistant aggregate in Dense Friction Course, the ical properties by the Soils and Aggregates Section, margin by which the material meets the PSV limit is Engineering Materials Office, Ontario Ministry of slight. A minimum PSV of 50 is recommended. Overall, Transportation, to determine their suitability for use as the samples achieve an average PSV of 51.1, with the aggregates. No subsurface investigation or sampling was mainland samples showing an average PSV of 49.8 carried out. (see Table 3) and the island samples an average PSV of 53.4 (see Table 6). It should be noted that PSV and AAV tests are not part of provincial standard specifications. The results of laboratory testing are summarized in Tables 3 and 6 for the mainland resource areas and North Channel islands resource areas, respectively. These results Long-term wearing behaviour of the rock as skid- can be compared to the physical requirements for con- resistant aggregate can only be estimated by considering struction aggregates which apply in Ontario, as summa- the potential for micro-texture development. Petrographic rized in tables 7 and 8. (thin section) analysis is a useful tool in this estimation; however, it is not a specification criteria. Demonstrated Overall, the results indicate that the Nipissing diabase field performance is the final criteria in identification of of this area is a dense, durable, abrasion-resistant rock, skid-resistant aggregate. Additional information regarding whose properties generally exceed the minimum standards evaluation of Ontario’s aggregates for skid resistance is required of high-quality aggregates in Ontario, often by a provided by Rogers (1983).

17 OGS MINERAL DEPOSITS CIRCULAR 32

Suitability of Aggregate for The toughness and durability of the diabase indicated by the aggregate suitability testing indicates that granular Use in Concrete materials for a variety of other uses could be produced. These uses include bulk granular fills, tightly sized aggre- The samples generally meet OPSS 1002 criteria for con- gate for drainage and water purification purposes, aggregate crete, sidewalk, curb, gutter and base. With the exception for precast concrete, exposed aggregate panels, terrazzo of samples SLS-6-1 and SLA-1, because of their high PN floors and concrete building blocks, coatings for roofing values, the diabase has the potential to meet the more shingles, raw material for the production of rock wool stringent criteria for concrete pavement, depending upon insulation, and, possibly, rock flour for use as a filler or the measured Alkali-Aggregate Reactivity (AAR). extender in low-grade or dark-coloured rubber, asphaltic and plastic formulations. Selected samples were subjected to the Accelerated Mortar Bar Test to assess AAR. Samples SLS-5-1 and SLS-11-1 (see Table 3) had reported 14 day expansion Additionally, the diabase may supply material for rail values well below the 0.14% limit, indicating aggregate track ballast as the measured relative density, magnesium that would be suitable for structural concrete or concrete sulphate soundness losses, absorption and abrasion resis- pavement. The results of sample SLA-2 (see Table 6) tance values are well within the limits generally specified suggest a slowly expansive aggregate, probably unsuit- (Table 9). Gradations were not performed on the samples, able for structural or pavement concrete. The sample, however, they are expected to meet the gradation stan- however, was probably adversely affected by weathering. dards for rail track ballast (Table 10). Iron-oxide coatings were noted on the fractures in this sample. Since this accelerated test is recognized as a severe test, more readily excluding good aggregate than Although the joint spacing in the diabase resource including deleterious aggregate, the one-year Concrete was not investigated during this study, it is anticipated that Prism Test would be recommended to properly evaluate some of the more areally extensive diabase occurrences any borderline samples. would also be capable of producing a range of armour stone and riprap for erosion control and shore protection applications. Specifications for armour stone and riprap Suitability of Aggregate for vary according to project type and location, generally tak- ing into account some of the properties of locally available Use as Granular Material rock types. The soundness and durability measured by the laboratory testing indicates that the diabase may be suitable Assuming that gradation requirements will be met, the for these applications. diabase material exceeds the other OPSS 1010 specifications for granular materials, including granular A, B Type 2, M and S, and surface treatment crushed stone. The Nipissing diabase may also be suitable for some types of dimension stone and building stone. Suitability would depend on an extensive examination of weathering OTHER POTENTIAL USES characteristics to determine the potential of the rock to oxidize in exterior applications or wet conditions. The As discussed in the previous section, the limited sampling known distribution of sulphide mineralization in the rock and laboratory testing program undertaken as part of this mass and the presence of stained joints suggests that stain- study has indicated a series of diabase occurrences which, ing caused by weathering could be a problem. To deter- overall, are capable of producing high-quality aggregates mine whether the diabase could be used as a natural build- for a wide range of applications. Physical properties of the ing stone would involve additional strength tests, most of rock indicate it is suitable for use as HL 1 coarse aggregate which are specified by the American Society for Testing although use of the rock as skid resistant aggregate in and Materials (ASTM) and include compressive strength, asphaltic pavements is borderline, based on the testing of flexural strength and modulus of rupture, as well as abra- surface samples. It is possible that subsequent testing of sion resistance, relative density and water absorption. In deeper samples would show improved results. High-quality addition, for facing or ornamental stone applications, the construction aggregates should, therefore, be considered the ability of the stone to accept a high polish and the consis- most significant potential end use for the Nipissing diabase. tency of colour and texture throughout a substantial deposit would need to be assessed. Increasing environmental constraints and conflicting land use requirements will inevitably reduce the availability of reasonably priced construction aggregates in many of the On the basis of the limited available information, it is growing urban areas around the Great Lakes. Because the considered probable that the Nipissing diabase could meet north shore of Lake Huron generally has a low population some minor ornamental stone uses such as road sets, cob- density and ready access to open water for cheap bulk trans- bles, curbs, lintels and split surface decorative stone, but is portation, Nipissing diabase should be viewed as a major unlikely to be suitable for large scale structural uses, provincial resource which will have increasing importance building or facing stone, or other significant architectural as a source of construction materials in the future. applications.

18 INDUSTRIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, NIPISSING DIABASE

Table 7. Physical requirements for coarse aggregate, Ontario Provincial Standard Specifications and MTO special provisions.

4 Soundness Loss, Maximum %

PetrographicPetrographic Number,MgSO Number, Granular,Los Angeles Hot-mix, MaximumMicro-Deval Abrasion MaximumFlat AbrasionandLoss, 24Elongated Maximum Hour Loss, LossWater MaximumParticles, % by Absorption, WashingLoss Maximum % by Washing PercentPass Maximum 75µm,% Crushed,PassTwo-face Maximum %75µm,Freeze-thaw MinimumCrushed, Maximum % (gravel)Plasticity Minimum% %Loss, (crushedInsoluble MaximumIndex % rock) Residue, % Retained on 75µm, Minimum % Use Test Material

Base (OPSS1010) (SP110S07) Granular A 200 - - 60 25 - - - - 50 - - Crushed Rock/Gravel Granular M 200 - - 60 25 - - - - 50 - - Crushed Rock/Gravel Granular O - 180 - 35 - - - - - 100 - 10 0 Crushed Rock

Subbase (OPSS1010) (SP110S07) Granular B Type I 250 ------0 Crushed Rock, Gravel Granular B Type II 250 ------100--0 Crushed Rock

Subgrade (OPSS1010) (SP110S07) Select Subgrade Material 250 - - - 30 ------0 Gravel (SSM)

OGDL (SP313F01) Untreated - 160 15 35 - - - - - 100 - 10 Crushed Rock A.C. Treated - 160 15 35 20 - - 1.3 2.0 100 - 10 Crushed Rock P.C. Treated - 160 15 35 20 - - 1.3 2.0 100 - 10 Crushed Rock

Hot Mix (OPSS1003) HL 1 Gravel 120 5 - - 15 1.0 1.0 - 80 ---- Dolomitic Sandstone 140 5 - - 15 1.0 - 1.0 ----45 Trap Rock 120 5 - - 15 1.0 - 1.0 ----- Meta-arkose 145 5 - - 15 1.0 - 1.0 ----- DFC (OPSS1149) Gravel 120 5 - - 15 1.0 1.0 - 80 ---- Dolomitic Sandstone 140 15 - - 15 1.0 - 1.0 ----45 Trap Rock 120 5 - - 15 1.0 - 1.0 ----- OFC (OPSS1149) Gravel 120 5 - - 20 1.6 1.0 - - 100 - - - Dolomitic Sandstone 140 15 - - 20 1.0 - 1.0 ----45 Trap Rock 140 5 - - 20 1.0 - 1.0 ----- HL 3 135 12 35 - 20 1.75 1.3 2.0 60 - - - Crushed Rock or Crushed Gravel HL 4 (Surface) 160 12 35 - 20 - 1.3 2.0 60 - - - Crushed Rock or Crushed Gravel HL 4 & 8 (Binder) 160 15 35 - 20 2.0 1.3 2.0 60 - - - Crushed Rock or Crushed Gravel Medium Duty Binder 160 15 35 - 20 2.0 1.3 2.0 95 80 - - Crushed Rock or Crushed Gravel Heavy Duty Binder 160 15 35 - 20 2.0 - 2.0 100 - - - All Crushed Rock

Surface Treatment (OPSS304) Class 1 & 5 135 12 35 - 20 1.75 - - 60 - - - Crushed Rock or Crushed Gravel Class 2 160 15 35 - 20 - - - 60 - - - Crushed Rock or Crushed Gravel Class 3 160 12 35 - 20 2.0 - - 60 - - - Crushed Rock or Crushed Gravel

Concrete (OPSS1002) Structural/ 140 12 50 - 20 2.0 1.0 2.0 ---- Crushed Rock or Crushed Gravel Concrete Base Must be chemically stable Pavement/ Exposed Structure 125 12 35 - 20 2.0 1.0 2.0 ---- As above Deck

Source: Ministry of Transportation, Ontario Revised 09/94

19 OGS MINERAL DEPOSITS CIRCULAR 32

Table 8. Physical requirements for fine aggregate, Ontario Provincial Standard Specifications and MTO special provisions.

Soundness Loss 4

MgSOMaximumMicro-Deval % Loss, Maximum% AbrasionPetrographicExamination OrganicMaximum ImpuritiesSand % MaximumAttrition PassLoss % 75µm% PlasticityIndex

Use Test Material

Hot Mix (OPSS1003) HL 1 16 20 * 0-5 0 Natural Sand, Gravel, or Crushed Rock HL 2 20 25 3-8 0 Screenings HL 3 16 20 0-5 0 Screenings HL 4 (Surface) 20 20 0-7 0 Screenings HL 4 & 8 (Binder) 20 25 0-7 0 Screenings Medium Duty Binder 20 25 0 Screenings Heavy Duty Binder 20 25 0-7 0 Crushed Rock Only OFC 20 20 * 0-8 Dol. Sandstone, Trap Rock DFC 20 20 * 2-12 Dol. Sandstone, Crushed Bedrock, Trap Rock, Meta-arkose

Surface Treatment (OPSS304) Class 4 20 0-7 0 Natural Sand or Crushed Rock Screenings

Structural Concrete & Concrete Base 16 20 * 3 0-7 Natural Sand (OPSS1002) 0-5 Manufactured Sand

Pavement Concrete & Exposed Structure 16 20 * 3 0-3 Natural Sand Deck (OPSS1002) 0-5 Manufactured Sand

Ice Control Sand 9 0-5 Natural Sand (OPSS1004) 14 0-3 Manufactured Sand

* Less than 5%: shale, chert, or mica Source: Ministry of Transportation, Ontario Revised 08/94

EXTRACTION AND PROCESSING elevations and ground surface are linked by one or more haulage roads or ramps, developed at a modest inclination. Irrespective of the range of end uses, quarrying is the appropriate method of extraction. Quarrying consists of Rock broken by the blasting, known as shot rock, is the following sequence of operations: 1) overburden strip- transported to a fixed location for processing. This is usu- ping, 2) drilling and blasting, 3) hauling, 4) crushing and ally done by one or more wheeled loaders and a group of screening, 5) stockpiling, and 6) shipping of end products. rock haulers, or trucks, because this is the most flexible loading and hauling option. It can also be done by one or The common features of appropriate quarrying and more loaders or excavators tipping directly into a mobile processing methods are described in the following para- primary crusher which is connected by a series of move- graphs. Prior to commencing quarrying an area of the site able conveyor belts to the processing plant. is cleared and grubbed. The overburden is then stripped using mechanical excavators. The top soil is removed and temporarily stockpiled for use in restoration, and the Rock is crushed in many stages in the processing remaining overburden (subsoil, badly weathered rock, etc.) plant which, in large long-term quarries, is normally is used for the construction of amenity berms, general site housed in a series of enclosed buildings. Usually primary, levelling or is dumped. secondary and tertiary stages of crushing are involved, each dealing with a diminishing volume of smaller-sized All excavation of rock is by drilling and blasting, particles. Between each crushing stage, multiple decks of usually using a compressed-air-driven surface drill and vibrating screens with selected screen apertures separate explosives that may be stored or mixed on-site or deliv- the material into size ranges, removing oversize or under- ered by a contractor on an as-required basis. Quarrying is size material to other stages of processing. Crushing and undertaken by excavating a series of benches, each with screening are normally dry processes, although fine water a vertical face of approximately 15 m in height. Bench sprays are used for dust suppression.

20 INDUSTRIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, NIPISSING DIABASE

Table 9. CP rail track ballast standards.

Parameter Test Track Classification

Primary Main Line Secondary Branch Line CWR* Jointed Main Line Important Minor

Stability Bulk Specific Gravity 2.60 2.60 2.60 2.60 2.60 minimum t/m3

Fractured Particles minimum % Ballast Grading 2 - 70 60 60 60 Ballast Grading 3 80 75 65 60 60 Ballast Grading 4 90 85 75 65 65 Ballast Grading 5 100 ----

Weathering MgSO4 Soundness 1 1.5 3 3 3 maximum % loss

Absorption 0.50 0.75 1 1 1 maximum %

Abrasion Los Angeles Abrasion 45 maximum % loss

Mill Abrasion 9 maximum % loss

Abrasion Number 65; also shall be less than Abrasion Number for the cumulative tons of rail traffic for a maximum 20-year period from Plan X-10-16-233 and should be less than Abrasion Number for the cumulative tons of rail traffic for a 30-year period from Plan X-10-16-233

* continuously welded rail Source: CP Rail 1983 Ballast gradings 2 and 3 are used for crushed gravel. Ballast grading 4 is used for crushed gravel, crushed rock or slag. Ballast grading 5 is used for crushed rock or slag.

Table 10. CP rail track ballast gradation standards.

Ballast Maximum Allowable percent (by weight) finer than specified sieve

1 1 3 1 3 Grading Size (inches) 2 /2"2"1/2"1" /4" /2" /8" No. 4 No. 200

2 2 100 90-100 70-90 50-70 25-45 10-25 0-3 0-2

3 2 100 90-100 70-90 30-50 0-20 0-5 0-3 0-2

4 2 100 90-100 20-55 0-5 0-3 0-2

1 52/2 100 90-100 35-70 0-5 0-3 0-2

Source: CP Rail 1983

21 OGS MINERAL DEPOSITS CIRCULAR 32

Where fine granular materials are being produced, to be produced. Any substantial investment in quarrying particularly aggregates for use in concrete or asphalt, facilities would have to be preceded by a careful market classifiers may be used to size and clean the stone. Many evaluation and demand forecast. classifiers use a vertically rising current of water to classi- fy the particles in a gravitational force field. By varying the feed rate, water injection rate or height of an overflow SUMMARY weir, specific size ranges of particles can be collected. Process water is collected and pumped to a sedimentation This study on the aggregate resource potential of the pond to allow suspended solids to settle out, and clarified Nipissing diabase provides an information basis for the water is recirculated to the process. There may be more Massey to Blind River Highway 17 corridor along the than one stage of sedimentation ponds to ensure the north shore of Lake Huron. This region has been shown to process water or surface drainage water is clean enough contain significant and readily accessible resources of for reuse or discharge. Nipissing diabase on the mainland and on several islands in the North Channel. This study identified 16 sites on the The end products from the screens and classifiers con- mainland which contain a potential resource of approxi- sist of uniformly sized coarse and fine aggregates. This mately 976 Mt. The 7 island SRAs have a potential for aggregate is removed by a series of individual conveyors approximately 163 Mt. Both the mainland and the islands and stackers to open stockpiles or storage bins, depending contain additional potential resource areas that could add on the method of shipment being used. Stockpiles of prob- approximately 100 to 200 Mt to the resource potential of ably 6 to 10 single sizes of clear stone aggregates and the study area. The mainland sites were selected on the other products would be maintained. basis of access potential, resource size, structural simplicity and thickness of drift cover. Island sites also required Shipping of products may be by road, rail or water. the potential for deep water nearshore access and proximity Loading of highway trucks or rail wagons can be done by to a navigable shipping channel. Cultural and environ- wheeled loaders or by direct discharge from storage bins. mental effects which may limit access or resource size In the study area, lake transportation would be expected to were not considered in the site selection process. be the principal shipment method in order to access the Great Lakes market, and the plant would need a ship loader. A ship loader is a high capacity, extendable, radial The aggregate suitability of the Nipissing diabase was conveyor mounted on a pedestal at the water’s edge and assessed through the testing of surface samples collected supplied by a conveyor via a stockpile. The ship loader, at 13 mainland sites and 9 island sites. Testing was com- which normally rotates at least 180¡, is designed to rapidly pleted by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Results fill a vessel secured to mooring dolphins or a jetty at the of this testing showed that most samples met or greatly loading point. exceeded the requirements for both high-quality crushed aggregate and concrete uses. However, the effects of sur- The preceding discussion has addressed the extraction face weathering were also highlighted, as shown by the and processing of aggregates and other granular materials. overall reduced quality of 2 samples. At the quarry face, some large stone will be produced by blasting operations, and may be separately handled and/or The bulk of the SRAs occupy areas of moderate to passed across coarse screens or grizzlies to produce a range high relief. The SRAs are generally amenable to standard of sizes for riprap and armour stone. The maximum size of quarrying practices. As illustrated by the aggregate testing, armour stone that can be produced is dictated by the distri- a surficial weathered layer may require special considera- bution and frequency of joints in the rock mass, and the tion prior to development of a more detailed investigation yield of large stone sizes can be increased by changing the on resource continuity, both areally and with depth. pattern of blast holes and the design of the blast. Ancillary facilities required to serve markets for armour stone and A variety of high-quality, crushed aggregate products riprap would be restricted to suitable handling attachments could be made from the Nipissing diabase including OFC, for mobile plant and open storage facilities. DFC, HL 1, concrete stone, HL 3 to 8, Granular A, Granular M and Granular B Type 2. The crushed stone It is unlikely that a quarry in this area would maintain could also be used in numerous other concrete applica- on-site facilities for producing precast concrete products, tions such as precast panels and building blocks. The rock building materials or road-making materials, although such has a high density and could be used for rail track ballast. facilities might be installed temporarily to meet short-term, Additionally the diabase could also likely produce riprap, local project requirements. Production facilities for deriva- however, little or no information on the joint structure and tive products would most likely be located closer to large block size limits is currently available. The Nipissing dia- centres of permanent demand and supplied with aggregates base has the potential for numerous other uses such as rock from a Nipissing diabase quarry. wool, black granite, fillers, and ornamental and building stone, however, testing for these potential uses would be The selection of extraction and processing equipment necessary. The results of this study show that the Nipissing and the quarry layout would depend upon the required diabase represents a significant, potential aggregate total output from the quarry and the range of end products resource for the area and the Great Lakes region.

22 INDUSTRIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, NIPISSING DIABASE References

Boissonneau, A.N. 1965. Surficial geology, Algoma, Sudbury, Inventory Folio 162; compiled by the staff of the Resident Timiskaming and Nipissing; Ontario Department of Lands and Geologist’s office, Sudbury, 20p. Forests, Map S465, scale 1:506 880. Robertson, J.A. 1964. Geology of Scarfe, Mack, Cobden and Stricker CP Rail 1983. Specification for ballast; CP Rail, Montreal,Quebec. townships, District of Algoma; Ontario Department of Mines, Report 20, 89p. Dames & Moore, Canada and Ontario Geological Survey 1995. Aggregate resources inventory of the Bruce Mines to Blind River ———1970. Geology of the Spragge area, District of Algoma; Ontario area; Ontario Geological Survey, Aggregate Resources Inventory Department of Mines, Report 76, 109p. Paper 156, 72p. ——— 1976. Geology of the Massey area, districts of Algoma, Manitoulin Fisheries and Oceans, Canada 1961. John Island to Blind River, Lake and Sudbury; Ontario Division of Mines, Report 136, 130p. Huron North Channel; Fisheries and Oceans, Canada, Chart 2259, scale 1:40 000. ———1977. Geology of the Cutler area, District of Algoma; Ontario Division of Mines, Report 147, 73p. ——— 1962. Clapperton Island to John Island, Lake Huron North Channel; Fisheries and Oceans, Canada, Chart 2257, scale 1:40 000. Robertson, J.A., Siemiatkowska, K.M. and Cape, D.F. 1972. Harrow Township and adjacent islands, districts of Sudbury, Algoma and Giblin, P.E. and Leahy, E.J. 1979. Sault Ste. Marie Ð Elliot Lake, Algoma, Manitoulin; Ontario Division of Mines, Preliminary Map P.793, Manitoulin and Sudbury districts; Ontario Geological Survey, Map scale 1:15 840. 2419, scale 1:253 440. Rogers, C.A. 1983. Search for skid resistant aggregates in Ontario; in Kristjansson, F.J. and Kelly, R.I. 1993. Aggregate resources inventory of 19th Forum on the Geology of Industrial Minerals, Proceedings, the Bruce Mines to Blind River area; in Summary of Field Work Ontario Geological Survey, Miscellaneous Paper 114, p.185-205. and Other Activities 1993, Ontario Geological Survey, Miscellaneous Paper 162, p.175-178. VanDine, D.F. 1980. Blind River area (NTS 41J/SE), districts of Algoma, Manitoulin and Sudbury; Ontario Geological Survey, Northern Ontario Geological Survey 1984. May Township, Geological Data Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study 98, 41p.

23 OGS MINERAL DEPOSITS CIRCULAR 32 Appendix A - Nipissing Diabase Study, Mainland Sampling Program

Sample SLS-1-1 Access: road west side of Blind River, south off of Highway 17, a roadcut on west side of road Relief: low to moderate, up to 5 m but numerous swamps and the river Sample: slightly weathered to fresh, massive, medium grey, medium-grained, crystalline diabase

Sample SLS-2-1 Access: road to microwave tower on northeast side of Blind River, sample from excavation for pole Relief: high rock ridge up to 20 m above road level (Highway 17) Sample: slightly weathered to fresh, massive, dark grey-green, speckled with pink (feldspar), coarse- grained diabase speckled with (pink) feldspar crystals

Sample SLS-3-1 Access: adjacent to Blind River landfill site and microwave tower Relief: large hill, rises up to 15 m above dump level Sample: detached blocks on top of hill; slightly weathered to fresh, massive, medium- to coarse- grained diabase with large feldspar crystals

Sample SLS-4-1 Access: side road off of Highway 17, approximately 50 m to Highway 17, near Spragge Relief: large rock hills up to 20 m above highway Sample: from boulders at base of cliff, slightly weathered to fresh, medium- to very coarse-grained diabase with large crystals, minor quartz inclusions; rock shows signs of shearing, abundant chlorite on joints

Sample SLS-5-1 Access: near-vertical dike crosses Highway 108 and crosscuts granitic rocks Relief: the ridge is 15 m wide and up to 7 m high at the roadcut Sample: fresh rock from the recently blasted rock cut; medium-grained, massive, dark green diabase, chlorite on joint surfaces

Sample SLS-6-1 Access: side road off Highway 17, approximately 750 m north of the highway Relief: large rock ridge above swamp with extensive outcrop Sample: margin of sill; slightly weathered to fresh, fine- to medium-grained, massive, dark green diabase; unit cut by numerous quartz veins up to 2 cm thick

Sample SLS-7-1 Access: along one-lane trail approximately 200 m south of end of roadway Relief: variable topography, up to 10 m above general plain/swamp; extensive outcrop Sample: medium- to coarse-grained, massive to strongly foliated, slightly weathered with iron-stained joint surfaces, dark green diabase

Sample SLS-8-1 Access: off road south of Massey, just east of the bridge on the south side Relief: up to 10 m at roadcut, land to south rises up to 40 m above the road level; sill overlies quartzites Sample: from roadcut face, fresh, massive, very fine-grained, dark green to black diabase; minor quartz veins within unit

Sample SLS-9-1 Access: off south side of road on south side of Spanish River Relief: generally 10 m above road but up to 15 m Sample: from large body at side of road; dark grey, slightly weathered to fresh, fine-grained diabase

Sample SLS-10-1 Access: rock face in gravel pit situated immediately north of roadway Relief: high ridge up to 15 to 20 m Sample: fresh from face; massive, medium-grained diabase

24 INDUSTRIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, NIPISSING DIABASE

Sample SLS-11-1 Access: Highway 17 and Geotz Rd. N.; on side of big hill at copper (malachite) showing Relief: up to 20 m above road level; large hill of rock Sample: from area that had been blasted adjacent to showing; fresh, massive to strongly foliated, medium- to coarse-grained diabase; some disseminated pyrite and pyrrhotite localized in rock mass Sample SLS-12-1 Access: adjacent to road along Spanish River south of Massey, north of Indian Head Rock Relief: large talus slope with argillite on flank, up to 20 m above road Sample: slightly weathered to fresh, massive to weakly foliated, dark grey-green, fine-grained diabase; evidence of workings at base of talus pile Sample SLS-13-1 Access: off Maas Rd., south of Massey Relief: up to 30 to 40 m above plain Sample: fresh, massive, fine-grained diabase; minor quartz vein with chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite

25 OGS MINERAL DEPOSITS CIRCULAR 32 Appendix B - Nipissing Diabase Study, Island Sampling Program

Sample SLA-1 Location: Aird Island, north shore along peninsula to King Point Relief: moderate, up to 7 m at shore and 10 to 15 m inland Sample: slightly to moderately weathered, medium- to fine-grained diabase with numerous feldspar crystals

Sample SLA-2 Location: Aird Island, east shore at tip of Arnold Point Relief: moderate, approximately 5 m high cliffs at shore, relief increasing to 10 m inland Sample: slightly weathered to fresh, massive, fine-grained, dark green to grey diabase

Sample SLF-1 Location: Fréchette Island at northwestern tip near Hagarty Islands Relief: generally low, up to 5 to 7 m at west end of island Sample: slightly weathered to fresh, massive, medium-grained, crystalline diabase

Sample SLF-2 Location: south-central Fréchette Island along shoreline Relief: low to moderate, 5 to 7 m near shore and increasing inland, numerous swamps in central part of island Sample: slightly weathered to fresh, massive to weakly-foliated, medium- to fine-grained diabase; some quartz veining and minor gneiss dike present

Sample SLG-2 Location: south-central Green Island, at base of cliff at shoreline Relief: moderate to high, cliff is 15 m high and land rises inland Sample: fresh, massive, fine-grained, crystalline, siliceous diabase

Sample SLH-1 Location: eastern shore of Hotham Island, 100 m north of southeastern tip Relief: moderate to high, up to 10 to 15 m inland Sample: slightly weathered to fresh, medium-grained, crystalline diabase

Sample SLH-2 Location: south shore of Hotham Island Relief: moderate, up to 10 m inland Sample: slightly weathered to fresh, massive to strongly foliated, medium-grained, crystalline diabase; some quartz and hematite veining

Sample SLSH-1 Location: southeast tip of Shanly Island at base of a 10 to 15 m high cliff Relief: moderate to high, up to 15 to 20 m inland, lowers to northwest Sample: slightly weathered to fresh, massive to strongly foliated, dark green, medium- to fine-grained diabase

26 INDUSTRIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, NIPISSING DIABASE Appendix C - Glossary

Abrasion resistance: Tests such as the Los Angeles Abrasion test are used to measure the ability of aggregate to resist crushing and pulverizing under conditions similar to those encountered in processing and use. Measuring resistance is an important component in the evaluation of the quality and prospective uses of aggregate. Hard, durable material is pre- ferred for road building.

Absorption capacity: Related to the porosity of the rock types of which an aggregate is composed. Porous rocks are subject to disintegration when absorbed liquids freeze and thaw, thus decreasing the strength of the aggregate.

Aggregate: Any hard, inert, construction material (sand, gravel, shells, slag, crushed stone or other mineral material) used for mixing in various-sized fragments with a cement or bituminous material to form concrete, mortar, etc., or used alone for road building or other construction. Synonyms include mineral aggregate and granular material.

Aggregate Abrasion Value: This test directly measures the resistance of aggregate to abrasion with silica sand and a steel disk. The higher the value, the lower the resistance to abrasion. For high-quality asphalt surface course uses, values of less than 6 are desirable.

Alkali-aggregate reaction: A chemical reaction between the alkalies of Portland cement and certain minerals found in rocks used for aggregate. Alkali-aggregate reactions are undesirable because they can cause expansion and cracking of concrete. Although perfectly suitable for building stone and asphalt applications, alkali-reactive aggregates should be avoided for structural concrete uses.

Beneficiation: Beneficiation of aggregates is a process or combination of processes which improves the quality (physical properties) of a mineral aggregate and is not part of the normal processing for a particular use, such as routine crushing, screening, washing, or classification. Heavy media separation, jigging, or application of special crushers (e.g., “cage mill”) are usually considered processes of beneficiation.

Blending: Required in cases of extreme coarseness, fineness, or other irregularities in the gradation of unprocessed aggregate. Blending is done with approved sand-sized aggregate in order to satisfy the gradation requirements of the material.

Bulk relative density: The density of a material related to water at 4¡C and atmospheric pressure at sea level. An aggregate with low relative density is lighter in weight than one with a high relative density. Low relative density aggregates (less than about 2.5) are often non-durable for many aggregate uses.

Cambrian: The first period of the Paleozoic Era, thought to have covered the time between 570 and 500 million years ago. The Cambrian precedes the Ordovician Period.

Chert: Amorphous silica, generally associated with limestone. Often occurs as irregular masses or lenses but can also occur finely disseminated through limestones. It has a deleterious affect on aggregates used in Portland cement concrete, due to its reactivity with alkalies in Portland cement.

Clast: An individual constituent, grain or fragment of a sediment or rock, produced by the mechanical weathering of a larger rock mass. Synonyms include particle and fragment.

Crushable aggregate: Unprocessed gravel containing a minimum of 35% coarse aggregate larger than the 4.75 mm sieve as well as a minimum of 20% greater than the 26.5 mm sieve.

Deleterious lithology: A general term used to designate those rock types which are chemically or physically unsuited for use as construction or road-building aggregates. Such lithologies as chert, shale, siltstone and sandstone may dete- riorate rapidly when exposed to traffic and other environmental conditions.

Devonian: A period of the Paleozoic Era thought to have covered the span of time between 395 and 345 million years ago, following the Silurian Period. Rocks formed in the Devonian Period are among the youngest in Ontario.

Diabase: An igneous rock of basaltic composition, consisting essentially of labradorite (feldspar), pyroxene, olivine and hornblende. The texture of the rock is generally medium grained.

Dolostone: A carbonate sedimentary rock consisting chiefly of the mineral dolomite and containing relatively little calcite (dolostone is also known as dolomite).

27 OGS MINERAL DEPOSITS CIRCULAR 32

Drift: A general term for all unconsolidated rock debris transported from one place and deposited in another, distin- guished from underlying bedrock. In North America, glacial activity has been the dominant mode of transport and depo- sition of drift. Synonyms include overburden and surficial deposit.

Drumlin: A low, smoothly rounded, elongated hill, mound, or ridge composed of glacial materials. These landforms were formed beneath an advancing ice sheet, and were shaped by its flow.

Eolian: Pertaining to the wind, especially with respect to landforms whose constituents were transported and deposited by wind activity. Sand dunes are an example of an eolian landform.

Fines: A general term used to describe the size fraction of an aggregate which passes (is finer than) the 0.075 mm sieve. Also described informally as “dirt”, these particles are in the silt and clay size range.

Glacial lobe: A tongue-like projection from the margin of the main mass of an ice cap or ice sheet. During the Pleistocene Epoch several lobes of the Laurentide continental ice sheet occupied the Great Lakes basins. These lobes advanced then melted back numerous times during the Pleistocene, producing the complex arrangement of glacial material and landforms found in Ontario.

Gneiss: A generally coarse-textured or medium-textured metamorphic rock with the minerals arranged in parallel streaks or bands. Gneiss is relatively rich in feldspar. Other minerals commonly occurring in this rock include quartz, mica, amphibole and garnet.

Gradation: The proportion of material of each particle size, or the frequency distribution of the various sizes which constitute a sediment synonymous with grain-size distribution. The strength, durability, permeability and stability of an aggregate depend to a great extent on its gradation. The size limits for different particles are as follows: Boulder more than 200 mm Coarse Sand 2-4.75 mm Cobbles 75-200 mm Medium Sand 0.425-2 mm Coarse Gravel 26.5-75 mm Fine Sand 0.075-0.425 mm Fine Gravel 4.75-26.5 mm Silt, Clay less than 0.075 mm

Granite: A generally medium- or coarse-grained, light-coloured rock that ordinarily has an even texture and is composed of quartz and feldspar with either mica, hornblende or both.

Granular Base and Subbase: Components of a pavement structure of a road, which are placed on the subgrade and are designed to provide strength, stability and drainage, as well as, support for surfacing materials. Four types have been defined: Granular A consists of crushed and processed aggregate and has relatively stringent quality standards in comparison to Granular B which is usually pit-run or other unprocessed aggregate, Granular M is a shouldering and surface dressing material with quality requirements similar to Granular A, and Select Subgrade Material has similar quality requirements to Granular B and it provides a stable platform for the overlying pavement structure (for more specific information the reader is referred to Ontario Provincial Standard Specification 1010).

Grubbed: To clear land of roots, stumps and other debris.

Heavy duty binder: Second layer from the top of a hot-mix asphalt pavement. It is used on heavily travelled (especially by trucks) expressways such as Highway 401. Coarse and fine aggregates are to be produced from high-quality bedrock quarries, except when gravel is permitted by special provisions.

Hot-laid (or asphaltic) paving aggregate: Bituminous, cemented aggregates used in the construction of pavements either as surface or bearing course (HL 1, 3 and 4), or as binder course (HL 2, 4 and 8) used to bind the surface course to the underlying granular base.

Limestone: A carbonate sedimentary rock consisting chiefly of the mineral calcite. It may also contain up to approximately 40% dolomite.

Lintel: Horizontal stone or timber over a door or window.

Lithology: The description of rocks on the basis of such characteristics as colour, structure, mineralogic composition and grain size. Generally, the description of the physical character of a rock.

Los Angeles Abrasion and Impact Test: This test measures the resistance to abrasion and the impact strength of aggregate. This gives an idea of the breakdown that can be expected to occur when an aggregate is stockpiled, transported and placed. Values less than about 35% indicate potentially satisfactory performance for most concrete and asphalt uses. Values of more than 45% indicate that the aggregate may be susceptible to excessive breakdown during handling and placing.

28 INDUSTRIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, NIPISSING DIABASE

Magnesium Sulphate Soundness Test: This test is designed to simulate the action of freezing and thawing on aggregates. Those aggregates which are susceptible to freezing and thawing will usually break down and give high losses in this test. Values greater than about 12 to 15% indicate potential problems for concrete and asphalt paving coarse aggregates.

Medium duty binder: Second layer from the top of a hot-mix asphalt pavement. It is used on heavily travelled roads, usually four-lane provincial highways and municipal arterial roads. It may be constructed with high-quality quarried rock or high quality gravel with high percentage of crushed faces, or with polymer-modified asphalt cements.

Meltwater channel: A drainage way, often terraced, produced by water flowing away from a melting glacier margin.

Ordovician: An early period of the Paleozoic Era thought to have covered the span of time between 500 and 435 million years ago.

Paleozoic Era: One of the major divisions of the geologic time scale thought to have covered the time period between 570 and 230 million years ago. The Paleozoic Era (or Ancient Life Era) is subdivided into 6 geologic periods, of which only 4 (Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian and Devonian) can be recognized in southern Ontario.

Petrographic Examination: An aggregate quality test based on known field performance of various rock types. In Ontario the test result is a Petrographic Number (PN). The higher the PN, the lower the quality of the aggregate.

Pleistocene: An epoch of the recent geological past including the time from approximately 2.5 million years ago to 7000 years ago. Much of the Pleistocene was characterized by extensive glacial activity and is popularly referred to as the “Great Ice Age”.

Polished Stone Value: This test measures the frictional properties of aggregates after 6 hours of abrasion and polishing with an emery abrasive. The higher the PSV, the higher the frictional properties of the aggregate. Values less than 45 indicate marginal frictional properties, while values greater than 55 indicate excellent frictional properties.

Possible resource: Reserve estimates based largely on broad knowledge of the geological character of the deposit and for which there are few, if any, samples or measurements. The estimates are based on assumed continuity or repetition for which there are reasonable geological indications, but do not take into account many site-specific natural or environmental constraints which could render the resource unaccessible.

Precambrian: The earliest geological period extending from the consolidation of the earth’s crust to the beginning of the Cambrian.

Sandstone: A clastic sedimentary rock consisting chiefly of sand-size particles of quartz and minor feldspar, cemented together by calcareous minerals (calcite or dolomite) or by silica.

Shale: A fine-grained sedimentary rock formed by the consolidation of clay, silt or mud and characterized by well- developed bedding planes, along which the rock breaks readily into thin layers. The term shale is also commonly used for fissile claystone, siltstone and mudstone.

Siltstone: A clastic sedimentary rock consisting chiefly of silt-size particles, cemented together by calcareous minerals (calcite or dolomite) or by silica. Usually has joint bedding that can open up by frost action.

Silurian: An early period of the Paleozoic Era thought to have covered the time between 435 and 395 million years ago. The Silurian follows the Ordovician Period and precedes the Devonian Period.

Soundness: The ability of the components of an aggregate to withstand the effects of various weathering processes and agents. Unsound lithologies are subject to disintegration caused by the expansion of absorbed solutions. This may seri- ously impair the performance of road-building and construction aggregates.

Till: Unsorted and unstratified rock debris, deposited directly by glaciers, and ranging in size from clay to large boulders.

Wisconsinan: Pertaining to the last glacial period of the Pleistocene Epoch in North America. The Wisconsinan began approximately 100 000 years ago and ended approximately 7000 years ago. The glacial deposits and landforms of Ontario are predominantly the result of glacial activity during the Wisconsinan Stage.

29 OGS MINERAL DEPOSITS CIRCULAR 32 Metric Conversion Table

CONVERSION FACTORS FOR MEASUREMENTS IN ONTARIO GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PUBLICATIONS

Conversion from SI to Imperial Conversion from Imperial to SI

SI Unit Multiplied by Gives Imperial Unit Multiplied by Gives

LENGTH 1 mm 0.039 37 inches 1 inch 25.4 mm 1 cm 0.393 70 inches 1 inch 2.54 cm 1 m 3.280 84 feet 1 foot 0.304 8 m 1 m 0.049 709 7 chains 1 chain 20.116 8 m 1 km 0.621 371 miles (statute) 1 mile (statute) 1.609 344 km

AREA 1 cm2 0.155 square inches 1 square inch 6.451 6 cm2 1 m2 10.763 9 square feet 1 square foot 0.092 903 04 m2 1 km2 0.386 10 square miles 1 square mile 2.589 988 km2 1 ha 2.471 054 acres 1 acre 0.404 658 6 ha

VOLUME 1 cm3 0.061 02 cubic inches 1 cubic inch 16.387 064 cm3 1 m3 35.134 7 cubic feet 1 cubic foot 0.028 316 85 m3 1 m3 1.308 0 cubic yards 1 cubic yard 0.764 555 m3

CAPACITY 1 L 1.759 755 pints 1 pint 0.568 261 L 1 L 0.879 877 quarts 1 quart 1.136 552 L 1 L 0.219 969 gallons 1 gallon 4.546 090 L

MASS 1 g 0.035 273 96 ounces (avdp) 1 ounce (advp) 28.349 523 g 1 g 0.032 150 75 ounces (troy) 1 ounce (troy) 31.103 476 8 g 1 kg 2.204 62 pounds (avdp) 1 pound (avdp) 0.453 592 37 kg 1 kg 0.001 102 3 tons (short) 1 ton (short) 907.184 74 kg 1 t 1.102 311 tons (short) 1 ton (short) 0.907 184 74 t 1 kg 0.000 984 21 tons (long) 1 ton (long) 1016.046 908 8 kg 1 t 0.984 206 5 tons (long) 1 ton (long) 1.016 046 908 8 t

CONCENTRATION 1 g/t 0.029 166 6 ounce(troy)/ 1 ounce(troy)/ 34.285 714 2 g/t ton(short) ton(short) 1 g/t 0.583 333 33 pennyweights/ 1 pennyweight/ 1.714 285 7 g/t ton(short) ton(short)

OTHER USEFUL CONVERSION FACTORS

Multiplied by 1 ounce(troy) per ton (short) 20.0 pennyweights per ton (short) 1 pennyweight per ton (short) 0.05 ounces (troy) per ton (short)

Note: Conversion factors which are in bold type are exact. The converion factors have been taken from or have been derived from factors given in the Metric Practice Guide for the Canadian Mining and Metallurgical Industries, published by the Mining Association of Canada in co-operation with the Coal Association of Canada.

INDUSTRIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT, NIPISSING DIABASE

ISSN 0706-4551 ISBN 0-7778-4916X

31 Ontario Geological Survey INDUSTRIAL MINERALS RESOURCE ASSESSMENT OF THE NIPISSING DIABASE

HIGHWAY 17 CORRIDOR: MASSEY TO BLIND RIVER AND NORTH CHANNEL ISLANDS

NORTHEASTERN ONTARIO

MDC 32

MAP 1 BEDROCK RESOURCE AREAS

Scale 1:50 000

NTS Reference 41 J/1, 41 J/2

LOCATION MAP Scale 1:1 584 000

LEGEND

(Some map units and symbols may not apply to this map.)

Township boundary

Project area boundary

Geographic township, within township boundary

County, District, Regional or District Municipal boundary

Potential Resource Size Aggregate Uses City or town limits

Symbol Range (Mt) Symbol Potential Use

Park, reserve boundary 10 0-10 GA Granular Aggregate 20 10-20 ASP Asphalt 30 20-30 CC Concrete OUTLINE OF NIPISSING DIABASE BASED ON 40 30-40 BEDROCK GEOLOGY MAPS RR Rip Rap 50 40-50 RB Railway Ballast OUTCROP AREAS VL 50-200 ALL All Highway Quality Aggregate Uses WL 200 and over * Not Suitable SELECTED RESOURCE AREAS

POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL RESOURCE AREA

SAMPLE LOCATION SITE SOURCES OF INFORMATION Existing Site Access Environmental and Cultural Considerations

Symbol Description THIS MAP IS BASED ON INFORMATION TAKEN FROM THE NATIONAL TOPOGRAPHIC Symbol Description RESOURCE AREA SYMBOL SYSTEM MAP SHEET NUMBERS 41 J/1 AND 41 J/2© HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA WITH PERMISSION OF ENERGY, MINES AND RESOURCES CANADA Rd All weather Rd. Selected Resource Area (Sample No.) NT Near Communication Tower Hwy Paved Highway GEOLOGY BY: GIBLIN, P.E. ET AL. 1979; ROBERTSON, J.A. 1964, 1970, 1976,1977; NC Aggregate Uses Near Cottages/Homes Potential Resource Size ROBERTSON, J.A. ET AL. 1972. RR Railway Line NL Near Lake/River (Millions of tonnes) SC Shipping Channel LR Low Relief COMPILATION BY: STAFF OF GOLDER ASSOCIATES. DWA Deep Water Channel MR Moderate Relief Existing Site Access Environmental and Cultural DRAFTING BY: STAFF OF GOLDER ASSOCIATES AND STAFF OF THE SEDIMENTARY NA No Access Considerations HR High Relief GEOSCIENCE AND GEOCHEMISTRY SECTION, ONTARIO GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. BT Bush Trail LN Long and Narrow Deposits are identified by selected resource area (sample no.), Br Across Bridge W Wide potential resource size, potential aggregate uses, existing site access, and environmental and cultural considerations. MP Swamp Land See left side of map for details. Ontario Geological Survey INDUSTRIAL MINERALS RESOURGE ASSESSMENT OF THE NIPISSING DIABASE HIGHWAY 17 CORRIDOR: MASSEY TO BLIND RIVER AND NORTH CHANNEL ISLANDS

MDC 32

MAP 2 BEDROCK RESOURCE AREAS AND POSSIBLE SHIPPING ACCESS FOR NORTH CHANNEL ISLAND RESOURCE AREAS

Scale 1:50 000

SELECTED ISLAND RESOURCE AREA

POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL RESOURCE AREA

POTENTIAL DEEPWATER LOADING SITE

POSSIBLE NAVIGABLE CHANNEL

POTENTIAL TURNING BASIN

DEPTH IN METRES BELOW WATER LEVEL DEPTHS ARE REDUCED TO A LOW WATER DATUM WHICH AT GODERICH IS 175.8M ABOVE INTERNATIONAL GREAT LAKES DATUM (IGLD) (1955).

THESSALON 1927-1959 GODERICH, ONTARIO 1910-1977 referred to International Great Lakes Datum (1955) referred to International Great Lakes Datum (1955)

FATHOMS AND FEET TO METRES

Fathoms 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 C D 10 SOURCES OF INFORMATION Feet 6 12 18 24 30 . 36 42 48 54 60 MONTHLY MEAN WATER LEVEL This map is based on information taken from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 1961. John Island to Blind River, Metres Lake Huron North Channel; Fisheries and Oceans, Canada, Chart 2259, scale 1:40 000 and Fisheries and Oceans Fee t 1.8 3.6 5.5 7.3 9.1 10.9 12.8 14.6 16.4 CABLES 18.3 Canada, 1962. Clapperton Island to John Island, Lake Huron North Channel; Fisheries and Oceans, Canada, Chart 1 0.3 2.1 3.9 5.8 7.6 9.4 11.3 13.1 Submarine and overhead cables may conduct high voltage and contact with Highest monthly mean water level 15.2 16.7 18.6 or proximity to these poses an extreme danger. Mariners should not anchor 2257, scale 1: 40 000, © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada with permission of the Canadian Hydrographic Average monthly mean water level 2 0.6 2.4 4.2 6.1 7.9 9.7 11.6 13.4 15.2 17.0 18.9 close to submarine cables; however if anchors become hooked onto a cable Service, Surveyed by the Canadian Hydrographic Service 1954-58,1954-1961 and 1960-62. 3 0.9 2.7 4.5 6.4 8.2 10.0 11.9 13.7 15.5 17.3 19.2 care must be taken not to sever the cable. Cables installed since the This map is intended to show a general idea of possible shipping access routes and should not be used for navigation. Lowest monthly mean water level 4 1.2 3.0 4.9 6.7 8.5 10.3 12.2 14.0 ! 15.8 17.7 19.5 date of publication of this edition may not be charted. Sufficient clearance Refer to Map 1 for the location of the study area. 5 1.5 3.3 5.2 7.0 8.8 10.6 must be allowed under all overhead cables. Actual clearances may differ from I 12.5 14.3 ' 16.1 18.0 19.8 charted values due to changes in atmospheric conditions and/or water levels. Compilation by: Staff of Golder Associates Drafting by: Staff of Golder Associates and staff of the Sedimentary Geoscience and Geochemistry Section, Ontario Geological Survey.