Midland Exploration Inc. has started work on a major exploration program for nickel in Nunavik. This follows on from exploration work that was performed between 2020 and 2022 while new Ni-Cu-Co mineral occurrences were identified.
Midland BHP Nunavik Alliance Ni-Cu-Co. Image Credit: Midland Exploration Inc.
This new program, accounting for C$3,400,000, will be performed under the strategic alliance (the “Alliance”) conducted during August 2020 among Midland’s wholly owned subsidiary, Midland Base Metals Inc., and Rio Algom Limited, a subsidiary that is wholly owned by the BHP Group PLC (“BHP”).
The exploration program that will take place in 2023 will focus on a major crustal-scale structure that was found as part of the regional magneto-telluric (“MT”) surveys conducted back in 2022. This structure, previously poorly recognized, is deemed favorable for nickel-copper mineralization.
The 2023 program will survey 1,534 lake sediment samples. An airborne Z-Tipper axis electromagnetic survey (“ZTEM”) will also be carried out, as well as two phases of mapping and prospecting, which is due to take place next July and August.
Highlights:
- Regional MT surveys conducted in 2022 found a major crustal-scale structure in an area that is not properly explored, which is considered favorable for nickel-copper mineralization.
- In 2022, new Ni-Cu-Co mineral occurrence was found by prospecting.
- Lake sediment survey including about 1534 samples to be conducted in July 2023.
- In July 2023, a helicopter-borne Z-Tipper axis electromagnetic survey (ZTEM), including around 8900 line-km, will be conducted.
- Mapping and prospecting (July-August 2023).
New Ni-Cu-Co Showing Identified in 2022
The nickel exploration project that will take place in Alliance with BHP is focused on mafic intrusive rocks with troctolite/olivine gabbro compositions similar to those found in the Nain Province and Voisey’s Bay, but that historically have received far less exploration in Quebec, despite the discovery of several Ni-Cu-Co prospects and occurrences.
The Papavoine Ni-Cu-Co prospect was identified in 2000, and it is now held by Midland for the sake of the Alliance Agreement, graded up to 0.63% Ni, 0.31% Cu, and 0.04% Co over 6.6 m in channel samples. Around 20 km southeast of Papavoine, the Mantas intrusion produced grades up to 0.48% Ni, 0.21% Cu, and 0.06% Co over 0.7 m the in channel sample.
Midland’s and BHP’s work also verified an extra region that has strong potential. It is known as Target 22. A maximum of 0.81% Ni, 0.22% Cu and 0.19% Co were returned by grab samples at Target 22.
Regional MT Surveys Completed in 2022
In 2022, regional MT surveys spanning around 230 stations in three blocks have been finished within the Alliance’s area of interest. Consistent with a Mineral Systems Framework approach, the survey was designed to discover structures that could have channeled nickel-bearing mafic intrusions ranging from the mantle to the upper crust.
A major crustal-scale structure (Abloviak shear zone) is obvious at the Voisey’s Bay Ni-Cu-Co mine in Labrador and is thought to be a vital part of the genesis of the deposit.
The 2022 MT surveys were able to successfully identify a major crustal-scale structure that is anticipated to cover the whole area of interest. This structure is a high-priority target for nickel-copper mineralization. The structure is located in a poorly explored area of interest and will be the main focus of the 2023 exploration program.
Lake Sediment Survey in July 2023
In July 2023, a high-density lake sediment survey comprising around 1534 samples will be conducted to cover the crustal-scale structure discovered in the 2022 MT survey. A portable XRF device will be used to examine the lake sediment survey so that field follow-up of anomalies can be performed during the prospection campaigns.
Ztem Electromagnetic Survey in July 2023
On the crustal-scale structure, a Z-Tipper axis electromagnetic survey (ZTEM) will also be done. The survey will aid in characterizing the orientation and location of the structure nearby the surface as well as possibly finding conductive features that could have been made due to nickel-copper mineralization.
Prospecting Program in July and August 2023
In July and August 2023, two phases of mapping and prospecting within the area of interest will be finished. In a duration of four-five (4-5) weeks in total, these field programs will primarily target the crustal-scale structure, and more specifically, any ZTEM anomalies or nickel-copper lake sediment anomalies.
For the 2023 prospecting campaign, ZTEM, and lake sediment surveys, a C$3.4 million budget has been agreed upon.
Cautionary Statements
Please note that grades found in grab samples are not truly representative of mineralized zones.
The true thickness of intervals reported in channel samples cannot be determined with the information that is available at present.
Mineralization occurring in the Voisey’s Bay area in Labrador is not wholy indicative of mineralization that is likely be found on the Company project described in this press release.