Metallogenic overview of the La Grande Subprovince in the Lac Sakami (33F) and Lac Guyer (33G) area

Claude Dion and Jean Goutier (Géologie Québec), Michel Gauthier (UQAM)

It is generally acknowledged that the geotectonic setting is of paramount importance in controlling the distribution of the different types of metalliferous ore deposits on a global scale. In this perspective, studies conducted by Géologie Québec and its partners in the Lac Sakami and Lac Guyer area in the Baie-James region have shown that the setting in this area is fairly different from settings observed further south in the Abitibi Subprovince. One of the most important of these differences is the development of volcano-sedimentary sequences unconformably overlying a tonalitic basement. The various types of mineral deposits encountered in this part of the Near North are also quite different.

The Baie-James region (PDF Format, 331 Kb) has been the focus of an important surge in exploration since the mid-1990s. Investigations in this vast northern region successfully uncovered a large number of base and precious metal occurrences. To support these activities, Géologie Québec conducted many geological mapping surveys and synthesis studies as part of the Near North Project (see references). Thus, between 1996 and 2000, the Department has completed, in the Lac Sakami and Lac Guyer area, several detailed studies and geological surveys at 1:50,000 scale, which helped define the geological and metallogenic setting of this little-known portion of the Baie-James region.

We will briefly review the main types of mineral deposits that characterize the Lac Sakami and Lac Guyer area in particular. These considerations provide valuable insights relevant to the development of exploration strategies specific to this setting

Geological setting of the Lac Sakami and Lac Guyer area
Description of occurences
Conclusions
References