Abstract:

Developing new iron ore deposits is essential to meet the increasing global demand for steel and related products. Champion Iron Cluster II contains 1,449 mineral exploration claims covering 75,000 hectares of the Labrador Trough, situated 60 km south of the Bloom Lake Mine. This area, explored for nearly 75 years, is known to contain significant iron ore reserves. In the past 15 years, interest in the region has surged, attracting multiple companies, including Fancamp, Quinto, Champion, Cliffs, Cartier, Falconbridge, and ArcelorMittal.

The Cluster II properties lie within the Gagnon Terrane, part of the Grenville section of the Labrador Trough, where metamorphism ranges from greenschist to upper amphibolite and into granulite facies from the margins to the orogenic center of the Grenville Province. The high-grade metamorphism in this area has led to the recrystallization of both iron oxides and silica in primary iron formations, resulting in meta-taconites that are of higher quality for concentration and processing.

Data regarding these properties is derived from various sources and remains sparse. Extensive consolidation, standardization, and analysis efforts were conducted over the past year to accurately assess the economic potential of each deposit and prioritize further exploration in Champion Iron Cluster II. Gaps of knowledge were identified and often require additional assays and therefore resampling of historical cores.

This study investigates the application of core scanning technology using hyperspectral and XRF, magnetic susceptibility sensors and RGB imaging for iron ore exploration, emphasizing its potential to enhance geological understanding and streamline the resource evaluation process. The results demonstrate that the combined application of the sensors significantly enhances the characterization of iron ore deposits, particularly in understanding iron deportment within minerals. Consequently, this leads to a reduction in overall exploration costs and timeframes on historical properties. By mapping the spatial distribution of different mineral phases, we were able to delineate areas of high-grade ore, ultimately guiding drilling programs and resource estimation efforts.

This study underscores the value of core scanning analysis in improving mineral exploration practices on historical properties, contributing to more sustainable and economically viable iron ore extraction strategies. By employing these advanced techniques, exploration teams can deepen their understanding of mineral resources and make informed, data-driven decisions that enhance recovery rates while also considering environmental impacts.

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M. John Manchuk