| The polymetallic deposits (principally Au-Pt-U mineralization) in the Nicholson Bay - Fish Hook Bay areas have been re-evaluated by surface mapping, sampling, and study of recent drill core. Some 150 thin and polished sections were studied to establish the paragenetic sequence of the mineralization. Where necessary, electron micro-probe analyses were made of certain mineral phases in order to confirm the microscopic identification. One hundred samples were subjected to chemical analysis, including samples from mine dumps, recent trenches, and drill core.; Results indicate that the paragenetic sequence is complex but that the general trend is from an early oxidizing set of alterations to a later reducing environment. The chemistry is likewise very complex but the raw data and mass balance calculations reveal that, with increasing hematization, many ore (and ore related) elements are enriched.; It is concluded that the mineralization is Athabasca-type in nature with iron as the redox agent that caused the precipitation of the ore minerals. |
