Tuesday, 17 January 2012 10:13
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| Map with location of Hall Peninsula. From: CBC.ca |
Area near Iqaluit, Nunavut still a 'geological frontier', says researcher
Geologists say Hall Peninsula in Canada's eastern Arctic territory of Nunavut, is still a mystery.
A team of researchers at the Canada-Nunavut Geosciences Office is proposing to do a major project to fill in some gaps on the geological map.
David Mate, chief geologist at the office, calls the peninsula a 'geological frontier' and said it has been overlooked by geologists and other researchers.
"I have colleagues that say 'the area closest to your camp is the last place you look at...so maybe that applies in Iqaluit here as well," he said.
Mate's office is proposing a three year study which would see geologists hike over hundreds of kilometres, take samples, and study the terrain
"We will be looking at the different kinds of minerals and what the mineral potential is, and we'll also be indentifying where there's potential for carving stone, gemstones, maybe for making jewelry," said Mate.
He wants to set up a camp this summer on the peninsula and work with a team of scientists and students.
"It really is a geological frontier, so for a scientist it's really exciting because we're probably going to find all kinds of interesting new things. And I think from Nunavut's point of view, it's exciting too because it's going to allow Nunavut to understand and learn more about its land," he said.
The proposal still needs approval from regulators. It could also meet some opposition.Some local hunters are upset about helicopter traffic around the Chidliak diamond exploration camp, which is also on Hall Peninsula. They say it has scared away caribou.
Andrew Nakasuk of Pangnirtung, Nunavut, is afraid the mapping project will mean more helicopters and more exploration in an area that has long served a hunting ground for that community.
"I know there's lots of money in mining, but not for everybody. We want to keep our tradition alive," said Nakasuk.
The mapping project is now before the Nunavut Impact Review Board. Work on the project would begin in June if it's approved.