Moose River Basin: geology and mineral potential - Geology Ontario

Lignite and Industrial Mineral Resources
Sands (Figure 5.6) in this hole (116.3-123 m) have not been analysed for
economic potential. Depth of overburden impurities (lignite, pyrite), content of
clay (illite), and remoteness of location all detract from their potential value,
making economic analyses redundant at the present time.
DRILLHOLE 75-04
Location: 13 km north-northwest of drillhole 75-01
Depth: 165 m
Log: Pleistocene 0-154 m
Mesozoic 154-165 m
Depth of geophysical marker horizon (top of Paleozoic) 173.5 m.
Two samples (sand 6 and 7) represent the total intersection of Mesozoic sed
iments in this hole (Figure 5.6). The white quartz sands consist of angular,
transparent quartz grains. The composite samples have a wide spread of grain
sizes including an appreciable amount of carbonate fines. The content of iron
(Fe2O3:0.80-1.20*26) and chromium (10-18 p.p.m.) is high. The sands will require
a great deal of beneficiation to qualify as glass sand.
DRILLHOLE 75-05
Location
Depth
Log
Mesozoic
Acres Township, east half, 4 km north of Precambrian
escarpment and 2.5 km west of Kipling Township
boundary.
88 m
Pleistocene23.ini
23.l-88.0 m
Depth of geophysical marker horizon (top of Paleozoic) 167.50 m.
Five samples of sand (Figure 5.7) represent depths of 26 to 32 m (sand 8), 57
to 65.5 m (sand 9), 65.5 to 74.5 m (sand 10), 77.7 to 83.8 m (sand 11) and 83.8 to
88 m (sand 12) or a total of 34 m in a 64.9 m intersection of the Lower Creta
ceous Mattagami Formation. The sands are white with transparent to translu
cent, subangular to subrounded quartz grains.
Clay samples in this intersection show an abundance of kaolinitic clay
which also occurs in association with the sands. Other impurities are: some red
garnet, muscovite and biotite, and minor siderite, magnetite, ilmenite, pyrite
and lignite. Very little carbonate or feldspar is indicated by the chemical analy
ses leaving clay, primarily kaolinitic clay, as the major impurity. Separation of
clay by washing should raise the silica content sufficiently for use as glass
sand. Further beneficiation will be necessary to reduce the iron content and
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