080121-08MN006-Sabina Hackett River Project Proposal ... - NIRB

Description of the Existing Environment6.3.2 Archaeology and Culturally-Significant SitesCollection of archaeological baseline information was initiated in 2007. In preparation for thefield component for the baseline data collection, background research was conducted whichindicated that no previously recorded archaeological sites were located within or immediatelyadjacent to the Hackett River Project footprint. Two field surveys were carried out, in July andSeptember 2007, during which aerial and pedestrian surveys were conducted to identify anyarchaeological sites which may have been previously unrecorded.A total of 32 archaeological sites were recorded within or immediately adjacent to the HackettRiver project footprint (mine site facilities and proposed access roads). All sites were recordedwith UTM coordinates, photographed, and detailed descriptions were taken of the archaeologicalfeatures and surrounding terrain.All data were collected following standard methodology set out in the permit application and inaccordance to the Guidelines for Applicants and Holders of Nunavut Territory Archaeology andPalaeontology Permits and the Nunavut Act – Nunavut Archaeological and Paleontological SitesRegulations. Intensive surface examination and subsurface testing were conducted in areasassessed to have moderate to high archaeological potential while areas of low archaeologicalpotential were judgementally examined. Where archaeological sites were encountered, extracare was taken to thoroughly examine the area and record relevant details pertaining to the siteand the surrounding terrain and features. No archaeological materials or artifacts were collectedduring the field component of this study as no diagnostic artifacts were encountered. However,all archaeological materials were photographed and their context recorded.Eleven archaeological sites were recorded along or immediately adjacent to the northernproposed access road alignment, the majority of which were located within close proximity tothe Hackett River. Five archaeological sites were recorded along or immediately adjacent to thesouthern proposed access road alignment. Three archaeological sites were recorded along orimmediately adjacent to the proposed airstrip location.It is anticipated that as the locations and layout of project components are finalized, additionalarchaeological assessments will be undertaken to identify archaeological resources and includethe information in design and planning decisions.6.3.3 Palaeontological Component of Surface and Bedrock GeologyNo fossils have been noted by geologists during exploration drilling in the project area. Basedon the age of the rock units (Archean age) and its close affinity with volcanic/pyroclastic rocksas well as subsequent metamorphism, it is not expected to find visible indications of fossils inrocks in the Hackett River area.No surface fossils have been found by geologists or archaeologists (or any of the other fieldpersonnel) on site to date.January 2008 Hackett River Project – Project Proposal Sabina Silver CorporationReport Version B.1 6–25 Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. (Proj. #833-2)