Ireland7Lastly, in summarizing the Ireland Twp Complex, there is a lot of information available, but it is still not clear as to what the source is for the large, near circular magnetic anomaly. As there are no outcrops, it will be a case of applying both geophysics, soil sampling and eventual drilling, that will finally outline the source.
There were no discrete VTEM conductors, along with very poor VLF responses. If any poorly conducting material does exist within the 'intrusive' body at depth, then other types of geophysical sensors may have to be used, such as magnetotellurics (MT). I'm not sure if IP (induced polarization) will work, because of the conductive nature of the overburden. Also, there would be a poor connection between electrodes and ground. However, perhaps 4 or 5 lines of either MMI or Enzyme Leach soil sampling may work. The lines should not only cover the NS fault in an east-west direction, but they should also be extended beyond the perceived contact of the main magnetic anomaly. One line should be extended over Lake Shore Gold's drill holes LA07-02 and LA07-03.
Structurally, there is the major north-south fault zone that runs through the middle of the magnetic anomaly. This could be a pathway for any potential hydrothermal fluids. As mentioned earlier, it is suspected that this fault is the Quinze Dam Fault, which is the easternmost structure of the Lake Timiskaming Rift Valley.
Any follow-up exploration program should be planned for a few east west lines of soil sampling over this fault zone, in order to intercept any mineralized zone at right angles. The VTEM survey did outline a perceived flat lying, near surface conductive zone on the west side of the north-south fault. Could this be an oxidized zone or just conductive overburden?
The inner core of the circular magnetic anomaly is generally looked upon as a magnetic low, but there are a couple of magnetic highs within it. The latter could be related to different phases of the magmatic intrusive.
As mentioned before, Northern Shield ran 2 north-south lines of soil sampling. The best results were from Samples 28715, 28728, 28742 and 28744. Both Samples 28715 and 28728 gave the best copper results, as well as the best rare earth metal responses. These 2 areas should definitely be considered in any future exploration program, including MMI (Mobile Metal Ions) or Enzyme Leach soil sampling.
With respect to the Lake Shore Gold's diamond drilling of 2 holes, just outside the SW corner of the large magnetic anomaly, a few thoughts come to mind, first:
a) it would be beneficial to get the missing drill logs for LA07-02, as well as for LA07-01, which is located well to the northeast.
b) find out where the locations are for the missing samples, 135266, 135310, 135358 and 135381.
c) should the area where LSG drilled LA07-02 and LA07-03 be staked. I don't know. It's up to RTM to decide and consider that.
d) the oxidized sections on LA07-03 and LA07-05 should be assayed, if the drill core can be retrieved from Lake Shore Gold.
e) perhaps a call to John McKenzie, the geologist for Lake Shore Gold who logged the drill core, may assist in resolving the missing data (information).
f) obtaining the missing drill logs and assay sheets from LSG should be pursued!! Maybe the Recorder's Office has a digital copy?
g) taking a look at LA07-02 again, it has an average value of 143 ppm Ce over 5.5m in granite. Almost 3X background. Peak is 283 ppm. La in same sample is 154 ppm, almost 5X background. Could this area and the Ireland Twp Complex be a LREE target?
A final thought. Perhaps the Ireland Twp Complex is an intrusive body that is defined by the following:
Alkaline magmas are characteristic of continental rifting areas overlying deeply subducted plates (Lake Timiskaming Rift Valley?), or at intraplate hotspots. They are more likely to be generated at greater depths in the mantle than subalkaline magmas.