Geological Setting and Origin of U-Th-REE Mineralization in Fraser Lakes Zone B Granitic Pegmatites, Northern Saskatchewan
1. The geological setting, composition, and origin of the Fraser Lakes Zone B granitic pegmatite-hosted U-Th-REE mineralization, Wollaston Domain, northern Saskatchewan, Canada Austman, Christine L. 1, 3 Annesley, Irvine R. 1, 2 , and Ansdell, Kevin M. 1 1 Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan 2 JNR Resources Inc., Saskatoon, SK 3 CanAlaska Uranium Ltd., Saskatoon, SK GAC-MAC 2011 May 2011
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8. Fraser Lakes Zone B geology Modified from Ko, 1971 WYL-08-526 WYL-08-524 WYL-08-525
Polyphase folding – defined by lithological units and EM conductor Superimposed ductile-brittle (E-W) and brittle structures (NNE and NNW) Pink is Archean, grey, yellow and blue metasediments, red – pegmatites
Point out E-W brittle fault Point out where map on next slide is
Explain colors – point to them NE, NNW brittle faults, E-W shears Approximate locations of first 3 drill holes, all hit mineralization. Pegmatites intrude sub parallel to dominant regional gneissosity
Unmineralized pegmatites tend to be later, but not always the case Some pegmatites folded!
Emphasize they are granitic Complex variable bt-rich to qtz-rich to k-sp rich; mineralization greatest within biotite rich quartz rich pegmatites Complexly zoned because of AFC processes Subdivided into two groups U-enriched vs. Th + REEs
Make axes test larger, move pegmatites in legend to top, bold pegmatites, space between Talk about pegmatites first then pelitic gneiss
Predominantly peraluminous Classified as s-type granitoids
Digress to talk about the host rocks to the granitic pegmatites since their metamorphic grade is important NO prograde metamorphic muscovite
Bottom photo shows a uranium mineralized pegmatite from WYL-08-524 intruding into migmatitic gneisses
Introduce title and that it is a cross-section Melt Transfer zone Bottom part gt rich Mid crd + gt Upper crd Gt in pegmatites – coming from deeper, gt-sill-crd host rock, middle to upper zone
Basement relationships very similar, point out structures Similar to Rössing (one of the largest open pit U mines) and Rössing South