LE3 .A278 2019

2019

Brushett, Denise

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Geology

Earth & Environmental Sciences

The use of glacial diamicton as a medium for exploration in southern Nova Scotia requires an in-depth understanding of the dispersal characteristics in this region to accurately interpret results. This study provides information on the type and abundance of indicator minerals and indicator/pathfinder elements that reflect the glacial erosion and dispersal of the East Kemptville Sn-Zn-Cu-Ag deposit. This information combined with knowledge of the local ice-flow history, can aid in the exploration of tin and other polymetallic deposits in southern Nova Scotia. Indicator minerals were hand picked from heavy mineral concentrates of till samples and checked with a scanning electron microscope. Indicator/pathfinder elements were determined for the <0.063 mm size fraction of till and analyzed using a total digest, lithium eta/tetraborate fusion/ICP-MS, as well as a partial digest, aqua regia/ICP-MS. Indicator elements recovered in till and dispersed from the East Kemptville deposit, includes the ore minerals cassiterite and wolframite, and gangue mineral topaz. Cassiterite was recovered in the 0.25-0.5 mm heavy mineral concentrate (>3.2 S.G.) in till 30 km southeast and topaz up to 50 km southeast of the East Kemptville deposit. All three indicator minerals were recovered in the coarse sand fractions of till (0.5-1.0 mm and 1.0-2.0 mm) overlying the deposit and when considered together, indicate close proximity to source. Indicator elements recovered in the <0.063 mm fraction of till include Sn, Cu, Zn, and Ag. Tin was found in elevated concentrations up to 50 km southeast of the deposit, along the previously defined tin dispersal train by Shell Canada Ltd. Pathfinder elements include W, Mo, Cs, Bi, As, Cd and In. Analysis of clast lithologies, indicator minerals, and review of airborne radiometric data over southwest Nova Scotia confirmed glacial dispersal to the southeast. Further sampling is recommended to refine dispersal patterns at depth and dispersal directions.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3273