Field Geology of Precambrian Ore Systems

This in-person field and lab-based course focuses on key aspects of mineral systems: sources, pathways and traps, at the regional to deposit scales. This course shows how Precambrian mineral exploration questions can be answered by integrating detailed mapping with petrographic and whole-rock geochemical analysis. The 9-day field component begins the first week of the fall session, and is followed by 3 days in the lab.

In fall 2026, the group will leave from Sudbury, visiting Timmins and then Kirkland Lake on Sept 5. The group will proceed to Noranda and Val d'Or on Sept 6.  From the 7th to the 12th, there will be mapping exercises in the Val d'Or area, and the group will return to Sudbury on September 13. 

• Location: On campus with trips to Timmins, Kirkland Lake, Noranda, and Val d’Or.
   

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1.  Explain the geology of Precambrian greenstone belts based on field and laboratory observations.
2. Analyze field observations to create geological products (maps and cross-sections) of publication quality.
3. Analyze petrographic and geochemical datasets from the mineral exploration footprint of selected ore systems.
4. Apply geoscience knowledge to integrate (the above) multidisciplinary geoscience data, characterize geological units and interpret a geological sequence of events.
5. Create a comprehensive Earth Science report including mineral exploration potential and alteration vectors.

What to expect:

During field work in the gold-rich Neoarchean Abitibi greenstone belt, or equivalent mineral-rich region, students create outcrop sketches, cross-sections, stratigraphic log and outcrop maps. The field areas illustrate different geological and ore-forming environments and the map areas are selected to illustrate particular geological problems. Subsequent laboratory exercises include examination of samples and thin-sections representative of rock types, metamorphism, alteration and mineralization, interpretation of whole rock major and trace element geochemical data, and digitalization of their outcrop sketches. Students produce a comprehensive geological report that proposes interpretations derived from field and laboratory observations, and discuss relevant mineral resources settings. 

Days 1-9: Field work in the Neoarchean Abitibi greenstone belt, or equivalent mineral-rich region, students create outcrop sketches, cross-sections, stratigraphic log and outcrop maps. The field areas illustrate different geological and ore-forming environments and the map areas are selected to illustrate particular geological problems.

Days 10-12: Lab work at Laurentian University, including examination of samples and thin-sections representative of rock types, metamorphism, alteration and mineralization, interpretation of whole rock major and trace element geochemical data, production of relevant diagrams, and digitalization of their outcrop sketches.