A comparison of airborne geophysical data over two magmatic nickel deposits

Abstract

Historical exploration for economic nickel (Ni) mineralization has often targeted magmatic sulfide deposits in extensional settings. However, convergent-margin-hosted Alaskan-type complexes represent a potentially underexplored source of Ni. Case studies of the geophysical responses associated with two magmatic Ni deposits (one is typical, and one is associated with an Alaskan-type complex) are presented, and the results are compared. Data were assessed from historical and newly acquired airborne geophysical surveys that were collected over the Mayville property in southeast Manitoba and the Turnagain property in northern British Columbia. The properties were explored by Mustang Minerals Corporation and Giga Metals Corporation, respectively. Airborne electromagnetic (EM) and magnetic data were utilized to compare the two properties and the mineralized zones. The review showed that the Mayville magmatic sulfide deposit was directly detectible with EM methods, and the passive and active-source methods were complementary to one another. The EM data did not directly detect the Turnagain Alaskan-type deposit, but the magnetics data proved to be successful in defining the geologic framework. Implications for future targeting and exploration for economic Ni mineralization are considered.