General Information
Secondary Commodities: gold, arsenic, antimony
Deposit Type(s): Carbonate-Hosted Disseminated Au-Ag (Carlin-type)
Location(s): 63.315990 N, -131.059870 W
NTS Mapsheet(s): 105O06
Location Comments: Location marks approximate center point of multi-element soil geochemical anomaly.
Hand Samples Available at YGS: No
Capsule
Work History
The area was explored in 1967-68 by Atlas Explorations Ltd which carried out a regional geochemical exploration program.
Staked within Oro cl 61-66 (YD104915) cl 77-82 (YD104931), cl 95-98 (YD104949) and cl 237-318 (YD105091) in Oct/2010 by Cathro Resource Corporation. The claims are part of a larger block of Oro claims (330 claims) staked to the east by the company.
In Nov/2010 Colorado Resources Ltd acquired a 100% option on the Oro and other neighbouring claims from Cathro Resource Corp in return for cash, shares and certain work commitments. Colorado Resources staked additional claims in Apr/2011 creating a large exploration property commonly known as the Oro Property.
During the 2011 exploration season, Colorado Resources carried out a helicopter-borne magnetic and electromagnetic geophysical survey over the entire property. The area surrounding this occurrence was explored with a large regional silt and soil sampling program; part of a larger property wide exploration program In Aug/2011 the company signed a Traditional Knowledge Protocol with the Ross River Dena Council whose traditional territory encompasses the project area.
In 2012 Colorado Resources conducted infill soil sampling and geologically mapped the area surrounding the occurrence.
In May/2013 Colorado Resources optioned the Oro property to Gold Fields Selwyn Exploration Corporation a wholly owned subsidiary of Gold Fields Ltd. Under the agreement Gold Fields could acquire up to a 71% interest in the property subject to certain payments, work commitments and share issuances.
During the 2013 exploration program Gold Fields undertook a proprietary analysis of more than 20 000 soil and rock samples previously collected by Colorado Resources to identify areas to be highly prospective for “Carlin style mineralization”. Gold Fields used the results of this study to guide a diamond drill program consisting of 13 holes (1 614 m) that tested 7 different areas of the property. One diamond drill hole (Oro 13-04 -length not reported) tested this occurrence.
In Nov/2013 Gold Fields terminated its option on the Oro claims.
Capsule Geology
The occurrence area is located approximately 40 km west of the Macmillan Pass Airstrip near the central-east boundary of the Yukon. Access to the occurrence area is via helicopter from the airstrip or the camp/staging area located along the North Canol Highway approximately 10 km to the south of the airstrip.
The area was regionally mapped throughout the 1980’s by G. Abbott who was employed by Exploration and Geological Services Division of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, Yukon. In April 2003 Abbott and the division was devolved to the Yukon Government and is now part of the Yukon Geological Survey. In 2013 Abbott released an updated version of the geology of the Macmillan Pass area based on his 30 year career in the Yukon. Beginning in 2011 Colorado Resources began remapping their Oro property in detail. In the first year the company mapped in detail the area surrounding the J.O. – Saddle – Canol zones where mineralization had been previously discovered by AGIP. In the second year the company expanded eastward and regionally mapped the central portion of their large property. Although Colorado Resources’ mapping differs somewhat from Abbott’s in terms of the composition of individual geological units and their stratigraphic location, Colorado’s mapping generally mirrors Abbott’s work.
Colorado Resources optioned the Oro property to explore for “Carlin Type” gold mineralization. Reconnaissance scale soil sampling completed in 2011 by the company outlined anomalous gold, silver, arsenic and mercury values 3.5 km northwest of the Oro Main zone (Minfile Occurrence #105O 032) which the company named the Limey Ridge zone (this occurrence).
Detailed follow-up soil sampling carried out in 2012 outlined a cohesive 300 m by 400 m multi-element geochemical anomaly defined by >98th percentile gold (>42.7 ppb), arsenic (>126.5 ppm) and antimony (>42 ppm). Within this cohesive anomaly, values range from >95th percentile values up to 1 112 ppb gold and 534 ppm arsenic. Interestingly, there are no anomalous silver values found within this defined zone. The zone occurs in the structural footwall quartzite units (Mississippian Tsichu Group Sandstone Facies) to the Mississippian Tsichu Group Caribou Pass Formation limestone. The quartzite is strongly veined with significant iron carbonate alteration and is considered to be very permissive for the development of bulk tonnage gold mineralization.
Gold Fields Selwyn Exploration Corporation tested the Limey Ridge anomaly with one diamond drill hole (Oro13-04). No results have been publicly released. A press release dated November 22, 2013 and released by Colorado Resources states, “Gold Fields noted that although high grade results were not recognized there were sufficient widespread anomalous gold areas (on the Oro property) to warrant further work. While the results of the 2013 program were promising, Gold Fields’ current mandate is to focus more on near-term development opportunities; it has subsequently provided notice that it will not proceed under terms of its Option Agreement with the company”.
The area was explored in 1967-68 by Atlas Explorations Ltd which carried out a regional geochemical exploration program.
Staked within Oro cl 61-66 (YD104915) cl 77-82 (YD104931), cl 95-98 (YD104949) and cl 237-318 (YD105091) in Oct/2010 by Cathro Resource Corporation. The claims are part of a larger block of Oro claims (330 claims) staked to the east by the company.
In Nov/2010 Colorado Resources Ltd acquired a 100% option on the Oro and other neighbouring claims from Cathro Resource Corp in return for cash, shares and certain work commitments. Colorado Resources staked additional claims in Apr/2011 creating a large exploration property commonly known as the Oro Property.
During the 2011 exploration season, Colorado Resources carried out a helicopter-borne magnetic and electromagnetic geophysical survey over the entire property. The area surrounding this occurrence was explored with a large regional silt and soil sampling program; part of a larger property wide exploration program In Aug/2011 the company signed a Traditional Knowledge Protocol with the Ross River Dena Council whose traditional territory encompasses the project area.
In 2012 Colorado Resources conducted infill soil sampling and geologically mapped the area surrounding the occurrence.
In May/2013 Colorado Resources optioned the Oro property to Gold Fields Selwyn Exploration Corporation a wholly owned subsidiary of Gold Fields Ltd. Under the agreement Gold Fields could acquire up to a 71% interest in the property subject to certain payments, work commitments and share issuances.
During the 2013 exploration program Gold Fields undertook a proprietary analysis of more than 20 000 soil and rock samples previously collected by Colorado Resources to identify areas to be highly prospective for “Carlin style mineralization”. Gold Fields used the results of this study to guide a diamond drill program consisting of 13 holes (1 614 m) that tested 7 different areas of the property. One diamond drill hole (Oro 13-04 -length not reported) tested this occurrence.
In Nov/2013 Gold Fields terminated its option on the Oro claims.
Capsule Geology
The occurrence area is located approximately 40 km west of the Macmillan Pass Airstrip near the central-east boundary of the Yukon. Access to the occurrence area is via helicopter from the airstrip or the camp/staging area located along the North Canol Highway approximately 10 km to the south of the airstrip.
The area was regionally mapped throughout the 1980’s by G. Abbott who was employed by Exploration and Geological Services Division of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, Yukon. In April 2003 Abbott and the division was devolved to the Yukon Government and is now part of the Yukon Geological Survey. In 2013 Abbott released an updated version of the geology of the Macmillan Pass area based on his 30 year career in the Yukon. Beginning in 2011 Colorado Resources began remapping their Oro property in detail. In the first year the company mapped in detail the area surrounding the J.O. – Saddle – Canol zones where mineralization had been previously discovered by AGIP. In the second year the company expanded eastward and regionally mapped the central portion of their large property. Although Colorado Resources’ mapping differs somewhat from Abbott’s in terms of the composition of individual geological units and their stratigraphic location, Colorado’s mapping generally mirrors Abbott’s work.
Colorado Resources optioned the Oro property to explore for “Carlin Type” gold mineralization. Reconnaissance scale soil sampling completed in 2011 by the company outlined anomalous gold, silver, arsenic and mercury values 3.5 km northwest of the Oro Main zone (Minfile Occurrence #105O 032) which the company named the Limey Ridge zone (this occurrence).
Detailed follow-up soil sampling carried out in 2012 outlined a cohesive 300 m by 400 m multi-element geochemical anomaly defined by >98th percentile gold (>42.7 ppb), arsenic (>126.5 ppm) and antimony (>42 ppm). Within this cohesive anomaly, values range from >95th percentile values up to 1 112 ppb gold and 534 ppm arsenic. Interestingly, there are no anomalous silver values found within this defined zone. The zone occurs in the structural footwall quartzite units (Mississippian Tsichu Group Sandstone Facies) to the Mississippian Tsichu Group Caribou Pass Formation limestone. The quartzite is strongly veined with significant iron carbonate alteration and is considered to be very permissive for the development of bulk tonnage gold mineralization.
Gold Fields Selwyn Exploration Corporation tested the Limey Ridge anomaly with one diamond drill hole (Oro13-04). No results have been publicly released. A press release dated November 22, 2013 and released by Colorado Resources states, “Gold Fields noted that although high grade results were not recognized there were sufficient widespread anomalous gold areas (on the Oro property) to warrant further work. While the results of the 2013 program were promising, Gold Fields’ current mandate is to focus more on near-term development opportunities; it has subsequently provided notice that it will not proceed under terms of its Option Agreement with the company”.
Location Map
Last Updated: Mar 5, 2014
Work History
Year | Work Type | Comment |
---|---|---|
2013 | Drilling: Diamond | One hole (length unknown) collared to test soil anomaly. Part of larger 13 hole program (1,614 m) on Oro property. No results released. |
2013 | Lab Work/Physical Studies | Gold Fields undertook a proprietary analysis of all rock, soil and silt samples collected by Colorad Resources. |
2012 | Geochemistry: Soil | Infill sampling around occurrence location. |
2012 | Geology: Regional Bedrock Mapping | Carried out over occurrence area. |
2011 | Airborne Geophysics: Electromagnetic | Also flew magnetics. survey covered entire property. |
2011 | Geochemistry: Soil | Regional program, also collected silts. |
Regional Geology - Terrane
Group: Ancestral North America
Affinity: W Laurentia
Name: North America - basinal strata
Realm: Laurentia
Regional Geology - Bedrock
Supergroup:
Group/Suite: Tsichu
Formation: Keno Hill
Member:
Terrane: Laurentia
Period Max: Carboniferous
Age Max: 345 MA
Period Min: Carboniferous
Age Min: 328 MA
Rock Major: shale/quartzite
Rock Minor:
Reference: Cecile & Abbott (1989) - GSC OF 2076
Geological Unit (1M): CT
Geological Unit (250K): CT2
Assessment Reports that overlap occurrence
Report Number | Year | Title | Worktypes | Holes Drilled | Meters Drilled |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
096656 | 2013 | 2013 Geological, Geochemical and Diamond Drilling Report on the Oro Property | Diamond - Drilling, Drill Core - Geochemistry, Rock - Geochemistry, Prospecting - Other | 13 | 2614.36 |
096293 | 2012 | 2012 Geological, Geochemical and Trenching Report on the Oro Property | Rock - Geochemistry, Soil - Geochemistry, Bedrock Mapping - Geology, Prospecting - Other, Backhoe - Trenching | ||
095744 | 2011 | Geological, Geochemical, Geophysical and Trenching Report on the Oro Property | Electromagnetic - Airborne Geophysics, Magnetic - Airborne Geophysics, Interpretation - Airphotography, Rock - Geochemistry, Silt - Geochemistry, Soil - Geochemistry, Detailed Bedrock Mapping - Geology, Prospecting - Other, Backhoe - Trenching | ||
093827 | 1997 | 1997 Geological Assessment Report on Emerald Lake Claims | Rock - Geochemistry, Silt - Geochemistry, Soil - Geochemistry | ||
019809 | 1968 | Hess Area Project Proposed Property Follow-Up 1968 Field Season | Research/Summarize - Pre-existing Data | ||
019033 | 1968 | Atlas Explorations Limited Project Report 1968 Hess River Area | Silt - Geochemistry, Soil - Geochemistry, Regional Bedrock Mapping - Geology | ||
018947 | 1967 | Hess River Project Report | Rock - Geochemistry, Soil - Geochemistry, Detailed Bedrock Mapping - Geology | ||
019032 | 1967 | Hess River Project Report | Data Compilation - Pre-existing Data |
Related References
Number | Title | Page(s) | Document Type |
---|---|---|---|
YEG1981-pg15 | Mineral exploration in Yukon and western district of Mackenzie: Deposit discovery rate and exploration potential | 15-21. | Annual Report Paper |
YEG1982 | Yukon Exploration and Geology 1982 | 163, 167. | Annual Report |
YEG2011_OV | Yukon Exploration and Geology Overview 2011 | 26-27, 66. | Annual Report |
YEG2012_OV | Yukon Exploration and Geology Overview 2012 | 36-37, 62. | Annual Report |
YEG2013_OV | Yukon Exploration and Geology Overview 2013 | 27-28, 43, 47. | Annual Report |
1983-1 | Structure and Stratigraphy of the MacMillan Fold Belt: Evidence for Devonian Faulting | Open File (Geological - Bedrock) | |
GM2013-1 | Bedrock geology of the Macmillan Pass area, Yukon and adjacent Northwest Territories | Geoscience Map (Geological - Bedrock) | |
ARMC016470 | Aeromagnetic series map of 105O/12 showing geology | Geochemical Map | |
ARMC015566 | Map sheet 105O/12 with geochemical results and locations | Geochemical Map | |
ARMC015565 | Map sheet 105O/12 with geological and structural notations | Geoscience Map (Geological - Bedrock) | |
BROCK000090 | Geology map - Geochemical results and claim group map of sheet 105-O-6 - Fig. 19 | Geoscience Map (Geological - Bedrock) |
Citations |
---|
COLORADO RESOURCES LTD, Feb/2012. Assessment Report #095744 by L. Dandy. |
COLORADO RESOURCES LTD, Feb/2014. Web Site: www.coloradoresources.com. |
COLORADO RESOURCES LTD, Jan/2013. Assessment Report #096293 by L. Dandy and Jessica Norris. |
COLORADO RESOURCES LTD, News Release. 22 Nov/2010, 12 Jan/2011, 12 Aug/2011, 17 Aug/2011, 3 Nov/2011, 19 Jan/2012,18 Oct/2012, 7 May/2013, 22 Nov/2013. |