Midland Partners with BHP for Nickel-Copper Exploration in Canada
- 05-Jul-2024 5:24 PM
- Journalist: Timothy Greene
Midland Exploration Inc. ("Midland") (TSX-V: MD) has launched a significant exploration initiative targeting nickel and copper deposits in Nunavik. Building upon discoveries made from 2020 to 2023, which revealed new Ni-Cu-Co mineral occurrences, this new program marks a robust continuation of their exploration efforts.
This ongoing exploration program leverages the strategic alliance formed in August 2020 between Midland Base Metals Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Midland Exploration Inc., and Rio Algom Limited, a subsidiary of BHP Group PLC (BHP).
The 2024 exploration campaign will focus on exploring a newly identified major crustal-scale structure and its subsidiary features, identified through the regional airborne Z-Tipper axis electromagnetic survey ("ZTEM") conducted in 2023. These previously overlooked structures are considered highly prospective for nickel-copper mineralization. The program will include regional helicopter-borne Time Domain Electromagnetic surveying ("HELITEM®") and a phase of mapping and prospecting scheduled for July.
In 2022, regional MT surveys unveiled a significant crustal-scale structure in an underexplored region, showing promise for nickel-copper mineralization. This was complemented by a new Ni-Cu-Co mineral find through 2022 prospecting efforts. In July 2023, a comprehensive lake sediment survey collected around 1,534 samples, further enhancing exploration data. Additionally, a helicopter-borne Z-Tipper axis electromagnetic survey (ZTEM) covered approximately 8,900 line-kilometers, pinpointing multiple new conductive anomalies. These milestones underscore Midland Exploration Inc.'s proactive approach to advancing their understanding and potential for significant mineral deposits in Nunavik, building on systematic surveying and promising discoveries.
In 2023, a new Ni-Cu-Co mineral occurrence was unearthed through prospecting efforts, marking a significant discovery. Looking ahead to July 2024, Midland Exploration Inc. plans to conduct a regional helicopter-borne Time Domain Electromagnetic survey ("HELITEM®"), covering approximately 6,500 line-kilometers. Concurrently, extensive prospecting and mapping activities are scheduled for the same period. These initiatives underscore Midland's commitment to leveraging advanced survey technologies and systematic fieldwork to further delineate and evaluate potential mineral resources in Nunavik, reinforcing their position at the forefront of mineral exploration and development in the region.
The partnership with BHP for nickel-copper exploration focuses on mafic intrusive rocks with troctolite/olivine gabbro compositions, akin to those found in Voisey’s Bay and the Nain Province. Despite the presence of several Ni-Cu-Co prospects and occurrences in Quebec, these formations have historically seen limited exploration. One notable site, the Papavoine Ni-Cu-Co prospect, discovered in 2000 and currently under Midland's stewardship for the Alliance Agreement, has shown promising grades, including up to 0.63% Ni, 0.31% Cu, and 0.04% Co over 6.6 meters in channel samples. Approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Papavoine, the Mantas intrusion has also yielded significant results, with grades reaching up to 0.48% Ni, 0.21% Cu, and 0.06% Co over 0.7 meters in channel samples.