- Introduction
- Accessing MODS Data
- Information Sources
- MODS Clients
- Spatial Data Projection Information
- Data Fields
- Appendix A – Estimating Location Uncertainity
- Appendix B – Classification Of Mineral Deposits for MODS
Introduction
The Mineral Occurrence Data System (MODS), which is the principal repository for geological information on the province’s mineral resources, is a two-part info base consisting of a digital mineral occurrence database in MS-Access and a collection of mineral occurrence maps. The MODS comprises summaries of all data on known mineral occurrences, and is designed to offer fast and easy access to information. The project began in 1971 and presently contains approximately 6000 descriptions, covering all of Newfoundland and Labrador. The main delivery point for the MODS data is the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador website.
Accessing MODS Data
The MODS database can be queried using the search index on the Geological Survey’s website. The MODS internet application is dynamically linked to the MS-Access™ database, which gives clients immediate access to updated files. Detailed MODS data can also be viewed and queried in conjunction with other geoscientific data sets by using the Geoscience Resources Atlas, an online mapping application.
Selected fields from the MODS Database are also available on CD-ROM as part of the Geoscience Atlas of Newfoundland and the Geoscience Atlas of Labrador. Both operate as “turnkey” systems on microcomputers in MapInfo™ and ArcView™ formats and can be ordered from the publications catalog.
Information Sources
The MODS is compiled mainly from a systematic search of mineral-exploration assessment reports. Other sources include publications by the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Geological Survey of Canada, news items, press releases, geological and mining journal publications and communications with mining company and government personnel.
MODS Clients
The MODS is used primarily by mineral exploration company personnel. It is also used by mineral exploration consultants, independent prospectors, land-use planners, personnel and students of academic organizations and the general public. It is used daily by government geologists in land-use-planning. Advise is given to various government departments through the Inter-Departmental Land Use Committee (ILUC) referral process on establishing wilderness areas, hydroelectric developments, water reservoirs,provincial and national parks, cottage developments etc., so that where possible, these developments proceed in areas of low mineral potential.
Spatial Data Projection Information
MODS spatial data is projected using the Universal Transverse Mercator system, North American Datum 1927. Spatial data for Insular Newfoundland are projected into UTM Zone 21. Spatial data for Labrador are projected into UTM Zone 20.
Data Fields
Items in bold are the data fields as they appear in a “MODS Database System Report” while items in brackets are the corresponding field names in the “back end” database.
- National Mineral Inventory Number (NMINO)
- Record ID Number (RecID)
- Deposit Name (DepName)
- DDH (DDH)
- Alternate Name (AltName)
- Trench (Trench)
- Major Commodity (ComName)
- Adit (Adit)
- Secondary Commodity(ies) (ComMods)
- Shaft (Shaft)
- Status (Status)
- Producer
- Developed prospect
- Past Producer – dormant
- Past Producer – exhausted
- Prospect
- Showing
- Indication
- Workings (Working)
- Complexity (EntCode)
- Deposit Type (DepType)
- Region (Region)
- NTS Area (NTS)
- UTM Zone (UTMZone)
- Latitude (Lat)
- Longitude (Long)
- Easting (East)
- Northing (North)
- Location Uncertainty (Uncert)
- Elevation (Elev)
- Object Located (EntCom)
- Accessibility (LocDesc)
- Physiographic Setting (PhySet)
- Ore Minerals (OreMin)
- Gangue Minerals
- Alteration Minerals (AltMin)
- Alteration Type(s) (AltType)
- Age of Mineralization (AgeMin)
- Deposit Description (DepDesc)
- Metal/Mineral Content (MetMin)
- Production and/or Reserves (HistPro)
- Shape (Shape)
- Shape Modifier (ShpMod)
- Strike (Strike)
- Dip (Dip)
- Plunge (Plunge)
- Length (Length)
- Width (Width)
- Thickness (Thick)
- Nature Of Mineralization and Genesis (NatMin)
- Regional Geology and Tectonic Setting (StrFea)
- Geological Province (GeoProv)
- Tectonic Zone (TecZone)
- Stratigraphic Unit (StrUnit)
- Geological Age (AgeCode)
- Rock Type (Rocks)
- History of Exploration and Development (HistExp)
- Geophysical Expression (GeoPhy)
- Geochemical Expression (GeoChem)
- Location Reference
- Map Reference
- Main References
- General References
Description of Data Fields
- National Mineral Inventory Number (NMINO) – Unique alpha numeric record identifier consisting of three parts separated by slashes. The first two parts place the deposit in the NTS grid. The third identifies the major commodity and its sequence within the 1:50,000 NTS map sheet in which it occurs.
Numerical part (3 characters) followed by one alpha character; this is the NTS primary unit, e.g. 012BNumerical part (2 characters), e.g. 08Alpha numeric-commodity code (3 alpha characters) followed by 3 numeric characters, e.g. GYP001. NMINO = 012B/08/Gyp001 - Record ID Number (RecID) Unique number assigned to each record in order of entry into the database.
- Deposit Name (DepName) The most commonly accepted deposit name found in the literature.
- DDH (DDH) Indicates if the occurrence has been drilled or not and the number of holes, if any.
Null (no entry) – undrilled0 – drilled, number of holes unknownany number > 0 – drilled, number of holes equals the number entered - Alternate Name (AltName) Secondary name if deposit or occurrence has been known by some other name.
- Trench (AltName) Yes/No field. Indicates if the occurrence has been trenched.
- Major Commodity (Comname) contains the full name of the major commodity present in the deposit (eg. copper, zinc, granite).The major commodity is always the commodity of economic interest that occurs in greatest abundance. When two or more commodities occur in equal abundance the one that has the greater dollar value is to be designated as the major commodity.
- Adit (Adit) Yes/No field. Indicates if the occurrence has had an adit driven in to it.
- Secondary Commodity(ies) (ComMods) Secondary commodity(ies) present in the deposit.
- Shaft (Shaft) Indicates if the occurrence has had a shaft sunk on it. Yes/No
- Status (Status) Indicator of the amount of work done on a deposit, and hence, the amount of information which exists about the deposit. There are seven major designations (status groups), of which groups 1 to 4 are major deposits and groups 5 to 7 are minor deposits.
- Producer
a mineral deposit from which ore is being extracted for commercial gain or benefit. Does not include deposits from which the only material extracted has been for test purposes. - Developed Prospect
a mineral deposit on which, in the opinion of the file builder, enough development work has been done to provide data for the making of a reasonable estimate of the amounts of one or more commodities present, even though the data themselves may not be available.
– 3-dimensional data (i.e., length, width and depth) - Past Producer
a mineral deposit from which production is no longer obtained. Does not include those mineral deposits on which work was stopped after extracting a bulk sample for milling and other tests, even though the sample may have been large.
dormant – additional reserves or demonstrated resources left unmined
exhausted – no reserves or demonstrated resources remain - Prospect
a mineral deposit upon which, in the opinion of the file builder, enough development work has been done to provide data for the making of a reasonable estimate of the spacial extent of the deposit, but not enough to estimate the amount of any commodity present.
– 2-dimensional data (i.e., length and width) - Showing
a mineral deposit upon which some development work may have been done, but the extent of such work was not adequate, in the opinion of the file builder, to provide enough data to estimate its spacial dimensions.
– 1-dimensional data + grade - Indication
a mineral deposit upon which no known development work has been done, and for which, in the opinion of the file builder, there exists only an “indication” of its existence (i.e., a “point” on a map, assay, etc.).
- Workings (Working) Indicator of the type of mine workings present, if any. Under Ground, Open Pit, Under Ground and Open Pit.
- Complexity (EntCode) Indicates if the deposit consists of one body of mineralization (simple) or more than one (complex)..
- Deposit Type (DepType) Classification of the occurrence based of its genesis. See Appendix B
- Region (Region) indicates the region of the province (Newfoundland or Labrador) in which the occurrence is located.
- NTS Area (NTS) is an alpha numeric containing the 1:50,000 NTS area in which the occurrence is located. e.g. 12B/01.
- UTM Zone (UTMZone) UTM zone in which the deposit is located.
- Latitude (Lat) Latitude coordinate.
- Longitude (Long) Longitude coordinate.
- Easting (East) Easting coordinate.
- Northing (North) Northing coordinate.
- Location Uncertainty (Uncert) Location error (in metres) as described by (Kelly, GSC Paper 72-9)
- Elevation (Elev) The height above sea level of the object located in metres.
- Object Located (EntCom) Indicates what physical feature has been used to locate the mineral occurrence and the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador library number of the report from which the information was taken.
- Accessibility (LocDesc) Describes geographically where the occurrence is located and how it can be accessed.
- Physiographic Setting (PhysSet) Description of the natural features of the earth’s surface in the locality of the deposit.
- Ore Minerals (OreMin) Minerals present which are of economic interest.
- Gangue Minerals (Gangue) Minerals present that are not of economic interest excluding alteration minerals.
- Alteration Minerals (WRAlt) Alteration minerals present in the host rock.
- Alteration Type(s) (AltType) is assigned based on the assemblage of alteration minerals present and by using the “Atlas of Alteration, A Field and Petrographic Guide to Hydrothermal Alteration Minerals” edited by Thompson and Thompson as a guide.
Atlas of Alteration, A Field and Petrographic Guide to Hydrothermal Alteration Minerals. Edited by Thompson, A.J.B; Thompson, J.F.H. and Dunne, K.P.E.; 1996. Geological Association of Canada, Mineral Deposits Division. - Age of Mineralization (AgeMin) The age of the mineralization based on the geologic time scale.
- Deposit Description (DepDesc) Description of the geology of the occurrence.
- Metal/Mineral Content (MetMin) Indicator of the amount of metal content with regard to other minerals present. This information is usually derived from lab assays of rock samples.
- Production and/or Reserves (HistPro) Periods during which the property was in production, and to give some idea of the scale of the operations, the total production in terms of tonnage mined, tonnage milled, and amount of minerals or other commodities recovered for each of these periods. No attempt is made to compile year-by-year production statistics, excepting where operations have been carried out for only a few years.
- Shape (Shape) Geometric shape of the deposit (if defined).
(i). Isometroid The deposit is regularly shaped and has approximately the same dimensions in all directions. Shapes range from tetrahedral to spheroidal. (ii). Tabuloid The deposit is roughly tabular, that is, has two long dimensions and one short. Any orientation in space is possible. The class includes veins, sills, dykes, etc. (iii). Cylindroidal The deposit has one long and two short dimensions with the two short ones being approximately equal. Any orientation in space is possible. This class includes pipes, etc. (iv). Bladoid A deposit having one long, one medium, and one short dimension. Any orientation in space is possible. Many shear and fault zones and some dykes will belong to this class. (v). Irregular Geometrically, the deposit is characterized by having no discernible regularity of form. (vi). Lensoidal The deposit has one long, one medium, and one short dimension. Any orientation in space is possible. Many volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits belong to this class. - Shape Modifier (ShpMod) Shape modifier.
(i). folded (ii). faulted (iii). fractured (iv). sheared (v). concordant (vi). discordant - Strike (Strike) Direction of trend of the ore body measured in a horizontal plane. Recorded as an azimuth.
- Dip (Dip) True Dip inclination of a body, from the horizontal, measured in a vertical plane perpendicular to strike. Recorded in degrees (0 – 90) with dip direction recorded as an azimuth.
- Plunge (Plunge) Inclination of a body measured by its departure from the horizontal. Plunge is indicated in degrees (0 – 90) with direction of plunge recorded as an azimuth.
- Length (Length) largest dimension of the body.
- Width (Width) the thickness of a lode measured in the same plane as the length and at right angles to the dip. The term “true width” is often used to describe this value, in which case width is used to denote the thickness irrespective of angle of dip.
- Thickness (Thick) The dimension of a body measured perpendicular to the plane in which length and width are measured.
- Nature Of Mineralization and Genesis (NatMin) Description of the mineralization and the metallogenic process which deposited it.
- Regional Geology and Tectonic Setting (StrFea) Description of the regional geology and tectonic setting of the deposit.
- Geological Province (GeoProv) The geological province in which the occurrence lies. In Labrador some occurrences may lie in strata that post date deformation and straddle geological province boundaries. An example of this would include the Nain Plutonic Suite of Labrador. In Labrador all occurrences hosted by strata that post date deformation would have Post Orogenic Sequences placed in the geological province field. For insular Newfoundland all occurrences are considered to be in the Appalachian Orogen.
- Tectonic Zone (TecZone) Only applies to occurrences of insular Newfoundland. Indicates the tectono-stratigraphic zone in which the occurrence lies. In cases where occurrences are hosted by strata that post date deformation and straddle zone boundaries Post Ordovician Overlap Sequence or Post Ordovician Intrusions are entered.
- Stratigraphic Unit (StrUnit) The name of the stratigraphic unit which hosts the occurrence.
- The Geological Age (AgeCode) Age of the stratigraphic unit that hosts the mineralization.
- Rock Type (Rocks) Individual rock types associated with the deposit. Example Granite Rhyolite, Gabbro.
- History of Exploration and Development (HistExp) Describes the exploration and development history of the deposit, or in the case of undeveloped occurrences, the exploration history of the area in which the deposit or occurrence lies.
- Geophysical Expression (GeoPhy) If a deposits has a geophysical expression in the form of a geophysical anomaly a brief description of the anomaly is given.
- Geochemical Expression (GeoChem) If a deposits has a geochemical expression in the form of a geochemical anomaly (i.e., Pb–Zn deposits – stream sampling) a brief of description of the anomaly is given.
REFERENCES
- Location Reference Reference to the document from which the location of the occurrence was taken. An occurrence should have only one location reference.
- Map Reference Map reference(s) that pertain to the occurrence.
- Main Reference List for the most important references from which information was taken to document the occurrence.
- General References List of references that pertain to the occurrence indirectly. These references may discuss the regional geology, geochemistry, geophysics etc.
APPENDIX A
ESTIMATING LOCATION UNCERTAINTY
According to Kelly’s definition (Kelly, GSC Paper 72-9) the degree of uncertainty of a location is represented by the ratios of the smallest circle, which if centred on the apparent location, will almost certainly contain the point of interest . Uncertainty is measured in metres and is the greater of:
- map scale, plot transfer and reading errors, which are additive;
- total error estimated from doubts arising about the accuracy of plots, maps and location descriptions.
The errors under (1) are a function of the map scales involved without regard for reliability of maps and plots. The matter of inherent map error (planimetric accuracy) has been covered by Kelly (ib.). To restate this briefly, features on the best maps (Topo) available may be regarded as plotted accurately to 0.5 mm, equivalent to errors of 125, 25 and 12.5 m, respectively, on 250 000, 50 000, and 25 000 scales. If plot transfer is involved from one scale to another, the net inherent error is that due to the smaller scale. In addition a reading error of at least 0.5 mm, on the lowest scale used must be added. Therefore, the total uncertainty due to map scale alone is always at least twice the (final) map error (e.g., 50 m for reading a point directly off a 1:50 000 map). Total uncertainty arising from doubt about the accuracy of the original plot, map base, or description is more subject to value judgement, although it may exceed that due to scale considerations alone. Here belong plots on geological maps, crude sketches, unsurveyed claim maps, dubious or off-centred map symbols, and descriptions with reference to unsurveyed claims and geographic or topographic features. The size of the total uncertainty to be assigned this component will vary according to the kind of data, and to personal judgement.
Map Scale | Minimum Radius of Uncertainty on the Ground | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 inch to the following: | Ratio | Feet | Meters |
1000 feet | 1:12 000 | 82 | 25 |
1320 feet | 1:15 000 | 82 | 25 |
2640 feet | 1:31 680 | 82 | 25 |
0.789 miles | 1:50 000 | 82 | 25 |
1 mile | 1:63 360 | 105 | 32 |
2 miles | 1:126 720 | 207 | 63 |
3.95 miles | 1:250 000 | 410 | 125 |
7.89 miles | 1:500 000 | 820 | 250 |
15.78 miles | 1:1 000 000 | 1640 | 500 |
EXAMPLES of Typical Location Problems
Example 1 |
A copper occurrence is or isn’t described briefly in a GSC Memoir and is marked with a cross on accompanying geol. Map SC. 1″ : 16 mi., 1956. Topo coverage at 250 000 scale. |
Analysis: Minimum map scale error is 500 m; add another 500 m for geologist’s plotting error; transfer error to 250 000 topo and subsequent reading error are negligible. |
Result | Object Located | Cu Showing | |
---|---|---|---|
Uncertainty | 1 000 m | ||
Ref. | # Geol. map, Sc. 1″ : 16 mi, 1956 * Appropriate topo map Sc. 1:250 000 |
Example 2 |
A zinc occurrence is or isn’t described in accompanying report and is marked “Zn” on Map P. 345, 1″ : 1 mi., 1965. Topo coverage at 50 000 scale. |
Var. 1: The symbol is inside a large outcrop area. |
Var. 2: The symbol is to the side of an isolated outcrop. |
Analysis: Var. 1: the showing is probably somewhere within ¼ inch of symbol of ½ radius of the centre-point of the symbol. Scale, plot transfer and reading errors – negligable. |
Analysis: Var. 2: Take the cross symbol of outcrop; minimum map scale plus plotting error – 50 m; transfer and reading errors negligible. |
Result | Var. 1 | Var. 2 |
---|---|---|
Lat–Long | centrepoint of “Zn” | outcrop cross-symbol |
Object Located | Zn showing | Zn showing |
Uncertainty | 800 m | 50 m |
Ref. | # Map P. 345, 1965 | # Map P. 345, 1965 |
*Topo Map – if used in determination “Remarks” – Centre Pt. of “zn” symbol symbol is taken as position of showing |
*Topo Map – if used in determination of Lat-Long |
Example 3 |
The only reference to location is descriptive, e.g., “One mile north of Red Bay” – no clues can be gleaned from geological description. Topo map coverage at 50 000. |
Var. 1: Red Bay is relatively small with well defined north point. |
Var. 2: Red Bay has smooth or rugose outline extending east-west 2 miles without defined north point, or several such points. |
Analysis: Var. 1: Take the point 1 mile north of north point of Red Bay. Uncertainty of description probably ½ mile; others are negligible. |
Analysis: Var. 2: Take the point 1 mile north of centre outline of Red Bay. East-west uncertainty will be larger than descriptive, assign 1½ mile uncertainty; those due to scale, negligible. |
Result | Var. 1 | Var. 2 |
---|---|---|
Lat–Long | point 1 mi – N of N pt. of Red Bay | Point 1 mi – N of centre of N outline of Red Bay |
Object Located | showing | showing |
Uncertainty | 800 m | 2500 m |
Ref. | *Topo Maps “Remarks”: Corp. File: “Anzac M.L.” (in rept. filed, TSE, Sept. 8, 1973, p. 8). |
Example 4 |
The location of reported showing(s) is known to be within a large group of claims outlined on a Langridge map – no other clues. |
Analysis: The point is taken as centre of circle circumscribing the claims, whether within or outside the group. The radius is the uncertainty with all other errors negligible. |
Result | Object Located | Cu Showing(s) | |
---|---|---|---|
Uncertainty | 5000 m | ||
Ref. | *Topo Map: “Remarks”; Langridge Map, Sturgeon L. Area, May 3, 1973 (Centre, circumscribed cl. gp.) |
Example 5 |
The only reference to deposit is this paragraph in The Canadian Mining Journal of Sept. 1970: “Canadian Nickel working since 1960 in the Horden Lake Area has outlined a copper–nickel orebody in gabbro”. Quebec Prel. Map 1673, 1″ : 1 mi., 1959, of the area, antedating the discovery, shows a 3-mile NE belt of basic–ultrabasic extending from south of east side of Horden Lake. There is no aeromagnetic coverage; the best topographic map is on a scale of 1:250 000. |
Analysis: It is reasonable to assume that the deposit is within the basic intrusive belt, on which 2 small copper–nickel showings far apart are indicated. Scarcity of mapped outcrop at the ends of the belt suggests it may actually be 5 miles long. |
Result | Lat-Long | centre of belt | |
---|---|---|---|
Object Located | Cu–Ni deposit | ||
Uncertainty | 4 000 m (2½ mi.) | ||
Ref. | “Remarks”: Laurin & Dugas, CMJ, Sept. 1970, p. 392 # Prel. Map. 1673, 1959 |
Example 6 |
The best location is a generalized map mine symbol on a 50 000 topo map. |
Analysis: The mine area is known to have a shaft, glory hole, mill and buildings. While centre of shaft or glory hole would be the preferred object located, neither is pinpointed. We can still designate object located as either shaft or glory hole by giving uncertainty suitably larger, then that due to map and reading error, to the centre of the symbol. In this case, however, we are probably justified in giving a generalized designation. |
Result | Lat-Long | centre of map symbol | |
---|---|---|---|
Object Located | Mine | ||
Uncertainty | 50 m | ||
Ref. | # Map 36J/E—-, 1942 |
Example 7 |
A 1″ : 1000′ map shows distribution of drill holes on an occurrence in the Northwest Territories described in an accompanying company report, filed for assessment with the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Topographical map coverage is at 1:250 000. |
Analysis: Pinpoint centre of drilling. Error due to transfer to topographical map is 125 m and reading error another 125 m; others are negligible. |
Result | Lat-Long | centre of Drilling | |
---|---|---|---|
Object Located | drilling (1968) | ||
Uncertainty | 250 m |
APPENDIX B
CLASSIFICATION OF MINERAL DEPOSITS FOR MODS
This is a hierarchical, genetic classification system. Mineralization is classified based on the host rock type and the relationship between the mineralization and the host rock. The numerical codes, and code ranges for deposit types that are related, gives the user the power to search using SQL. The user can widen and narrow the scope of the search by using logic operators ie. “<, >, =, and”.
METALLIC (FERROUS AND NON-FERROUS) ROCKS AND MINERALS |
000 |
INSUFFICIENT DATA TO CLASSIFY |
001 – 099 |
INTRUSIVE ASSOCIATIONS |
Includes all deposits that are clearly related to magmatic or magmatic – hydrothermal processes. |
001 | Undivided deposits related to magmatic or magmatic- hydrothermal processes | |
002 – 049 | ULTRAMAFIC – MAFIC MAGMATIC ASSOCIATIONS Mainly Cu-Ni-±PGE deposits | |
002 | Undivided ultramafic – mafic magmatic deposits | |
010 – 024 | DEPOSITS ASSOCIATED WITH EXTRUSIVE ROCKS | |
010 | Undivided ultramafic – mafic magmatic deposits associated with extrusive rocks | |
015 | Komatiitic association; includes magmatic sulphides associated with komatiitic volcanics | |
020 | Tholeiitic Association | |
025 – 049 | DEPOSITS ASSOCIATED WITH INTRUSIVE ROCKS | |
025 | Undivided ultramafic – mafic magmatic deposits associated with intrusive rocks | |
030 | Deposits associated with ophiolite sequences | |
035 | Deposits associated with anorogenic anorthosite massifs | |
036 | Deposits associated with anorogenic gabbro | |
040 | Deposits associated with large stratiform complexes (e.g. layered intrusions) | |
045 | Deposits associated with orogenic intrusions (e.g. Silurian gabbros in Appalachians | |
050 – 059 | FELSIC MAGMATIC ASSOCIATIONS Orthomagmatic mineralization | |
050 | Undivided felsic magmatic deposits | |
051 | FELSIC EXTRUSIVE ASSOCIATIONS (e.g. automineralized Sn rhyolite) | |
052 | FELSIC INTRUSIVE ASSOCIATIONS (e.g. orthomagmatic Mo, Cu in granitoids not obviously related to magmatic – hydrothermal processes) | |
060 – 099 | MAGMATIC – HYDROTHERMAL ASSOCIATIONS Includes all mineralization with a component of hydrothermal mass transport that is clearly genetically related to magmatic processes. There may be some overlap with structurally – controlled hydrothermal deposits (300-399). This class is intended only for deposits with a close spatial and probably direct genetic relationship with magmatic rocks. Mesothermal and other veins that cannot be directly related to magmatism (e.g. mesothermal mineralization, mineralized veins of uncertain origin) should be referred to 300-399. | |
060 | Undivided magmatic – hydrothermal deposits | |
065 | PORPHYRY – TYPE (Sensu lato as defined by McMillan and Panteleyev, 1988). McMillan, W.J. and Panteleyev, A., 1988: Porphyry Copper Deposits. In ore Deposits Models, R.G. Roberts and P.A. Sheahan (Editors), Geoscience Canada, Reprint Series 3, pages 45-59. Includes porphyry Cu, Mo, Au and Sn and the spectrum between purely orthomagmatic mineralization (which should be coded 052) and convective processes involving both magmatic and other water. | |
070 | PEGMATITES Includes Sn, W, other base metals. Pegmatites for which the principal commodity is an industrial mineral (including gemstones, beryllium, feldspar, mica, fluorspar, rare earths or other rare metals) should be coded 520-525. | |
071 | APLITES | |
075 | VEINS Includes only veins that are clearly directly related to intrusions. Other veins should be coded in the 300 series. | |
080 | SKARNS | |
085 | GREISENS | |
100 – 299 | ||
STRATABOUND MINERALIZATION | ||
Includes both stratiform (generally syngenetic) deposits interbedded with host strata and epigenetic deposits that are stratabound in a broader sense, i.e., more or less confined to broad stratigraphic units. This class specifically excludes epigenetic mineralization that is structurally – controlled, even though it may be broadly stratabound (e.g. mesothermal gold at Stog’er Tight). Structurally – controlled veins as well as those of uncertain designation should be coded in the 300 series. | ||
100 | Undivided stratabound deposits | |
101 – 199 | VOLCANIC ASSOCIATIONS | |
101 | Undivided volcanic – associated stratabound deposits | |
110 – 169 | SEAFLOOR (VOLCANOGENIC) SULPHIDE ASSOCIATION | |
Deposits of the marine volcanic association formed through sub-seafloor hydrothermal processes: includes both volcanogenic massive sulphides and volcanogenic stockworks. Deposits are subdivided and classified according to the nature of the stratigraphic section (e.g. ophiolite or volcanic/epiclastic) and the relative proportions of mafic and felsic volcanic rocks in the host sequence. | ||
110 | Undivided volcanogenic sulphide deposits | |
111 – 119 | Deposits associated with volcanic rocks that are part of ophiolite sequences | |
111 | Undivided volcanogenic sulphide deposits in ophiolites | |
112 | Massive sulphide (±stockwork) | |
113 | Volcanogenic stockwork | |
114 | Sulphide – bearing breccia | |
120 – 129 | Deposits associated with dominantly mafic volcanic rocks that are part of thick volcanic/epiclastic sequences | |
120 | Undivided volcanogenic sulphide deposits in thick, mafic- dominated volcanic/epiclastic sequences | |
121 | Massive sulphide (±stockwork) | |
122 | Volcanogenic stockwork | |
123 | Sulphide – bearing breccia | |
130 – 139 | Deposits associated with sequences of mixed mafic – felsic (e.g. 35:65 to 65:35) volcanic rocks that are part of thick volcanic/epiclastic sequences | |
130 | Undivided volcanogenic sulphide deposits in thick, mixed mafic/felsic volcanic/epiclastic sequences | |
131 | Massive sulphide (±stockwork) | |
132 | Volcanogenic stockwork | |
132 | Volcanogenic stockwork | |
133 | Sulphide – bearing breccia | |
140 – 149 | Deposits associated with dominantly felsic volcanic rocks that are part of thick volcanic/epiclastic sequences | |
140 | Undivided volcanogenic sulphide deposits in thick, felsic – dominated volcanic/epiclastic sequences | |
141 | Massive sulphide (±stockwork) | |
142 | Volcanogenic stockwork | |
143 | Sulphide – bearing breccia | |
150 – 159 | Deposits hosted by marine sedimentary rocks that are nonetheless part of a dominantly volcanic association | |
150 | Undivided sediment-hosted deposits associated with marine volcanic rocks | |
151 | Clastic host (e.g. Many “Besshi-type” massive sulphides) | |
152 | Chert host | |
153 | Limestone host | |
154 | Algoma-type iron formation – oxide facies | |
155 | Algoma-type iron formation – sulphide facies | |
170 – 199 | EPIGENETIC VOLCANIC ASSOCIATIONS | |
Includes epigenetic mineralization that is stratabound by virtue of being localized within favourable volcanic stratigraphic units. Excludes structurally-controlled epigenetic mineralization in volcanic rocks, which should be coded in the 300 series. | ||
170 | Undivided stratabound volcanic deposits | |
180 – 184 | SEDIMENTARY COPPER ASSOCIATION | |
Copper mineralization hosted by volcanic rocks in a dominantly continental sedimentary succession, associated with sedimentary copper deposits (e.g. epigenetic copper in breccias and amygdaloidal basalts in the Seal Lake area) | ||
180 | Undivided sedimentary copper deposits | |
185 – 189 | STRATABOUND MINERALIZATION IN SILLS | |
188 | Undivided stratabound mineralization in sills | |
190 – 199 | VOLCANIC-RELATED URANIUM MINERALIZATION | |
Uranium localized in felsic tuff by diagenetic or epigenetic processes (e.g. Michelin). | ||
190 | Undivided volcanic-related uranium deposits | |
200 – 289 | SEDIMENTARY ASSOCIATIONS | |
200 | Undivided stratabound mineralization in sedimentary rocks | |
201 – 219 | STRATABOUND DEPOSITS IN CARBONATE ROCKS | |
201 | Undivided stratabound deposits in carbonate rocks | |
205 | Stratiform syngenetic sulphides (dominantly Pb, Zn ± Ba, “Irish – type”) | |
210 – 219 | Epigenetic stratabound deposits in carbonate rocks | |
210 | Undivided epigenetic stratabound deposits in carbonate rocks | |
211 | Primary Void Filling | |
212 | Secondary Void Filling (e.g. karst, dolomitic breccia) | |
213 | Veins where clearly stratabound within carbonate hosts and/or closely related to other carbonate-hosted epigenetic mineralization (e.g. some occurrences in Carboniferous rocks on the Port au Port Peninsula). | |
220 – 269 | STRATABOUND DEPOSITS IN CLASTIC SEDIMENTARY ROCKS | |
220 | Undivided stratabound deposits in clastic sedimentary rocks | |
221 – 239 | Shale-hosted deposits | |
222 | Stratabound copper deposits;Hosted by shales and mudstones, associated with redbeds and evaporites: includes late diagenetic (e.g. “Kuperschiefer-type”) and epigenetic deposits (e.g. many deposits in Seal Lake area) | |
223 | Epigenetic stratabound, non-cupriferous metal deposits (e.g. stratabound, epigenetic Pb, Zn) | |
223 | Stratiform Pb-Zn deposits in black shale (Sedimentary exhalative or “SEDEX” deposits) | |
225 | Argillite-hosted uranium occurrences (e.g. Kitts) | |
240 – 249 | Sandstone-hosted deposits Includes diagenetic to epigenetic, aquifer and stratigraphic trap-related mineralization. | |
240 | Undivided sandstone-hosted deposits | |
241 | Sandstone-hosted copper deposits (includes redbed, greybed) | |
242 | Sandstone-hosted uranium deposits | |
243 | Sandstone lead deposits (Laisval type) | |
244 | Placers and paleoplacers (Au, U) | |
250 – 259 | Conglomerate-hosted deposits | |
250 | Undivided conglomerate-hosted deposits | |
251 | Matrix replacement sulphides | |
252 | Conglomerate-hosted uranium deposits | |
253 | Paleoplacers | |
270 – 279 | Other sediment-hosted associations | |
270 | Undivided other sediment-hosted deposits | |
271 | Evaporite-hosted Deposits | |
280 – 289 | Sedimentary iron deposits not including Algoma type, which is part of the volcanic association, or magnetite sands, which are placers and should be coded 244. | |
280 | Undivided sedimentary iron deposits | |
281 | Superior-type banded iron formation (e.g. Labrador Trough) | |
282 | Clinton-type oolitic iron formation (e.g. Wabana) | |
283 | Bog iron recent deposits | |
290 – 299 | STRATABOUND DEPOSITS IN METAMORPHIC ROCKS Includes only stratabound deposits where the original character cannot be determined | |
290 | Undivided stratabound deposits in metamorphic rocks | |
300 – 399 | HYDROTHERMAL, STRUCTURALLY-CONTROLLED MINERALIZATION | |
This class is meant to encompass all deposits for which the controlling mechanisms are dominantly structural rather than stratigraphic. They include deposits that are related to mineralization along shear zones, faults, fold hinges or other structural features. There is some overlap with class 200-299 in cases where fluids have migrated along structural features and then deposited mineralization along favourable horizons (e.g. Carlin – type gold). Likewise, there is ambiguity where competency contrast between stratigraphic units has controlled fluid flow and mineralization within the more competent unit (e.g. some mesothermal gold situations). Discretion should be used in deciding whether there is a significant structural control to the mineralization, in which case it should be coded in the 300 series. In general, all epithermal and mesothermal gold mineralization should be coded in this class. Specifically excluded are clear magmatic-hydrothermal associations. | ||
300 | Undivided hydrothermal, structurally-controlled deposits | |
310 – 329 | STRUCTURALLY-CONTROLLED VEIN SYSTEMS WITH BASE OR PRECIOUS METALS | |
310 | Undivided hydrothermal vein systems | |
311 – 320 | VEIN SYSTEMS ACCOMPANIED BY MINIMAL WALLROCK ALTERATION | |
311 | Undivided vein systems accompanied by no or minimal wallrock alteration | |
312 | Mesothermal precious metal association e.g. the quartz-vein type of Dubé, 1989, Deer Cove, Cape Ray) may include; Au, As, Sb, locally accompanied by base metals | |
321 – 329 | VEIN SYSTEMS ACCOMPANIED BY SIGNIFICANT OR WIDESPREAD WALLROCK ALTERATION | |
320 | Undivided vein systems accompanied by significant or widespread wallrock alteration | |
321 | precious metal mineralization accompanied by aluminous alteration; includes most Newfoundland examples of epithermal – type mineralization, e.g. Hickey’s Pond, probably Hope Brook | |
322 | precious metal mineralization accompanied by alkali – carbonate alteration; mesothermal examples include both broadly stratabound mesothermal mineralization in gabbroic sills (e.g. Stog’er Tight) and alkali alteration and mineralization of granitoid rocks (e.g. Rattling Brook, Western White Bay). | |
330 – 339 | ||
STRUCTURALLY – CONTROLLED MINERALIZATION NOT ASSOCIATED WITH VEINING | ||
330 | Undivided structurally controlled deposits not associated with veining | |
331 | Unconformity – related uranium deposits | |
400 – 449 | ||
METAMORPHOGENIC DEPOSITS | ||
Includes deposits resulting from essentially isochemical metamorphism. Does not include deposits formed through metasomatic or magmatic-hydrothermal processes | ||
400 | Undivided metamorphogenic deposits | |
INDUSTRIAL ROCKS AND MINERALS | ||
500 – 599 | ||
IGNEOUS ROCKS AND MINERALS | ||
500 – 519 | INTRUSIVE ROCKS | |
500 | Undivided intrusive igneous rocks and minerals | |
501 – 504 | ULTRAMAFIC ROCKS | |
501 | Undivided ultramafic intrusive igneous rocks and minerals | |
502 | Ultramafic rocks as stone | |
503 | Minerals of value in ultramafic rocks; includes olivine, chromite | |
505 – 509 | MAFIC ROCKS | |
505 | Undivided mafic intrusive igneous rocks and minerals | |
506 | stone (e.g. gabbro, diorite, anorthosite) | |
507 | minerals of value in mafic rocks (e.g., Fe-Ti oxides, gems) | |
510 – 515 | FELSIC ROCKS excluding pegmatites | |
510 | Undivided felsic intrusive igneous rocks and minerals | |
511 | Felsic intrusive rocks as stone (e.g. granite) | |
512 | Minerals of value in felsic intrusive rocks | |
513 | Nepheline syenite | |
520 – 525 | PEGMATITES Includes deposits of feldspar, mica, quartz, lithium minerals, beryllium minerals, fluorspar and rare metals (e.g. Strange Lake high grade zone). May also include Labradorite gemstone in anorthositic pegmatites | |
520 | Undivided pegmatitic rocks and minerals | |
540 – 549 | EXTRUSIVE ROCKS | |
540 | Undivided extrusive igneous rocks and minerals | |
541 – 544 | MAFIC ROCKS | |
541 | Undivided mafic extrusive igneous rocks and minerals | |
542 | Stone | |
543 | Minerals of value in mafic rocks | |
545 – 549 | FELSIC ROCKS | |
545 | Undivided felsic extrusive igneous rocks and minerals | |
546 | Stone | |
547 | Minerals of value in felsic rocks; includes magmatic – hydrothermal deposits such as rare metal occurrences in Letitia Lake area. | |
600 – 699 | ||
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS AND MINERALS | ||
600 – 639 | CONSOLIDATED AND UNCONSOLIDATED CLASTIC SEDIMENTS | |
600 | Undivided clastic sediments | |
601 – 619 | PLACERS Includes Fe-Ti oxide, chromite, other heavy mineral sands. Includes paleoplacers. | |
601 | Undivided placers | |
620 – 629 | UNCONSOLIDATED SURFICIAL DEPOSITS | |
620 | Undivided unconsolidated surficial deposits | |
621 | sand and gravel aggregate | |
622 | clay | |
623 | silica sand | |
630 – 639 | CONSOLIDATED CLASTIC SEDIMENTARY ROCKS Includes sandstone, shale, quartzite | |
630 | Undivided consolidated clastic sedimentary rocks | |
640 – 659 | BIOGENIC SEDIMENTARY ROCKS | |
640 | Undivided biogenic sedimentary rocks | |
641 – 649 | UNCONSOLIDATED SURFICIAL DEPOSITS | |
641 | Undivided unconsolidated surficial deposits | |
642 | diatomaceous earth | |
643 | peat | |
644 | marl | |
650 – 659 | CONSOLIDATED BIOGENIC SEDIMENTARY ROCKS | |
650 | Undivided consolidated biogenic sedimentary rocks | |
651 | Carbonates (e.g., includes limestone, dolomite, chalk) | |
652 | Phosphates | |
653 | Sulphur | |
654 | Silicates (e.g., chert, chalcedony) | |
660 – 679 | CHEMICAL SEDIMENTS | |
654 | Undivided chemical sediments | |
661 – 669 | EVAPORITES Includes barite, celestite, salt, potash, gypsum, anhydrite, etc. | |
661 | Undivided evaporates | |
670 – 679 | NON-EVAPORITIC PRECIPITATES Includes sedimentary manganese, umbers, non-biogenic limestone (e,g, oolitic limestone) | |
670 | Undivided non-evaporitic precipitates | |
680 – 689 | FOSSIL FUELS (Not including peat) | |
680 | Undivided fossil fuels | |
681 | coal | |
682 | oil seep or tar | |
684 | gas | |
700 – 749 | ||
PRODUCTS OF HYDROTHERMAL OR SURFICIAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING | ||
700 | Undivided rocks and minerals resulting from alteration or weathering | |
701 – 705 | MINERALS DEPOSITED FROM HYDROTHERMAL SOLUTIONS e.g. silica in quartz veins, fluorspar not contained in pegmatites, includes some types of manganese deposits, umbers | |
701 | Undivided minerals deposited from hydrothermal solutions | |
706 – 710 | ROCKS AND MINERALS RESULTING FROM HYDROTHERMAL (METASOMATIC) ALTERATION(e.g. Manuals pyrophyllite, asbestos, talc, magnesite) | |
706 | Undivided rocks and minerals resulting from hydrothermal alteration | |
720 – 749 | SURFICIALLY ALTERED ROCKS AND MINERALS | |
720 | Undivided surficially altered rocks and minerals | |
721 – 725 | RESIDUAL DEPOSITS Includes laterite, vermiculite, regolith (e.g. the Fermont Road silica deposit), ochre | |
721 | Undivided residual deposits | |
750 – 799 | ||
METAMORPHIC ROCKS AND MINERALS | ||
750 | Undivided metamorphic rocks and minerals | |
751 – 759 | METAMORPHIC ROCKS OF VALUE | |
751 | Undivided metamorphic rocks of value | |
752 | Carbonates (e.g. marble) | |
753 | Silicates(e.g. slate, soapstone, serpentinite, quartzite) | |
760 – 769 | METAMORPHIC MINERALS OF VALUE Includes graphite, corundum, garnet, wollastonite, alumino-silicate refractory minerals) | |
760 | Undivided metamorphic minerals of value |