After playing a key role in organizing aerial surveys in northern Saskatchewan, the provincial government is opening up new incentives for mining companies.
On Oct. 12, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the creation of the Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive, a new program meant to aid mining investment in Saskatchewan’s north.
Under the incentive, mining companies will have some costs associated with ground based exploration covered, including up to a 25 per cent rebate on some direct drilling costs up to $50,000 for any eligible company. The Saskatchewan Geological Survey will administer the incentive.
One of the main reasons for the objective is to boost base metal exploration in northeast Saskatchewan, specifically around Creighton and Denare Beach.
Last summer, airborne surveys including electromagnetic, magnetic and gravity gradient surveying were conducted in three areas near Creighton. One area south of Denare Beach included parts of Amisk Lake and a section crossing the Manitoba border toward Lake Athapapuskow and Namew Lake. A second area east of Deschambault Lake and a third area west of Cumberland House were all tested.
Results from the exploration, which were released on Sept. 27, show gravity gradient, electromagnetic and aeromagnetic surveys were carried out in the first two areas, while the third area near Cumberland House underwent electromagnetic and aeromagnetic surveying.
The surveys were funded through Saskatchewan’s Mineral Development Strategy, a program created as part of the 2018-19 provincial budget. When the strategy was initially announced, it was designed to encourage exploration and provide updated geophysical data for the province – eventually building to a goal of Saskatchewan hosting up to 10 per cent of all Canadian mineral exploration expenditures. While most of the 2018 expenditures through the Mineral Development Strategy will involve uranium projects, base metals like those found around Denare Beach and Creighton will also be a priority.
Natural Resources Canada conducted the surveys, as part of the Targeted Geoscience Initiative.
