A soil sampling programme near a sulphide mineralised norite body, Sitdlisigssanguit nun¿t, Sukkertoppen district, central West Greenland

Abstract

A detailed geochemical soil sampling programme was carried out during the field season of 1982 on a known sulphide mineralisation. The aim of the programme is to evaluate soil sampling as a prospecting tool in arctic environments. Previous work by Kunzendorf & Sørensen (1982) on the soil of the nearby Qaqarssuk carbonatite complex has shown promising results for selected elements. The programme also included the collection of rock samples from areas without soil cover. Bedrock is exposed over 5 per cent of the sampling area. The survey was carried out as a part of GGU's resource evaluation programme in West Greenland (Secher, this report). It also forms part of the current investigation of geochemical methods in mineral exploration in Greenland. A total of 1059 soil samples were collected from two areas, both representing soil-covered contacts between bedrock gneiss and Cu-Nisulphide mineralised norite. In addition a total of 112 rock samples were collected. All samples collected during the programme will be analysed for relevant trace elements. The sampled areas are situated about 65 km east of Sukkertoppen, central West Greenland, near the locality Sitdlisigssanguit nunat. The sulphide occurrence was found by the Kryolitselskabet Øresund, who named the locality 'Fossilik'. The two soil sampling areas were covered with regular grids, constructed with the use of a theodolite and with a point density of 25 m. Areas 1 and 2 are 450 x 225 m and 112.5 x 87.5 m, respectively. In Area 1 the slope varies; there are small ridges and hollows; and the altitude varies from 533 m to 593 m. Area 2 is situated on a slope dipping 200 -30° to the south-east, with the altitude varying from 530 m to 572 m.