Geological mapping and mineral exploration in the Motzfeldt Centre of the Igaliko nepheline syenite complex, South Greenland

Abstract

The mineral occurrences of the Motzfeldt Centre, discovered by the South Greenland regional uranium exploration programme (Armour-Brown et al., 1984, Tukiainen et al., 1984), are now being explored for their Nb and Ta potential under a project financed by the EEC's Resources and Raw Materials Programme and The Geological Survey of Greenland. Accompanying the mineral exploration several other investigations are being carried out, and there is a dose co-operation between the various groups working in the area. The 1984 field activities comprised geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical investigations, and mineral exploration. The field activities were supported by GGU's facilities at Narssarssuaq where Jørgen Lau acted as base camp manager. A Jet Ranger helicopter, chartered on an ad hoc basis from the Ice Reconnaissance Centre at Narssarssuaq, was used for camp moves, geological reconnaissance and servicing of the field teams. Despite the bad weather conditions which prevailed for most of the season the main objectives of the field work were achieved.