Location of REE mineralization in Quebec:
4. Kwyjibo
5. Montviel deposit
6. Lac Shortt deposit
7. Grande-Vallée deposit
8. Haltaparche
9. Kipawa deposit
10. Baie-Mercier
11. Wares occurrence
12. St-Lawrence Columbium mine and Niocan deposit
Geology and Mineralization
Rare Earth Element (REE) deposits can occur in different geological settings, among the most common being associated with carbonatites. As described in Sappin, A.-A. and Beaudoin, G., 2015, most carbonatite complexes are formed in intracratonic anorogenic or post-orogenic extensional settings and are commonly spatially related to major crustal structures (Woolley and Kjarsgaard, 2008). Carbonatites form composite intrusive complexes associated with alkaline rocks, sills, dikes, and isolated masses with various shapes. The carbonatite complexes display evidence of hydrothermal remobilization and metasomatism (Chakhmouradian and Zaitsev, 2012). The metasomatic alteration leads to the formation of a halo around the igneous complexes with sodic and/or potassic rocks, called fenites, and the formation of veins and veinlets rich in alteration minerals.
Quebec Rare Earth Elements properties, namely the Carcajou and Lynx, are located along the Waswanipi-Saguenay Zone as shown below (red star location of projects) which is interpreted as a deep-seated extensional failed mid-continental rift zone. This zone is also spatially associated with many alkalic intrusive rocks and other REE deposits and showings.
Carcajou Property
Carcajou is located 75km NW of the town of St-Félicien, Saguenay area, Quebec, which lies on the western shores of Lac St-Jean. Road access to the area is via a network of well-maintained gravel and forestry roads which cross the property.
Lynx Property
Lynx is located 15 km north of Dolbeau-Mistassini and 90 km northwest of Saguenay, Quebec. It comprises of 36 map designated claims covering 2,034 Ha (20.3 sq. km). Subsequent staking surrounding the property added another 45 claims covering 2543 Ha (25 sq. km). It is also located 65km SE of the Carcajou Property.
Caribou Property
The Caribou Project is located approximately 40km west of the Kwyjibo REE Deposit and underlain by similar geological formations. An iron-rich horizon was discovered on the Caribou project containing minor amounts of REE. Kwyjibo Deposit is hosted in a IOCG iron-rich horizon.