Evaluation of Critical Mineral Potential in Alberta: Regional Till Geochemistry and a Catchment Basin Analysis of Stream Sediment Geochemistry

The Alberta Geological Survey (AGS) outsourced a till and stream sediment sampling program in
southwestern, northwestern, and north-central Alberta to provide a better understanding of the province’s
critical mineral potential. This project delivers information useful in the exploration of critical mineral
potential in Alberta through geochemical and grain-size analyses in areas where data gaps exist. All
planning, logistics, fieldwork execution, sample collection, submission of samples for geochemical and
textural analysis, data compilation, and reporting was completed by Palmer (now SLR Consulting
(Canada) Ltd.), with oversight and approval by the Alberta Energy Regulator and the AGS.

The results of the first phase of the project were reported in AGS Special Report 115. The second phase
of the project builds on that work and the new details are provided herein. The report includes a
description of the methods used and results from a multiphase drill-supported till sampling survey
designed to extend sampling coverage in northwestern Alberta where standard surface till sampling
efforts were impeded by the glaciolacustrine material that overlies the till. A total of 32 new till samples
were collected in this area to improve data coverage. This report outlines preliminary data treatment,
regional till geochemistry, and a catchment basin analysis of stream sediment geochemistry for the
evaluation of critical mineral potential in Alberta. The new till sample descriptions and geochemical
analysis results are appended to the original results from AGS Special Report 115 and included with this
publication.

This work was completed under the Mineral Grant provided by the Government of Alberta dated June
22, 2021.