Heavy Minerals and Aggregates Developments Nearshore Nova Scotia, Canada

by G. F. Terry Lay, Technical Univ of Nova Scotia, Halifax, Canada,
M. C. Rockwell, Technical Univ of Nova Scotia, Halifax, Canada,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '91

Abstract:

This paper highlights past to present nearshore Scotian Shelf heavy mineral and aggregate exploration activities and findings. Promising sites for heavy minerals, gold and extensive sand and gravel deposits have been located along the perimeter of the province at water depths less than 40 m. Gold values reaching 5.7 g/m³ have been encountered in the vicinity of the Ovens Peninsula offshore Lunenburg County and ilmenite values greater than 10 g/m³ were reported at Green Bay. A large sand deposit estimated to contain 35 ? 10⁶ m³ at water depths less than 20 m has been delineated at Scots Bay. A surficial deposit at Country Harbour reported to contain approximately 1.96 ? 10⁶ m³ of sediments may contain an estimated value of $ US 2,146,962 ( US $350/oz) in placer gold. The initiation of the Northumberland Strait Fixed Crossing and Bay of Fundy tidal power projects would greatly increase demand for aggregates, which may be substantially offset by mining offshore sands and gravels.

Subject Headings: Minerals | Aggregates | Gravels | Sandy soils | Nearshore | Bays | Soil water | Canada | Nova Scotia | United States

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