ASSESSMENT OF UNDISCOVERED METALS IN AN UNDEREXPLORED PART OF THE WORLD: EXPERIENCE FROM THE ASSESSMENT OF COPPER, ZINC AND NICKEL IN GREENLAND

Greenland has been explored for its minerals and metal resources for more than 200 years. Yet, compared to many other parts of the world, it is still very much underexplored and has a limited number of mining operations. However, when considering its geological history and similarity to neighboring regions with abundant exploration and well-established mining districts, it is likely that Greenland has significant mineral resource potential. In order to evaluate the potential and promote exploration in Greenland, various studies and initiatives have been undertaken by the governments of Greenland and Denmark over the years. One approach has utilized the ‘three-part form of quantitative assessment’ in participation with the USGS ‘Global Mineral Resource Assessment Project’. The potential for undiscovered sedimentary-hosted copper and zinc-lead deposits as well as three types of nickel deposits has been evaluated. The part of the method in which data and information are compiled, assessed, and discussed systematically by a group of experts is very beneficial for the evaluation of an underexplored region and includes the strict use of criteria for addressing the potential for undiscovered deposits (e.g. the use of criteria derived from mineral deposit models or mineral system models). The method is useful for evaluating the present potential, but also for identifying new investigations and data that could raise the confidence in the evaluation. However, for an underexplored and inaccessible region like Greenland, the method has problematic issues. For example, the confidence levels will generally be low for regions that have little or no data coverage and absence of mined deposits, even when it is possible to host deposits comparable in size to those mined elsewhere in the world. This is reflected both in the number of deposits the experts dare to estimate, even at lower confidence levels, and the final estimates of undiscovered resources. Our presentation will present our experience and the pros and cons associated with used of the ‘three-part form of quantitative assessment’ in underexplored Greenland.