oa Operation Treasure Hunt – Does the Ontario model work for you?

The Ontario Geological Survey is midway through a three-year, C$29 million initiative known as Operation Treasure Hunt. Its main objectives are to collect and disseminate geophysical, geochemical and geological data to industry, to identify exploration targets to attract investment in mineral exploration of the province. The geophysical component in the first two years has included the acquisition of nearly 140,000 line-km of magnetic-electromagnetic data over eight survey areas, and the purchase of an additional 105,000 line-km of proprietary data from industry. The Reid-Mahaffy airborne electromagnetic test range was established to facilitate comparison of systems for a variety of geological targets, and has been rapidly adopted by industry. Early impact analysis has shown that the imminent release of geophysical and geochemical data in strategically chosen areas results in a significant increase in claim staking activity and subsequent exploration expenditures in an area. A twinning agreement with the Geological Survey of New South Wales and discussions with other Australian state agencies has allowed the Ontario Geological Survey to optimise its program based on the Australian experience, while adapting it to the local geological and jurisdictional conditions.