DNR Reports 108: (1977-78); Geochemistry Survey in the Birch Lake Area, Lake County, MN

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Report 108-1: Pilot Study on Peat Exploration Geochemistry, Birch Lake Area, Lake County, Minnesota; T61N R11W.
( pages, 8.5 x 11 inches, )
Authors: D.G. Meineke, M.K. Vadis, and A.W. Klaysmat

ABSTRACT from Report 108-1  A peat geochemical exploration pilot study was conducted over copper-nickel mineralization in the Birch Lake area of northern Minnesota. Four extraction methods were tested to determine which method gave the maximum contrast over mineralization compared to areas barren of copper-nickel mineralization.

Results indicate that peat does reflect known copper-nickel mineralization. 0.1 M EDTA gives the maximum contrast over background for the extraction methods tested. The survey suggests that peat samples for geochemical exploration surveys should be taken at approximately the same depth or at the base of the peat formation due to variations in element concentrations resulting from various degrees of humification.

Ore deposits often occur below swamps in glaciated terrain, and many of the areas' potential for base metal deposits in northern Minnesota are covered by swamps. Therefore, peat geochemical surveys can be an added tool in the search for mineral deposits and the evaluation of mineral potential if glacial drift conditions are not prohibitive.

Report 108-2: Pilot Study on Soil Exploration Geochemistry, Birch Lake Area, Lake County, Minnesota; T61N-62N R11W.
(25 pages, 8.5 x 11 inches, 1 MB)
Authors: D.G. Meineke, M.K. Vadis, and A.W. Klaysmat

ABSTRACT from Report 108-2 A B-horizon and seepage soil geochemical exploration pilot study was conducted over copper-nickel mineralization in the Birch Lake area of northern Minnesota. Seven extraction methods and three size fractions were tested to determine which size fraction and analytical methods gave the best contrast of anomalous samples over background.

Results indicate that the extraction method which yields maximum contrast varies between the various metals considered. However, the 4M HNO₃/1M HCI method appears to give the best contrast when exploring for copper, nickel and zinc.

Report 108-3: Pilot Study on A-Horizon Soil Exploration Geochemistry, Birch Lake Area, Lake County, Minnesota; T61N-62N R11W.
(15 pages, 8.5 x 11 inches, 460 KB)
Authors: D.G. Meineke, M.K. Vadis, and A.W. Klaysmat

ABSTRACT from Report 108-3 An A-horizon geochemical exploration pilot study was conducted over copper-nickel mineralization in the Birch Lake area of the Duluth Complex. Four extraction methods were tested to determine which method gave maximum anomaly contrast. The A-horizon results were also compared to those for B-horizon samples collected at the same sites but described in another report by Meineke, Vadis and Klaysmat, 1977.

Results indicate that a 4M HNO₃/1M HCI HCI extraction yields the maximum anomaly contrast of the four analytical methods tested; This extraction gave a multi-element (cobalt, copper, nickel and zinc) anomaly over copper-nickel mineralization. The B-horizon samples yield higher anomaly contrast than the A-horizon. Therefore, the B-horizon appears more desirable than the A-horizon as a geochemical sample media in this area.

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