Geosciences Initiatives

The CMEB is building an information database on mineral exploration activities in Eeyou Istchee, which will be available to Cree organizations and individuals. This resource will help us provide appropriate technical responses to environmental concerns related to mining exploration and activities.

The CMEB is developing geosciences activities for youths that will allow them to learn about the mineral potential of their regions. In support of these activities, CD-ROM presentations on earth sciences will be distributed in the communities.

The CMEB published a preliminary geological map of Eeyou Istchee and geological impact studies. This geological map contains 1/500,000-scale geological information and details on high mineral potential areas. It includes Cree traplines, providing Tallymen with information they need.

Geoscientific Collaboration

CMEB is collaborating on several scientific studies with the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), École Polytechnique de Montréal and University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM).

Collaboration with the INRS includes work in the field of economic geology with Dr. Héroux and his colleagues on the characterization of the Mistassini Lake Basin.

Collaboration with École Polytechnique de Montréal includes work with Dr. Bouchard and his student Melanie Raynauld on the Meskino-Longachap Project, in which the glacial deposit data are being analyzed to determine ore target localizations based on mineralized boulders discovered by the prospectors.

Dr. Mareshal of UQAM has requested a collaboration with CMEB to develop geothermic flux data within the Superior Geological Province.

Dr. David Snider of the Geological Survey of Canada has established the first seismic station in Eeyou Istchee near Wemindji. The CMEB was involved in selecting the location and in logistics for this project. A link to the seismic station web site will allow users to observe seismic activity in the James Bay region.