Showcasing the Geological Wonders of Nunavut.
In the world of geology, the past shapes the future. It teaches us valuable lessons that can change our perspective on what lies ahead.
Recently, Agnico Eagle contributed two gold-bearing rock samples found on the Meadowbank Complex and Hope Bay properties, both located in Nunavut, to the Manitoba Museum’s geology collection.
The Museum’s vision is to shape Manitoba’s future by expanding knowledge, sharing stories and encouraging discovery – helping us learn from the past and transform how we see the future.
Dr. Joe Moysiuk, Curator of Palaeontology and Geology, explains. “These samples of gold-bearing rock are not only beautiful, they have an incredible geological story to tell our visitors. They help make the connection between the human and natural sides of history.”
He adds, “Mining has played a crucial role in shaping and defining Canada’s past, and it’s equally important today, as societal needs continue to evolve. Minerals like gold underpin advancing technology from cell phones to renewable energy.”
The Meadowbank Complex specimen contains roughly 3 ounces of gold, while the Hope Bay specimen contains about 2 ounces of gold. Carol Plummer, EVP of Sustainability, People & Culture, had the pleasure of presenting the Museum with the samples in December of 2023.
“The Museum is dedicated to expanding knowledge, sharing stories and encouraging discovery. I have great memories of visiting as a child and was delighted to be able to return to deliver Agnico’s donation to the geology collection.” says Carol. “I am sure that our Nunavummiut employees will delight in seeing a little piece of Nunavut on display at the museum and hope that Agnico Eagle’s contribution ignites the imagination of future geologists and engineers as they learn of the geological wonders of Canada.”
The Manitoba Museum, located in Winnipeg, is in the midst of research to develop a renewal plan and fundraising campaign to upgrade three of its main galleries: the Earth History Gallery, the Boreal Forest Gallery, and the Arctic and Subarctic Gallery. The rock specimens contributed by Agnico Eagle are earmarked for display in the Earth History Gallery.
Rock Back in Time: The first specimen provided by Agnico Eagle comes from the Meadowbank Complex in central mainland Nunavut. It contains roughly 3 ounces of gold associated with brown sphalerite (a zinc-iron sulfide). The host rock was formed when the continent began to rift and spread apart in the Archaean Eon, about 2.7 billion years ago. Gold was introduced about 1.8 billion years ago when fluids entered cracks in the rock under high pressure and temperature, forming veins.
The second specimen comes from Hope Bay, Nunavut, located on the Arctic coast about 685 km northeast of Yellowknife. The small flecks of gold visible in the sample were similarly deposited in quartz veins in older Archaean rocks during a phase of deformation. And, while it might not look like it, you can tell from the weight that this is no ordinary rock – it contains about 2 ounces of gold.