Nunavut prospecting courses seek eager rock hunters

You can learn more about what make’s Nunavut’s rocks special in week-long courses in basic prospecting being offered in many Nunavut communities this summer. (PHOTO BY JANE GEORGE)

As snow subsides to uncover the rocky ground, spring signals the start of prospecting season — not just for mining companies, but all Nunavummiut interested in exploring the land.

With some basic knowledge of geology, you could also help advance knowledge of the territory’s mineral wealth by prospecting on your own time.

“Nunavut is an underexplored territory, [so] there’s a lot of potential to discover,” said Hugh-John MacIsaac, resident geologist with the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, in Cambridge Bay.

“If somebody’s genuinely interested, it’s a great place to prospect. There’s lots of outcrop. The land claims are all settled. For people going out onto the land, it’s a good thing to learn more about.”

MacIsaac will be teaching brief week-long courses in basic prospecting this summer in five communities of the Baffin region, as well as in Arviat and Taloyoak.

Graduates of the prospecting course, which is free for territorial residents, are eligible for funding for the prospector’s program offered by Nunavut’s economic development department.

With applications now open for the program, MacIsaac hopes to see past graduates of the prospector’s course follow through, and apply to become paid prospectors.

“Eight hundred and fifty people have taken the course before, so I’d like to get applications from more of those people,” he said.

The courses are offered in a different set of communities each year, to cover the entire territory every three to four years.

“If you’re really interested in prospecting, quit procrastinating,” MacIsaac laughed, calling out to the 850 graduates.

The “Introduction to Prospecting” courses will first be given in Arviat, June 10 to June 15, followed by Taloyoak, June 24 to June 29, and in five communities of Baffin over the successive weeks, to finish in Igloolik at the end of August. These free six-day courses will be given on weeknights and all day on Saturday.

MacIsaac will be the lead instructor in the courses, which include lessons on geology, identifying mineral and ore-bearing rocks, mapping, staking, panning, and prospecting. You’ll get a certificate for attendance and participation, without having to write tests.

Applications for the prospecting program are more detailed, geared for those who have taken the courses, or have experience as prospectors.

The program provides funding of up to $8,000 for prospecting a specified area per year. The funds pay for “assistants’ wages, prospecting supplies, mineral testing costs, fuel, vehicle maintenance and food allowance while looking for minerals,” according to Government of Nunavut documents.

“Most people take the course and then apply for funding,” said MacIsaac. “People that will be taking the course this summer can also apply right after graduation and still receive money, and go out prospecting too.”

MacIsaac said 19 Nunavummiut qualified for the program last year, and the department granted about $90,000 in total.

“Now is really the time to get in your application.”

With the onset of summer, “people are all like ‘hey, I want to get out onto the land,’” said MacIsaac. “Well, it’d be nice to go out with some money, and look for rocks at the same time.”

For more information see the programs and funding section of the Department of Economic Development and Training’s website.