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Gary, a quibble, but the latest (1997) geochemical analysis from Troymin's Hawkridge, Quebéc showed it to be picritic-hosted (Noril'sk-Talnakh-style of Russia) and not komatiitic-hosted like Ragland-Thompson-style nickel ore. Hawkridge mineralization also exhibits remobilization textures. Quebéc and Eastern Canada have very different styles/types of nickel mineralization--Lac Rochet (like Voisey's Bay?) may be more similar to deposit-types outside of Canada.
I agree, however, the basal noritic gabbro and the PGE (platinum group elements) association appear to be important exploration keys based upon the admittedly sketchy press releases. FYI, layered basal-norite nickel-copper with PGE credits occur within the Stillwater Complex of Montana, the Bushveld of S. Africa, the Great Dike of Zimbabwe, and of course, the Sudbury (Sub-Layer Norite) Igneous Complex of Ontario.
I think gross nickel-copper ratios may not be very important for "classifying" layered-norite Ni-Cu mineralization. The ratio from the center of a massive sulfide orebody can be significantly different (1.5-to-2 times) than near its edges (e.g., the Sudbury breccia is copper rich, while sub-layer norite is nickel rich).
Finally, I worked with the Nuinsco geological staff at their Rainy River property in '96; I thought they were were pretty sharp.
Good Luck and Regards,
Terry J. Crebs
Lakewood, Colorado
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