March 21, 2016

To the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) Selection Committee:

The Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office (CNGO) is Nunavut’s ‘de-facto’ Geological Survey. This office opened in 1999 and is supported by two federal departments – Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) – and by the Government of Nunavut, Economic Development and Transportation. The funds that are provided by these three organizations are used annually for salaries and O & M for CNGO. For core research, CNGO is reliant on additional funds under Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) programming through CanNor (Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency). This research funding is ~$1.5 million per year.

It is hoped that the CNGO will eventually become self-sustaining and independent and ultimately ‘devolve’ into the Nunavut Geological Survey. This scenario will likely happen under the auspices of the Government of Nunavut (GN). The office agreement (2013-2018) that manages the core office funding to CNGO, when renewed in 2012, stated that “the intention over the longer term is for the CNGO to grow in geoscience expertise and capacity and operate under the Territorial jurisdiction of the government of Nunavut while continuing to work with GSC and AANDC [now INAC] on a co-operative basis”. It is also expected that, when this ‘devolution’ happens, the geologists working in Nunavut within INAC, GN and CNGO would amalgamate to form Nunavut’s Geological Survey.

Nunavut is the largest jurisdiction in Canada, with over 20% of Canada’s landmass, but conversely has the smallest population (~33,000 people). The geology of Nunavut is diverse and the commodities sought for economic development and growth are numerous and varied. When the CNGO first opened, it was estimated that over 70% of this territory was insufficiently mapped. Mapping has been conducted regularly since 1999 but with Nunavut being such a large area, there are still many parts of the territory where there is insufficient knowledge and understanding of the rocks and the geological history.

Nunavut has a young government that is continually formulating policy and directions. All recognize that geoscience, exploration and mining, both current and future, have the potential to positively and strongly impact Nunavut’s economy. In 2010, when the Meadowbank gold mine first opened, the mine output increased Nunavut’s GDP by over 20%. Recently, on March 7, the GN reversed its policy initiative – arguably controversial for geoscientists – involving the government’s approach to balancing economic development and wildlife protection within Nunavut. Initially, GN had supported a ‘no-development of any kind’ stance within caribou calving grounds. With this announcement, the GN now supports ‘responsible development’ and this includes supporting, with conditions, mining activities on all land.

The CNGO is fully staffed with (only) six people that includes four geoscientists and two computer/GIS professionals. As Chief Geologist, I manage the office and formulate the office’s direction. Therefore, my reality is that the CNGO has (only) three geoscientists who regularly conduct field work. Our tiny office strongly relies on, and supports, partnerships and collaborations with other researchers to produce first-rate geoscience research in Nunavut. The Metal Earth mineral exploration research initiative, led by Laurentian University, is one such proposal that CNGO completely endorses.

The western portion of Nunavut is underlain by rocks of the Archean Slave Geological Province. Within the Slave Craton lie some of Nunavut’s, and Canada’s, best deposits and prospective rocks. Examples of these include: the Hope Bay Greenstone Belt, which hosts several world-class gold deposits including Doris, Madrid and Boston, owned by TMAC Resources; the High Lake and Izok base metal deposits owned by MMG; the Hackett River base metal deposit owned by Glencore plc; and the George and Goose gold deposits owned by Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. The Hope Bay belt, in particular, has the potential to host more as-yet-undiscovered deposits and become a world-class mining district.

Since 1999, there have been several collaborative research projects undertaken with CNGO – with NRCan (GSC) under GEM (Geo-Mapping for Energy and Minerals) programming, with numerous collaborators under SINED programming, and with private mineral exploration companies. This Metal Earth Project – and particularly for work proposed in the Slave Craton – fits well into CNGO’s mandate and goals to map and understand Nunavut’s geology. Several recent research projects have involved collaborative work on the Hope Bay belt, and the Metal Earth Project also has a focus on these rocks. I view the CFREF initiative as a chance to further our collective understanding of the genesis of base and precious metals during Earth’s evolution.

CNGO’s research funding under SINED was renewed for two years (2016-2018) in the recent federal budget. That funding is $20 million for two years and split amongst the three territories; the specific breakdown of this funding is currently not known. However, I have been working on proposals for CNGO in the order of $1.5 million annually. I do not have in-house capacity to provide a geologist to work in the Slave Craton but definitely welcome collaboration with the Metal Earth Project.

CNGO can support joint projects under CFREF with graduate students and post-doctoral fellows starting in 2016-2017. This support would include mentoring of graduate students by experienced CNGO geologists, the provision of field assistants, logistical and expediting services, cartographic and GIS support, and collaborative geological mapping and sampling projects for the Slave Craton project. Field-support and in-kind contributions are estimated to be $10,000 per graduate student per year.

In upcoming years, CNGO geologists conducting field work also can be involved with Laurentian and CFREF. The CNGO has already an established and productive track record of collaboration with researchers at Laurentian, as both Dr. Elizabeth Turner and Dr. Alessandro Ilepi, now professors at Laurentian, worked in this office and continue to have collaboration on SINED projects.

As Chief Geologist of CNGO, I encourage the Canada First Research Excellence Fund to recognize the significant contributions that Laurentian University can make under the Metal Earth Project – to understand the geological history, and the mineral endowment, of Canada’s north, a frontier for geoscience in our country.

Linda J. Ham. M.Sc., P.Geo.
Chief Geologist, Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office

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Geological Survey of Canada

Support for CFREF initiative

Cher Bruno,

Thank you for your letter of inquiry and your request for support for this important initiative. The GSC is certainly supportive and understandably pleased to hear that Laurentian University is using its opportunity with Canada First Research Excellence Fund to propose a research program centred on metal endowment research.

The Metal Earth proposal that you’ve forwarded to me would provide Canada, if successful, with an opportunity to develop a research consortium focusing on the geosciences that will add support Canada’s leadership in ore deposit research, similar to other national metallogenic research initiatives.

As you are aware, NRCan is mandated to study the geology and mining camps of Canada and has a long history of working with the geoscience community in the provision of geoscience to support mineral and metallogeny research. Currently, NRCan delivers this mandate under its Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) and Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI) Programs, both of which have been renewed until 2020. There certainly could be opportunities and clear linkages for NRCan and Metal Earth to coordinate their efforts to more effectively generate geoscience of economic and societal benefit. As such, NRCan endorses your efforts to add fundamental public geoscience knowledge about the processes that lead to ore deposit formation.

I wish you all the best in this endeavour!

Salutations,

Donna Kirkwood, Ph.D, Géo
Directrice générale, Commission géologique du Canada, Direction du Centre et du Nord du Canada, Ressources naturelles Canada
Director General, Geological Survey of Canada, Central and Northern Canada Branch, Natural Resources Canada

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Manitoba Geological Survey
www.manitoba.ca/minerals

October 19, 2015

To the CFREF Selection Committee,

The Manitoba Geological Survey (MGS) strongly endorses the Metal Earth mineral exploration research initiative of the Department of Earth Sciences and the Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC) at Laurentian University, and the application for funding from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.

The MGS has a well-established and highly productive track record of collaboration with researchers at Laurentian University, including several of the principal proponents of the Metal Earth initiative, which has made important contributions to our understanding of metallic mineral deposits and metal endowments in the Flin Flon — Snow Lake region of Manitoba — one of the premier mineral districts in Canada.

The MGS firmly believes that the research proposal outlined in the summary documents — in particular the integrated and holistic approach to answering fundamental questions relating to metal endowment —provides tremendous opportunity to build scientific capacity within Canada and to support Canadian economic growth, particularly in 'frontier' regions such as the Far North.

Specific key areas of potential collaboration between MGS and Laurentian University under the auspices of the Metal Earth initiative could include detailed comparisons of geologically similar, yet variably endowed, Precambrian greenstone belts (Archean and Proterozoic) in Manitoba. We would anticipate that economic activity resulting from such research will provide direct benefits to established mining communities as well as First Nations in Manitoba, many of which are located in remote areas with limited prospects for substantial, sustainable economic growth.

In addition to active research collaborations, and contingent upon budgetary approvals, MGS in-kind contributions for these types of partnered initiatives may include direct mentoring of graduate students by experienced MGS field geologists, as well as the provision of field assistants, logistics and expediting services, field accommodations, cartographic and GIS support, access to field locations, and field supplies.

The MGS applauds MERC for taking the lead in Canadian mineral exploration research. We are excited about the opportunity of working collaboratively with Laurentian University and MERC under the Metal Earth research initiative.

Sincerely,

Christian Böhm, Ph.D. A/Director, Manitoba Geological Survey

Scott Anderson, Ph.D. Chief Geologist, Precambrian Geoscience

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Québec, le 22 octobre 2015

Le comité de sélection du Fonds d'excellence en recherche Apogée Canada

Objet: Lettre de soutien au projet "Meta! Earth" dirigé par le « Minerai Exploration Research Center (MERC) » et soumis au Fonds d'excellence en recherche Apogée Canada (Canada First Research Excellence Fund)

Cher comité,

La Direction générale de géologie Québec (DIGO) tient à signifier son soutien au projet cité en objet et proposé par les professeurs Phil Thurston, Harold Gibson et Bruno Lafrance du MERC. En effet, ce projet permettra d'approfondir notre compréhension des mécanismes qui contrôlent la mise en place et la concentration des métaux pour mieux soutenir l'exploration minière et la mise en valeur de nouveaux gisements de métaux, particulièrement dans le nord du Québec et du Canada.

La région visée par le projet, le Bouclier précambrien canadien est très vaste et pourvu d'une abondance en gisements métallifères. Au Québec, d'importants gisements d'or, de fer, de nickel, de cuivre, de zinc, de titane, d'éléments du groupe des platinoïdes ét de lithium y sont présents. En 2014, les vingt mines métalliques en exploitation au Québec étaient toutes localisées dans le Bouclier précambrien.

L'importance de développer et de promouvoir le potentiel minéral du Bouclier précambrien a longtemps été reconnue par le gouvernement du Québec et représente une des principales composantes du Plan Nord, lancé en 2011. À cette fin, en 2015, le secteur Mines du Ministère des Ressources naturelles (MERN) investira 15 M$ en projets d'acquisition de connaissances géoscientifiques qui sont considérés comme essentiels au maintien et au développement de l'industrie minière au Québec.

En effet, le Bureau de la connaissance géoscientifique du Québec (BCGQ) du MERN a pour mandat d'acquérir et traiter des connaissances géoscientifiques dans le but de mettre en valeur le potentiel minéral du Québec. Le mandat que s'est donné « Metal Earth » est donc complémentaire au nôtre et nous pourrons mettre à contribution la trentaine de géoscientifiques qui composent notre équipe, La DGGQ mettra à contribution son expertise en géologie régionale, en géologie et en modélisation du potentiel minéral.

Plusieurs équipes de chercheurs universitaires, principalement québécoises, composées de professeurs et d'étudiants de 2e et 3e cycles, sont intégrées aux projets de levés du MERN afin de développer de nouvelles techniques et méthodes pour mieux cibler les giÉements métalliques des secteurs ciblés. L'implication de chercheurs du MERC et d'autres universités viendrait bonifier encore plus nos projets d'acquisition de connaissances géoscientifiques.

Contributions envisagées du MERN au projet de recherche Metal Earth :

• Fournir gratuitement la base de données complète du « Système d'information géominière du Québec (SIGÉOM)», une base de données reconnue à travers le monde qui comprend l'ensemble des travaux géoscientifiques réalisés par le MERN ainsi que les travaux d'exploration minière déposés au MERN (cartes, rapports, analyses géochimiques, données géophysiques, résultats de forages ...). Les données accumulées à ce jour ont une valeur de remplacement estimée à environ 4 milliards de dollars;
• Permettre aux scientifiques du MERN de travailler sur des thèmes de recherche du projet « Metal Earth » en fonction de leurs expertises en géologie régionale, métallogénie régionale et modélisation (évalué à 20 k$ par année);
• Dans le cadre du Plan Nord, le MERN réalise plusieurs projets dans des régions nordiques difficiles d'accès où la logistique est très couteuse. Le MERN est prêt à défrayer les coûts d'hébergement et de déplacement héliporté pour les scientifiques qui viendront se joindre à ses équipes. Cette contribution pourrait représenter jusqu'à 100 k$ par année, voire davantage selon les disponibilités et les projets proposés;
• Le MERN est prêt à soutenir des partenariats de recherche impliquant des universités québécoises qui travailleront sur les thèmes de recherche géoscientifique portant sur les priorités du projet « Metal Earth ». Cet investissement sera d'un minimum de 24 k$ par an et pourrait atteindre 100 k$ selon les projets et les synergies de recherche possibles.

Aussi, les connaissances acquises seront intégrées au SIGÉOM. Cette base de données, sans cesse bonifiée par nos travaux et ceux de l'industrie minière, sera mise à profit pour améliorer notre compréhension des processus de concentration des métaux et ultimement contribuer de manière significative à la découverte des prochaines mines du Québec.

En terminant, la Direction générale de Géologie Québec du MERN est heureuse de s'associer à ce projet que nous jugeons structurant pour la mise en valeur du potentiel minéral du Québec et du Canada et le développement de cette importante filière économique à l'échelle nationale.

Je vous prie de recevoir, cher comité, mes plus cordiales salutations.

Robert Giguère
Directeur général

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October 27, 2015

Northwest Territories Geological Survey

Re: Endorsement of Metal Earth mineral exploration research

To the Selection Committee - Canada First Research Excellence Fund:

The Northwest Territories Geological Survey (NTGS) would like to take this opportunity to endorse Laurentian Universities' proposed Metal Earth mineral exploration research initiative. Laurentian has an excellent track record of collaboration with the NTGS on mineral deposit research, and we are confident the resources would be used efficiently to build upon this existing relationship.

The research proposal represents a tremendous opportunity to improve our understanding of far northern mineral deposits, and develop new northern researchers. Both these activities align with the mandate and interests of the NTGS.

The NTGS can bring a wide variety of resources to the partnership, including direct or in-kind support such as mentoring of graduate students and logistical support for fieldwork.

The NTGS is pleased that Laurentian Universities' Mineral Exploration Research Centre has taken the initiative for fulsome northern mineral deposits research with their Metal Earth proposal, we look forward to collaborating with them under the initiative.

Sincerely,

Kumari Karunaratne A/ Director Northwest Territories Geological Survey

Scott Cairns Manager Minerals Deposits and Bedrock Mapping Northwest Territories Geological Survey

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Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
Mines & Minerals Division

October 27, 2015

Dear CFREF Selection Committee,

On behalf of the Ontario Geological Survey (OGS) please accept this letter as strong support and endorsement for Metal Earth, the mineral exploration research initiative of Laurentian University's Department of Earth Sciences Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC), and its application for funding from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.

The OGS, located on Laurentian University's campus, has had a long-standing relationship with MERC and the Department of Earth Sciences including collaborating with faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and grad students. These types of collaborations have led to further understanding of metallic mineral deposits and metal endowments in many areas across Ontario including the Ring of Fire — a large chromite deposit located in Ontario's Far North.

Areas of on-going collaboration with Laurentian University include (but not limited to) the Ring of Fire, the Sudbury Igneous Complex, the Wabigoon Subprovince and the Abitibi greenstone belt. Along with research collaborations, the OGS is prepared to provide in-kind contributions and support in terms of mentoring, information sharing, and geochemical analyses. Continued research will build scientific capacity and economic growth potential within Canada especially in regions such as the Far North.

Specific areas where the OGS can strengthen the CFREF program would include access to: 1) U-Pb dated zircons for further isotopic research; 2) our various geochemical databases (minimum value $2.7 M); 3) geophysical data, (minimum value $20M); and 4) rock properties data. The geophysical data is published and the OGS will facilitate access to this data as required. In areas in which CFREF field research overlaps with the OGS mapping program, logistical support will be available (our camps in remote areas with air support). We anticipate a great deal of formal and informal knowledge transfer between CFREF researchers and OGS staff as the CFREF program evolves.

The OGS is excited and looking forward to working collaboratively with Laurentian University's Department of Earth Sciences Mineral Exploration Research Centre under the Metal Earth initiative.

Sincerely,

Dr. Andy Fyon

Director, Ontario Geological Survey

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November 5, 2015

Dr. Harold Gibson
Laurentian University
Sudbury, Ontario

Dear Dr. Gibson:

Detour Gold Corporation endorses the submission of the Letter of Intent for the Canada First Research Excellence Fund application for Metal Earth. The Mineral Exploration Research Centre has demonstrated repeatedly its ability to efficiently work with individuals, groups, and organizations, academic and industry based, in developing content that serves both the educational and practical aspect of the industry.

Under guidance of the Advisory Board, MERC has used membership funding for development of a website, newsletter, a business plan and creation of new workshops to support growth of a program of mineral exploration research and educational initiatives. As a member of the industry, Detour Gold is already benefiting from the resources offered by the research centre.

Detour Gold is a Canadian mining company dedicated to the exploration of the upper regions of Canada. The Metal Earth Proposal stands to have positive and direct impact in our ability to optimize our exploration efforts, thus supporting the growth of the northern regions. The ability to selectively focus on or exclude specific areas, coupled with innovative techniques to help explore terrains that have so far proven more challenging, is an enormous task. Good interactions between governmental, academic, and industry players will be key to accelerating breakthrough in models and thinking. Detour Gold is confident in MERC's abilities to lead such efforts and therefore fully support MERC's proposal.

Sincerely,

Jean-Francois Metail
VP, Mineral Resource Management

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November 3, 2015

Dr. Harold Gibson
Laurentian University
Sudbury, Ontario

Dear Dr. Gibson,

Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations a Glencore Company is pleased to endorse the submission of the Letter of Intent for the Canada First Research Excellence Fund application for Metal Earth. As a company member of The Mineral Exploration Research Centre we participate in regular meetings to advise and support the Centre to maintain and build a strong connection with the mineral industry. We are committed to supporting the development of a high level of scientific capacity to study and understand Precambrian ore systems, to develop innovative ideas and technology and provide education and training of the next generations and ongoing professional development.

The Metal Earth Proposal will allow us be part of this multi-faceted group of researchers as they try to understand the distribution and endowment of metals in the Precambrian Shield that underlies much of northern Canada. As we sit on a significant area of mineral endowment within the Sudbury Basin it will be interesting to see why this is so and how it can help to lead us to other areas and new deposits. For any large scale research project such as Metal Earth we anticipate significant results direct and indirect that may assist Glencore in discovering additional resources within Canada and potentially worldwide.

As an Industry member we look forward to being an active partner and supporter of the research objectives of Metal Earth.

Sincerely,

Mike Sweeny, M.Sc., P.Geo.

Senior Geologist - Exploration
Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations
A Glencore Company

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Vale Exploration Canada Inc.

November 9th 2015

Dr. Harold Gibson
Mineral Exploration Research Centre

Dr. Gibson,

Vale would like to express our support for the submission of the Letter of Intent for the Canada First Research Excellence Fund application for Metal Earth. Metal Earth is a proposal which is set to apply innovative concepts and technologies towards understanding metal distribution and endowment variations in the Earth’s crust with an early focus on the Precambrian.

It is our belief at Vale that innovation and technology in mining, and specifically in mineral exploration are the keys to discovery and further understanding of the geological environment in which we explore. The Metal Earth Initiative will focus on precisely the types of concepts and at the scales which are the most difficult for individual companies and researchers, allowing a wider and deeper perspective.

Vale is keenly interested in understanding and evaluating the detailed facets of the Metal Earth Research Program to determine partnership and support opportunities which match the Program and Vale’s interests and needs.

Sincerely,

Joel Hrominchuk, M.Sc. P.Geo
Exploration Technology and Innovation Manager
Exploration and Research Department
Vale

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November 4, 2015

Dr. Harold Gibson
Laurentian University
Sudbury, Ontario

Dear Dr. Gibson,

Wallbridge Mining Company Limited endorses the Metal Earth submission to the Canada First Research Excellence Fund made by the Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC) at Laurentian University.

Much of Canada's wealth is built upon its rich mineral abundance. From this natural endowment, Canada has established a preeminent position in the global mining and mineral exploration industry. Canada annually ranks as one of the top two countries for attracting mineral exploration investment. This is important because discovery of Canada's next generation of mines requires investment in mineral exploration today.

However, as published by S&N Metals and Mining and Natural Resources Canada, Canada's proportionate market share of global mineral exploration investment is in systematic decline resulting in Canada having lost over $14 billion mineral exploration investment to other countries since 2004, during the last commodities cycle. At the same time, declining worldwide exploration discovery rates (new deposits per exploration expenditure) are widely documented by industry. These factors represent significant threats to Canada's long term global competitiveness within this critical sector.

These trends are attributed to the maturing of established mining camps and the related increase in the depth of new discoveries, which are increasingly obscured by cover. This is coupled with only incremental innovation in mineral exploration technologies since the geophysical tools developed during world war two.

Research toward achieving ground-breaking step-changes in mineral exploration technologies (including models for how and where mineral deposits occur and how to most effectively explore for them) is very necessary and very much in Canada's interest.

The Metal Earth research proposal is exactly the type of research that is necessary. As a member of the MERC Advisory Board and a repeated research collaborator and sponsor, Wallbridge endorses MERC as being very well positioned to be successful with this important project.

Yours sincerely,

Joshua Bailey, M.Sc., P.Geo

Vice President, Exploration
Wallbridge Mining Company Limited

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