This paper is one of a series which has three main aims: to serve as a reminder of the extent to which geochemical reconnaissance data are available for various parts of the country; to make general comments upon the relationship between the observed surficial geochemistry and the general and economic geology of various regions; and to provide specific examples showing how these geochemical data may be interpreted. Although the prime purpose of the geochemical surveys is as a guide to mineral exploration, the same data are of value to environmentalists, and in populated areas to agriculturists and health authorities.

The Nanisivik deposits are Mississippi Valley-type Zn-Pb-Ag massive sulphide bodies hosted by Mesoproterozoic dolostone of the Society Cliffs Formation. This work, undertaken during the summer of 2001, included detailed mapping in the immediate vicinity of the Nanisivik mine, regional mapping, and examination of accessible sulphide showings, and was undertaken to characterize the stratigraphy and develop a regional model for the mineralization. This project bridges the gap between deposit-specific and regional studies. In addition to generating new concepts, this paper integrates previous work into a coherent model explaining the genesis and distribution of massive sulphide bodies in the Nanisivik area.