Giga Metals (GIGGF) 20-F 28 Apr 20 2019 FY Annual report (foreign) Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Giga Metals Corp
Entity Central Index Key	0001336364
Document Type	20-F
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	55,494,015
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Emerging Growth Company	true
Entity Ex Transition Period	false
Entity Shell Company	false

Consolidated Statements of Fina

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position - CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,640,642	$ 405,849
Receivables	1,071,018	1,090,803
Marketable securities	0	2,683,560
Prepaid expenses and deposits	64,365	293,861
Total current assets	2,776,025	4,474,073
Non-current assets
Reclamation deposits	232,000	232,000
Equipment and right of use assets	341,163	70,444
Exploration and evaluation assets	4,390,312	2,333,269
Total Noncurrent Assets	4,963,475	2,635,713
TOTAL ASSETS	7,739,500	7,109,786
Current liabilities
Trade payables and accrued liabilities	383,785	312,981
Lease obligation - short-term	76,070	0
Total current liabilities	459,855	312,981
Non-current liabilities
Lease obligation - long-term	217,394	0
Asset retirement obligations	200,000
Total non current liabilities	417,394
TOTAL LIABILITIES	877,249	312,981
EQUITY
Share capital	55,091,542	53,870,374
Share-based payment reserve	7,763,393	7,255,441
Deficit	(55,992,684)	(54,329,010)
TOTAL EQUITY	6,862,251	6,796,805
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 7,739,500	$ 7,109,786

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - CAD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating expenses
Amortization	$ 79,923	$ 11,383
Consulting fees	400,317	174,200
Corporate communications and investor relations	572,810	376,076
Legal, accounting and audit	170,315	138,024
Management and directors fees	240,412	176,101
Office and general	280,796	291,963
Travel and accommodation	85,972	82,067
Stock-based compensation	515,620	500,742
Operating expenses, total	2,346,165	1,750,556
Other items
Interest income	(15,995)	(35,950)
Finance charge on lease	25,211
Income from sublease of office	(39,937)
Gain on sale of net smelter return royalty		(7,067,703)
Realized loss on sale of marketable securities	2,682,350	868,340
Change in fair value of marketable securities	(3,334,120)	3,334,120
Other operating income (expense)	(682,491)	(2,901,193)
(Loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income for the year	$ (1,663,674)	$ 1,150,637
(Loss) income per share - basic	$ (0.03)	$ 0.03
(Loss) income per share - diluted	$ (0.03)	$ 0.02
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic	51,169,610	42,391,792
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted	51,169,610	56,057,074

Consolidated Statement of Chang

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - CAD ($)	Share capital [Member]	Share-based payment reserve [Member]	Subscriptions received [Member]	Deficit [Member]	Total
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 53,218,158	$ 6,745,535	$ 27,000	$ (55,479,647)	$ 4,511,046
Beginning Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	40,664,015
Private placement	$ 576,000		$ (27,000)		549,000
Private placement (Shares)	960,000
'Cash finders' fees	$ (22,080)				(22,080)
Brokers' warrants	(9,164)	9,164
Other fees	(14,290)				(14,290)
Exercise of warrants	$ 121,750				121,750
Exercise of warrants (Shares)	1,525,000
Stock-based compensation		500,742			500,742
'Comprehensive loss for the year				1,150,637	1,150,637
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 53,870,374	7,255,441		(54,329,010)	6,796,805
Ending Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	43,149,015
Exercise of warrants	$ 1,176,000				1,176,000
Exercise of warrants (Shares)	11,970,000
Exercise of options	$ 45,168	(7,668)			37,500
Exercise of options (Shares)	375,000
Stock-based compensation		515,620			515,620
'Comprehensive loss for the year				(1,663,674)	(1,663,674)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 55,091,542	$ 7,763,393		$ (55,992,684)	$ 6,862,251
Ending Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2019	55,494,015

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - CAD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating activities
(Loss) income for the year	$ (1,663,674)	$ 1,150,637
Adjustments for:
Amortization	79,923	11,383
Stock-based compensation	515,620	500,742
Gain on sale of net smelter return royalty		(7,067,703)
Change in fair value of marketable securities	(3,334,120)	3,334,120
Realized loss on sale of marketable securities	2,682,350	868,340
Changes in non-cash working capital items:
Receivables	128,011	(161,005)
Prepaid expenses and deposits	229,496	67,564
Trade payables and accrued liabilities	(28,433)	(48,361)
Net cash flows used in operating activities	(1,390,827)	(1,344,283)
Investing activities
Expenditures on exploration and evaluation assets	(1,866,032)	(4,793,432)
Net proceeds on the sale of net smelter return royalty		520,080
Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities, net of costs	3,335,330	1,438,980
Purchase of equipment	(3,594)	(72,364)
Reclamation deposit		(44,100)
Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities	1,465,704	(2,950,836)
Financing activities
Proceeds on issuance of common shares	1,213,500	670,750
Share issue costs		(36,370)
Principal repayment of lease obligation	(53,584)
Net cash flows from financing activities	1,159,916	634,380
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,234,793	(3,660,739)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning	405,849	4,066,588
Cash and cash equivalents, ending	1,640,642	405,849
Cash	297,977	394,349
Cash equivalents	1,342,665	11,500
Cash received for interest	1,763	39,047
Cash paid for interest	25,211
Cash paid for taxes	$ 0	$ 0

Nature and continuance of opera

Nature and continuance of operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Nature And Continuance Of Operations [Abstract]
Nature and continuance of operations [Text Block]	1. Nature and continuance of operations Giga Metals Corporation (the "Company" or "Giga Metals") was incorporated on January 17, 1983, under the laws of the province of British Columbia, Canada, and its principal activity is the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in Canada. The Company's common shares are listed for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") under the symbol "GIGA" and the OTCQB under the symbol "HNCKF". The head office, principal address and records office of the Company are located at 700 West Pender Street, Suite 203, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 1G8. The Company's registered address is 885 West Georgia Street, Suite 800, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 3H1. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the assumption that the Company and its subsidiary will continue as a going concern, meaning it will continue in operation for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize assets and discharge liabilities in the ordinary course of operations. As at December 31, 2019, the Company's accrued deficit was $55,992,684, and the Company has no other source of revenue from its operations Subsequent to year-end, there was a global pandemic outbreak of COVID-19. The actual and threatened spread of the virus globally has had a material adverse effect on the global economy and; specifically, the regional economies in which the Company operates. The pandemic could continue to have a negative impact on the stock market, including trading prices of the Company's shares and its ability to raise new capital. These factors, among others, could have a significant impact on the Company's operations. These material uncertainties may cast significant doubt upon the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

Significant accounting policies

Significant accounting policies and basis of preparation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Significant Accounting Policies And Basis Of Preparation [Abstract]
Significant accounting policies and basis of preparation [Text Block]	2. Significant accounting policies and basis of preparation These financial statements were authorized for issue on April 27, 2020 by the directors of the Company. Statement of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards The consolidated financial statements of the Company comply with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC"). Basis of preparation The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared on an accrual basis and are based on historical costs, modified where applicable. The consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, Canadian Metals Exploration Ltd. Inter-company balances and transactions, including unrealized income and expenses arising from inter-company transactions, are eliminated on consolidation. Significant estimates and assumptions The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The Company's management reviews these estimates and underlying assumptions on an ongoing basis, based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Revisions to estimates are adjusted prospectively in the period in which the estimates are revised. Estimates and assumptions where there is significant risk of material adjustments to assets and liabilities in future accounting periods include the useful lives of equipment, the recoverability of the carrying value of exploration and evaluation assets, fair value measurements for financial instruments and share-based payments, the recoverability and measurement of deferred tax assets, provisions for restoration and environmental obligations and contingent liabilities. Significant judgments The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the Company to make judgments, apart from those involving estimates, in applying accounting policies. The most significant judgments in applying the Company's financial statements include: - - - Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments held in the form of money market investments and certificates of deposit with investment terms that allow for penalty free redemption after one month. Exploration and evaluation expenditures Costs incurred before the Company has obtained the legal rights to explore an area are expensed as incurred. Exploration and evaluation expenditures include the costs of acquiring licenses and costs associated with exploration and evaluation activity. Option payments are considered acquisition costs provided that the Company has the intention of exercising the underlying option. Property option agreements are exercisable entirely at the option of the optionee. Therefore, option payments (or recoveries) are recorded when payment is made (or received) and are not accrued. Exploration and evaluation expenditures are capitalized. The Company capitalizes costs to specific blocks of claims or areas of geological interest. Government tax credits are recorded as a reduction to the cumulative costs incurred and capitalized on the related property on an accrual basis. Exploration and evaluation assets are tested for impairment if facts or circumstances indicate that impairment exists. Examples of such facts and circumstances are as follows: - - - - After technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource are demonstrable, the Company stops capitalizing expenditures for the applicable block of claims or geological area of interest and tests the asset for impairment. The capitalized balance, net of any impairment recognized, is then reclassified to either tangible or intangible mine development assets according to the nature of the asset. Share-based payments The Company operates an employee stock option plan. Share-based payments to employees are measured at the fair value of the instruments issued and amortized over the vesting periods. Share-based payments to non-employees are measured at the fair value of goods or services received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, if it is determined the fair value of the goods or services cannot be reliably measured, and are recorded at the date the goods or services are received. The corresponding amount is recorded to the share-based payment reserve. The fair value of options is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model which incorporates all market vesting conditions. The number of shares and options expected to vest is reviewed and adjusted at the end of each reporting period such that the amount recognized for services received as consideration for the equity instruments granted shall be based on the number of equity instruments that eventually vest. Where the terms and conditions of options are modified before they vest, the increase in the fair value of the options, measured immediately before and after the modification, is also charged to profit or loss over the remaining vesting period. Where a grant of options is cancelled or settled during the vesting period, excluding forfeitures when vesting conditions are not satisfied, the Company accounts for the cancellation as an acceleration of vesting and recognizes the amount that otherwise would have been recognized for services received over the remainder of the vesting period. Any payment made to the employee on the cancellation is accounted for as the repurchase of an equity interest except to the extent the payment exceeds the fair value of the equity instrument granted, measured at the repurchase date. Any such excess is recognized as an expense. Earnings (loss) per share Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period. For all periods presented, the income (loss) attributable to common shareholders equals the reported income (loss) attributable to owners of the Company. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the calculation of diluted earnings per share assumes that the proceeds to be received on the exercise of dilutive share options and warrants are used to repurchase common shares at the average market price during the period. However, the calculation of diluted loss per share excludes the effects of various conversions and exercises of options and warrants that would be anti-dilutive. Recognition of Financial Instruments The Company recognizes a financial asset or financial liability on the statement of financial position when it becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument. The Company classifies its financial instruments in the following categories: at fair value through profit and loss ("FVTPL"), at fair value through other comprehensive income (loss) ("FVTOCI") or at amortized cost. The Company determines the classification of financial assets at initial recognition. The classification of debt instruments is driven by the Company's business model for managing the financial assets and their contractual cash flow characteristics. Equity instruments that are held for trading are classified as FVTPL. For other equity instruments, on the day of acquisition the Company can make an irrevocable election (on an instrument-by-instrument basis) to designate them as at FVTOCI. Financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost, unless they are required to be measured at FVTPL (such as instruments held for trading or derivatives) or if the Company has opted to measure them at FVTPL. Financial assets at FVTOCI Investments in equity instruments designated at FVTOCI are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs. Subsequently they are measured at fair value, with both realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) in the period in which they arise. Financial assets and liabilities at amortized cost Financial assets and liabilities at amortized cost are initially recognized at fair value plus or minus transaction costs, respectively, and subsequently carried at amortized cost less any impairment. Financial assets and liabilities at FVTPL Financial assets and liabilities carried at FVTPL are initially recorded at fair value and transaction costs are expensed in profit or loss. Realized and unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities held at FVTPL are included in profit or loss in the period in which they arise. Where management has opted to recognize a financial liability at FVTPL, any changes associated with the Company's own credit risk will be recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Impairment of financial assets at amortized cost The Company recognizes a loss allowance for expected credit losses on financial assets that are measured at amortized cost. At each reporting date, the Company measures the loss allowance for the financial asset at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses if the credit risk on the financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition. If at the reporting date, the financial asset has not increased significantly since initial recognition, the Company measures the loss allowance for the financial asset at an amount equal to the twelve month expected credit losses. The Company shall recognize in the profit or loss, as an impairment gain or loss, the amount of expected credit losses (or reversal) that is required to adjust the loss allowance at the reporting date to the amount that is required to be recognized. Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities The Company derecognizes financial assets only when the contractual rights to cash flows from the financial assets expire, or when it transfers the financial assets and substantially all of the associated risks and rewards of ownership to another entity. Gains and losses on derecognition are generally recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they arise. However, gains and losses on derecognition of financial assets designated as FVTOCI are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) in the period in which they arise. Cumulative gains and losses on derecognized financial assets designated as FVTOCI are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to deficit. The Company derecognizes financial liabilities only when its obligations under the financial liabilities are discharged, cancelled or expired. Generally, the difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognized and the consideration paid and payable, including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, is recognized in profit or loss. Impairment of assets The carrying amount of the Company's assets (which include equipment and exploration and evaluation assets) is reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss. An impairment loss is recognized whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in the statement of comprehensive income (loss). The recoverable amount of assets is the greater of an asset's fair value less cost to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects the current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not generate cash inflows largely independent of those from other assets, the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. An impairment loss is only reversed if there is an indication that the impairment loss may no longer exist and there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. Any reversal of impairment cannot increase the carrying value of the asset to an amount higher than the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized in previous years. Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment. Income taxes Current income tax: Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current period are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively enacted, at the reporting date, in the countries where the Company operates and generates taxable income. Current income tax relating to items recognized directly in other comprehensive income or equity is recognized in other comprehensive income or equity and not in profit or loss. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in the tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate. Deferred income tax: Deferred income tax is recognized, using the asset and liability method, on temporary differences at the reporting date arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and recognized only to the extent that it is probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilized. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset, if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred income taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority. Flow-through shares: On the issuance of flow-through shares, any premium received in excess of the market price of the Company's common shares is initially recorded as a liability ("flow-through tax liability"). Provided that the Company has renounced the related expenditures, or that there is a reasonable expectation that it will do so, the flow-through tax liability is reduced on a pro-rata basis as the expenditures are incurred. If such expenditures are capitalized, a deferred tax liability is recognized. To the extent that the Company has suitable unrecognized deductible temporary differences, an offsetting recovery of deferred income taxes would be recorded. Restoration and environmental obligations The Company recognizes liabilities for statutory, contractual, constructive or legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-term assets, when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operation of the assets. The net present value of future restoration cost estimates arising from the decommissioning of plant and other site preparation work is capitalized to the related asset along with a corresponding increase in the restoration provision in the period incurred. Discount rates using a pre-tax rate that reflect the time value of money are used to calculate the net present value. The Company's estimates of restoration costs could change as a result of changes in regulatory requirements, discount rates and assumptions regarding the amount and timing of the future expenditures. These changes are recorded directly to the related asset with a corresponding entry to the restoration provision. The Company's estimates are reviewed annually for changes in regulatory requirements, discount rates, effects of inflation and changes in estimates. Changes in the net present value, excluding changes in the Company's estimates of restoration costs, are charged to the statement of comprehensive loss for the period. The net present value of restoration costs arising from subsequent site damage that is incurred on an ongoing basis during production are charged to the statement of comprehensive loss in the period incurred. The costs of restoration projects that were included in the provision are recorded against the provision as incurred. The costs to prevent and control environmental impacts at specific properties are capitalized in accordance with the Company's accounting policy for exploration and evaluation assets. At December 31, 2019, the Company estimated that the fair value of the restoration obligations were $200,000. The fair value of the liability was determined to be equal to the estimated remediation costs. Due to the early stages of the project, and that extractive activities have not yet begun, the Company is unable to predict with any precision the timing of the cash flow related to the reclamation activities. At December 31, 2018, the Company had not recorded any restoration and environmental obligations. Equipment and right of use assets Equipment and right of use assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of comprehensive income (loss) during the financial period in which they are incurred. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognized in the statement of comprehensive income (loss). Amortization is calculated on a declining balance method to write off the cost of the assets to their residual values over their estimated useful lives, except for right of use assets that use the straight line method. The amortization rates applicable to each category of equipment and right of use assets are as follows: Class Amortization rate Share capital Common shares are classified as equity. Transaction costs directly attributable to the issue of common shares are recognized as a deduction from equity. The Company has adopted a residual method with respect to the measurement of shares and warrants issued as units. The residual method first allocates fair value to the component with the best evidence of fair value and then the residual value, if any, to the less easily measurable component. The fair value of the common shares issued was determined to be the component with the best evidence of fair value. The remaining balance, if any, was allocated to the attached warrants.

Adoption of new accounting stan

Adoption of new accounting standards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Adoption Of New Accounting Standards [Abstract]
Adoption of new accounting standards [Text Block]	3. Adoption of new accounting standards IFRS 16, Leases The Company adopted all of the requirements of IFRS 16 Leases ("IFRS 16") as of January 1, 2019. IFRS 16 replaces IAS 17 Leases ("IAS 17"). IFRS 16 provides a single lessee accounting model, requiring lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases unless the lease term is 12 months or less or the underlying asset has a low value. The Company has adopted IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective application method, where the 2018 comparatives are not restated and a cumulative catch up adjustment is recorded on January 1, 2019 for any differences identified, including adjustments to the opening deficit balance. The Company analyzed its contracts to identify whether they contain a lease arrangement for the application of IFRS 16. On the date of transition, the Company did not have any leases with lease terms in excess of 12 months. Accordingly, the Company did not record any transition adjustments on January 1, 2019. The following is the Company's new accounting policy for leases under IFRS 16: Leases At inception of a contract, the Company assesses whether the contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Leases of right-of-use assets are recognized at the lease commencement date at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at that date. The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, if that rate can be readily determined, and otherwise at the Company's incremental borrowing rate. At the commencement date, a right-of-use asset is measured at cost, which is comprised of the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any decommissioning and restoration costs, less any lease incentives received. Each lease payment is allocated between repayment of the lease principal and interest. Interest on the lease liability in each period during the lease term is allocated to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the lease liability. Except where the costs are included in the carrying amount of another asset, the Company recognizes in profit or loss (a) the interest on a lease liability and (b) variable lease payments not included in the measurement of a lease liability in the period in which the event or condition that triggers those payments occurs. The Company subsequently measures a right-of-use asset at cost less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses; and adjusted for any remeasurement of the lease liability. Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term, except where the lease contains a bargain purchase option a right-of-use asset is depreciated over the asset's useful life.

Receivables

Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables [Text Block]	4. Receivables December 31, 2019 $ December 31, 2018 $ Goods and Service sales tax 61,021 189,475 British Columbia mining tax credits 1,007,373 899,147 Interest receivable and other receivables 2,624 2,181 1,071,018 1,090,803

Marketable securities

Marketable securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable securities [Text Block]	5. Marketable securities Marketable securities are classified as FVTPL financial instruments and, as a result, are measured at fair market value each reporting period with any change in fair value recognized through the statement of comprehensive income (loss). On July 31, 2018, the Company received 1,125,000 common shares of Cobalt 27 Capital Corp. ("Cobalt 27") (Note 7). # of shares Value $ Marketable securities at December 31, 2017 - - Received on sale of net smelter return royalty (Note 7) 1,125,000 8,325,000 Sale of securities (311,800 ) (2,307,320 ) Fair market value adjustment - (3,334,120 ) Marketable securities at December 31, 2018 813,200 2,683,560 Sale of securities (813,200 ) (6,017,680 ) Fair market value adjustment - 3,334,120 Marketable securities at December 31, 2019 - - During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company sold 813,200 common shares (2018 - 311,800) for net proceeds of $3,335,330 (2018 - $1,438,980) and accordingly, the Company recorded a realized loss of $2,682,350 (2018 - $868,340).

Equipment and right of use asse

Equipment and right of use assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Equipment and right of use assets [Text Block]	6. Equipment and right of use assets Right of use assets - leases $ Motor Vehicles $ Computer equipment $ Exploration and office equipment $ Total $ Cost: At December 31, 2017 - 20,330 29,665 61,984 111,979 Additions - 25,322 46,542 500 72,364 At December 31, 2018 - 45,652 76,207 62,484 184,343 Additions 347,048 - 2,087 1,507 350,642 At December 31, 2019 347,048 45,652 78,294 63,991 534,985 Depreciation: At December 31, 2017 - 19,838 27,627 55,051 102,516 Charge for the year - 3,980 5,638 1,765 11,383 At December 31, 2018 - 23,818 33,265 56,816 113,899 Charge for the year 65,073 6,548 7,020 1,282 79,923 At December 31, 2019 65,073 30,366 40,285 58,098 193,822 Net book value: At December 31, 2018 - 21,834 42,942 5,668 70,444 At December 31, 2019 281,975 15,286 38,009 5,893 341,163

Exploration and evaluation asse

Exploration and evaluation assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of exploration and evaluation assets [abstract]
Exploration and evaluation assets [Text Block]	7. Exploration and evaluation assets The Company's deferred exploration costs are as follows: Balance, Change in year Balance, Change in year Balance, 2017 $ 2018 $ 2018 $ 2019 $ 2019 $ Mineral property interests 179,500 - 179,500 - 179,500 Assays and testing 2,052,292 247,222 2,299,514 40,236 2,339,750 Claims renewal / staking 459,261 12,383 471,644 7,555 479,199 Drilling 12,488,967 1,854,312 14,343,279 18,478 14,361,757 Environmental studies 1,256,621 415,065 1,671,686 143,935 1,815,621 Exploration data management 917,422 37,656 955,078 10,142 965,220 First Nations 166,444 54,580 221,024 29,444 250,468 Geochemistry 111,066 - 111,066 - 111,066 Geological and engineering services 8,834,256 772,235 9,606,491 903,283 10,509,774 Geophysical services 743,515 58,128 801,643 - 801,643 Metallurgy 3,792,672 331,978 4,124,650 437,133 4,561,783 Petrographic work 43,957 - 43,957 - 43,957 Project management 106,015 - 106,015 - 106,015 Survey, mapping and camp 1,628,447 945,758 2,574,205 196,228 2,770,433 Transportation 2,604,549 273,202 2,877,751 107,190 2,984,941 Advances - - - 71,645 71,645 Cost recovery (56,480 ) - (56,480 ) - (56,480 ) Asset retirement obligations - - - 200,000 200,000 Property impairments (33,058,924 ) - (33,058,924 ) - (33,058,924 ) BC refundable mining tax credits (2,208,394 ) (891,874 ) (3,100,268 ) (108,226 ) (3,208,494 ) Federal non-refundable mining tax credits, net of valuation allowance (61,185 ) - (61,185 ) - (61,185 ) Book value at date of sale of net smelter royalty - (1,777,377 ) (1,777,377 ) - (1,777,377 ) 1 2,333,268 2,333,269 2,057,043 4,390,312 The Company has a 100% interest in certain mineral claims, located along the Turnagain River in British Columbia, Canada. One claim is subject to a 4% net smelter return royalty ("NSR"). The Company has the option to purchase all or part of the NSR within four years of commercial production for a price of $1,000,000 per 1% NSR. In July 2018, the Company sold a 2% NSR. Sale of Royalty On July 31, 2018, the Company closed the sale of a 2% NSR on all future metal production from the Turnagain Nickel-Cobalt Project to Cobalt 27 for consideration of US$1,000,000 in cash (received) and 1,125,000 Cobalt 27 common shares (received) at $7.40 per share for a fair value of $8,325,000. The Company paid a finders' fee of US$600,000 to a third party. Proceeds of sale of 2% NSR $ Cash 1,300,200 1,125,000 common shares of Cobalt 27 8,325,000 Total proceeds of sale of 2% NSR 9,625,200 Less: book value of Turnagain Nickel-Cobalt Project at date of sale (1,777,377 ) Less: 6% finders' fee (780,120 ) Gain on sale of net smelter return royalty 7,067,703 In accordance with IFRS, the net proceeds on the sale of the NSR are considered as a cost recovery of exploration and evaluation assets, with any excess recorded to the statement of comprehensive income (loss). Under the terms of the NSR Agreement, 75% of the cash proceeds are to be used by the Company to complete the work required to advance the Turnagain Project through to Pre-feasibility and for exploration at Turnagain. Within one year of the signing (July 11, 2018) of the NSR Agreement, Cobalt 27 has the right to appoint one member to the Company's board of directors. The Company has the right to repurchase 0.5% of the 2% NSR ("Repurchase Option") for US$20 million, which if exercised would result in a 1.5% remaining NSR. The one-time Repurchase Option is only exercisable prior to the fifth anniversary of the NSR Agreement. Cobalt 27 will have a right of first refusal on any future sale by Giga Metals of a royalty or product stream or similar instrument.

Trade payables and accrued liab

Trade payables and accrued liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Trade Payables And Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Trade payables and accrued liabilities [Text Block]	8. Trade payables and accrued liabilities December 31, $ December 31, $ Trade payables 235,421 229,422 Accrued liabilities 148,364 83,559 383,785 312,981

Lease obligations

Lease obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Lease obligations [Text Block]	9. Lease obligations The Company entered into an office lease in April 1, 2019 and the Company recognized a lease obligation with respect to the lease. The terms and the outstanding balances as at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows: 2019 $ 2018 $ Right-of-use asset from office lease repayable in monthly instalments of $8,755 and an interest rate of 12.5% per annum and an end date of March 31, 2023 293,464 - Less: current portion (76,070 ) - Non-current portion 217,394 - The following is a schedule of the Company's future minimum lease payments related to the office lease obligation: December 31, 2019 $ 2020 106,846 2021 109,227 2022 111,609 2023 28,051 2024 - Total minimum lease payments 355,733 Less: imputed interest (62,269 ) Total present value of minimum lease payments 293,464 Less: current portion (76,070 ) Non-current portion 217,394 The Company subleases part of their office space to other companies. One sublease with a related party (Note 13) is month to month lease at a rate of $2,346 per month and one sublease is for a period of four years at $1,303 per month. The total lease income from the subleasing of the office for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $39,937.

Income taxes and mining tax cre

Income taxes and mining tax credits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Major components of tax expense (income) [abstract]
Income taxes and mining tax credits [Text Block]	10. Income taxes and mining tax credits The actual income tax provision differs from the expected amounts calculated by applying the Canadian combined statutory federal and provincial corporate income tax rates to the Company's loss before income taxes. The components of the Company's income tax recovery are as follows: Year ended $ Year ended $ (Loss) income before income taxes (1,663,674 ) 1,150,637 Statutory tax rate 27% 27% Expected income tax (recovery) expense at the statutory tax rate (449,192 ) 310,672 Items not deductible for tax and other 52,943 618,099 True-up (287,716 ) - Change in unrecognized tax benefits 683,965 (928,771 ) Income tax recovery - - The Company has the following deferred tax assets and liabilities: December 31, 2019 $ December 31, $ Federal investment tax credits 654,183 654,183 Exploration and evaluation assets 3,309,945 1,832,035 Marketable securities - 450,106 Reclamation obligation 54,000 - Non-capital loss carryforwards 3,804,719 4,742,207 Other 611,555 71,906 Unrecognized deferred tax assets (8,434,402 ) (7,750,437 ) - - The tax pools relating to these deferred tax assets expire as follows: Canadian resource pools $ Non-capital losses $ Other $ Canadian federal $ 2025 - - - 24,847 2026 - 1,175 - - 2027 - 1,381,861 - 91,030 2028 - 2,559,941 - 57,677 2029 - 2,621,029 - 234,667 2030 - 2,388,895 - 245,962 2031 - 1,392,745 - - 2032 - 818,329 - - 2033 - 202,411 - - 2034 - 266,149 - - 2035 - 173,814 - - 2036 - 152,243 - - 2037 - 307,139 - - 2038 - - - - 2039 - 1,825,822 - - No expiry 16,649,369 - 4,088,060 - 16,649,369 14,091,553 4,088,060 654,183

Share capital

Share capital	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of classes of share capital [abstract]
Share capital [Text Block]	11. Share capital Authorized share capital Unlimited number of common shares without par value. Issued share capital At December 31, 2019, there were 55,494,015 issued and fully paid common shares (2018 - 43,149,015). Financings During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company did not complete any equity financings. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the following equity financing was completed: I) As part of the private placement, the Company paid $22,080 in finder's fees and other cash issuance costs of $14,290. In addition, the Company issued 36,800 in broker warrants with an expiry date of one year after the closing date. The fair value of $9,164 for the broker warrants was estimated using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model and was charged to share issue costs and credited to share-based payment reserve. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model were as follows: share price of $0.67; exercise price of $0.70; expected volatility of 100%; expected life of 1 year; a risk-free interest rate of 0.73%; and an expected dividend rate of nil. Basic and diluted loss per share The following table reconciles our basic and diluted (loss) income per share: Year ended 2019 Year ended 2018 (Loss) income for the year $ (1,663,674 ) $ 1,150,637 Weighted average number of shares outstanding 51,169,610 42,391,792 Dilutive effect of options and warrants - 13,665,282 Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 51,169,610 56,057,074 Basic (loss) income per share $ (0.03 ) $ 0.03 Diluted (loss) income per share $ (0.03 ) $ 0.02 Stock options The Company has adopted an incentive stock option plan, which provides that the Board of Directors of the Company may from time to time, in its discretion, and in accordance with the Exchange requirements, grant to directors, officers, employees and technical consultants to the Company, non-transferable stock options to purchase common shares, provided that the number of common shares reserved for issuance will not exceed 10% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares. Such options will be exercisable for a period of up to 5 years from the date of grant. In connection with the foregoing, the number of common shares reserved for issuance to any one optionee will not exceed five percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding common shares and the number of common shares reserved for issuance to all investor relations and technical consultants will not exceed two percent (2%) of the issued and outstanding common shares. Options may be exercised no later than 90 days following cessation of the optionee's position with the Company or 30 days following cessation of an optionee conducting investor relations activities' position. On exercise, each option allows the holder to purchase one common share of the Company. The changes in options during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2019 Year ended December 31, 2018 Number of options Weighted average exercise price Number of options Weighted average exercise price Options outstanding, beginning 3,960,000 $ 0.36 2,662,500 $ 0.33 Options granted 2,175,000 0.30 1,860,000 0.50 Options exercised (375,000 ) 0.10 - Options expired/forfeited (225,000 ) 0.64 (562,500 ) 0.69 Options outstanding, ending 5,535,000 $ 0.34 3,960,000 $ 0.36 Options exercisable, ending 5,253,750 $ 0.34 3,741,250 $ 0.35 The weighted average share price on the date of option exercise during the year ended December 31, 2019 was $0.32. Details of options outstanding as at December 31, 2019 are as follows: Exercise price Weighted average contractual life Number of options outstanding $0.10 1.50 years 975,000 $0.20 4.33 years 1,000,000 $0.22 2.70 years 100,000 $0.30 3.80 years 250,000 $0.35 3.95 years 860,000 $0.40 3.34 years 775,000 $0.45 4.88 years 400,000 $0.55 3.10 years 500,000 $0.60 3.02 years 600,000 $0.80 2.88 years 75,000 $0.34 3.35 years 5,535,000 Stock-based compensation During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company granted 2,175,000 stock options (2018 - 1,860,000 stock options), the weighted average grant date fair value of the options was $0.22 per option (2018 - $0.26). The fair value was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions: 2019 2018 Share price $0.25 $0.36 Exercise price $0.30 $0.50 Expected life of options 4.9 years 5 years Annualized volatility 149% 176% Risk-free interest rate 2.10% 1.79% Dividend rate 0% 0% The expected volatility was calculated using the historical stock prices of the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded $515,620 (2018 - $500,742) of stock-based compensation to the statement of comprehensive loss based on the vesting of stock options granted. Warrants On exercise, each warrant allows the holder to purchase one common share of the Company. The changes in warrants outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows: Year ended Year ended Number of warrants Average exercise price Number of warrants Average exercise price Warrants outstanding, beginning 23,876,800 $ 0.20 25,454,600 $ 0.18 Warrants issued - 516,800 0.70 Warrants exercised (11,970,000 ) 0.10 (1,525,000 ) 0.08 Warrants expired (36,800 ) 0.70 (569,600 ) 0.46 Warrants outstanding, ending 11,870,000 $ 0.29 23,876,800 $ 0.20 Details of warrants outstanding as at December 31, 2019 are as follows: Exercise price Weighted average contractual life Number of warrants outstanding $0.08 0.67 years 5,508,333 $0.10 1.25 years 975,000 $0.45 0.82 years 3,375,000 $0.70 0.99 years 2,011,667 $0.29 0.81 years 11,870,000

Share-based payment reserve

Share-based payment reserve	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [abstract]
Share-based payment reserve [Text Block]	12. Share-based payment reserve The share-based payment reserve records items recognized as stock-based compensation expense and the fair value of agent's warrants until such time that the stock options or warrants are exercised, at which time the corresponding amount will be transferred to share capital.

Related party transactions

Related party transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [abstract]
Related party transactions [Text Block]	13. Related party transactions 2019 $ 2018 $ Accounting fees 31,132 28,709 Directors' fees 71,427 - Management fees 160,500 163,819 Stock-based compensation 355,333 283,194 618,392 475,722 There was $2,284 owing to related parties at December 31, 2019 (2018 - $7,526) included in accounts payable. The balances owing are unsecured, non-interest bearing, and have no specific terms of repayment. Key management includes the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the directors of the Company. Compensation paid or payable to key management for services during the years ended December 31, 2019 amounted to $205,059 (2018 - $143,284) for short-term benefits and $355,333 (2018 - $283,194) for stock-based compensation. The Company has a month to month office sublease with a company with common directors (Note 9). During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded office sublease income of $28,147 relating to the sublease.

Financial instruments and finan

Financial instruments and financial risk management	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [abstract]
Financial instruments and financial risk management [Text Block]	14. Financial instruments and financial risk management The Company is exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument related risks. The Board of Directors approves and monitors the risk management processes, inclusive of documented investment policies, counterparty limits, and controlling and reporting structures. The type of risk exposure and the way in which such exposure is managed is provided as follows: Credit risk Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the other party to incur a financial loss. The Company's primary exposure to credit risk is on its cash held in bank accounts. All of the cash is deposited in bank accounts held with one major bank in Canada. Since all of the Company's cash is held by one bank there is a concentration of credit risk. This risk is managed by using major banks that are high credit quality financial institutions as determined by rating agencies. The Company's secondary exposure to risk is on its other receivables. This risk is minimal as receivables consist primarily of refundable government taxes. Liquidity risk Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company has a planning and budgeting process in place to help determine the funds required to support the Company's normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis. The Company ensures that there are sufficient funds to meet its short-term business requirements, taking into account its anticipated cash flows from operations and its holdings of cash and cash equivalents as well as marketable securities. Historically, the Company's sole source of funding has been the issuance of equity securities for cash, primarily through private placements. The Company's access to financing is always uncertain. There can be no assurance of continued access to significant equity funding. The following is an analysis of the contractual maturities of the Company's non-derivative financial liabilities as at December 31, 2019: Within one year Between one and five years More than five years Trade payables and accrued liabilities $ 383,785 $ - $ - Lease obligation 76,070 217,394 - $ 459,855 $ 217,394 $ - Foreign exchange risk Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair values of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because they are denominated in currencies that differ from the respective functional currency. The Company has exposure to foreign exchange risk with respect to its cash balances. As at December 31, 2019, the Company had cash held in US dollars of US$62,497. Interest rate risk Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Company does not have any significant interest rate risk. Other Price Risk Other price risk is the risk that the fair value of a financial instrument changes due to market risks other than foreign exchange risk or interest rate risk. The Company was exposed to changes in the fair value of the Cobalt 27 common shares however as at December 31, 2019 the Company had sold all of the shares. Classification of financial instruments Financial assets included in the statement of financial position are as follows: December 31, 2019 $ December 31, 2018 $ Amortized cost: 860 543 232,000 232,000 Fair value through profit or loss: 1,640,642 405,849 - 2,683,560 1,873,502 3,321,952 Financial liabilities included in the statement of financial position are as follows: December 31, 2019 $ December 31, 2018 $ Amortized cost: 383,785 312,981 293,464 - 677,249 312,981 Fair value The fair value of the Company's financial assets and liabilities approximates the carrying amount. Financial instruments measured at fair value are classified into one of three levels in the fair value hierarchy according to the relative reliability of the inputs used to estimate the fair values. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are: Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and Level 3 - Inputs that are not based on observable market data. The following is an analysis of the Company's financial assets measured at fair value as at December 31, 2019 and 2018: As at December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $ 1,640,642 $ - $ - Total $ 1,640,642 $ - $ - As at December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $ 405,849 $ - $ - 2,683,560 - - Total $ 3,089,409 $ - $ -

Capital management

Capital management	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of objectives, policies and processes for managing capital [abstract]
Capital management [Text Block]	15. Capital management The Company's policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor and creditor confidence, safeguard the Company's ability to support the exploration and development of its exploration and evaluation assets and to sustain future development of the business. The capital structure of the Company consists of equity and debt obligations, net of cash. There were no changes in the Company's approach to capital management during the year ended December 31, 2019 and no restrictions.

Supplemental cash flow informat

Supplemental cash flow information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental cash flow information [Text Block]	16. Supplemental cash flow information Investing and financing activities that do not have a direct impact on current cash flows are excluded from the statements of cash flows. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the following transactions were excluded from the statement of cash flows: a) b) c) During the year ended December 31, 2018, the following transactions were excluded from the statement of cash flows: a) b) c) d)

Segmented information

Segmented information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of operating segments [abstract]
Segmented information [Text Block]	17. Segmented information Operating segments The Company operates in a single reportable operating segment - the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties. Geographic segments All of the Company's assets are located in Canada.

Significant accounting polici_2

Significant accounting policies and basis of preparation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Significant Accounting Policies And Basis Of Preparation [Abstract]
Statement of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards [Policy Text Block]	Statement of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards The consolidated financial statements of the Company comply with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC").
Basis of preparation [Policy Text Block]	Basis of preparation The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared on an accrual basis and are based on historical costs, modified where applicable. The consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.
Consolidation [Policy Text Block]	Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, Canadian Metals Exploration Ltd. Inter-company balances and transactions, including unrealized income and expenses arising from inter-company transactions, are eliminated on consolidation.
Significant estimates and assumptions [Policy Text Block]	Significant estimates and assumptions The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The Company's management reviews these estimates and underlying assumptions on an ongoing basis, based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Revisions to estimates are adjusted prospectively in the period in which the estimates are revised. Estimates and assumptions where there is significant risk of material adjustments to assets and liabilities in future accounting periods include the useful lives of equipment, the recoverability of the carrying value of exploration and evaluation assets, fair value measurements for financial instruments and share-based payments, the recoverability and measurement of deferred tax assets, provisions for restoration and environmental obligations and contingent liabilities.
Significant judgments [Policy Text Block]	Significant judgments The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the Company to make judgments, apart from those involving estimates, in applying accounting policies. The most significant judgments in applying the Company's financial statements include: - - -
Cash and cash equivalents [Policy Text Block]	Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments held in the form of money market investments and certificates of deposit with investment terms that allow for penalty free redemption after one month.
Exploration and evaluation expenditures [Policy Text Block]	Exploration and evaluation expenditures Costs incurred before the Company has obtained the legal rights to explore an area are expensed as incurred. Exploration and evaluation expenditures include the costs of acquiring licenses and costs associated with exploration and evaluation activity. Option payments are considered acquisition costs provided that the Company has the intention of exercising the underlying option. Property option agreements are exercisable entirely at the option of the optionee. Therefore, option payments (or recoveries) are recorded when payment is made (or received) and are not accrued. Exploration and evaluation expenditures are capitalized. The Company capitalizes costs to specific blocks of claims or areas of geological interest. Government tax credits are recorded as a reduction to the cumulative costs incurred and capitalized on the related property on an accrual basis. Exploration and evaluation assets are tested for impairment if facts or circumstances indicate that impairment exists. Examples of such facts and circumstances are as follows: - - - - After technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource are demonstrable, the Company stops capitalizing expenditures for the applicable block of claims or geological area of interest and tests the asset for impairment. The capitalized balance, net of any impairment recognized, is then reclassified to either tangible or intangible mine development assets according to the nature of the asset.
Share-based payments [Policy Text Block]	Share-based payments The Company operates an employee stock option plan. Share-based payments to employees are measured at the fair value of the instruments issued and amortized over the vesting periods. Share-based payments to non-employees are measured at the fair value of goods or services received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, if it is determined the fair value of the goods or services cannot be reliably measured, and are recorded at the date the goods or services are received. The corresponding amount is recorded to the share-based payment reserve. The fair value of options is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model which incorporates all market vesting conditions. The number of shares and options expected to vest is reviewed and adjusted at the end of each reporting period such that the amount recognized for services received as consideration for the equity instruments granted shall be based on the number of equity instruments that eventually vest. Where the terms and conditions of options are modified before they vest, the increase in the fair value of the options, measured immediately before and after the modification, is also charged to profit or loss over the remaining vesting period. Where a grant of options is cancelled or settled during the vesting period, excluding forfeitures when vesting conditions are not satisfied, the Company accounts for the cancellation as an acceleration of vesting and recognizes the amount that otherwise would have been recognized for services received over the remainder of the vesting period. Any payment made to the employee on the cancellation is accounted for as the repurchase of an equity interest except to the extent the payment exceeds the fair value of the equity instrument granted, measured at the repurchase date. Any such excess is recognized as an expense.
Earnings (loss) per share [Policy Text Block]	Earnings (loss) per share Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period. For all periods presented, the income (loss) attributable to common shareholders equals the reported income (loss) attributable to owners of the Company. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the calculation of diluted earnings per share assumes that the proceeds to be received on the exercise of dilutive share options and warrants are used to repurchase common shares at the average market price during the period. However, the calculation of diluted loss per share excludes the effects of various conversions and exercises of options and warrants that would be anti-dilutive.
Recognition of Financial Instruments [Policy Text Block]	Recognition of Financial Instruments The Company recognizes a financial asset or financial liability on the statement of financial position when it becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument. The Company classifies its financial instruments in the following categories: at fair value through profit and loss ("FVTPL"), at fair value through other comprehensive income (loss) ("FVTOCI") or at amortized cost. The Company determines the classification of financial assets at initial recognition. The classification of debt instruments is driven by the Company's business model for managing the financial assets and their contractual cash flow characteristics. Equity instruments that are held for trading are classified as FVTPL. For other equity instruments, on the day of acquisition the Company can make an irrevocable election (on an instrument-by-instrument basis) to designate them as at FVTOCI. Financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost, unless they are required to be measured at FVTPL (such as instruments held for trading or derivatives) or if the Company has opted to measure them at FVTPL.
Financial assets at FVTOCI [Policy Text Block]	Financial assets at FVTOCI Investments in equity instruments designated at FVTOCI are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs. Subsequently they are measured at fair value, with both realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) in the period in which they arise.
Financial assets and liabilities at amortized cost [Policy Text Block]	Financial assets and liabilities at amortized cost Financial assets and liabilities at amortized cost are initially recognized at fair value plus or minus transaction costs, respectively, and subsequently carried at amortized cost less any impairment.
Financial assets and liabilities at FVTPL [Policy Text Block]	Financial assets and liabilities at FVTPL Financial assets and liabilities carried at FVTPL are initially recorded at fair value and transaction costs are expensed in profit or loss. Realized and unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities held at FVTPL are included in profit or loss in the period in which they arise. Where management has opted to recognize a financial liability at FVTPL, any changes associated with the Company's own credit risk will be recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
Impairment of financial assets at amortized cost [Policy Text Block]	Impairment of financial assets at amortized cost The Company recognizes a loss allowance for expected credit losses on financial assets that are measured at amortized cost. At each reporting date, the Company measures the loss allowance for the financial asset at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses if the credit risk on the financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition. If at the reporting date, the financial asset has not increased significantly since initial recognition, the Company measures the loss allowance for the financial asset at an amount equal to the twelve month expected credit losses. The Company shall recognize in the profit or loss, as an impairment gain or loss, the amount of expected credit losses (or reversal) that is required to adjust the loss allowance at the reporting date to the amount that is required to be recognized.
Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities [Policy Text Block]	Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities The Company derecognizes financial assets only when the contractual rights to cash flows from the financial assets expire, or when it transfers the financial assets and substantially all of the associated risks and rewards of ownership to another entity. Gains and losses on derecognition are generally recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they arise. However, gains and losses on derecognition of financial assets designated as FVTOCI are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) in the period in which they arise. Cumulative gains and losses on derecognized financial assets designated as FVTOCI are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to deficit. The Company derecognizes financial liabilities only when its obligations under the financial liabilities are discharged, cancelled or expired. Generally, the difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognized and the consideration paid and payable, including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, is recognized in profit or loss.
Impairment of assets [Policy Text Block]	Impairment of assets The carrying amount of the Company's assets (which include equipment and exploration and evaluation assets) is reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss. An impairment loss is recognized whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in the statement of comprehensive income (loss). The recoverable amount of assets is the greater of an asset's fair value less cost to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects the current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not generate cash inflows largely independent of those from other assets, the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. An impairment loss is only reversed if there is an indication that the impairment loss may no longer exist and there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. Any reversal of impairment cannot increase the carrying value of the asset to an amount higher than the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized in previous years. Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment.
Income taxes [Policy Text Block]	Income taxes Current income tax: Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current period are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively enacted, at the reporting date, in the countries where the Company operates and generates taxable income. Current income tax relating to items recognized directly in other comprehensive income or equity is recognized in other comprehensive income or equity and not in profit or loss. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in the tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate. Deferred income tax: Deferred income tax is recognized, using the asset and liability method, on temporary differences at the reporting date arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and recognized only to the extent that it is probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilized. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset, if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred income taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority. Flow-through shares: On the issuance of flow-through shares, any premium received in excess of the market price of the Company's common shares is initially recorded as a liability ("flow-through tax liability"). Provided that the Company has renounced the related expenditures, or that there is a reasonable expectation that it will do so, the flow-through tax liability is reduced on a pro-rata basis as the expenditures are incurred. If such expenditures are capitalized, a deferred tax liability is recognized. To the extent that the Company has suitable unrecognized deductible temporary differences, an offsetting recovery of deferred income taxes would be recorded.
Restoration and environmental obligations [Policy Text Block]	Restoration and environmental obligations The Company recognizes liabilities for statutory, contractual, constructive or legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-term assets, when those obligations result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operation of the assets. The net present value of future restoration cost estimates arising from the decommissioning of plant and other site preparation work is capitalized to the related asset along with a corresponding increase in the restoration provision in the period incurred. Discount rates using a pre-tax rate that reflect the time value of money are used to calculate the net present value. The Company's estimates of restoration costs could change as a result of changes in regulatory requirements, discount rates and assumptions regarding the amount and timing of the future expenditures. These changes are recorded directly to the related asset with a corresponding entry to the restoration provision. The Company's estimates are reviewed annually for changes in regulatory requirements, discount rates, effects of inflation and changes in estimates. Changes in the net present value, excluding changes in the Company's estimates of restoration costs, are charged to the statement of comprehensive loss for the period. The net present value of restoration costs arising from subsequent site damage that is incurred on an ongoing basis during production are charged to the statement of comprehensive loss in the period incurred. The costs of restoration projects that were included in the provision are recorded against the provision as incurred. The costs to prevent and control environmental impacts at specific properties are capitalized in accordance with the Company's accounting policy for exploration and evaluation assets. At December 31, 2019, the Company estimated that the fair value of the restoration obligations were $200,000. The fair value of the liability was determined to be equal to the estimated remediation costs. Due to the early stages of the project, and that extractive activities have not yet begun, the Company is unable to predict with any precision the timing of the cash flow related to the reclamation activities. At December 31, 2018, the Company had not recorded any restoration and environmental obligations.
Equipment and right of use assets [Policy Text Block]	Equipment and right of use assets Equipment and right of use assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of comprehensive income (loss) during the financial period in which they are incurred. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognized in the statement of comprehensive income (loss). Amortization is calculated on a declining balance method to write off the cost of the assets to their residual values over their estimated useful lives, except for right of use assets that use the straight line method. The amortization rates applicable to each category of equipment and right of use assets are as follows: Class Amortization rate
Share capital [Policy Text Block]	Share capital Common shares are classified as equity. Transaction costs directly attributable to the issue of common shares are recognized as a deduction from equity. The Company has adopted a residual method with respect to the measurement of shares and warrants issued as units. The residual method first allocates fair value to the component with the best evidence of fair value and then the residual value, if any, to the less easily measurable component. The fair value of the common shares issued was determined to be the component with the best evidence of fair value. The remaining balance, if any, was allocated to the attached warrants.

Significant accounting polici_3

Significant accounting policies and basis of preparation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Significant Accounting Policies And Basis Of Preparation [Abstract]
Disclosure of detailed information about estimated useful life or depreciation rate [Table Text Block]	Class Amortization rate

Receivables (Tables)

Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Abstract]
Disclosure of detailed information about trade and other receivables [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2019 $ December 31, 2018 $ Goods and Service sales tax 61,021 189,475 British Columbia mining tax credits 1,007,373 899,147 Interest receivable and other receivables 2,624 2,181 1,071,018 1,090,803

Marketable securities (Tables)

Marketable securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Disclosure of detailed information about marketable securities [Table Text Block]	# of shares Value $ Marketable securities at December 31, 2017 - - Received on sale of net smelter return royalty (Note 7) 1,125,000 8,325,000 Sale of securities (311,800 ) (2,307,320 ) Fair market value adjustment - (3,334,120 ) Marketable securities at December 31, 2018 813,200 2,683,560 Sale of securities (813,200 ) (6,017,680 ) Fair market value adjustment - 3,334,120 Marketable securities at December 31, 2019 - -

Equipment and right of use as_2

Equipment and right of use assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Disclosure of equipment and right of use assets [Table Text Block]	Right of use assets - leases $ Motor Vehicles $ Computer equipment $ Exploration and office equipment $ Total $ Cost: At December 31, 2017 - 20,330 29,665 61,984 111,979 Additions - 25,322 46,542 500 72,364 At December 31, 2018 - 45,652 76,207 62,484 184,343 Additions 347,048 - 2,087 1,507 350,642 At December 31, 2019 347,048 45,652 78,294 63,991 534,985 Depreciation: At December 31, 2017 - 19,838 27,627 55,051 102,516 Charge for the year - 3,980 5,638 1,765 11,383 At December 31, 2018 - 23,818 33,265 56,816 113,899 Charge for the year 65,073 6,548 7,020 1,282 79,923 At December 31, 2019 65,073 30,366 40,285 58,098 193,822 Net book value: At December 31, 2018 - 21,834 42,942 5,668 70,444 At December 31, 2019 281,975 15,286 38,009 5,893 341,163

Exploration and evaluation as_2

Exploration and evaluation assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of exploration and evaluation assets [abstract]
Disclosure of detailed information about deferred exploration costs [Table Text Block]	Balance, Change in year Balance, Change in year Balance, 2017 $ 2018 $ 2018 $ 2019 $ 2019 $ Mineral property interests 179,500 - 179,500 - 179,500 Assays and testing 2,052,292 247,222 2,299,514 40,236 2,339,750 Claims renewal / staking 459,261 12,383 471,644 7,555 479,199 Drilling 12,488,967 1,854,312 14,343,279 18,478 14,361,757 Environmental studies 1,256,621 415,065 1,671,686 143,935 1,815,621 Exploration data management 917,422 37,656 955,078 10,142 965,220 First Nations 166,444 54,580 221,024 29,444 250,468 Geochemistry 111,066 - 111,066 - 111,066 Geological and engineering services 8,834,256 772,235 9,606,491 903,283 10,509,774 Geophysical services 743,515 58,128 801,643 - 801,643 Metallurgy 3,792,672 331,978 4,124,650 437,133 4,561,783 Petrographic work 43,957 - 43,957 - 43,957 Project management 106,015 - 106,015 - 106,015 Survey, mapping and camp 1,628,447 945,758 2,574,205 196,228 2,770,433 Transportation 2,604,549 273,202 2,877,751 107,190 2,984,941 Advances - - - 71,645 71,645 Cost recovery (56,480 ) - (56,480 ) - (56,480 ) Asset retirement obligations - - - 200,000 200,000 Property impairments (33,058,924 ) - (33,058,924 ) - (33,058,924 ) BC refundable mining tax credits (2,208,394 ) (891,874 ) (3,100,268 ) (108,226 ) (3,208,494 ) Federal non-refundable mining tax credits, net of valuation allowance (61,185 ) - (61,185 ) - (61,185 ) Book value at date of sale of net smelter royalty - (1,777,377 ) (1,777,377 ) - (1,777,377 ) 1 2,333,268 2,333,269 2,057,043 4,390,312
Disclosure of detailed information about proceeds of sale of NSR [Table Text Block]	Proceeds of sale of 2% NSR $ Cash 1,300,200 1,125,000 common shares of Cobalt 27 8,325,000 Total proceeds of sale of 2% NSR 9,625,200 Less: book value of Turnagain Nickel-Cobalt Project at date of sale (1,777,377 ) Less: 6% finders' fee (780,120 ) Gain on sale of net smelter return royalty 7,067,703

Trade payables and accrued li_2

Trade payables and accrued liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Trade Payables And Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Disclosure of detailed information about trade and other payables [Table Text Block]	December 31, $ December 31, $ Trade payables 235,421 229,422 Accrued liabilities 148,364 83,559 383,785 312,981

Lease obligations (Tables)

Lease obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Disclosure of recognized lease obligation [Table Text Block]	2019 $ 2018 $ Right-of-use asset from office lease repayable in monthly instalments of $8,755 and an interest rate of 12.5% per annum and an end date of March 31, 2023 293,464 - Less: current portion (76,070 ) - Non-current portion 217,394 -
Disclosure of future minimum lease payments related to office [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2019 $ 2020 106,846 2021 109,227 2022 111,609 2023 28,051 2024 - Total minimum lease payments 355,733 Less: imputed interest (62,269 ) Total present value of minimum lease payments 293,464 Less: current portion (76,070 ) Non-current portion 217,394

Income taxes and mining tax c_2

Income taxes and mining tax credits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Major components of tax expense (income) [abstract]
Disclosure of detailed information about effective income tax expense recovery [Table Text Block]	Year ended $ Year ended $ (Loss) income before income taxes (1,663,674 ) 1,150,637 Statutory tax rate 27% 27% Expected income tax (recovery) expense at the statutory tax rate (449,192 ) 310,672 Items not deductible for tax and other 52,943 618,099 True-up (287,716 ) - Change in unrecognized tax benefits 683,965 (928,771 ) Income tax recovery - -
Disclosure of deferred taxes [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2019 $ December 31, $ Federal investment tax credits 654,183 654,183 Exploration and evaluation assets 3,309,945 1,832,035 Marketable securities - 450,106 Reclamation obligation 54,000 - Non-capital loss carryforwards 3,804,719 4,742,207 Other 611,555 71,906 Unrecognized deferred tax assets (8,434,402 ) (7,750,437 ) - -
Disclosure of detailed information about tax pools available [Table Text Block]	Canadian resource pools $ Non-capital losses $ Other $ Canadian federal $ 2025 - - - 24,847 2026 - 1,175 - - 2027 - 1,381,861 - 91,030 2028 - 2,559,941 - 57,677 2029 - 2,621,029 - 234,667 2030 - 2,388,895 - 245,962 2031 - 1,392,745 - - 2032 - 818,329 - - 2033 - 202,411 - - 2034 - 266,149 - - 2035 - 173,814 - - 2036 - 152,243 - - 2037 - 307,139 - - 2038 - - - - 2039 - 1,825,822 - - No expiry 16,649,369 - 4,088,060 - 16,649,369 14,091,553 4,088,060 654,183

Share capital (Tables)

Share capital (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of classes of share capital [abstract]
Disclosure of earnings per share [Table Text Block]	Year ended 2019 Year ended 2018 (Loss) income for the year $ (1,663,674 ) $ 1,150,637 Weighted average number of shares outstanding 51,169,610 42,391,792 Dilutive effect of options and warrants - 13,665,282 Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 51,169,610 56,057,074 Basic (loss) income per share $ (0.03 ) $ 0.03 Diluted (loss) income per share $ (0.03 ) $ 0.02
Disclosure of number and weighted average exercise prices of share options [Table Text Block]	Year ended December 31, 2019 Year ended December 31, 2018 Number of options Weighted average exercise price Number of options Weighted average exercise price Options outstanding, beginning 3,960,000 $ 0.36 2,662,500 $ 0.33 Options granted 2,175,000 0.30 1,860,000 0.50 Options exercised (375,000 ) 0.10 - Options expired/forfeited (225,000 ) 0.64 (562,500 ) 0.69 Options outstanding, ending 5,535,000 $ 0.34 3,960,000 $ 0.36 Options exercisable, ending 5,253,750 $ 0.34 3,741,250 $ 0.35
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [Table Text Block]	Exercise price Weighted average contractual life Number of options outstanding $0.10 1.50 years 975,000 $0.20 4.33 years 1,000,000 $0.22 2.70 years 100,000 $0.30 3.80 years 250,000 $0.35 3.95 years 860,000 $0.40 3.34 years 775,000 $0.45 4.88 years 400,000 $0.55 3.10 years 500,000 $0.60 3.02 years 600,000 $0.80 2.88 years 75,000 $0.34 3.35 years 5,535,000
Disclosure of detailed information about options, valuation assumptions [Table Text Block]	2019 2018 Share price $0.25 $0.36 Exercise price $0.30 $0.50 Expected life of options 4.9 years 5 years Annualized volatility 149% 176% Risk-free interest rate 2.10% 1.79% Dividend rate 0% 0%
Disclosure of detailed information about warrants, activity [Table Text Block]	Year ended Year ended Number of warrants Average exercise price Number of warrants Average exercise price Warrants outstanding, beginning 23,876,800 $ 0.20 25,454,600 $ 0.18 Warrants issued - 516,800 0.70 Warrants exercised (11,970,000 ) 0.10 (1,525,000 ) 0.08 Warrants expired (36,800 ) 0.70 (569,600 ) 0.46 Warrants outstanding, ending 11,870,000 $ 0.29 23,876,800 $ 0.20
Disclosure of detailed information about warrants outstanding [Table Text Block]	Exercise price Weighted average contractual life Number of warrants outstanding $0.08 0.67 years 5,508,333 $0.10 1.25 years 975,000 $0.45 0.82 years 3,375,000 $0.70 0.99 years 2,011,667 $0.29 0.81 years 11,870,000

Related party transactions (Tab

Related party transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [abstract]
Disclosure of information about key management personnel [Table Text Block]	2019 $ 2018 $ Accounting fees 31,132 28,709 Directors' fees 71,427 - Management fees 160,500 163,819 Stock-based compensation 355,333 283,194 618,392 475,722

Financial instruments and fin_2

Financial instruments and financial risk management (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [abstract]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [Table Text Block]	Within one year Between one and five years More than five years Trade payables and accrued liabilities $ 383,785 $ - $ - Lease obligation 76,070 217,394 - $ 459,855 $ 217,394 $ -
Disclosure of financial assets [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2019 $ December 31, 2018 $ Amortized cost: 860 543 232,000 232,000 Fair value through profit or loss: 1,640,642 405,849 - 2,683,560 1,873,502 3,321,952
Disclosure of financial liabilities [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2019 $ December 31, 2018 $ Amortized cost: 383,785 312,981 293,464 - 677,249 312,981
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [Table Text Block]	As at December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $ 1,640,642 $ - $ - Total $ 1,640,642 $ - $ - As at December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $ 405,849 $ - $ - 2,683,560 - - Total $ 3,089,409 $ - $ -

Nature and continuance of ope_2

Nature and continuance of operations (Narrative) (Details) - CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Nature And Continuance Of Operations [Abstract]
Accrued deficit	$ 55,992,684	$ 54,329,010

Significant accounting polici_4

Significant accounting policies and basis of preparation (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)
Disclosure Of Significant Accounting Policies And Basis Of Preparation [Abstract]
Fair value of restoration obligations	$ 200,000

Marketable securities (Narrativ

Marketable securities (Narrative) (Details) - CAD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Number of shares received on sale of net smelter return royalty	1,125,000		1,125,000
Sale of marketable securities shares sold		813,200	311,800
Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities, net of costs		$ 3,335,330	$ 1,438,980
Realized loss on sale of marketable securities		$ 2,682,350	$ 868,340

Exploration and evaluation as_3

Exploration and evaluation assets (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2018CAD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jul. 31, 2018USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2018CAD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Percentage of net smelter return royalty	2.00%	2.00%
Cash consideration received from sale of royalty	$ 1,300,200	$ 1,000,000
Number of shares received on sale of net smelter return royalty | shares	1,125,000	1,125,000	1,125,000
Price per share | $ / shares	$ 7.40
Value of shares received on sale of net smelter return royalty	$ 8,325,000		$ 8,325,000
Less: 6% finders' fee	$ 780,120	$ 600,000
Percentage of cash proceeds used to complete required work	75.00%	75.00%
Percentage of right to repurchase NSR	0.50%	0.50%
Right to repurchase NSR		$ 20,000,000
Remaining Percentage Of NSR	1.50%	1.50%
Turnagain mineral claims [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Mineral claim, ownership percentage				100.00%
Net smelter return royalty				4.00%
Price per percentage of net smelter return royalty				$ 1,000,000

Lease obligations (Narrative) (

Lease obligations (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)
Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Monthly sublease rate with related party	$ 2,346
Monthly sublease rate for four year period	1,303
Lease income from subleasing office	$ 39,937

Share capital (Narrative) (Deta

Share capital (Narrative) (Details)	Jan. 05, 2018CAD ($)Share$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)Shareshares	Dec. 31, 2018CAD ($)ShareYearsshares	Dec. 31, 2017CAD ($)
Disclosure of classes of share capital [abstract]
Number of shares issued | shares		55,494,015	43,149,015
Number of units granted in share-based payment arrangement | Share	960,000
Equity Issuance, Price per Unit | $ / shares	$ 0.60
Proceeds from issuance of units	$ 576,000
Weighted average exercise price of warrants granted in share-based payment arrangement	0.70
Share subscriptions received				$ 27,000
Payments for finder's fees	22,080
Other cash issuance costs	$ 14,290
Number of broker warrants granted in share based payment arrangement	36,800		36,800
Fair value of broker warrants granted in share based payment arrangement	$ 9,164		$ 9,164
Weighted average share price, warrants granted	0.67
Weighted average exercise price of warrants granted in share-based payment arrangement	$ 0.70	$ 0.22	$ 0.26
Expected volatility, warrants granted	100.00%
Expected life, warrants granted	1 year
Risk free interest rate, warrants granted	0.73%
Expected dividend as percentage, warrants granted
Description of maximum term of options granted for share-based payment arrangement		The Company has adopted an incentive stock option plan, which provides that the Board of Directors of the Company may from time to time, in its discretion, and in accordance with the Exchange requirements, grant to directors, officers, employees and technical consultants to the Company, non-transferable stock options to purchase common shares, provided that the number of common shares reserved for issuance will not exceed 10% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares. Such options will be exercisable for a period of up to 5 years from the date of grant. In connection with the foregoing, the number of common shares reserved for issuance to any one optionee will not exceed five percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding common shares and the number of common shares reserved for issuance to all investor relations and technical consultants will not exceed two percent (2%) of the issued and outstanding common shares. Options may be exercised no later than 90 days following cessation of the optionee's position with the Company or 30 days following cessation of an optionee conducting investor relations activities' position.
Weighted average share price on date of option exercise		$ 0.32
Number of share options granted in share-based payment arrangement | Share		2,175,000	1,860,000
Stock-based compensation		$ 515,620	$ 500,742

Related party transactions (Nar

Related party transactions (Narrative) (Details) - CAD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [abstract]
Amounts payable, related party transactions	$ 2,284	$ 7,526
Key management personnel compensation, short-term employee benefits	205,059	143,284
Key management personnel compensation, stock-based compensation	355,333	$ 283,194
Office sublease income	$ 28,147

Financial instruments and fin_3

Financial instruments and financial risk management (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018CAD ($)
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Cash	$ 297,977		$ 394,349
Cash held in US Dollars [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Cash		$ 62,497

Supplemental cash flow inform_2

Supplemental cash flow information (Narrative) (Details)	Jan. 05, 2018CAD ($)Share	Jul. 31, 2018CAD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018CAD ($)Yearsshares	Dec. 31, 2017CAD ($)
Disclosure Of Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Exploration and evaluation asset expenditures included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities			$ 315,597	$ 216,360	$ 0
Expenditures included in accounts payable net exclusion				99,237	$ 216,360
Recovery of exploration and evaluation asset included in receivables			1,007,373	$ 899,147
Asset retirement obligations			$ 200,000
Number of broker warrants granted in share based payment arrangement	36,800			36,800
Fair value of broker warrants granted in share based payment arrangement	$ 9,164			$ 9,164
Number of shares received on sale of net smelter return royalty | shares		1,125,000		1,125,000
Value of shares received on sale of net smelter return royalty		$ 8,325,000		$ 8,325,000

Significant accounting polici_5

Significant accounting policies and basis of preparation - Disclosure of detailed information about estimated useful life or depreciation rate (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Motor vehicles [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Useful lives or depreciation rates, property, plant and equipment	30% declining balance
Computer equipment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Useful lives or depreciation rates, property, plant and equipment	30% declining balance
Exploration and office equipment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Useful lives or depreciation rates, property, plant and equipment	20% declining balance
Right of use asset - office lease [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Useful lives or depreciation rates, property, plant and equipment	4 years straight line

Receivables - Disclosure of det

Receivables - Disclosure of detailed information about receivables (Details) - CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Abstract]
Goods and Service sales tax	$ 61,021	$ 189,475
British Columbia mining tax credits	1,007,373	899,147
Interest receivable and other receivables	2,624	2,181
Trade and other current receivables	$ 1,071,018	$ 1,090,803

Marketable securities - Disclos

Marketable securities - Disclosure of detailed information about marketable securities (Details) - CAD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Number of shares issued for marketable securities, beginning balance		813,200	0
Marketable securities, beginning balance		$ 2,683,560	$ 0
Number of shares received on sale of net smelter return royalty	1,125,000		1,125,000
Received on sale of net smelter return royalty	$ 8,325,000		$ 8,325,000
Number of shares issued for sale of securities		(813,200)	(311,800)
Sale of securities		$ (6,017,680)	$ (2,307,320)
Fair market value adjustment		$ 3,334,120	$ (3,334,120)
Number of shares issued for marketable securities, ending balance		0	813,200
Marketable securities, ending balance		$ 0	$ 2,683,560

Equipment and right of use as_3

Equipment and right of use assets - Disclosure of equipment and right of use assets (Details) - CAD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	$ 70,444
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	341,163	$ 70,444
Cost [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	184,343	111,979
Additions	350,642	72,364
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	534,985	184,343
Depreciation [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	113,899	102,516
Charge for the year	79,923	11,383
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	193,822	113,899
Right-of-use assets - leases [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	0
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	281,975	0
Right-of-use assets - leases [Member] | Cost [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	0	0
Additions	347,048	0
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	347,048	0
Right-of-use assets - leases [Member] | Depreciation [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	0	0
Charge for the year	65,073	0
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	65,073	0
Motor vehicles [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	21,834
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	15,286	21,834
Motor vehicles [Member] | Cost [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	45,652	20,330
Additions	0	25,322
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	45,652	45,652
Motor vehicles [Member] | Depreciation [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	23,818	19,838
Charge for the year	6,548	3,980
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	30,366	23,818
Computer equipment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	42,942
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	38,009	42,942
Computer equipment [Member] | Cost [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	76,207	29,665
Additions	2,087	46,542
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	78,294	76,207
Computer equipment [Member] | Depreciation [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	33,265	27,627
Charge for the year	7,020	5,638
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	40,285	33,265
Exploration and office equipment [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	5,668
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	5,893	5,668
Exploration and office equipment [Member] | Cost [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	62,484	61,984
Additions	1,507	500
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	63,991	62,484
Exploration and office equipment [Member] | Depreciation [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period	56,816	55,051
Charge for the year	1,282	1,765
Property, plant and equipment at end of period	$ 58,098	$ 56,816

Exploration and evaluation as_4

Exploration and evaluation assets - Disclosure of detailed information about deferred exploration costs (Details) - CAD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	$ 2,333,269	$ 1
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	2,057,043	2,333,268
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	4,390,312	2,333,269
Mineral property interests [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	179,500	179,500
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	0	0
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	179,500	179,500
Assays and testing [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	2,299,514	2,052,292
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	40,236	247,222
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	2,339,750	2,299,514
Claims renewal / staking [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	471,644	459,261
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	7,555	12,383
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	479,199	471,644
Drilling [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	14,343,279	12,488,967
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	18,478	1,854,312
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	14,361,757	14,343,279
Environmental studies [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	1,671,686	1,256,621
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	143,935	415,065
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	1,815,621	1,671,686
Exploration data management [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	955,078	917,422
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	10,142	37,656
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	965,220	955,078
First Nations [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	221,024	166,444
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	29,444	54,580
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	250,468	221,024
Geochemistry [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	111,066	111,066
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	0	0
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	111,066	111,066
Geological and engineering services [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	9,606,491	8,834,256
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	903,283	772,235
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	10,509,774	9,606,491
Geophysical services [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	801,643	743,515
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	0	58,128
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	801,643	801,643
Metallurgy [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	4,124,650	3,792,672
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	437,133	331,978
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	4,561,783	4,124,650
Petrographic work [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	43,957	43,957
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	0	0
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	43,957	43,957
Project management [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	106,015	106,015
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	0	0
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	106,015	106,015
Survey, mapping and camp [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	2,574,205	1,628,447
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	196,228	945,758
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	2,770,433	2,574,205
Transportation [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	2,877,751	2,604,549
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	107,190	273,202
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	2,984,941	2,877,751
Advances [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	0	0
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	71,645	0
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	71,645	0
Cost recovery [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	(56,480)	(56,480)
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	0	0
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	(56,480)	(56,480)
Asset retirement obligations [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	0	0
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	200,000	0
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	200,000	0
Property impairments [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	(33,058,924)	(33,058,924)
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	0	0
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	(33,058,924)	(33,058,924)
BC refundable mining tax credits [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	(3,100,268)	(2,208,394)
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	(108,226)	(891,874)
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	(3,208,494)	(3,100,268)
Federal non-refundable mining tax credits, net of valuation allowance [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	(61,185)	(61,185)
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	0	0
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	(61,185)	(61,185)
Book value at date of sale of net smelter royalty [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about exploration and evaluation assets [line items]
Exploration and evaluation assets, beginning balance	(1,777,377)	0
Change in exploration and evaluation assets	0	(1,777,377)
Exploration and evaluation assets, ending balance	$ (1,777,377)	$ (1,777,377)

Exploration and evaluation as_5

Exploration and evaluation assets - Disclosure of detailed information about proceeds of sale of NSR (Details)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2018CAD ($)shares	Jul. 31, 2018USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2018CAD ($)shares
Disclosure of exploration and evaluation assets [abstract]
Cash consideration received from sale of royalty	$ 1,300,200	$ 1,000,000
Number of shares received on sale of net smelter return royalty | shares	1,125,000	1,125,000	1,125,000
1,125,000 common shares of Cobalt 27	$ 8,325,000		$ 8,325,000
Total proceeds of sale of 2% NSR	9,625,200
Less: book value of Turnagain Nickel-Cobalt Project at date of sale	$ (1,777,377)
Finders fee on sale of royalty, expressed as a percentage	6.00%	6.00%
Less: 6% finders' fee	$ (780,120)	$ (600,000)
Gain on sale of net smelter return royalty	$ 7,067,703		$ 7,067,703

Trade payables and accrued li_3

Trade payables and accrued liabilities - Disclosure of detailed information about trade and other payables (Details) - CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Trade Payables And Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Trade payables	$ 235,421	$ 229,422
Accrued liabilities	148,364	83,559
Trade payables and accrued liabilities	$ 383,785	$ 312,981

Lease obligations - Disclosure

Lease obligations - Disclosure of recognized lease obligation (Details) - CAD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Right-of-use asset from office lease repayable monthly instalments	$ 8,755
Lease interest rate	12.50%
Right-of-use asset from office lease repayable in monthly instalments of $8,755 and an interest rate of 12.5% per annum and an end date of March 31, 2023	$ 293,464	$ 0
Less: current portion	(76,070)	0
Non-current portion	$ 217,394	$ 0

Lease obligations - Disclosur_2

Lease obligations - Disclosure of future minimum lease payments related to office (Details) - CAD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Total minimum lease payments	$ 355,733
Less: imputed interest	(62,269)
Total present value of minimum lease payments	293,464	$ 0
Less: current portion	(76,070)	0
Non-current portion	217,394	$ 0
2020 [Member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Total minimum lease payments	106,846
2021 [Member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Total minimum lease payments	109,227
2022 [Member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Total minimum lease payments	111,609
2023 [Member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Total minimum lease payments	28,051
2024 [Member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Total minimum lease payments	$ 0

Income taxes and mining tax c_3

Income taxes and mining tax credits - Disclosure of detailed information about effective income tax expense recovery (Details) - CAD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Major components of tax expense (income) [abstract]
(Loss) income before income taxes	$ (1,663,674)	$ 1,150,637
Statutory tax rate	27.00%	27.00%
Expected income tax (recovery) expense at the statutory tax rate	$ (449,192)	$ 310,672
Items not deductible for tax and other	52,943	618,099
True-up	(287,716)
Change in unrecognized tax benefits	683,965	(928,771)
Income tax recovery	$ 0	$ 0

Income taxes and mining tax c_4

Income taxes and mining tax credits - Disclosure of deferred taxes (Details) - CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	$ 0	$ 0
Federal investment tax credits [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	654,183	654,183
Exploration and evaluation assets [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	3,309,945	1,832,035
Marketable securities [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	0	450,106
Reclamation obligation [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	54,000	0
Non-capital loss carryforwards [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	3,804,719	4,742,207
Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	611,555	71,906
Unrecognized deferred tax assets [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	$ (8,434,402)	$ (7,750,437)

Income taxes and mining tax c_5

Income taxes and mining tax credits - Disclosure of detailed information about tax pools available (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)
Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	$ 16,649,369
Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	14,091,553
Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	4,088,060
Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	654,183
2025 [Member] | Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2025 [Member] | Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	0
2025 [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2025 [Member] | Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	24,847
2026 [Member] | Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2026 [Member] | Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	1,175
2026 [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2026 [Member] | Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	0
2027 [Member] | Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2027 [Member] | Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	1,381,861
2027 [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2027 [Member] | Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	91,030
2028 [Member] | Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2028 [Member] | Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	2,559,941
2028 [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2028 [Member] | Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	57,677
2029 [Member] | Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2029 [Member] | Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	2,621,029
2029 [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2029 [Member] | Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	234,667
2030 [Member] | Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2030 [Member] | Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	2,388,895
2030 [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2030 [Member] | Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	245,962
2031 [Member] | Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2031 [Member] | Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	1,392,745
2031 [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2031 [Member] | Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	0
2032 [Member] | Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2032 [Member] | Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	818,329
2032 [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2032 [Member] | Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	0
2033 [Member] | Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2033 [Member] | Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	202,411
2033 [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2033 [Member] | Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	0
2034 [Member] | Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2034 [Member] | Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	266,149
2034 [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2034 [Member] | Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	0
2035 [Member] | Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2035 [Member] | Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	173,814
2035 [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2035 [Member] | Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	0
2036 [Member] | Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2036 [Member] | Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	152,243
2036 [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2036 [Member] | Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	0
2037 [Member] | Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2037 [Member] | Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	307,139
2037 [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2037 [Member] | Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	0
2038 [Member] | Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2038 [Member] | Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	0
2038 [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2038 [Member] | Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	0
2039 [Member] | Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2039 [Member] | Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	1,825,822
2039 [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	0
2039 [Member] | Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	0
No expiry [Member] | Canadian resource pools [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	16,649,369
No expiry [Member] | Non-capital losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset recognised	0
No expiry [Member] | Other [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognised	4,088,060
No expiry [Member] | Canadian federal investment tax credit losses [Member]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax credits for which no deferred tax asset recognised	$ 0

Share capital - Disclosure of e

Share capital - Disclosure of earnings per share (Details) - CAD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of classes of share capital [abstract]
(Loss) income for the year	$ (1,663,674)	$ 1,150,637
Weighted average number of shares outstanding	51,169,610	42,391,792
Dilutive effect of options and warrants	0	13,665,282
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	51,169,610	56,057,074
Basic (loss) income per share	$ (0.03)	$ 0.03
Diluted (loss) income per share	$ (0.03)	$ 0.02

Share capital - Disclosure of n

Share capital - Disclosure of number and weighted average exercise prices of share options (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)Share	Dec. 31, 2018CAD ($)Share
Number of options
Options outstanding, beginning | Share	3,960,000	2,662,500
Options granted | Share	2,175,000	1,860,000
Options exercised | Share	(375,000)	0
Options expired/forfeited | Share	(225,000)	(562,500)
Options outstanding, ending | Share	5,535,000	3,960,000
Options exercisable, ending | Share	5,253,750	3,741,250
Weighted average exercise price
Options outstanding, beginning | $	$ 0.36	$ 0.33
Options granted | $	0.30	0.50
Options exercised | $	0.10
Options expired/forfeited | $	0.64	0.69
Options outstanding, ending | $	0.34	0.36
Options exercisable, ending | $	$ 0.34	$ 0.35

Share capital - Disclosure of_2

Share capital - Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)ShareYears	Dec. 31, 2018Share	Dec. 31, 2017Share
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Number of options outstanding	5,535,000	3,960,000	2,662,500
$0.10
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.10
Weighted average contractual life (years) | Years	1.5
Number of options outstanding	975,000
$0.20
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.20
Weighted average contractual life (years) | Years	4.33
Number of options outstanding	1,000,000
$0.22
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.22
Weighted average contractual life (years) | Years	2.7
Number of options outstanding	100,000
$0.30
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.30
Weighted average contractual life (years) | Years	3.8
Number of options outstanding	250,000
$0.35
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.35
Weighted average contractual life (years) | Years	3.95
Number of options outstanding	860,000
$0.40
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.40
Weighted average contractual life (years) | Years	3.34
Number of options outstanding	775,000
$0.45
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.45
Weighted average contractual life (years) | Years	4.88
Number of options outstanding	400,000
$0.55
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.55
Weighted average contractual life (years) | Years	3.1
Number of options outstanding	500,000
$0.60
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.60
Weighted average contractual life (years) | Years	3.02
Number of options outstanding	600,000
$0.80
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.80
Weighted average contractual life (years) | Years	2.88
Number of options outstanding	75,000
$0.34
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.34
Weighted average contractual life (years) | Years	3.35
Number of options outstanding	5,535,000

Share capital - Disclosure of d

Share capital - Disclosure of detailed information about options, valuation assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)Years	Dec. 31, 2018CAD ($)Years
Disclosure of classes of share capital [abstract]
Share price	$ 0.25	$ 0.36
Exercise price	$ 0.30	$ 0.50
Expected life of options | Years	4.9	5
Annualized volatility	149.00%	176.00%
Risk-free interest rate	2.10%	1.79%
Dividend rate	0.00%	0.00%

Share capital - Disclosure of_3

Share capital - Disclosure of detailed information about warrants, activity (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)Share	Dec. 31, 2018CAD ($)Share
Number of warrants
Warrants outstanding, beginning | Share	23,876,800	25,454,600
Warrants issued | Share	0	516,800
Warrants exercised | Share	(11,970,000)	(1,525,000)
Warrants expired | Share	(36,800)	(569,600)
Warrants outstanding, ending | Share	11,870,000	23,876,800
Average exercise price
Warrants outstanding, beginning | $	$ 0.20	$ 0.18
Warrants issued | $	0	0.70
Warrants exercised | $	0.10	0.08
Warrants expired | $	0.70	0.46
Warrants outstanding, ending | $	$ 0.29	$ 0.20

Share capital - Disclosure of_4

Share capital - Disclosure of detailed information about warrants outstanding (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)ShareYears	Dec. 31, 2018CAD ($)Share	Dec. 31, 2017CAD ($)Share
Disclosure Of Number And Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Of Outstanding Warrant [Line Items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.29	$ 0.20	$ 0.18
Number of warrants outstanding | Share	11,870,000	23,876,800	25,454,600
$0.08
Disclosure Of Number And Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Of Outstanding Warrant [Line Items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.08
Weighted average contractual life (years) | Years	0.67
Number of warrants outstanding | Share	5,508,333
$0.10
Disclosure Of Number And Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Of Outstanding Warrant [Line Items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.10
Weighted average contractual life (years) | Years	1.25
Number of warrants outstanding | Share	975,000
$0.45
Disclosure Of Number And Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Of Outstanding Warrant [Line Items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.45
Weighted average contractual life (years) | Years	0.82
Number of warrants outstanding | Share	3,375,000
$0.70
Disclosure Of Number And Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Of Outstanding Warrant [Line Items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.70
Weighted average contractual life (years) | Years	0.99
Number of warrants outstanding | Share	2,011,667
$0.29
Disclosure Of Number And Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Of Outstanding Warrant [Line Items]
Exercise price | $	$ 0.29
Weighted average contractual life (years) | Years	0.81
Number of warrants outstanding | Share	11,870,000

Related party transactions - Di

Related party transactions - Disclosure of information about key management personnel (Details) - CAD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [abstract]
Accounting fees	$ 31,132	$ 28,709
Directors' fees	71,427
Management fees	160,500	163,819
Stock-based compensation	355,333	283,194
Key management personnel compensation	$ 618,392	$ 475,722

Financial instruments and fin_4

Financial instruments and financial risk management - Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities (Details) - CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Trade payables and accrued liabilities	$ 383,785	$ 312,981
Current Lease obligation	76,070	0
Current liabilities	459,855	312,981
Non-current Lease obligation	217,394	$ 0
Non-current liabilities	417,394
Within one year [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Trade payables and accrued liabilities	383,785
Current Lease obligation	76,070
Current liabilities	459,855
Between one and five years [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Non-current Lease obligation	217,394
Non-current liabilities	217,394
More than five years [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Non-current liabilities	$ 0

Financial instruments and fin_5

Financial instruments and financial risk management - Disclosure of detailed information about financial assets (Details) - CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Amortized Cost
Interest receivable	$ 860	$ 543
Reclamation deposits	232,000	232,000
Fair value through profit or loss:
Cash and cash equivalents	1,640,642	405,849	$ 4,066,588
Marketable securities	0	2,683,560	$ 0
Financial assets	$ 1,873,502	$ 3,321,952

Financial instruments and fin_6

Financial instruments and financial risk management - Disclosure of detailed information about financial liabilities (Details) - CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Amortized Cost
Trade payables and accrued liabilities	$ 383,785	$ 312,981
Lease obligation	293,464	0
Total liabilities	$ 877,249	$ 312,981

Financial instruments and fin_7

Financial instruments and financial risk management - Disclosure of detailed information about fair value measurement of assets (Details) - CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,640,642	$ 405,849	$ 4,066,588
Marketable securities	0	2,683,560	$ 0
Total	1,873,502	3,321,952
Level 1 [Member]
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Cash and cash equivalents	1,640,642	405,849
Marketable securities		2,683,560
Total	1,640,642	3,089,409
Level 2 [Member]
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Marketable securities		0
Total	0	0
Level 3 [Member]
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Marketable securities		0
Total	$ 0	$ 0