A living from the land

Simplified geological map of the Vancouver area showing different rock types and earth resources.

There's copper and gold in them thar hills

Copper and gold are most abundant locally in metamorphic rocks of volcanic origin. They form from hot waters circulating through fractures at great depth. The metals deposit when the waters cool and mix with sulphur to form metal sulphide minerals such as pyrite (fool's gold). The Britannia mine formed in this way from hot springs on an ancient sea floor 100 million years ago.

Sand and gravel: a big business

Deposits of sand and gravel (aggregate) occur in the Fraser Valley and in mountain valleys. Sand and gravel are the principal ingredients of concrete used in construction and road building. It is not economical to transport aggregate great distances; as a result most gravel pits are near populated areas.

Granite, pumice and clay: the industrials

Earth resources that are not a metal, fuel, aggregate, or gemstone are referred to as industrial minerals. Industrial minerals mined locally include granite for building stone, volcanic pumice for abrasives, and clay for pipes and tile.