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What's New in Mining
| |
| What's New in Mining |
| Mining Events include conferences, conventions,
meetings, open houses, workshops, etc. on mining topics in British
Columbia. |
| Mining Announcements include bulletins, reports, new publications, new services, etc.
on mining topics. |
|
If you
wish further information on any of events or announcements below please contact the
Ministry of
Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources,
Communications Director.
|
| Mining Events |
 |
January 29 to February 1, 2007
Mineral Exploration Roundup 2007
Westin Bayshore Resort & Marina, Vancouver, BC
www.amebc.ca/ |
| January 16, 2007,
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Workshop: MapPlace.ca - Explore MapPlace and Find Exploration Targets
Simon Fraser University's Harbour Centre, 515 Hastings St. W., Vancouver, BC
info@geosciencebc.com Cost = $50.00 |
| January 17, 2007,
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Workshop: Exploration with ASTER Imagery on the MapPlace
Simon Fraser University's Harbour Centre, 515 Hastings St. W., Vancouver, BC
info@geosciencebc.com Cost = $100.00 |
|
Events Calendar for
BCYCM
|
| Mining Announcements |
|
***********************************
British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources
Mining and Minerals Division
BC Geological Survey
Release Notification 2006-6
August 11, 2006
***********************************
The British Columbia Geological Survey has completed extensive geological mapping and
mineral deposits studies on northern Vancouver Island over the last decade. This is an ongoing
program of mapping and mineral deposits studies. Northern Vancouver Island, and particularly the Quatsino Sound area, is
richly endowed in mineral occurrences, has had a successful mining history, such as the former Island Copper mine. The region
also has numerous mineral occurrences, some of which are under-explored but with excellent potential. The release of these
three 1:50 000-scale Geoscience Maps covers an area extending from Winter Harbour - San Josef Bay on the west coast to Port
Hardy - Port McNeill on the east coast, an area encompassing NTS sheets 102I/8, 9 and 92L/6, 11, and 12.
Geoscience Map 2006-1:
Geology of the Alice Lake Area, Northern Vancouver Island
by G.T. Nixon, G.J. Payie, L.D. Snyder, S. Long, A. Finnie, R.M. Friedman, D.A. Archibald, M.J. Orchard, T. Tozer, T.P.
Poulton, J.W. Haggart and K.A. Johnston
Geoscience Map 2006-2:
Geology of the Quatsino - Port McNeill Area, Northern Vancouver Island
by G.T. Nixon, G.J. Payie, L.D. Snyder, S. Long, A.Finnie, R.M. Friedman, D.A. Archibald, M.J. Orchard, T. Tozer, T.P.
Poulton, J.W. Haggart and K.A. Johnston
Geoscience Map 2006-3:
Geology of the Holberg - Winter Harbour Area, Northern Vancouver Island
by G.T. Nixon, J.L Hammack, V.M. Koyanagi, G.J. Payie, L.D. Snyder, A. Panteleyev, J.W. Haggart, N.W.D. Massey, M.J. Orchard,
D.A. Archibald, R.M. Friedman, T. Tozer, H.W. Tipper, T.P. Poulton, J. Palfy, F. Cordey, D. J. Barron and K.A. Johnston
The area is underlain by a folded and faulted sequence of
Upper Triassic to Middle Jurassic volcanic and sedimentary rocks of the Vancouver and Bonanza Groups intruded by granitoids
of the Island Plutonic suite. The latter rocks are associated with important calcalkaline Cu-Mo-Au porphyry, and base and
precious-metal skarn and epithermal mineral occurrences. Cretaceous marine clastic and Tertiary volcanic-sedimentary strata
with lower mineral potential overlie the Triassic-Jurassic rocks.
These geoscience maps provide a new stratigraphic framework
for the Early Mesozoic sequences, calibrated by 40Ar/39Ar and U-Pb isotopic dating and macrofossil and microfossil (conodont
and radiolarian) faunas. The Bonanza group now includes the Upper Triassic Parson Bay Formation, which contains mapable
volcanic/volcaniclastic horizons, overlain by unnamed volcaniclastic-sedimentary strata of uppermost Triassic to lowermost
Jurassic age, in turn succeeded by Lower to Middle Jurassic, predominantly volcanic and volcaniclastic sequences of the
informally named LeMare Lake volcanics, formerly "Bonanza volcanics". The latter term is usefully retained for all volcanic
lithologies within the Bonanza Group, which spans some 40 million years of magmatic arc evolution from the Late Triassic (Carnian) to
the Middle Jurassic (Bajocian).
***********************************
All BC Geological Survey geoscience publications are available from:
Crown Publications Inc.
521 Fort Street
Victoria, B.C., Canada, V8W 1E7
Tel: 250-386-4636 FAX: 250-386-0221
E-Mail: mailto:crown@pinc.com
Website: http://www.crownpub.bc.ca/
For questions about these publications or general information on geology
and minerals in British Columbia, or about BC Geological Survey Publications please
contact:
BC Geological Survey,
Mining and Minerals Division
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
PO Box 9333, Stn Prov Govt,
Victoria, B.C., V8W 9N3.
Tel: 250-952-0454 Fax: 250-952-0381
E-mail: brian.grant@gov.bc.ca
Website: http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/GeolSurv/default.htm
Note: many new products, as well as older maps and reports, are available
free of charge as digital files from the BC Geological Survey
website. Most can be accessed by browsing the 'GSB Catalog of
Publications', but many are also linked to various thematic pages at:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/
The BC Geological Survey is constantly adding documents and information to this site. Most provincial geoscience
data and other information can be easily accessed through our MapPlace website at:
www.MapPlace.ca
***********************************
British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources
Mining and Minerals Division
BC Geological Survey
Release Notification 2006-5
July 7, 2006
***********************************
Regional Geochemical Surveys
are an important part of the provincial geoscience database. This data, collected by the BC
Geological Survey over the last quarter century is available free for industry, government
and public use through the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources website. Surveys
funded by Geoscience BC during 2005 will also be available through the Ministry website.
FOUR NEW GEOCHEMICAL DATA RELEASES -
July 14th,
2006, 10:00 am Release Date:
·
Re-analysis of Regional Geochemical Stream Sediment Samples from the McLeod Lake area
·
Compilation of Regional Geochemical Survey Data from the Bella Coola Area
·
Regional Drainage Sediment and Water Geochemical Data, Anahim Lake and Nechako River, British
Columbia
·
Regional Geochemical Survey of South Eastern British Columbia
Stream sediment samples collected in 1985 by
the BC Geological Survey over the
McLeod Lake area north of Prince George, British Columbia have been re-analyzed by a more
sensitive technique for gold and other trace elements. The results will assist geologists and
mineral industry companies to focus exploration on new targets and will assist governments
and interested parties with land use planning.
GeoFile 2006-09
Re-analysis of Regional Geochemical Stream Sediment Samples
from the McLeod Lake area
(NTS 93J)
By Ray Lett and Britt
Bluemel
Digital Data and Report are
available from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/Gf2006-09/toc.htm
Geofile 2006-09
reports new gold and trace metal
data from the re-analysis of archived regional geochemical survey samples from the
McLeod Lake (NTS 93J)
map sheet. Up to 147 ppb gold in sediment was detected from an area underlain by Takla rocks.
This digital release consists of a report in PDF format, and appendices in a ZIP format file.
Previous exploration in the McLeod Lake area has
been hampered by a thick glacial sediment blanket. There are 25 reported mineral occurrences
which include 6 gold and 2 copper showings. Part of the map sheet is underlain by Triassic
Takla Group rocks that can host significant porphyry gold-copper deposits, such as that at
Mount Milligan immediately west of the area. In 1985 a regional geochemical survey produced
trace element data from the analysis of 1152
stream sediments and 940 water samples taken from 1088 sites over a 14 500 km2.
The sediment samples were originally analyzed for 19 trace elements including copper, lead,
zinc, uranium, fluorine, barium, tin and tungsten. They were also analyzed for loss on
ignition (LOI). The samples were re-analyzed this year for 37 elements including gold by aqua
regia digestion - inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS).
-----------------
Stream sediment analyses, from
several regional geochemical surveys, carried out by the
BC Geological Survey in the Bella Coola area of coastal British Columbia have
been compiled into a single file for convenience and to accompany 2006 geological map product
releases from the Geological Survey of Canada
and the BC Geological Survey.
These multi-element data can assist geologists and mineral industry companies in identifying
prospective exploration areas for new mines.
GeoFile 2006-10
Compilation of Regional Geochemical Survey Data from the Bella Coola Area
(NTS 93D/01, /02, /06, /07,
/08, /09 /10/11/12/14/15, 93C/04, /05, 93E/02 /03)
By Ray Lett and Britt
Bluemel
Digital Data and Report are available from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/Gf2006-10/toc.htm
Geofile 2006-10
presents analytical data compiled from regional geochemical surveys in the Bella Coola
(NTS 93D), Whitesale Lake (93E) and Anahim Lake (93C) map sheets, which
were released previously. This digital release consists of a report in PDF format, and
appendices in a ZIP format file.
The Bella Coola-Whitesale Lake area is underlain by Mesozoic Hazelton Group, Coast Complex
plutonic rocks and Cretaceous-Tertiary intrusive rock and has the potential for volcanogenic
massive sulphide (VMS) mineralization, precious metal vein and Cu-Mo porphyry deposits. A
compilation of geoscience information for the Bella Coola area will be published by the
Geological Survey of Canada in cooperation with the BC Geological Survey. This geochemical
Geofile data product comprises analyses of 790 samples for 17 trace elements, loss on
ignition (LOI) and stream water pH extracted from BC Regional Geochemical Survey reports 56
and 16 and these data have been combined into a single file for convenience. Elements
selected were determined by similar analytical methods in the two surveys. Element variations
across the area are shown as symbol maps.
Geoscience BC
July 7,
2006, 10:00am RELEASE
DATE
The results of
Geoscience BC funded,
drainage sediment - water surveys carried out in the Anahim Lake area of the Nechako
Plateau, British Columbia area are reported. These new data will help focus exploration by
geologists and mineral industry companies on new targets in a relatively unexplored part of the
province.
GEOSCIENCE BC Report 2006-4
MEMPR GeoFile 2006-11
Regional Drainage Sediment and Water Geochemical
Data,
Anahim Lake and Nechako River, British Columbia
(NTS Map Sheets 93C and F)
By W. Jackaman
Digital Data and Report are available from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/Gf2006-11/toc.htm
Geoscience BC Report
2006-4/
MEMPR Geofile 2006-11 reports new regional geochemical drainage sediment – water survey data from
the Anahim Lake (NTS 93C) and Nechako River (93F) map sheets. This digital release consists of a
survey summary, data listings, statistics and maps in PDF format, plus appendices containing raw
data and GIS importable shape files.
There are over 60 base and precious metal occurrences in the Anahim Lake - Nechako River map
sheets including several such as the 3T’s and Clisbako, which have extensive exploration history.
However, exploration for new deposits has been hampered by widespread glacial sediment and Miocene
lava cover. During 2005 a total of 2070 drainage sediment and water samples were collected from
1957 sites covering 19 500 square kilometres. Most of the samples were taken from lakes and
analysed for trace and minor elements by instrumental neutron activation and by aqua regia
digestion - inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS), for loss on ignition (LOI) and
for fluorine. Water samples were analysed for pH, conductivity and fluoride. Survey data has been
combined with the results of two previous lake sediment and water geochemical surveys completed
near the Fawnie Range and around Ootsa Lake. Gold values up to 694 ppb and copper up to 1536 ppm
have been detected in sediment samples.
Geoscience BC
July 14th,
2006, 10:00am Release Date:
The results of
Geoscience BC funded,
drainage sediment - water surveys carried out in South-Eastern British Columbia are reported.
These new data will focus exploration on new targets and assist governments and interested parties
with land use planning.
Geoscience BC Report 2006-5
MEMPR GeoFile 2006-12
Regional Geochemical Survey of South
Eastern British Columbia
(NTS Map Sheets 83C, D, E and
82N)
By
C.O. Naas
Digital Data and Report are available from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/Gf2006-12/toc.htm
Geoscience BC Report 2006-5/
MEMPR Geofile 2006-12 reports results of
regional geochemical drainage sediment – water surveys in the
Golden (NTS 82N),
Brazeau River (83C),
Canoe River (83D) and
Mount Robson (83E) map sheets. This digital release
consists of reports in PDF format, and appendices in a ZIP format file.
Most of the known base and precious metal occurrences
are in the Golden map sheet although much of the remaining survey area has a higher potential for
metallic and industrial mineral deposits. During 2005 stream sediment and water samples were
collected from 1409 sites covering 21 560 square kilometres in southeastern BC. The samples were
analysed for trace and minor elements by instrumental neutron activation and by aqua regia
digestion - inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS), for loss on ignition (LOI) and
for fluorine. Water samples were analysed for pH, conductivity and fluoride. Gold values up to 357
ppb and silver up to 1747 ppb were detected in sediment samples from the surveys.
***********************************
Publications of the BC Geological Survey are available from:
Crown Publications Inc.
521 Fort Street
Victoria, B.C., Canada, V8W 1E7
Tel: 250-386-4636 FAX: 250-386-0221
E-Mail: mailto:crown@pinc.com
Website: http://www.crownpub.bc.ca/
For questions about these publications or general information on geology
and minerals in British Columbia, or about GSB Publications please
contact:
BC Geological Survey,
Mining and Minerals Division
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
PO Box 9333, Stn Prov Govt,
Victoria, B.C., V8W 9N3.
Tel: 250-952-0454 Fax: 250-952-0381
E-mail: brian.grant@gov.bc.ca
Website: http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/GeolSurv/default.htm
Note: many new products, as well as older maps and reports, are available
free of charge as digital files from the BC Geological Survey
website. Most can be accessed by browsing the 'GSB Catalog of
Publications', but many are also linked to various thematic pages at:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/
The GSB is constantly adding documents and information to this site. Most provincial geoscience
data and other information can be easily accessed through our MapPlace website at:
www.MapPlace.ca
***********************************
British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources
Mining and Minerals Division
BC Geological Survey
Release Notification 2006-2
April 1, 2006
***********************************
All new and historic geoscience publications can be directly
accessed through the Ministry website at:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/Publications/default.htm
NEW British Columbia GEOSCIENCE MAP PRODUCTS
Available April 2006
These new geoscience map releases are available and contain
geological and geophysical information for the Iron Mask, immediately south of Kamloops, mapping in the
Whitesail Lake area of northcentral BC, the most recent mapping in the northern part of the Toodoggone
mining camp and a new geological map of the Canim Lake area of east-central BC just south of the Mt Polley
deposit. These new geoscience products provide the latest information on the setting and geological context
of important gold, porphyry Cu-Au and VMS settings in British Columbia and should attract attention to the
mineral potential of these areas.
These products will be available as free, digital downloads from the Ministry website or hardcopy
versions may be purchased through Crown Publications Inc, in Victoria.
Geology of the Iron Mask Batholith, Southern British Columbia
Open File Map 2006-11
Mapping and Compilation by James M. Logan and Mitchell G. Mihalynuk, BC
Geological Survey
Geochronology by Thomas Ullrich and Richard Friedman, University of British
Columbia
Hardcopy Price $15.00 1:25 000-scale
mapsheet (NTS 92I/09 and 10)
This new geological map provides new insight into the geology,
geochronology and mineral potential of the Iron Mask Batholith in the Kamloops region of southern British
Columbia. It presents the results of new mapping and a compilation of University and private
industry research designed to clarify the copper-gold metallogeny of the batholith. Past metal production
from the batholith includes the Afton copper-gold-silver-PGE bearing deposit. Delineation of additional
reserves and a likely return to production by New Gold Resources makes correlative rocks important
exploration targets throughout the batholith and underlines the potential for new discoveries and mines in
the area.
The Iron Mask survey was delivered with support from the Rocks to Riches (AMEBC) program and Geoscience
Partnerships developed between Abacus Mining and Exploration, Imperial Metals Corporation and Nova Gold
Corporation to study alkaline porphyry copper-gold deposits.
Integrated Airborne Geophysical Geology and Mineral Occurrence
Data, Iron Mask Batholith,
Southern British Columbia
Open File Map 2006-12
(for release April 17, 2006)
Compiled by James M. Logan, Mitchell G. Mihalynuk (BC Geological Survey) and
Carmel Lowe (Geological Survey of Canada)
Hardcopy Price $50.00 1:25 000-scale mapsheets (NTS 92I/09 and 10)
Sheet 1 – Aeromagnetic Anomaly Map
Sheet 2 – Vertical Magnetic Gradient Map
Sheet 3 – Horizontal Magnetic Gradient Map
Sheet 4 – Potassium Map
Sheet 5 – Thorium Map
Sheet 6 – Uranium Map
Sheet 7 – Thorium/Potassium Map
Sheet 8 – Uranium/Potassium Map
Sheet 9 – Uranium/Thorium Map
This product comprises 3 magnetic and 6 radiometric parameters,
geo-referenced and displayed on separate 1: 25 000 scale sheets with geological contacts and major mineral
occurrences shown. The map area corresponds to Open File Map 2006-11, Geology of the Iron Mask Batholith.
The geophysical data represents a subset of the 1995 Iron Mask survey completed by the Geological Survey of
Canada and released as GSC Open File 2817 and includes re-contoured residual, vertical gradient and
horizontal gradient magnetics and potassium, thorium, uranium, thorium/potassium, uranium/potassium and
uranium/thorium plots. The geophysical data provides new insight into the geology and mineral potential of
the Iron Mask Batholith particularly in areas covered by overburden.
The Iron Mask survey was delivered through support from the Rocks to Riches (AMEBC) program and
Geoscience Partnerships developed between Abacus Mining and Exploration, Imperial Metals Corporation and
Nova Gold Corporation to study alkaline porphyry copper-gold deposits.
Geology of the Tahtsa Ranges Between Eutsuk Lake and Morice Lake,
Whitesail Lake Map Area,
West-Central British Columbia
(Parts of NTS 93E/5,6,9,10,11,12,13,14 and 15)
Geoscience Map 2006-5
Geology and compilation by Larry J. Diakow
Hardcopy Price $15; 1 sheet at 1:150 000 scale
This geological compilation covers approximately six, 1:50
000-scale map sheets adjacent to the Coast Belt-Intermontane Belt boundary within the Whitesail Lake map
area. The map is based on a compilation of geological mapping conducted by the BC Geological Survey during
the Whitesail Project (1987-1990), as well as data available in previously published government reports and
university theses. The area is underlain by a diverse assemblage of Late Paleozoic to Cenozoic volcanic,
sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, together with numerous plutonic rocks.
The map features a collation of available fossil collections and age determinations. It also contains a
mineral occurrence database that demonstrates a strong spatial relationship between Cu-Mo mineralization and
hornblende-biotite-bearing intermediate intrusions of the Late Cretaceous and Eocene suites.
Geology of the Central Toodoggone River Map Area, North-Central
British Columbia
(Parts of NTS 94E/2,6,7,10 and 11)
Geoscience Map 2006-6
Geology by Larry J. Diakow, Graham Nixon, Ryan Rhodes and Phu van Bui
Geochronology by Richard Friedman and Thomas Ullrich (U.B.C. Earth and Ocean Sciences)
Hardcopy Price $15; 1 sheet at 1:50 000 scale
Contribution to the Toodoggone Targeted
Geoscience Initiative II - Mining Company Partnership
This geological map is the result of a 1:20 000-scale bedrock
mapping program conducted from 2003 to 2005 as part of a partnership between the BC Geological Survey and
Stealth Minerals Ltd., Northgate Exploration Ltd., Finlay Minerals Ltd., Bishop Resources Inc., Sable
Resources Ltd., the Geological Survey of Canada, and the University of British Columbia.
This map covers approximately 900 km2 of mountainous terrain between the Finlay River and Chukachida
Lake, and extends the detailed map coverage at 1:20 000-scale farther to the north beyond published BCGS
Geoscience Map 2001-1, centred on the Kemess South Au-Cu porphyry mine. It portrays an updated and revised
stratigraphy for the Early Jurassic Toodoggone Formation and comagmatic plutons of the Black Lake intrusive
suite. The Toodoggone Formation in the map area is largely composed of a previously unrecognized
stratigraphic succession that is subdivided into 4 new units (i.e., Belle, Pillar, Graves and Junkers).
These units consist mainly of subaerial basalt to rhyolite volcanic rocks and derived sedimentary rocks that
were deposited between 194 Ma and 186 Ma. They overlie the previously defined, pre-194 to 200Ma Toodoggone
Formation, and older Late Triassic basement and occur above an erosional unconformity.
Regionally the Toodoggone Formation is noted for numerous epithermal precious metal occurrences and quartz
monzonite to monzonite plutons of the Black Lake intrusive suite locally host Au-Cu porphyry mineralization.
Copper-magnetite skarns are locally developed within Early Permian limestones of the Asitka Group crosscut
by Early Jurassic plutons.
Geology of the Canim Lake Area (092P/15)
Open File 2006-8
1 sheet at 1:50 000-scale by Paul Schiarizza & Amy Boulton
The Canim Lake map area covers about 1000 square kilometres within the
Quesnel Highland and Fraser Plateau of south-central British Columbia. This new geological map is based on
fieldwork conducted during 2005. The map area is underlain mainly by sedimentary, volcanic and
volcaniclastic rocks of the Middle to Upper Triassic Nicola Group, together with Late Triassic to Early
Jurassic ultramafic to granitic plutonic rocks. These rocks are part of the Quesnel magmatic arc, which
hosts the Afton and Mount Polley porphyry Cu-Au deposits to the south and north, respectively. Younger rocks
in the map area include mid-Cretaceous granitic stocks and batholiths, Eocene volcanic and sedimentary
rocks, and Quaternary basalt. Mineral occurrences located within the map area include disseminated and
fracture controlled Cu-Au (locally with Pt, Pd) within ultramafic, dioritic and monzonitic rocks of the
Quesnel arc suite, as well as porphyry Mo within mid-Cretaceous granite and Au-bearing quartz-carbonate
veins and mineralized shears.
***********************************
British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources
Mining and Minerals Division
BC Geological Survey
Release Notification 2006-2
January 20, 2006
***********************************
NEW British Columbia GEOSCIENCE PRODUCTS
available at Mineral Exploration Roundup, Vancouver, January 2006:
Geological Fieldwork 2005: A Summary of Fieldwork and Current Research -
Paper 2006-1
This is the thirty-first edition of Geological Fieldwork: A Summary of
Fieldwork and Current Research. An annual publication, this year it
contains 31 individual reports in 365 pages. These include reports on 13
projects funded by Geoscience BC, and summarize results from BC Geological
Survey (BCGS) projects completed throughout the province during the past
year. The contents of this volume reflect the emphasis of the BC Geological
Survey's year 2005 field surveys in partnership with industry,
universities and other government agencies.
Highlights include:
- results from the Geoscience BC funded geoscience projects
- reports of bedrock mapping and mineral deposits studies in the Terrace,
Eskay-Iskut,
Canim Lake, northern Vancouver Island, Greenwood and Toodoggone areas
- details of the geology and setting of the Mt Polley and Galore Creek
Cu-Au porphyry
deposits
- information on Regional Geochemical Surveys in the Bowser Basin, Nechako
River and
southeastern BC areas
- investigation of industrial minerals potential along coastal BC
- new information regarding the province's diamond potential in the
northeast.
- review of coal within the Gates Formation in northeastern BC
- a description of ASTER imagery available at www.MapPlace.ca
British Columbia Mineral Exploration Review 2005
This annual publication provides an overview of mineral exploration and
development activities in the Province of British Columbia. Ministry
geologists using information provided by government, companies and
individuals in the British Columbia mining industry compile the
publication. It contains detailed statistical tables and illustrations, in
addition to location maps and tables summarizing significant mining,
exploration and development projects in the province during 2005. A total
of $220 million is estimated to have been spent on mineral exploration in
the Province during 2005 and this publication provides information on the
major areas of interest. Information Circular 2006-1.
Exploration and Mining in British Columbia 2005
This annual, 100-page, publication provides an overview of mining, mineral
exploration and development activities in British Columbia. Regional
Geologists in the Mining and Minerals Division of the Ministry compile the
report using information provided by government, companies and individuals
in the British Columbia mining industry compile the publication. It
contains detailed statistical tables and illustrations, in addition to
location maps and tables summarizing significant mining, exploration and
development projects in the province during 2005. This publication
provides information and statistics on mining and exploration activities
on a regional basis.
Geoscience Map series of geoscience products
Geology of British Columbia
N.W.D. Massey, D.G. MacIntyre, P.J. Desjardins and R.T. Cooney
This digital map product at 1:250 000-scale, is a set of 3 sheets
depicting the geology of the Province and is available as a free digital
download from the Ministry website. This product is the first, lithology-based
geological map product of the Province since the mid-1970s and it
incorporates the geological information and current interpretation of the
geology based on the geoscience research of government, industry and
academia over the past 25 years. Geoscience Map 2005-3
Open File series of geoscience products
Operating Mines and Selected Major Exploration Projects in British
Columbia - 2005
by J. Pardy
This poster-style map depicts all of the metal, coal and industrial
minerals operations in the Province during 2005, in addition to all of the
significant mineral exploration programs across the province. Open File
2006-1
Geology of the Upper Iskut River Area, British Columbia
by D.J. Alldrick, J.L. Nelson, T. Barresi, M.L. Stewart and K.A. Simpson
This map is the latest map release generated by the Eskay-Iskut regional
mapping and mineral deposits study which is investigating VMS potential
and identifying new areas which may have potential to host deposits
similar to that at the Eskay Creek mine. Open File 2006-2
Geology of the Usk Map-Area (103I/09)
by J.L. Nelson, T. Barresi, E. Knight and N. Boudreau
This is the first map product from the fieldwork undertaken in the Terrace
area of northwestern BC looking at the geology and mineral potential for
the area. This map will be of particular interest in generating new
exploration activity for VMS and porphyry occurrences. Open File 2006-3
Geology Between the Finlay River and Chukachida Lake, Central Toodoggone
River Map Area (Parts of NTS 094E/2, 6 and 7)
by L.J. Diakow and R. Rhodes
This is the latest in a series of highly detailed geological maps of the
Toodoggone mining camp and sheds new light on the potential for Cu-Au
porphyry and vein-gold deposits in this productive area of north-central
BC. Open File 2006-4
Geology of the Nimpkish Map Area, Northern Vancouver Island (92L/07)
by G.T. Nixon, M. Kelman, D. Stevenson, L. Stokes and K. Johnston
This map is the first in a series of new geological maps to be produced
for northern Vancouver Island. It is of particular interest as it helps
clarify the geology and setting of the Hushamu Cu-Au porphyry occurrence
and will aid in exploration for similar deposits in the area. Open File
2006-5
Geology of the Volcano Creek - More Creek Area, British Columbia
by D.J. Alldrick, J.L. Nelson and T. Barresi
This map is a detailed geological map of an area of the province with high
potential for Eskay Creek style mineralization and highlights the rock
units with potential for new discoveries. Open File 2006-6
Communities Benefiting from BC Mineral Exploration Activity - 2005
This is a map of the province illustrating the benefits of regional,
mineral exploration investment on specific communities across the province
in terms of jobs and economic activity in the regions. Open File 2006-7
Communities Benefiting from Mining Activity - 2005
This is a map of the province illustrating the employment and economic
benefits of the BC mining industry. The mining industry in BC had a total
value of $4.9 Billion in solid mineral production (coal, metals and
industrial minerals) during 2005 and the benefits of this accrue to all
communities across the province. Open File 2006-9
Mineral Properties for Sale in British Columbia
This map depicts those mineral properties which prospectors, geologists
and small companies may have for sale or option across the province.
Owners are encouraged to submit information to the Ministry on their
available properties. Open File 2006-10
GEOFILE series of geoscience products
- available as digital files: free from the Ministry website at:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/Publications/catalog/cat_geof.htm
Till Geochemistry - A New Tool for Polymetallic Mineral Exploration in
British Columbia’s Southern Interior
R.C. Paulen, R.E. Lett and P.T. Bobrowsky
GeoFile 2005-18
Potential for Gem Beryl and Schist-hosted Emerald in British Columbia
by A. Legun
GeoFile 2005-19
Kimberlite and Diamond Indicator Minerals in NE BC - A Reconnaissance
Survey
by G.J. Simandl, T. Ferbey, V.M. Levson, N.D. Robinson, R. Lane, R. Smith,
T.E. Demchuk, I.M. Raudsepp and A.S. Hickin
GeoFile 2005-25
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British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources
Mining and Minerals Division
BC Geological Survey
Release Notification 2006-1
January 13, 2006
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The search for, and discovery of, diamond deposits in Canada has had a
significant impact on Canada’s economy over the past decade. Canada is now the number three producer in
the world for these high-quality gemstones and is believed to have significant and untapped potential for
new discoveries.
Recent work by the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
staff highlights the fact that the potential for diamond occurrences in the northeast of the province is
better than previously assumed. Some diamond indicator minerals have been identified by limited, regional
sampling.
Approximately 400 km southeast of Fort Nelson, in Alberta between Fort
McMurray and the Peace River, there are areas with similar geology and diamond occurrences, but no mines.
Comprehensive exploration of northeast British Columbia would be required to properly assess this diamond
potential.
Kimberlite and Diamond Indicator Minerals in Northeast British Columbia, Canada – A Reconnaissance Survey
by G.J. Simandl, T. Ferbey, V.M. Levson, N.D. Robinson, R. Lane, R.
Smith, T.E. Demchuk, I. M. Raudsepp and A.S. Hickin
GeoFile
2005-25
Northeast British Columbia is an under-explored region of North America
for diamonds, other gemstones and minerals. The area has a low relief and extensive glacial and fluvial
surficial materials which add a challenge to exploration programs. BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and
Petroleum Resources staff investigated this region by collecting approximately 58 samples from a variety of
materials within northeast British Columbia, to test for kimberlitic indicator minerals and the potential
for diamond-bearing bedrock.
Since diamonds occur in neighbouring parts of Alberta with similar
geology and are mined in basement rocks of the Northwest Territories which are believed to extend under
northeast British Columbia, there is the potential to discover diamonds in this region. Diamonds have been
discovered within the Buffalo Head Hills and Birch Mountain areas of neighbouring Alberta, approximately 400
km southeast of the Fort Nelson. As well, several alluvial diamond occurrences are reported adjacent to
northeast British Columbia in the Northwest Territories and in Alberta.
Recent age dating of basement rocks in the northeast indicates that a
Precambrian crystalline basement, similar in age to the Buffalo Head Terrane, extends farther west than
previously expected, supporting the hypothesis that northeast British Columbia may have been underlain by a
thick, cold lithosphere prior to rifting of the Rodinia Supercontinent. The deeper portions of the
“diamondiferous root” may subsequently have been destroyed after the diamonds were brought to the surface by
kimberlites, lamproites, or other diamond host rocks.
The results of this limited, heavy mineral reconnaissance survey carried
out by the BC Geological Survey, when considered in conjunction with the findings of a previous kimberlite
indicator mineral survey, provides new evidence for diamond potential in the northeast of the province.
This 24-page digital report containing maps, heavy mineral analytical
plots, data tables and photos is available free from the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum website
at:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/Gf2005-25/toc.htm
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Emeralds have recently been found in the Yukon and this report evaluates
the potential to find them in British Columbia. Emerald, a gem variety of the mineral beryl, is a
high-value commodity for which even small deposits could be economically interesting. There has been
relatively little prospecting and exploration for gemstones in the province, therefore, there are
significant opportunities to find gem and semi-precious stones. This study identifies the areas in British
Columbia that are believed to have the best potential for emerald discoveries.
Potential for Gem Beryl and Schist Hosted Emerald
in British Columbia
by Andrew S. Legun
GeoFile
2005-19
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/Gf2005-19/toc.htm
This 20-page report reviews the gem varieties of beryl, the associations
of beryl with granitic rocks, and the particular association of emerald with ultramafic wallrocks affected
by volatile-rich fluids. The publication includes an emerald potential map for the province and a general
description of areas of gem beryl potential. There has been little systematic work on transparent gemstones
in British Columbia in spite of a number of gem discoveries in the last fifteen years. This study received
funding from the BC and Yukon Chamber of Mines, Rocks to Riches program in 2004, which provided support for
some limited fieldwork related to known emerald and beryl occurrences in the province.
This digital report and maps are available free of charge as
downloadable files from the Ministry website at:
Report on Emerald and Beryl in BC:
www.em.gov.bc.ca/DL/GSBPubs/GeoFile/GF2005-19/GF2005-19.pdf
Map 1- Emerald & Beryl Potential
of BC
www.em.gov.bc.ca/DL/GSBPubs/GeoFile/GF2005-19/GF2005-19-Map1.pdf
Map 2 – Geology of the Hellroaring
Creek Area, SE BC
www.em.gov.bc.ca/DL/GSBPubs/GeoFile/GF2005-19/GF2005-19-Map2.pdf
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