The geology of the Pemberton map sheet is characterized by a number of
Paleozoic and Mesozoic terranes intruded to a large extent by plutonic rocks of the Coast
Crystalline Complex and dissected by mainly northwest striking regional fault systems.
The 243 documented mineral deposits and occurrences of the map area are as diverse as the
terranes which contain them, and include porphyry copper and molybdenum deposits,
volcanogenic massive sulphide mineralization, mesothermal base and precious metal vein
deposits, and a variety of precious and base metal epithermal deposits.The
map area is noted for its historical gold production. The Bridge River camp, to the north
of Pemberton, has produced over twice as much gold as either of the next two largest
producers in British Columbia, Hedley and Premier. More than 87 tonnes of gold were
recovered from Bralorne
(092JNE001), in the Bridge River camp, while a neighbouring Pioneer
mine (092JNE004), produced over 41 tonnes. Southwest of Pemberton, the Northair
mine (092JW 012) produced over 5 tonnes of gold and 26 tonnes of silver. Industrial
minerals, such as jade, granite (Marchesi
Granite (092JNE144)) and slate (Jervis
Inlet Slate (092JW 029)) are also of significance in the map area.
While deposits such as Bralorne exhibit strong structural control, no less
important is the categorization of mineral occurrences of the map sheet according to
lithostratigraphic assemblages and terranes. Thus, for example, tectonic and depositional
environments can be extracted from the MINFILE database in terms of current genetic or
empirical exploration models. This MINFILE release, therefore, is not simply a catalogue
of the mineral occurrences of the map area, but also a useful research tool for further
studies.
Work by the BC Geological Survey has contributed a great deal towards a
greater understanding of the genesis and controls of gold mineralization of the Bridge
River camp, and its position within a regional structural and stratigraphic framework.
This work, as well as that of other agencies and individuals referenced in MINFILE,
provides a solid base for research and exploration of the area.
REFERENCES
Green, Lewis (2000): The Great Years; Gold Mining in the Bridge
River Valley, Tricouni Press.
See References
in Metallogeny of the Bridge River Mining Camp;
BC Geological Survey Publications for
NTS 092J
