Potential for Subaqueous
Hot-Spring (Eskay Creek) Deposits in British Columbia
Open File 1999-14
by N.W.D. Massey, D.J. Alldrick and D.V.
Lefebure
2 colour maps at 1:2 000 000-scale, plus report
Release Date - September 1, 1999
The Eskay Creek property lies 80 kilometres north of Stewart, near
the western margin of the Intermontane tectonic belt. The property includes several
deposits of polymetallic sulphide and sulphosalt mineralization as both exhalative massive
sulphides and discordant veins. These deposits are very attractive because of their
enhanced precious metal contents and polymetallic nature. Eskay Creek has a mineable
reserve of 1.45 Mt grading 57.7 g/t gold (Au) and 2493 g/t silver (Ag) as of January 1, 1999 and is the
fifth largest silver producer in the world.
Eskay Creek deposits are examples of shallow subaqueous hot spring deposits,
an important new class of submarine mineral deposits that has only recently been
recognized in modern geological environments. The deposit type is transitional between
subaerial hot spring Au-Ag deposits and deeper water, volcanogenic massive sulphide
exhalites (Kuroko or Besshi types) and shares
mineralogical, geochemical and other characteristics of both. They are relatively
underexplored and poorly recognized within the geological record.
This study documents geological, mineral deposit and
geochemical indicators for Eskay-type deposits in B.C. on two 1:2 000 000-scale maps and
associated notes. Twenty-two prospective areas with potential for hosting Eskay Creek-type
deposits are outlined. MINFILE descriptions are included for 10 known and 18 possible
Eskay Creek-type deposits in the province.
Copies of Open File 1999-14 can be purchased for $20.00
from:
Crown
Publications Inc.
