Open File 1999-2: Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide Deposits in B.C
(Revised April, 2000).
Compiled by Nick Massey
* Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide Deposits in B.C (PDF 1.6 MB)

Volcanogenic massive sulphides are an important resource in British Columbia both for base and precious metals. Current exploration interest is focused largely on the precious metal-rich Eskay-type deposits which are attractive because of their polymetallic nature and bonanza grades (e.g. Eskay Creek - 1998 reserves 1,356,240 t at 2684 g/t Ag, 58 g/t Au).

A hundred years of exploitation from 16 major mines has produced nearly 109,000,000 t of ore. This has resulted in the production of over 3,000,000 kg Ag, 82,500 kg Au, 1,460,000 t Cu, 96,400 t Pb, 1,000,000 t Zn and 2,000 t Cd. The bulk of this production has come from four mines - Britannia, Anyox (Hidden Creek), Myra Falls and Granduc. Myra Falls and Eskay Creek are presently operating, while Tulsequah Chief has received mine certification.

The revised Open File 1999-2 documents 269 VMS occurrences recorded in MINFILE, including examples from all four major deposit model types. They occur in all the tectonic belts, except Cratonal North America.

Kuroko-type deposits form the largest number of occurrences (180) being hosted dominantly in Upper Paleozoic (e.g. Myra Falls, Rea Gold, Tulsequah Chief) and Lower-Middle Jurassic sequences (e.g. Seneca), although Cretaceous sequences (e.g. Britannia) are also important.

Besshi-type deposits are second most numerous (58) being hosted primarily in Lower Paleozoic (e.g. Goldstream, J & L) and Triassic (e.g. Windy Craggy) sequences. Cyprus-type and Eskay-type deposits are less common (13 and 18 occurrences respectively) but nevertheless include important mines (e.g. Anyox and Eskay Creek).

Copies of Open File 1999-2 can be purchased for $25.00 from Crown Publications Inc.

For questions or more information on geology and minerals in British Columbia please contact GSB Mailbox or use the toll free number (B.C. residents only).