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British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources
Mining and Minerals Division
BC Geological Survey
Release Notification 2008-10

September 5, 2008

New Publications, New Staff, and a Successful Field Season

Publications

BC Geological Survey News

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PUBLICATIONS

Cement – Reduction of CO2 Emissions – Sustainable Development (Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in British Columbia)
Geofile 2008-09
By G. Simandl and L. Simandl
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/Gf2008-9/toc.htm

This poster introduces the cement-making process, describes how CO2 is generated during Portland cement production, explains the blended cement concept and demonstrates how the increased use of blended cement results in substantial reductions of CO2 emissions.

Blended cement has chemical and physical properties similar to those of traditional Portland cement (the main cementitious material used to make concrete); however, it commonly consists of 10-30% (in some cases up to 50%) additives that require only low or no temperature calcining. These additives are supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) or natural pozzolans. They include fly ash, silica fumes, volcanic ash, scoria, pumice, silica sinter, metakaolin, slags, zeolites, diatomaceous earth, rice husk ash, calcined shale and a number of other materials. As a result, the production of blended cement requires the combustion of a smaller quantity of fossil fuel than Portland cement. The reduction in the use of Portland cement also lowers the level of raw material - related emissions emitted by calcination of limestone.

Contribution to sustainability in cement and coal production, southwest British Columbia, Canada
Information Circular 2008-02
By L. Simandl and C. J. Brûlé
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/InfoCirc/IC2008-02/toc.htm

This Information Circular presents ideas about the sustainable development of coal and cement raw materials in British Columbia. The study describes the chemical composition of the Quinsam coal mine rejects and demonstrates how the use of these rejects could benefit coal and cement producers, and the environment. The same principles can be applied to other coal operations and deposits where alumina-rich clays or shales with low concentrations of alkali elements are associated with coal.

SURVEY NEWS

Interim, Director, Geoscience Initiatives hired

Philippe Erdmer joined the BC Geological Survey on a half-time, temporary basis as of August 18th, 2008 to supervise the Geoscience Initiatives Section which carries out mapping and mineral deposit, geochemistry, and industrial mineral studies. He will be working with the branch until the search for a permanent Director is completed. This is the position that was held by Brian Grant.

Philippe is a professional structural geologist with 30+ years of experience, including considerable field work in British Columbia. He has recently moved to Salt Spring Island with his family and comes from the University of Alberta where he will continue as a Professor at the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences on a part-time basis.

Philippe has MSc and PhD degrees from Queen's University where he began his teaching career. He has also taught at the Royal Military College of Canada, and has been teaching at the University of Alberta since 1984. Philippe has supervised a multitude of graduate students at the University of Alberta.

2008 Field Season highlights

Most BC Geological Survey field crews have now safely returned from successful field programs throughout the province. Bedrock and surficial geology mapping, mineral deposits investigations, till sampling and geochemical surveys were completed. Highlights from the season include:

Website redesign coming soon

Websites across the provincial government are being updated and redesigned. The Ministry of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources website will be updated over the coming months. This may affect access to some parts of the BC Geological Survey website. We will be working to ensure any broken links are repaired as quickly as possible. For assistance contact Sarah Meredith-Jones (Sarah.MeredithJones@gov.bc.ca).

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Most provincial geoscience data can be easily accessed over the internet in map format at:
www.MapPlace.ca and through various thematic pages at www.empr.gov.bc.ca/geology.

Printed BC Geological Survey geoscience publications are available from Crown Publications Inc.
Tel: 250-386-4636 Fax: 250-386-0221
Email: crown@pinc.com Website: www.crownpub.bc.ca/

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British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources
Mining and Minerals Division
BC Geological Survey
Release Notification 2008-9

June 30, 2008

Updated Publications

BC Geological Survey News

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UPDATED PUBLICATIONS

Handbook for Mineral and Coal Exploration in British Columbia: A working Field Guide (2008-09 Edition)
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Subwebs/mining/Exploration/handbook.htm (available online now)

The Handbook for Mineral and Coal Exploration in British Columbia has been developed over the past few years as a joint effort of the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, the Ministry of Environment, the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) and the Mining Association of British Columbia. It is meant to assist the B.C. mineral and coal exploration sectors in planning and implementing their exploration activities with due regard for worker health and safety and environmental protection. 

Geology and Mineral Occurrences of the Downie Creek area, northern Selkirk Mountains
Revised Open File 1996-02, geology updated, colour added
Cartography by J.M. Logan and C.Y.M. Lin
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/OpenFiles/OF1996-02/toc.htm

Available Online July 4, 2008

1.  Open File 1996-02 presents the geology and mineral occurrences of the Downie Creek area (82M/8, part of 1) in the northern Selkirk Mountains of southeastern British Columbia. The Open File map portrays geology at 1:50 000 scale and includes a legend, cross sections, and tables of isotopic age data and mineral occurrences. The work complements information in Open Files 1995-02 and 1995-03.

Geology and Mineral Occurrences of the Goldstream River area, northern Selkirk Mountains
Revised Open File 1995-02, geology updated, colour added
Revision and cartography by J.M. Logan and C.Y.M. Lin
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/OpenFiles/OF1995-02/toc.htm

2.  Open File 1995-02 discusses the geology and mineral occurrences of the Goldstream River area (82M/9 and part of 10) in the northern Selkirk Mountains in eastern British Columbia. The Open File map presents geology at 1:50 000 scale, and has a legend, several geologic cross sections, and a table of mineral occurrences. More detailed geology of the Goldstream mine area is presented in Open File 1995-03.

BCGS NEWS

Staffing

The British Columbia Geological Survey (BCGS) is pleased to welcome Jay Fredericks as Director, BC Mineral Development Office in Vancouver.  In this position Jay will be a key liaison between the mineral exploration and mining industries and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.

Prior to coming to BC, Jay was Director of Mineral Policy with the Government of Saskatchewan. There, Jay was responsible for preparing revenue and economic forecasts for mineral commodities, developing royalty structures and led in the development of a broad range of policy initiatives that influence the Saskatchewan mineral industry.  More recently, Jay was extensively involved in Saskatchewan’s efforts to attract new mineral investment from Asian and European markets.

In 2004, Jay was part of a team that received the Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Public Service for their work in developing a package of incentives to promote exploration and development of Saskatchewan’s mineral resources.  In 2007, Jay was again nominated for the Premier’s Award of Excellence in the Public service for his role co-chairing a team that developed the Reclaimed Industrial Sites Act and the Institutional Control Management Framework for the long term care and maintenance of former mine sites, the first of its kind in the world.

Jay will be joining the BC Mineral Development office on July 2, 2008.  Please feel free to contact him at Jay.Fredericks@gov.bc.ca or 604-660-3332.

Assessment Reports

As of mid-June, 30 000 mineral assessment reports had been filed with the BC Geological Survey.  These reports will be posted on line, accessible for free through the ARIS website, when they are no longer confidential.

http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Aris/default.htm

1. Geology and mineral deposits of the McKinney Creek Area, British Columbia (part of NTS 82E/3)
Open File 2008-10
Mapping and Compilation by N.W.D. Massey and A. Duffy

http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/OpenFiles/OF2008-10/toc.htm

2. Geology and Mineral Occurrences northern Selkirk Mountains, Southeastern British Columbia (NTS 82M/8, 9 & Parts of 1 and 10)
GeoFile 2008-12
Compilation by J.M. Logan

http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoMaps/GM2008-1/toc.htm

This 1:100 000 scale colour compilation map is based on fieldwork conducted between 1994 and 1996, compilation of 3 previously published 1:50 000 scale Open file maps as well as mineral exploration assessment reports. It covers approximately 2200 km^{2 of the northern Selkirk Mountains in the area that extends from the northern boundary of Mount Revelstoke National Park to the head waters of French Creek and from the headwaters of Goldstream River and Downie Creek west to Revelstoke Lake.}

MAPPLACE TIP #2: The FAQs page

Available Online April 16, 2008

1.      Terrace Preliminary Geodata Release

J.L. Nelson, M. McKeown, Y. Cui, P. Desjardins and T. Nakanishi (BC Geological Survey)

Farshad Shirvani (Terracad Ltd.)

GeoFile 2008-11

The Terrace geodata release presents for the first time in digital form the geology and mineral deposit potential of the Terrace area of northwestern British Columbia. It provides an easy-to-use introduction to the geology and exploration potential of the area. This release presents results of the ongoing Terrace Geological Mapping and Mineral Assessment Project which is now in its third year with publication of 3 1:50,000 geological maps. This data release gives direct access to the digital files and geoscience data generated during the project.

An interactive map is located on MapPlace under ‘Thematic Maps’, titled ‘Terrace preliminary geodata release’
www.mapplace.ca

The GeoFile is available on CD or for download here:

http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/Gf2008-11/toc.htm

 BCGS NEWS

Two Staffing Updates

The BC Geological Survey is very pleased to welcome Yao Cui, who joins the branch as the Geomatics Geoscientist, a new specialist position that will broaden and strengthen the Branch’s geoscience expertise and capacity.  Yao comes to us from the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Integrated Land Management Bureau, Base Mapping and Geomatics Services Branch where he was the Senior Geospatial Data Specialist /Architect of GeoBase BC.

Yao was born in China and has a B.Eng. in Economic Geology, a M.Sc. in Isotopic Geochemistry and Geochronology, and a M.Sc. in Geochemistry from UBC. He had advanced training in Geographic Information Systems from BCIT and UBC. Prior to moving to Canada Yao had 3 years mining geology and engineering experience in one of Asia’s largest uranium mines. 

Larry Jones has recently changed positions in the BC Geological Survey and is now the Director of the Resource Information Section, replacing Gib McArthur who retired at the end of February.  Larry joined the BC Geological Survey in 1986, working with database and system development of mineral inventory for MINFILE.  This was followed by leading a team in the design, development and marketing of MapPlace, an internet-based geographic information system providing access to BC geospatial data to diverse client groups.  Larry is a provincial representative in several Canadian Geoscience Knowledge Network working groups and a member of the Natural Resource Sector Information Council. Larry graduated with a geology degree from Carelton University and is a professional geoscientist.  Prior to joining the Ministry Larry worked with the Federal government and also with several exploration companies.

MAPPLACE TIP # 1: The FAQs page

Did you know that the MapPlace has a Frequently Asked Questions page?  Next time you’ve got a question, check it out!
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/MapPlace/faq.htm
If you have a question that is not listed, let us know so we can add it.

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British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources
Mining and Minerals Division
BC Geological Survey
Release Notification 2008-6

March 31, 2008

THREE NEW BRITISH COLUMBIA GEOSCIENCE PRODUCTS RELEASED – BC Geological Survey

Geology and Mineral Deposits of the area east of Beaverdell, British Columbia
Open File 2008-09 [map and files available for download]
By Massey, N. and Duffy, A.
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/OpenFiles/OF2008-09/toc.htm

A multi-media geochemical orientation study over the Jen Claims (Murray Property), Blackwater River area, British Columbia (NTS 93G03)
GeoFile 2008-7
By Lett, R.E., Logan, J.M. and Sandwith, Z.
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/Gf2008-7/toc.htm

GeoTour Guide for Kamloops, British Columbia
GeoFile 2008-6
By Turner, B., Anderson, B., Franklin, R., Cathro, M., Madu, B., Huscroft, C., Frey, E. and
Favrholdt, K.
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/Gf2008-6/toc.htm

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British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources
Mining and Minerals Division
BC Geological Survey
Release Notification 2008-5

March 26, 2008

BC GEOLOGICAL SURVEY HELPS DELIVER SHORT COURSES AT KEG

Practical Geochemistry

A second full-day short course is on practical geochemical methods for the field geologist or prospector. This course is presented by the BC Geological Survey, Eco Tech Labs, KEG and SGS Mineral Services, and will be held on Monday, March 31st, 2008.

Notes from the Practical Geochemistry short course will be published as a GeoFile on the BC Geological Survey website following the conference.

Proven Mineral Exploration Strategies for the Beetle Impacted Zone (BIZ)

Learn about the exploration opportunities in the BIZ, and how to use the geochemical and geophysical tools and strategies being produced.  This short course will be presented at the Kamloops Exploration Group (KEG) meeting on Thursday, April 3rd, 2008 in Kamloops British Columbia.

The short course is co-hosted by the BC Geological Survey, Geological Survey of Canada, and Geoscience BC and KEG.

For more information on these courses and the conference please visit the KEG website:
http://www.keg.bc.ca/

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British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources
Mining and Minerals Division
BC Geological Survey
Release Notification 2008-4

January 28, 2008

NEW British Columbia GEOSCIENCE PRODUCTS
available over the internet and at Mineral Exploration Roundup, Vancouver, January 28th 2008

Geological Fieldwork 2007: A summary of Fieldwork and Current Research – Paper 2008-1
The volume is available over the internet at:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/Fieldwork/2007/toc.htm 

Communities Benefiting from BC Mineral Exploration Activity – 2007
by P. Chan and K.D. Hancock
Open File 2008-7
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/OpenFiles/OF2008-07/toc.htm 

Geology of the Skeena Group, central British Columbia
NTS 093 E, F, K, L, M; 103 I, P
by D. Alldrick
Open File Map 2007-8
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/GeolSurv/Publications/OpenFiles/OF2007-08/toc.htm

Geology of the Equity Silver Mine area
NTS 093L/01W
by D. Alldrick
Open File Map 2007-9
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/GeolSurv/Publications/OpenFiles/OF2007-09/toc.htm

Nechako NATMAP Project: A digital suite of geoscience information for central British Columbia
(NTS Map Sheets 093N, 093K, 093F, 093G/W, 093L/9,16, & 093M/1,2,7,8)
by L.C. Struik, D.G. MacIntyre and S.P. Williams
Open File 2007-10 / GSC Open File 5623
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/GeolSurv/Publications/OpenFiles/OF2007-10/toc.htm 

Chezacut area geology (NTS 93C/08)
by M.G. Mihalynuk, C.R. Peat, E.A. Orovan, K. Terhune, T. Ferbey and M.A. McKeown
Open File Map 2008-2
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/GeolSurv/Publications/OpenFiles/OF2008-02/toc.htm

Geology of the Chist Creek map area 103I/08
by J.L. Nelson, J. Kyba, M.A. McKeown, and J. Angen
Open File 2008-3
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/GeolSurv/Publications/OpenFiles/OF2008-03/toc.htm

Geology and mineral occurrences of the Timothy Lake area 092P/14
1:50 000 colour geological map (1 sheet)
by P. Schiarizza, J. Bligh, B. Bluemel and D. Tait
Open File 2008-5
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/GeolSurv/Publications/OpenFiles/OF2008-05/toc.htm

Regional Geology of the Cottonwood area, central British Columbia
1:50 000-scale map sheet (NTS 93G/01)
by J.M. Logan, G. Leroux and L. Able
Open File Map 2008-6
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/GeolSurv/Publications/OpenFiles/OF2008-06/toc.htm

Regional Geology of the Mount Polley area, central British Columbia
1:50 000-scale map sheet (parts of NTS 93A/05, 06, 11 and 12)
by J.M. Logan, A.B. Bath, M.G. Mihalynuk, MEMPR and C.J. Rees, Imperial Metals Corporation
Geoscience Map 2007-1
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoMaps/GM2007-1/toc.htm 

A drainage geochemical atlas for British Columbia
by R.E. Lett, E.C. Man, M.G. Mihalynuk, and D.B. Grant
GeoFile 2008-01
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/Gf2008-1/toc.htm 

Analytical Results from Investigations in the Chezacut Map Area (NTS 93C/08) and other selected areas within the Beetle Impacted Zone 2007
By C.R. Peat, M.G. Mihalynuk, T. Ferbey and L.D. Diakow
GeoFile 2008-02
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/Gf2008-2/toc.htm 

Results of field investigations in the Beetle Impacted Zone 2006: Radiometric age determination data
By T. Ullrich, R.M. Friedman, M.G. Mihalynuk and J.M. Logan
GeoFile 2008-03
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/Gf2008-3/toc.htm 

Industrial Mineral potential of the Interior Plateau, Beetle Impacted Zone (BIZ)
By Z.D. Hora
GeoFile 2008-04
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/Gf2008-4/toc.htm 

Mineralized Mesozoic EXPOSED in the Anahim Area
By M.G. Mihalynuk and C.R. Peat
GeoFile 2008-05
Files may be downloaded from:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/Gf2008-5/toc.htm 

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British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources
Mining and Minerals Division
BC Geological Survey
Release Notification 2008-3

January 24, 2008

BCGS Makes Mineral Occurrence Discoveries, announced by the Minister of State for Mining Kevin Krueger on Monday, January 28th during his speech at the Mineral Exploration Roundup in Vancouver. The speech is scheduled to start at 8:50 am PSTat Roundup, January 28th.

The British Columbia Geological Survey found several new mineral occurrences this past summer, which are documented in Geological Fieldwork 2008 in articles about the Chezacut, Merritt and Terrace.

See BCGS Technical Backgrounder;  Fieldwork 2008;  and publications listed below in Release Notification 2008-4.

This annual publication provides detailed regional reviews of mining, mineral exploration and development activities in British Columbia for 2007. Regional Geologists in the Mining and Minerals Division of the Ministry compile the publication using information provided by government, companies and individuals in the British Columbia mining industry. The report contains detailed statistical tables and illustrations, in addition to location maps and tables summarizing significant mining, exploration and development projects in the province.
The publication is available over the internet at:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/catalog/cat_expl.htm#recent 

British Columbia Mining and Mineral Exploration Overview 2007
By John DeGrace, Brian Grant, David Grieve, Dave Lefebure, Bruce Madu, Bruce Northcote and Paul Wojdak

In 2007, a record $416 million was invested in mineral exploration in the Province. This annual publication provides an overview of activities at producing mines, over 20 development projects and major mineral exploration activities in the Province of British Columbia.
The publication is available over the internet at:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/catalog/cat_exrev.htm 

Operating Mines and Selected Major Exploration Projects in British Columbia - 2007
Open File 2008-1
By Kirk Hancock and Brian Grant, with John DeGrace, David Grieve, Bruce Madu, Bruce Northcote, and Paul Wojdak

This poster-style map depicts metal, coal and industrial minerals operations in the Province during 2007. In addition, the location of 119 significant mineral exploration programs and 24 proposed mine developments across the province are shown.
The publication is available over the internet at:
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/Publications/OpenFiles/OF2008-01/toc.htm

The British Columbia Geological Survey (BCGS) has recently hired a Manager of Geoscience Marketing and Partnerships, Tania Demchuk.

Tania graduated from the University of Victoria in 2005 with a combined major in Earth and Ocean Science and Geography, and is currently close to completing her MSc research into the surficial geology and aggregate resources of northeast BC. For the last 3.5 years she has been involved with aggregate exploration programs and publications while working with Resource Development and Geoscience Branch of the Ministry.

Tania brings a lot of new enthusiasm to BC Geological Survey programs as well as being active with a variety of professional organizations, including International Year of Planet Earth, EdGeo, and Pacific Section – Geological Association of Canada. She will also be taking on a leading role in inter-agency activities on behalf of the BC Survey, such as working on the AMEBC Mineral Exploration Roundup Organizing Committee as the BC Survey’s representative in planning and delivering government geoscience information at this important annual conference.

She will also be working on improving the BCGS’s ability to communicate new information to its clients. In this position with the Survey, Tania will be helping produce publications, such as the annual Geological Fieldwork volume, enhancing the Survey’s internet presence and the improving the presentation of British Columbia’s geoscience data in all media. One of her new responsibilities will also be to enhance the marketing activities of the BC Survey and she’ll be the lead contact for industry and government clients and advising them of new maps and other geoscience products, as well as focusing on outreach to students across the province. Tania will also manage the Geoscience Assistant program and work to attract university students and recent graduates to join BC Geological Survey field crews and work on related office projects.

Contact information:
Tania.Demchuk@gov.bc.ca
(250) 952-0417

Travis studied at the University of Victoria, where he obtained a MSc in Quaternary geology in 2004, and is a Professional Geoscientist. Travis has over seven years experience in applied Quaternary research. This research has focused on studying Quaternary-age sediments and reconstructing ice-flow histories, investigating the dispersal of mineralization in till, conducting aggregate assessments and developing aggregate exploration methods. Travis also has an interest in and experience with geohazards. Most recently he has been involved in a project with federal and provincial agencies, in northeast British Columbia, to monitor ground movement in colluvial aprons beneath gas pipelines. While the majority of his work as been conducted in British Columbia, Travis has also worked in Canada’s Arctic.

Travis is currently developing a Quaternary Geology Program for the BCGS. He will be completing multi-disciplinary surveys with other provincial and federal geologists, with a focus on characterising and delineating Quaternary-age materials and investigating the geochemistry of these materials in the context of mineral exploration. Travis and the BCGS would like to hear from you about how, and for what areas, you believe the Quaternary Program could effectively deliver useful geoscience data on the Province’s unconsolidated deposits.

Contact information:
Travis.Ferbey@gov.bc.ca
(250) 953-3773

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For many years the BC Geological Survey, jointly with the Geological Survey of Canada, has been carrying out regional geochemical drainage surveys across the province using a variety of sample types and collection techniques. The primary objective is to assist prospectors and companies to locate new mineral occurrences. Stream sediment sampling is the most commonly used method to identify areas of high mineral potential but collecting moss-sediment; lake-sediment and heavy minerals are also useful techniques help locate hidden ore deposits.

This publication contains the material presented at the recent ‘Exploration 2007’ workshop in Toronto, and presents different drainage sampling methods, and shows their usefulness in regional exploration for base and precious metals.

GeoFile 2007-6
Workshop Notes: Drainage Geochemical Surveys -
Stream sediment, Lake sediments, Moss Mats, Heavy Minerals
by Ray E. Lett

Available from: http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/GF2007-6/toc.htm

British Columbia is suited for using drainage geochemistry to find new mineral resources. As a result the British Columbia Geological Survey started a regional stream sediment and stream water geochemical survey (RGS) in 1976 as part of the Geological Survey of Canada National Geochemical Reconnaissance Program. This survey now covers about 70 percent of the province with field and analytical data from the collection and analysis of over 50 000 stream sediment, lake sediment and surface water samples.

GeoFile 2007- 6 contains the slides and notes presented as part of a workshop titled “Exploration Geochemistry – Basic principals and Concepts” given as part of Exploration 07, the 5th Decennial International Conference on Mineral Exploration, Toronto, Canada. The presentation aimed to illustrate examples of the survey techniques such as the design, sampling methods for stream sediment, water, lake sediment moss sediment and heavy minerals in addition to quality control procedures, sample preparation and sample analysis.

Lett, R.E.W. (2007): Drainage sampling in British Columbia – stream sediments, lake sediments, water and heavy mineral concentrates; In Exploration Geochemistry – Basic Principals and Concepts; Workshop 2 Notes (Convenor - William B. Coker); Exploration 07 the 5th Decennial International Conference on Mineral Exploration, Toronto, Canada, 46 pages.

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British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources
Mining and Minerals Division
BC Geological Survey
Release Notification 2007-5

June 6, 2007

Southern British Columbia, and particularly the Boundary District, has had a long and productive history for mining and has contribued substantially to the economic welfare of the province over the years.  As part of the BC Geological Survey geoscience program of mapping and mineral deposits studies we are releasing a new map of the Rock Creek area, located east of Osoyoos, which will help explain in a modern context, the geology of the region and shed new insight on its mineral potential.

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British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources
Mining and Minerals Division
BC Geological Survey
Release Notification 2007-3

April 27, 2007

Open File 2007-4
Geology of Terrace area, British Columbia
NTS 103I 9, 10, 15, 16
by J.L. Nelson, R. Kennedy, J. Angen and S. Newman

GeoFile 2007-10
Terrace Geotour Guidebook

Open File 2007-5
Volcanology, Petrography, and Geochemistry of the Kitselas Volcanic Rocks Compared to Rocks of the Telkwa Formation, Northwestern British Columbia
by Nicole T. Boudreau
Files may be downloaded from:

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Stream sediment and water sampling covers much of British Columbia and the multi-element geochemical data generated from the reconnaissance scale surveys helps locate hidden ore deposits.  This poster and accompanying text highlights new gold exploration targets that have been identified by interpreting regional stream sediment survey geochemistry.  GeoFile 2007-09 also contains new data from the analyses of rock samples collected during geochemical surveys in the Lillooet area.

GeoFile 2007-09 (Poster available for download as a pdf document)

For recent results pertaining to regional geochemical surveys also see:
by Lett, R.E. W and Bluemel, B (2007) Multi-media Geochemical Surveys in the Lillooet and McLeod Lake Map Sheets (NTS 092O and 093J); in Geological Fieldwork 2006, BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Paper 2007-1.

GeoFile 2007-08 (poster and data files available for download as a pdf document)
Review of Industrial Minerals in British Columbia, Canada - 2006

Industrial minerals are an increasingly significant component of international trade and British Columbia is strategically located on the west coast of North America to access many of these markets. It has a well-developed transportation and industrial infrastructure in the southern third of the province, deep-water ports and a well maintained all-weather highway system. Rail lines link British Columbia's industrial centers to terminals across Canada and United States. Nonmetals are not affected by economic cycles to the same extend as metals. Over the last fifteen years this sector offered a steady growth and its value has doubled. During this period most nonmetals have became international travelers.

British Columbia's construction aggregate and industrial mineral production for 2006 is estimated at $676 million. Cement is projected to account for $324 million, sand and aggregate for $192 million and stone for $78 million. The projected value of all other industrial minerals combined is $82 million, with sulphur being the major component.

File may be downloaded from:
<http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Geolsurv/Publications/GeoFiles/Gf2007-8/toc.htm>

Reference:  Simandl, G.J., Irvine, M.L, Grieve, D., Lane, R., Wojdak, P., Madu, B., Northcote, B., and Schroeter, T. (2007): Industrial Minerals of British Columbia 2006 ; British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources; GeoFile 2007-8, poster

Most provincial geoscience data and other information can be easily accessed through our MapPlace website at:  www.MapPlace.ca

NEW British Columbia GEOSCIENCE PRODUCTS
available over the internet and at Mineral Exploration Roundup, Vancouver, January 2007:

Geological Fieldwork 2006: A summary of Fieldwork and Current Research – Paper 2007-1

The British Columbia Geological Survey (BCGS) presents the results of 2006 geoscience surveys and studies in this thirty-second edition of Geological Fieldwork. This year it contains 44 individual reports in 403 pages. Most of the articles within the first half of this volume are contributions from BC Geological Survey staff who have worked extensively throughout the province on its geology, geochemistry and mineral deposits.  Articles in this volume include reports on British Columbia Geological Survey programs in the Smithers-Hazelton, Canim Lake, Rock Creek, northeast coalfield, northern Vancouver Island and Terrace areas.

The second part of this volume consists of articles provided by Geoscience BC, an industry-focused, not-for-profit society that works with industry, academia, government, First Nations and communities to attract mineral and oil and gas investment to British Columbia. These articles span a wide spectrum from geochemical and geophysical surveys and mineral deposit studies to new exploration tools.

The volume is available over the internet at:  http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/Fieldwork/2006/toc.htm

British Columbia Mines and Mineral Exploration Overview 2006
By Tom Schroeter, David Grieve, Robert Lane, Bruce Madu, Bruce Northcote and Paul Wojdak

A total of $265 million is estimated to have been spent on mineral exploration in the Province during 2006.  This annual publication provides an overview of the mines, more than 20 mine development projects and mineral exploration 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 the significant mining, exploration and development projects.

The volume is available over the internet at:  http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/DL/GSBPubs/Reviews/2006/EX-REVIEW_IC2007-1.pdf

Exploration and Mining in British Columbia 2006
By David Grieve, Robert Lane, Bruce Madu, Bruce Northcote, Tom Schroeter, and Paul Wojdak

This annual publication provides detailed regional reviews of mining, mineral exploration and development activities in British Columbia for 2006. As well, it also includes a copy of the provincial overview article (Information circular 2007-1). 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.

The volume is available over the internet at:  http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/expl_bc/2006/toc.htm

Operating Mines and Selected Major Exploration Projects in British Columbia - 2006
By Tom Schroeter and Eric Man

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.

The volume is available over the internet at:  http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/OpenFiles/OF2007-01/toc.htm

Communities Benefiting from BC Mineral Exploration Activity – 2006
By Tom Schroeter and Eric Man

This map illustrates the benefits of mineral exploration investment on specific communities across the province in terms of jobs, projects and dollars spent in the search for new mines. The map details the impacts of $265M of exploration activity which created more than 4000 seasonal and 600 permanent jobs.

The volume is available over the internet at:  http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/Publications/OpenFiles/OF2007-02/toc.htm