Exploration in British Columbia, 1994

Province of British Columbia MINERAL RESOURCES DIVISION Ministry of Energy, Mines Geological Survey Branch and Petroleum Resources Hon. Anne Edwards, Minister

EXPLORATION IN BRITISH COLUMBIA 1994

~ YEARS OF GEOLOGICAL SURMylNG Resources Division. The Bureau brought logether intoone department all government officesthat dealt wholly with mining, includingthe Gold Commissioners,the Government AssayOffrce, the Inspector of Mines andthe newly created Provincial Mineralogist.

The Provincial Mineralogist was charged wilh the collectionof information relativeto the various mines and mining projectsof the province. for the publication of such informationlo make the mineral wealth of the province more widelyknown, and also for taking steps and advance the development ofthe mining industry. Thisis the origin of the British Columbia Geological Survey Branch.

British Columbia Cataloguingin Publication Data Main entry under title: Exploration in British Columbia - 1975- Annual. With. Geology in British Columbia, ISSN 0823-1257: and, Mining in British Columbia,ISSN 0823.1265, continues: Geology exploration, and miningin British Columbia.ISSN 0085-1027. 1979 publishedin 1983. Issuing Myvaries: 1975-1976, Ministryof Mines and Pelroleurn Resources; 1977-1985; Ministryof Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources;1986.. Geological Survey Branch. ISSN - 0823-2059 -Exploration in British Columbia. VICTORIA BRITISH COLUMBIA 1. Prospecting - British Columbia - Periodicals. 2. CANADA Geology. Economic - British Columbia -Periodicals. 1. British Columbia. Minisuy of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. 11. British Columbia. Ministry of Energy, Mines August 1995 and Pelroleurn Resources. 111. British Columbia. Geological Sulvey Brawh

TN 270.E96 6221'09711 TN270.E96

Rev. April 1987 FOREWORD

British Columbia experienced a significant upswing in miningand exploration activity during 1994. Buoyed in part by improved p~icesfor copper and gold, the Similco, Gibraltar and AftodAjax mines have reopened. Construction was completed on the Eskay Creek Ag-Au mine and it will be the fourth largest silver producer in the world. Exploration expenditure!; were in the $100 million range, a 40% increase over 1993. Activity was generally concentrated on small to medium sized-programs, primarily in areas witha good geoscience database, known resourcesand a correspondinghigh probability for new developments. The 1994 solid mineral production in British Columbia was $2.63 billion, a 12% increase over 1993, and this reversed a 4-year trend of declining production. Copper accountsfor 30%. and coal for 34% of thetotal. Gold productionis forecast at 12.7 million grams with a value of about $214.7 million, down about5% from 1993 due primarilyto production decreases at the Myra Falls, EquitySilver and Similco mines. Silver production is down significantlyto 125 million grams valuedat $30 million due to reduced production at MyraFalls and the closureof Equity Silver. Zinc and lead productionare forecast to be 104.6 million and 45 million kilograms respectively witha combined value of $178 million. Industrial minerals are forecast to contribute about $47 million to the economy and structural materials will accountfor a further $377.5 million. A new governmentincentive program was initiated in1994 to encouragemineral exploration andresource development. This five- year, $100 million program provides significant tax incentives for exploration and mining in British Columbia. Explore B.C., a key part of this program,is a three-year $13.5 million package designedto stimulate exploration, to extend the economiclives of existing mines and contribute to community stability in existing mining regions. The British Columbia Geological Survey Branch maintainedan active program of fieldwork in1994, including a regional mapping program, mineral deposit studies, industrial minerals research, surficial geology and geological hazards investigations, andrel:ional geochemistlystudies. The resultsof these survey activities were publishedGeological in Fieldwork 1994, Paper 1995-1, released in early February, 1995.

W.R. Smyth Chief Geologist

... Exploration in Brifish Columbia I994 111 British Columbia

iv Geological Survey Branch TABLE OF CONTENTS

BRITISH COLUMBIABRITISHDevelopment41DEVELOPMENTMINING. ReviewMine AND ...... EXPLORATION 1994 HIGHLIGHTS LandUse ...... 41

Intmduction ..~ ...... 1 Regional Perspectives and Trends ...... 1 EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS Highlights at Operating Mines...... 2 SOUTH-CENTRAL REGION. 1994 Production Levels ...... 2 Operations ...... 4 Highlights ...... 43 MetalMines ...... 4 sumary ...... 43 Coal Mines 8 Operating Mines ...... 47 ...... MetalMines .47 Industrial Minerals Mines ...... 8 ...... Tailings ...... 9 Industrial Mineral Mines...... 50 Advanced Exploration and Development ...... 9 Advanced Exploration and Development Projects . . .50 ...... 9 Metals ...... 50 Projects Industrial Minerals ...... 51 Metals ...... 9 .51 Industrial Minerals ...... 16 Exploration ...... Coal Precious17 Metal Vein Deposits ...... 51 ...... Porphyry Deposits ...... 51 H ighliehts of Exnloration Proiects 17ExnlorationProiects Highliehtsof -" ...... Porphyry adPorphyry-related Copper-gold Stratiform Sulphide Deposits ...... 53 Industrial Minerals 53 Deposits ...... 18 ...... Polymetallic Massive Sulphide Deposits ...... 21 Prospectors Assistance and Explore B.C. Precious Metal Bearing Vein and Bulk-mineabie Programs ...... 53 Deposits ...... Mineral Potential Initiative21 ...... 54 Skam Deposits 22 Deposits Skam ...... Research Activities ...... 54 Other Targets ...... 22 Land-use Issues .Kamlwps LRMP ...... 54 Outlwk for 1995 ...... 55 New Initiatives in British Columbia ...... 22 Acknowledgments .55 Summary and Outlook for 1995 ...... 23 ...... Acknowledgments ...... 24 EXPLORATION TRENDS AND HIGHLIGHTS EXPLORAlTON AND DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS KOOTENAY REGION .1994 NORTHWESTERN REGION .1994 Trends ...... 57 Overview ...... 25 Exploration Highlights ...... 51 Trendsand Opportunities ...... 27 Industrial Minerals ...... 57 Land-useIssues ...... 28 Metals ...... 58 MineralExploration ...... 29 Producing Mines ...... 61 Atiin Camp 29 Camp Atiin ...... Coal ...... 61 Cam p 29 Tulsequah Camp ...... Metals ...... 62 GoldenBear Camp ...... 30 Industrial Minerals ...... 62 CassiarCamp ...... 30 PlacerActivity ...... 62 Gatagacamp ...... 31 LandUse ...... 62 Stikine Porphyry Camp Porphyry Stikine ...... 31 KootenayCORE Process ...... 62 Toodoggone Camp Toodoggone ...... 31 lskutcamp ...... 32 StewartCamp ...... 33 EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS NorthCoast Area ...... 34 SOUTHWESTERN REGION- 1994 Smilhers Camp ...... '35 Introduction ...... 65 Tahtsa and Houston Camps ...... 35 Highlights ...... 65 BabineCamp ...... 36 Exploration Trends ...... 66 Operating Mines and Quarries ...... 68 EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS Mine Development Submissions ...... 69 CENTRAL REGION- 1994 ExplorationActivity ...... 69 Highlights ...... 37 Vancouver and Texada Islands...... 69 Introduction ...... 37 Southern Coastal Region ...... 70 Muskwa-Gataga Ranges ...... 37 Queen Charlotte Islands ...... 71 Northern Quesnel trough ...... 38 Land-UseIssues ...... 72 Fraser and Nechako Plateaus ...... 39 Vancouver Island ...... 72 0therAreas ...... 39 LowerMainland ...... 12 Industrial Minerals and Stone ...... 39 Government Activity and Research ...... 72 ProducingMines ...... 39 Acknowledgments ...... 12

Explorufionin British Columbia 1994 V ASSESSMENT REPORTS 9. Mineral exploration expenditures ...... 25 A SOURCEOF VALUABLE CURRENT AND HISTORIC IO . Distribution of exploration expenditures by MINERAL EXPLQRATION DATA deposittype ...... 25 Summ ary of AssessmentSummary 73of1994Work ...... 11. ExplorationdrillingNorthwest in Region 27 ...... Using the Database 73 Database the Using ...... 12 . Exploration projects in Northwestern B.C...... 28 TABLES 13 . Notices of Work .Central District ...... 37 I4 Exploration expenditures- Central Disaict 37 1. 1994 Forecast Value of Mineral Productionin B.C. .... 5 ...... 2. Active and Potential Custom Milling Projects...... 5 15 . Locations of significant exploration projects ...... 38 3. New Mines, Re.openings. Development and Advanced 16 . 1994 Exploration projects. South-central Region .... 44 Exploration Projects Exploration ...... 11 17 . Number of exploration projects in the South-central 4 1994 Exploration Highlights 19 HighlightsExploration 1994 4 ...... region ...... 44 5. Major Projects in Northwest Region ...... 26 I8. Number of placer operationsin the South-central 6. Summary of Changes in Claim Status. Northwestern region ...... 44 Region ...... 19. Estimated exploration27 expenditures in the South-central 7 Exploration ProjectsDistrictCentral7...... 40 region ...... 47 8 . Major Exploration Projects South-central Region .... 45 20 . Claim units staked in the South-central region. 9. Operating Mines. Projects in the Mine Development byyear ...... 47 Assessment Process and Significant Bulk Sampling 21 . Locations of operating mines. projects in the Mine Projects.South-cenbal Region ...... 48 Development Assessment Process and significant bulk 10. 1994 Explore B.C. Grant Recipients. South-central sampling programs. South-central Region ...... 49 Region ...... 52 22. Successful applicants for Explore B.C. funding. I I . Comparative Indicatorsof Level of Exploration South-centralRegion ...... 52 Activity ...... 57 23 . Percentage of high, medium and low mineral potential 12 . Exploration Projects .Koolenay Region ...... 59 lands in proposed management zones ...... 55 13. ExplorationProjects-SouthwesternRegion ...... 67 24 . Noticesofwork ...... 57 14 . Summary of Assessment Work ...... 73 25 . Major exploration projects. Kootenay Region...... 58 15. Average Exploration Project Costs ...... 75 26 . Producingminesandquamies.Kootenay Region .... 61 27 . Southwestern Region, location map ...... 65 FIGURES 28 . Major exploration projects. Southwestern Region .... 66 29 . Assessment report distribution in B.C...... 74 1. Mineral exploration expenditures in B.C...... 1 30. Assessment reports received ...... 74 2 . Solid mineral production value in B.C...... 2 31. Assessment reports. value of exploration by NTS .... 74 3 . Exploration targets ...... 2 32 . Value of exploration by work type ...... 75 4 . Estimated number of major projects ...... 3 5. All mineral tenure recorded by month...... 3 PHOTOS 6. 0peratingminesinB.C...... 4 1. Eskay Creek mine construction. August 1994 ...... 32 7 . Advanced exploration and development projects 2. Geologist Jim Hutter logging core at HucMebeny. Marc. in8.C...... 10 19 94...... 35 8. Exploration highlights in B.C...... 18

vi Geobgical Survey Branch Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

BRITISH COLUMBIA MINING, DEVELOPMENT AND EXPLORATION 1994 HIGHLIGHTS By Tom G. Schroeter, P. Eng. Senior Regional Geologist, Vancouver Geological Survey Branch

INTRODUCTION In 1994 theBritish Columbia government initiated the three-year $13.5 million Explore B.C. program. It is de- Buoyed in partby the increase in the copper priceto the signed to assist and promote private sector mineral US$1.15-$1.20 per pound range, and the gold price, which exploration, to extend the economiclives of existing mines approached fhe US$400 per ounce mark in late September and contribute to community stability in existing mining re- and fell hack in the US$390 range, three mines re-opened gions. This program has had positive and encouraging in the fall o:F 1994 Similco, Gibraltar, and Afton/Ajax. results from those projects supported in 1994. The Myra Falls mine also re-opened following resolution of a long labour dispute. Exploration and development pro- REGIONAL PERSPECTIVES AND grams at most miningoperations in,theprovince have been TRENDS successful in adding reserves which will result in increased estimates indicate that total on-the-ground mine lives. !Construction of the Eskay Creek high-grade Preliminary expenditures on mineral exploration and development pro- silver-gold nune was completedby September; direct ship- jects in British Columbia during 1994 will be ping ore transported by road to rail andship load-outs began approximately $100 million (all Canadian $ unless other- in January 1995. Eskay Creekis the first new metal mineto wise stated), a 40% increase in expenditures from 1993. open in western Canada in several years.The QR (Quesnel Like 1993, it is estimated that more than half of this total River) gold project is under construction with production will be spent in the northwest partof the province. This fig- scheduled for April 1995. At the Golden Bear gold mine, ure is compiled from estimates made on a the focus has turned to the potential for heap leaching of project-by-project basis throughout the province, primarily lower grade material. Significant new discoveries of both from published sources, andis an estimate of the actual dol- refractory and oxideore have been made recently. lars spent on the ground. The official Mineral Statistics Despite the intense global competitionfor exploration Survey, compiledin early 1995 and including non-property dollars, several companies and individuals continued to costs, estimates a total of $93 million. conduct small to medium-sized programs, primarily in ar- Figure 1 illustrates the wide fluctuation of exploration eas having a good database, known resources in the ground,expenditures over the past decade. The peak year 1988, and higher probabilityof development and production. To- with expenditures of $225 million, coincided with the tal explorati'on expenditures in 1994 are estimated to be height of flow-through funding. Following the record level approximately $100 million, a 40% increase over 1993. Targets included many of theclassic mineral deposit types for which Btitish Columbia is known; for example, Eskay Creek, Red Mountain, Huckleberry, Akie,and properties in the Interior Plateau region and the Aiken-Johanson Lakes areas. The number of mineral claim units (29 245) recorded in 1994indicates about a 15% increase from 1993. The rally inthe price of gold may enable small, high-grade gold operations to start up; several bulk sampling projects were carried out.A number of advanced projects have entered the Mine Development Assessment Process, with many in the feasibility stage. Some projects (e.g., Cirque, Mount Milligan and Mount Polley) have received Mine Development Certificates and await production decisions.

Coal productionfor 1994 is expected to be hack to pre- Source: MEMPR, Land Management and Policy Branch 1992 levels. Industrial minerals are receiving increasing attention with 1994 exploration expenditures estimated at Figure 1. Mineral exploration expenditures in British Columbia: $4.5 million, up from$2 million in 1993. 198410 1994.

in British Expbraiion in Columbia 1994 I British Columbia

in 1988, expenditureshave shown a steadydecline to a low of $68 million in 1993. For the same ten-year period, the pattern ofexploration spending mirrors changes in the total value of solid mineral production including an increase in 1994 values(Figure 2). Exploration targets are varied and include: veins, volcanogenic, sedimentary andseafloor hydrothermal massive sulphides, porphyries and related deposits, skams, indus- hial minerals (including diamonds), coal, placer deposits 1~84'1885'1886'1987'1988'1988'18801891'1982 1983 1894' and others (Figure 3a).

Source: MEMPR, Land Management and Policy Branch Approximately 11% of exploration expenditures were at minesites, 9% on bulk sampling projects, and 32% on 'advanced' projects, including environmental studies and Figure 2. Solid mineral production value in British Columbia: 1984 to 1994. reclamation programs. Almost half (46.5%) was spent on less advanced and grassroots ('general') exploration programs (Figure 3b). In total, there were approximately 225 projects with budgets in excess of $100 OOO, up from the 100 projects in 1993.Figures 4a and 4bshow the number of projects with expenditures in excess of this figure. As in 1993, by far the largest exploratioddevelopment program in the province was by Lac Minerals Limited on the Red Mountain gold project near Stewart, estimated around $15 million. In the early fall American Banick Resources Ltd. gained control of LacMinerals Ltd. and put the property up for sale. Grassroots programs were carried out in north-central British Columbia in the Babiue and Haha Creek areas for porphyries, in southeastern and northeastern piuts of the province for sedex deposits, in the Interior Plateau regionof south-central BritishColumbia for bonanza and hulk-mineable epithermal gold. in theStewart Campin the northwest for porphyry-related Red Mountain-type and Snip-type gold, and in the Rocky Mountainsfor diamonds. Explora- tion expendituresfor industrial minerals increased by 45%, but decreased by50% for coal. Similar positive trendsare apparent in the levels of new mineral titles recorded(Figure 5) and in the number of Free Miner Certificates issued. The number for mineral claim staking indicates a 15% increase from 1993. The number for Free Miner Certificates (5860) is approximately 4% above the 1993 figure.

HIGHLIGHTS AT OPERATING MINES PRODUCTION LEVELS The locations of operating mines in British Columbia in 1994 are shown in Figure6. No new mines were opened in 1994; however, four mines (Similco, Gibraltar, Afton- Ajax and Myra Falls) reopened. Three operations were closed down either permanently (Equity Silver) or indefi- nitely (Silvana and Johnny Mountain) due to exhausted ore reserves, low metal prices, or the inability to raise fi- Figure 3. Exploration targets - 1994 (a) by deposit type (%, ex- nancing (see Operations). However, several small penditures): (b) by level or category of program. high-grade projects(ie. Elk, Iron Colt, Brett, PorcherIs-

2 Geological Survey Branch Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petmleum Resources

land, Bonaparte and SB) have continued to produce, or plan to produce, using custom milling arrangements (Table 2) (see Operations). The Table Mountain gold mine re- opened on a limited basis. The Golden Bear gold mine ceased underground mining and milling of refractory ore from the Bear Main zone; developmentfor heap leaching of the oxide ore from the Kodiak zones wasinitiated but later postponed to 1995, and development of the refractory ore from the underground Grizzly zonecontinued. The forecast valueof solid mineral productionfor 1994 in British Columbia is $2.63 billion, a 10% increase from 1993 Fable 1). Copper represents 30% of the total,at a projected value of approximately $790 million. Coal represents 34%. at a projected value of approximately $905 million. The production of goldis forecast to be 12.7 million grams (408 300 oz) valued at $214.7 million, down from 13.75 million grams (442 OOO oz) last year, primarily due to decreases from the Myra Falls, Equity Silver and Similco operations. Silver output is forecast at 124.5 million grams

$02 - 0.3M (27%) (4 million oz) valued at $30 million, down significantly due to reduced productionat the Myra Falls operation and closure of the EquitySilver mine. Zinc production in 1994is forecast to be 104.6 millionkilograms worth $144 million, lead output is forecast to be 45 million kilograms valued at of Figure 4. Estimated numberof major projects (>$lo0 OOO) (a) $34 million. Value production of industrial minerals is by incremental $0.1M, @)by percentage of total. forecast to be $47 million; structural materialsare expected to account for another $377.5 million.

1993 1994 1995 19921994 1993

*wo n I I I 8 T- M I NP EL RA AC LE R uc NL IA TI SM S

Source: MEMPR. Mineral T~tlesB-h Figure 5. All mineral tenure recorded by month; January 1992to January 1995.

Exploration in British Columbia 1994 3 British Columbia

14 0 Metal 8 hI * Icduof~i Minem 2 * Tailing* Minescbsed . in 1993

Figure 6. Operating mines in British Columbia- 1994.

OPERATIONS Teck Corporation(13.9%) and Highmont Mining Company (2.5%) milled 43 484 OOO tonnes during 1994 at anaverage METALMINES daily throughput of 119 135 tonnes. Production totalled The Snip gold mine, owned and operatedby Cominco 166 400 tonnes of copper contained in concentrate,60 620 Ltd. (60%) and Prime Resources Group Inc. (40%). pro- kilograms (1.95 million 02) of silver, 395 kilograms (12 700 duced 4.01 million grams (129 OOO 02) of gold in1994 at a 02) of gold and 1.6 million kilograms of molybdenum. cost of US$171 per ounce. The 15 OOO kilogram (500 OOO Mining was carried out in boththe Valley and Lomex pits, 02) production milestone was achieved in the early fall of with 93% of the ore coming fromthe former. The ore in the 1994. Current milling is at 470 tonnes per day; recoveries Lomex pit bottom was depleted in 1994, and stripping of are approximately 35% by gravity circuit and 56% by flo- 15.5. million tonnes of waste rock was carried out on the tation, for an overall 91% recovery. The very clean upper east wall, which will allow production from pitthe to concentrate typicallygrades 320 g/t Au and 150 g/t Ag. Pro- resume inearly 1995. Published reservesat January 1,1994 duction for 1994 was about 14% less then that for 1993 due are 539.7 million tounes averaging 0.421% Cu and to a 15% decline in ore grade. Mining is currently being 0.0073% Mo. The mine is one of the largest operations in conducted between the 180-metre and 470-metre levels;ex- the world and employs about1080 people. tensions are planned upwards to the 580 and 600-metre levels over the next two years.An active underground ex- The Island Copper mine produced 52 520 tonnes of copper, 1.3 million kilograms of molybdenum, 1138 kilo- ploration drilling program (15 OOO to 20 OOO m) continues to add tonnage to reserves. Development drilling has re- grams (36 590 02) of gold, and 14 800 kilograms(475 480 sulted in confirming mineable reserves estimated by the 02) of silver in 1994. Between 1971 and 1994 the mine has company at 811 OOO tonnes grading 26.4 p/t Au at January produced 1.2 million tonnes of copper, 27 300 tonnes of 1,1994. Exploration is currently focused onthe east part of molybdenum, 32 700 kilograms(1 050 OOO 02) of gold,336 the vein system, above and below the 180-metrelevel. Snip OOO kilograms (10 800 OOO 02) of silver, and 23 600 kilo- is the largest producerof gold in the province; it continues grams of rhenium.BHP Minerals CanadaLtd. continues to to be an extremely profitable lowcost operation. Cominco implement its closure plan for the mine; the mill is expected and Prime are confident of extending the operating life of close in late 1995. Mining in the pit will end in June 1995 the mine past the current four-year projection. The first and from the beach dump in September 1995. Structural shipment of concentrate to a B.C. mill was in 1994 to the problems associated withthe south wall of the pit may pre- Premier millnear Stewart, clude miningof some reserves. The Highland Valley Copper mine, a partnership Production at the Westmin Resources Limited Myra among Cominco Ltd. (50%), Rio Algom Limited (33.6%). Falls mine resumed in September, 1994 after a Idmonth

4 Geological Survey Branch Ministw of Enem, Mines and Petroleum Resources

TABLE 1 1994 FORECAST VALUE OF MINERAL PRODUCXION IN B.C.

Commodity Quantity $ Value Percent of (millions) (millions) Total Value

copper 30%249 kg 790 Gold 12.7 g 215 8% ZiC 105 kg 144 6% Lead 45 kg 34 1% Molybdenum 3% 8.1 kg 82 Silver 125 g 30 1% other II .4%

Total Metals 1 305 50%

Structural Materials 378 14% Industrial Minerals 2% 47 Metallurgical Coal 19.95 t 860 33% Thermal Coal 1.83 t 45 2%

T otal Solid Minerals Solid Total 2 634 100%

Source: MEW& Land Management and Policy Branch

TABLE 2 ACTIVE AND POTENTIAL CUSTOM MILLING PROJECTS

Mill or Smelter/Project Name Commodity operator Location (Potential) Location

Asarco/lIelena, 'Elk Au 'ElkAsarco/lIelena, Ltd. Minerals Fairfeld Montana Bolivar/Vananda,Texada Is. Au Metals Research COT. Ltd. B.C. Greenwood, B.C.Greenwood, (Brett) Au Liquid Gold Res. Inc./Huntington Res. Ltd. Island Capper, Port (Hushamu) Cu, Au, BHP Minerals Canada LtdJJordex Res.Ltd. Hardy, ELC. Mo KettleiRepublic, 'Iron Colt Au Pacific Vangold Res. IncJ Washington Int'l Silver Ridge Res.Inc. Premier/Stewart, (Debbie)Premier/Stewart, Au White Hawk Ventures Inc. B.C. Premier(GreensCreek,Au, Cu,A& KennewttCorphIecla Mining CoJ Alaska) Pb, Zn CSX EnergyCorpfixalas Res. Premier (Johnson River) Au, Cu, A& Pb, Zn Westmin Res. Ltd. Premier (Jualii) Ltd.MinesGAlene Coeur Au Premier (Porcher Island) Au Westmin Res. Ltd. Premier W Mb.) Au, Ag American BarrickRes. Ltd. Premier (Skinner) Au (Skinner) Premier Ottarasko Mines Ltd. Premier Snip Au Snip Premier Cominw Ltd./Prime Resource Group Inc. Premier (SB) Au Tenajon Au (SB) Premier Res. LtdJWestmin Res. Ltd. Trail *Bonaparte Claimstaker Au Res. Ltd. ? (Engineer) Au Ampex Mining ? (ValentineMtn.)Au Beau Pre Explorations Ltd. * =Active

Exploration in British Columbia 1994 5 British Columbia mining hiatus due to a labour dispute. During 1994 the mine pit and underground production. Production totalled ap operated at 2675 tonnes per day and produced 16 389 ton- proximately 2 million kilograms (66.7 million oz) of silver, nes ofcopper concentrate. 9555tonnes of zinc concentrate, 15 900 kilograms (51 1 296 oz) of gold and 81 million kilo- and 0.473 tonnes of gold concentrate. Geological reserves grams (178.2 million pounds) of copper, from over 32 at January 1,1995 were estimated by the company at 12.5 million tonnes minedat an’averagegrade of 0.34%Cu, 101 million tonnes grading 1.9%Cu, 0.5%Pb,7.1% Zn, 46.1 g/t g/t Ag and 1.1 g/t Au. Approximately 25employees remain Ag and2.0 g/t Au. Proven and probablereserves in the Bat- on site to carry out closure and reclamation, withcosts esti- tle zone are estimated at 2.9 million tonnes grading 2.0% mated at $47.5 million. Equity Silver drill tested the Cu, 0.4% Pb, 10.3% Zn, 0.9 g/t Au and 20 g/t Ag. The adjacent SG claims onits eastern boundary in an inconclu- nearby Gap zone contains additional proven and probable sive search for the source of oregrade float boulders. An reserves of 714 OOO tonnes grading 1.5% Cu, 0.9% Pb, auction was held in August and most of the mine’s assets 10.6% Zn,2.5 g/t Au and 121.2 g/t Ag. Westmin begande- were sold. velopment of the BattlelGap zone with production In1994 the Homestake Canada Ltd. Nickel Plate scheduled for spring 1995. The Zn-Au-Ag-rich Battle ore open-pit mineproduced 2554 kilograms(82 100 oz) ofgold will be blended with copper-rich ore from the H-W zone. from 1 269 800 tonnes of ore at a daily mill throughput of Over the next five years Westmin plans to mine approxi- 3570 tonnes. Cash costs increased to US$351 per ounce mately 6.5 million tonnes ofore grading 1.7% Cu.6.1% Za, gold. Mining will be substantially reduced in 1995:the ore 1.7 g/t Au and 39 g/t Ag. The company estimates that less reserve is expected to be depleted by the end of 1996. Re- than 40% of the property has been ‘properly’ explored. serves at January1,1995 were estimatedby the companyat Over the next five years it plans to spend $2.7 million an- 2 590 110 tonnes grading 2.64g/t Au. nually onexploration, especially testing the Trumpeterzone Cominco Ltd. productionat the Sullivan mine in 1994 located at the eastern end of the Myra Falls mining opera- was 47OOO tonnes of lead and105 OOO tonnes of zinc from tions. Drilling late in 1994 extended the zone at least 140 1 613 000 tonnes at a daily rateof 8000 tonnes. The average metres to the northwest of previously known mineraliza- silver grade was 19 g/t. 1994 was the first full year of option. In addition drilling also encountered two well eration of the new lead regrind circuit in the mill, resulting mineralized zones above the Trumpeter zone; felsic frag- in higher grade zinc concentrates, and improved lead and mental hostrocks are very similar in natnre to the Block 43 zinc recovery. Zinc concentrate production in 1994 was the ore in the H-W mine approximatelyI-kilometre to the west. highest level achieved in the last 30 years. Published re- If this upper zoneturns out to be an extension of Block43, serves as of January 1,1995 were 13 million tonnes grading it has significant tonnage implications for the eastern end of 25.7 g/t Ag, 4.5% Pband 7.9%Zn. the H-W mine. The company plans to continue the drilling program to test the western extensions of the Trumpeter Production from the Golden Bear mine, now owned zone. by Wheaton River MineralsLtd., was 980 OOO grams (31 506 oz) of goldand 286 kilograms (9ux) oz) ofsilver from At the Gibraltar Mines Limited Gibraltar (Mckse 88 920 tonnesof ore milled in 1994. Fromstart-up in 1990 Lake) mine, mining and milling resumed in September to the end of June, 1994, productiontotalled about 419 OOO 1994. Operationshad been suspendedon December 1,1993 tonnes averaging 15.4g/t Au. Mill recovery averaged 89%, due to low copper prices. Full production, with 277 employ- netting a total of 5743 kilograms (184 640 oz) of gold. ees, and shipping of concentrate began by year end. Lower grade surface material inthe pit area was the last ore Production at a daily milling rate of35 825 tonnes in 1994 run through the mill in September. Reserves at January 1, totalled 9420 tonnes of copper.The company estimatedre- 1995 were estimated by the operator at 473 OOO tonnes serves at January 1, 1995 at 166.3 million tonnes grading grading 4.67g/t Au. Production was slowed by a two-week 0.291%Cu and O.W% Mo. The improved price of copper, shutdown in February and eventual temporary closure of the lowervalue of the Canadian dollar, andcost reductions, operations in September. together with the cooperation and contributions from the June 1994, Wheaton and North American Metals B.C. Job Protection Commissioner, the B.C. Ministry of In Ltd. announced a revised production plan and received a Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, B.C. Hydro and Mine DevelopmentCertificate from the provincial govern- the CaribRegional District, ledto the decision to resume ment in early August. The new plan, which involves operations. Gibraltar has acquired the GM claims on the heapleach technology, predicts present rates of gold pro- east (Pollyanna) si& the property and diamonddrilling of duction to continue for up to five more years from currently expanded thereserves in thisarea by about million9 tonnes known lode gold and stockpiles. Estimated total contained grading 0.33%Cu. The molybdenum circuit is expected to gold in the Kodiak A, B and C zones, and the low-grade be restarted in late 1995. stockpile is 967.3 kilograms grams (31 100 oz) in approxi- At the Equity Silver mine, Equity Silver Mines Ltd. mately 3 350 OOO tonnes grading between 1.5 and8.2 g/t Au ceased millingin January 1994, after thinyears ofopen- and averaging 2.9 g/t Au. The original mining plan called

6 Geological SUN^ Branch Ministry of Enew, Mines and Petroleum Resoums

for approximately 325 OOO tonnes of ore grading 4.6 g/t Au Cu, 0.1 g/t Au (recoverable) and 0.98 g/t Ag (recoverable). from the Kodiak A zone to be mined (open pit), crushed and During the year Princeton completed a definition drilling stacked during August to November, at which time heap program at the Ingerbelle East deposit, 1200 metres from leaching was to have begun. Production costs were ex- the mill.Results of the twenty-one hole, 4170-metredrilling pected to he US$224 per ounce. Drilling during the summerprogram show that the mineralization is continuous. An increased the total mining reserve to 473 OOO tonnes and evaluation of drilling results has led the company to an- increased the containedounces by 18%. Column testsindi- nounce an initial plan to conduct mining in two phases: cate a recovery of greater than 93% of the gold by heap phase 1 containing 13 million tonnes gding 0.32% Cu and leaching. TJnforlunately. heavyrains during the latter part of 0.24 g/t Au, and phase 2 containing 38.4 million tonnes September andearly October washed out two bridgeson the grading 0.33%Cu and 0.24 g/t Au. Similco intends to begin mine access road and damaged the airstrip. Consequently, mining the phase1 pit in the latter part of the first quarter of the company has deferred installation of the her on the 1995. Approximately 35% of the 1995 mill throughput is leach bed until June 1995. Gold production is expected by expected to come from the Ingerbelle East zone, with the September. balance comingfrom the existing low-grade stockpile. Also During the past summer and fall two newzones of gold during 1994, Princeton completeda phase 1 diamond drill- mineralization were discovered on the Kodiak North (Ursa ing program totalling 4909 metres in 29 holes on the deposit) mue, 800 metres to the north ofthe Kodiak A open Alabama zone. A preliminary inventory of20 million ton- pit. The hostrock is a strongly hematized limestone breccia, nes grading 0.31% Cnand 0.16 g/tAu is indicated. A phase similar to Kodiak ore, indicating good potential for heap 2, 4600-metre diamond drilling program commenced in leaching. Il\uelve holesdrilled on the Ursa deposit have out- November onthe Alabama deposit, with the goal of defin- lined a depositalong a strike length inexcess of 100 metres ing a reserve base for a final pit design. and to a depth ofup to 75 metres. The deepest hole returned During 1994 the WestminResources Limited Premier an intersection grading 12.2 g/t Au across 27.2 metres. A gold mine produced521 760grams (I6 775 02) of gold and second phase ofdrilling is planned for 1995. 5278 kilograms (169675 oz) of silver from 164 175 tonnes Also in thefall of 1994, a new zone of high-grade gold of ore at a daily throughputof 700 tonnes. Custom milling mineralization was discovered during the advance of the of 3757 tonnes fromfive different sources yielded an addi- Grizzly zonedecline being driven to test previousowgrade tional 19.7 kilograms (633 oz) of gold and 50.9 kilograms drilling inf..rsections. A fault shuctnre (Cub zone) grading (1636 oz) of silver. Mining was from two main areas, the 27.0 g/t AII across a hue width of3.9 metres was intersected Northern Light andthe Glory Hole zones; provenand prob- 500 metres down the decline. This zone, east of the Foot- able reserves as of January I, 1995 were estimated by the wall fault, is separate from the Grizzly zoneand opens up company at 113 225 tonnes grading 8.23g/t Au and 85.8 g/t another new explorationarea on the property. The Cub zone Ag. 1994 production of 4-level and 450-sublevel ore mineralization is refractory and maybe related to the Main through the 6-level portal at approximately 180 tonnes per Bear fault, which hosted most ofthe gold in the previously day is expected to continue at least through 1995.An addi- mined Main Bear zone, 400 metres above it. A nine-hole, tional 450 tonnes of millfeed per day is from other areas in 65Wmetre drilling program will test this new zone. Over- the mine. During 1994 Westmincarried out anexploration all, Whealun River’s exploration of the various deposits drilling program to test for a northerly extension of miner- associated with the 22-kilometxe-long Ophir Break during alization inthe Lesley Flats area. 1994 is estimated to have cost $5.5 million. During 1994 the Goldstream mine, operated on a50- During 1994 the Princeton Mining Corporation’s 50 basis by Goldnev Resources Inc. and Bethlehem Similco mine produced 5565 tonnes of copper, 229 917 Resources Corporation, produced 13 500 tonnes of copper, grams (7392 oz) of gold and 1021 kilograms (32 830 oz) of 1545 tonnes of zinc and 4610 kilograms (148 350 oz) of silver from 2 750 OOO tonnes ofore at a daily milling rate of silver from 348 660tonnes of ore at a daily throughput of 24 500 tonnes. The mine closed in November 1993,due in 1OOO tonnes. The mill was closed down from March 15 to part to low copper prices. During 1994 the company was April 15, 1994: mine development continued. Reserves as restructured and the mine re-opened on August 18th. The of January 1, 1995 were reported to be approximately planned operating rate of 22 675 tonnes per day was 600 OOO tonnes grading 4.2% Cu, 2.3%Zn and 18 g/t Ag. achieved by the end of September. Mitsubishi Materials Exploration in the mine area in 1994 centred on a six-hole, Corporation provided Princeton witha US$3.6 million ad- 2330-metre definition drilling program on the down-plunge vance credit against the production and delivery of extension of the orebody. Preliminary results are very en- concentrate. In 1995, the operation is forecast to yield 19.8 couraging; an additional five holes further tested the zone million kil~ogramsof copper and 840kilograms (27 OOO oz) between the0 (surface) and 250-metre elevations. Explora- of gold. Company proven and probablereserve estimates at tion was also carried out on the C-1 zone approximately 10 January 1, 1995 were 135.6 million tonnes grading 0.36% kilometres westof the mine.

ExpbraIwn in iritish Columbia 1994 7 British Columbia

In the last half of 1993, International Skyline Gold Cor- River mine, Fording is also boosting Production from 6.5 poration reopened the Johnny Mountain gold mine and million tonnes to ahout 7 million. In October, Fording produced 247 kilograms (7940 02) of gold and 482 kilo- signed an agreement to buy the coal mining assets (Byron grams (15 500 02) of silver from 21 850tonnes ofore at an Creek Colleries) of Corbin Creek ResourcesLimited. By- average daily throughput of 350 tonnes. The mine did not ron Cmk produced about 300 OOO tonnes of thermal and re-open in 1994. Reserves estimatedby the company as of weak coking coal in 1994, well below the 2 million tonne January 1,1994 were24 OOO tonnes grading11.3 g/t Au, 22 capacity of its washing anddrying plant. Fording produced g/t Ag and 0.23% Cu. Explorationby Skyline in 1994 was about 13million tonnes ofcoal in 1994 fromits three south- concentrated on the Bronson Slope porphyry area to the east British Columbia operations. In a major breakthrongh, northwest of the mine. In September, Foremost Industries coal from Fording Coal and SmokyRiver, Alberta opera- Inc. signed aletter of agreement withInternational Skyline tions is now being used as the primary product in coking whereby Foremost will own the mining and milling equip coal blends. Initial results from a shipment to Croatia are ment and will become a participant in a joint venture to very encouraging with all blast furnace coke-quality re- explore, develop and process ore from Skyline’s mineral quirements being met. The owners are hopeful that new properties and other adjacent claims, on a custom milling markets will open up. Production at Teck‘s Elkview mine basis. was in the 2.5 million to 3 million tonne range. At the Endako molybdenum mine, Placer DomeInc. In the Peace River coalfields, Japanese steel mills are produced 6200 kilograms of molybdenum from 10.4 mil- taking contract tonnage from the Quintette (Quintette Coal lion tonnes of ore at a daily throughput of 28 200 tonnes. Limited) and Bullmoose mines peck Corporation, 60.9%. Published proven and probable reserves as of January l, Rio Algom Limited, 29.1%. and Nissbo Iwai Coal Devel- 1995 were 117600 million tonnes grading 0.077% Mo. In opment (Canada) Ltd., 10%). Annual production at 1994 Placer carried out an eight-hole, 914-metre diamond Quintette and Bullmoose is estimated at 4.2. million tonnes drilling program to delineate ore in the Endako Southeast and 2 million tonnes respectively. pit. Additionalexploration was conducted later in the year. At the Quinsam mine on Vancouver Island, Quinsam At the &ax copper-gold mine, Afton Operating Cor- Coal Corporation has finished open-pit production and is poration resumed production in September after a now dependent on coal from underground sources. three-year suspension in operations because of depressed metal prices. During the three month operating period, INDUSTRIAL MINERALS MINES Afton milled931 OOO tonnes ofore and produced 3586 ton- British Columbia is well endowed with a varietyof in- nes ofcopper and24 250 grams (7885 02) of gold.The work dustrial minerals.There are nine major minesand more than force numbered 139 at year-end and will increase to 156 in twenty-five smaller quarries. These operations are mainly early 1995, when mining resumes inthe Ajax West pit. Re- located in the southern half theof province close to tidewa- ported reserves at January 1,1995 were 13.2 million tonnes ter or major transportation routes. The most economically grading 0.42% Cu and 0.34 g/t Au. Mill capacity at the significant minerals sulphur, magnesite,gypsum, silica, nearby Afton plantis 8500 tonnes per day. are barite, limestone and constructionmaterials with lesser pro- Cusac Industries Ltd. re-opened the Table Monn- duction ofjade, diatomite, magnetite, dolomite,dimension tain gold mine in late 1993. Development and mining stone, clay and fuller’s earth. Sand and gravel pits are lo- centred on theBain vein. Mining began in April 1994. Ap- cated throughout the province. In 1993 there was reported proximately 30 OOO tonnes grading 14.1 g/t Au, primarily production oftwelve industrial mineral commoditieswith a from the West Bain vein area,were mined and milled with total value of $48.3 million; structuralmaterials accounted cash operating costs totalling US $177 per ounce. In Octo- for another $320 million. ber, Cusac began to develop the Michelle high-grade zone Sulphur, derived from natural gas, is produced at five (22 675 tonnes grading 35.0 g/t Au) from the old Eileen extraction plants in the northeastern part of the province. vein workings bydriving an additional 200 metresto intersect the vein. In late October the mill was shutdown due to Production in 1993 totalled approximately710 OOO tonnes; a decrease in grades down-dip onthe West Bain vein. up 20% from 1992. The new sulphur-recovery operation near Chetwyndstarted production in October 1994. COAL MINES In the Rockies, WestrocIndustries Limited is planning Coal productionin 1994 is expected to be back to pre- to sustain gypsum production at 450 OOO tonnes per yearby 1992 levels. In the Kootenay coalfields, Fording Coal opening theElkhorn II deposit which is an extension of the Limited plansto increase production at its Greenbills mine existing piton Windermere Creek.The company has devel- by 50% to meet thestronger demand for metallurgical coal oped an excellent gradecontrol program andis able to ship on world markets. Output will increaseto 4.5 million tonnes a blended gypsumproduct with constant amounts of soluble in 1995 from 3 million tonnes last year. At its Fording salts and clay and limestone impurities.

8 Geological Survey Branch mini st^^ of Enew, Mines and Petmkum Resources

Domtar Gypsum is being restructured into a public pymphyuite at three different sites. Western Clay Products company called North American Gyprock Company. It Ltd. in Kamloops rebuilt its plant last year, quadruplingits opened a new pit between Swan Lake Provincial Park and capacity. The production hasdoubled since last year; at pre- Coyote Creekat its Canal Flats operation and continues to sent the company supplies approximately half of the kitty ship approximately 100 OOO tonnes per year. nowallboard litter market in western Canada.The company is planning plants in the Vancouver area are. supplied by gypsumfrom to undertake research and development for higher value the Kootenays. products (catalystcarriers) using clay (fuller’s earth) from its quarry near Kamloops. Production in 1994 is expected In operation since 1982. Baymag Mines Company to reach OOO Limited continues to mine magnesite at Mount Brussilof 40 to”. at a rate of approximately 175 OOO tonnes annually. The Near Sechelt, Tri-Si1 Minerals Ltd. was briefly ship magnesite is shipped to a pwessing plant at Exshaw, Al- ping from its wollastonite quarry, however, the onlysales berta to pnduce highqnalitycalcined and fused magnesia. to date have been to cement plants. The company is considering plans to increase production Dolomite quarried in the Creston andRock Creek ar- levels. eas is used for soil conditioning, as a component instucco The Mount Moberley and Nicholson siliea mines in and roofing materials, and as white, ornamental aggregate the Golden area account for all of British Columbia’ssilica mck. production. Mountain Minerals Ltd. is producing approximately 80 OOO tonnes annually from the Moberley quarry TAILINGS and BertMiller Contractingis producing approximately50 Candorado Operating Company Limited operated the OOO tonne8 annuallyfrom the Nicholson mine. Hedley tailings project at a designed rate of36 OOO tonnes per month and the target production for 1994 is 200 OOO Limestone quarries at Gillies Bay andBlubber Bayon tonnes grading 1.34g/t Au. Craigmont Mines Ltd. andM-7 Texada Island ship some 5 million tonnes annually to pulp Industries Ltd. continued to recover magnetite from the and paper mills, cement plants and lime producers alongthe Craigmont mine tailings. coast from Alaska to northern California. White limestone for filler applications is produced from deposits at Benson Lake, two quarries on Texada Island and the Lost Creek ADVANCED EXPLORATION AND mine near Creston. Imasco Minerals isInc. developing new DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS resources in the upperpart of the Lost Creek deposit. Lime- METALS stone is processed by three cement plants and two lime A number of explorationprojects advanced in 1994to production centres near Kamloops and Lillooet and in the development or bulk sampling stages. The projects de- Lower Miinland. White limestone is used as a filler in scribed in thissection are shown on Figure7 and listed with paints and plastics produced inSurrey and Creston. The ma- reserves in Table3. jority of pulp and papermills produce their ownlime from nearby limestone quarries. Proven and probable reserves for the 21B zone at the prime Resources Group Inc.Eskay Creekproperty are es- Mountain Minerals Ltd. operates the Parson mine, timated at 1.09 million tonnes grading 65.14 g/t Au, 2949 British Columbia’s only barite producer. With the current g/t Ag, 5.6% Zn and 0.77% Cufor a total in situ inventory mine resewes sufficient for only four years, the company has acquired the Muncho Lakebarite deposits close to the of71000kilograms(2300000oz)ofgoldand3172tonnes (102 OOO OOO 02) of silver. Alaska Highway west of Fort Nelsonis preparingand ama- jor drilling program. During 1994 the access road to the mine area was completed and all productionfacilities were commissioned and Granite and marble are being produced bya number made fully operational. Production mining began in No- of companies, including Fox Island Granite Co. Ltd., B.C. vember and initial shipmentsof crushedore were truckedto Granite La., Matrix MarbleCop, North West Granite Co. the transhipment facilities for delivery to smelters in Janu- Ltd., and Quarry Pacific Industries Ltd. Stone-processing 1995. The mine came into production only two years plants are being operated by MargraniteIndustries Ltd. in ary after application to the provincial government for a Mine Surrey, Matrix Marble in Duncan and Westcoast Granite Development Certificate. The direct shipping ore is manufacturing Inc. inDelta. Revelstoke Flagstone Quarries crushed and blended at the mine and then moved by rail and BegbieFlagstone Ltd. are together producing approximately 4000 tonnes of mica schist flagstone. Kootenay from Kitwangato Noranda’s Home smelter in Quebec, and Stone Centrein Salmo is producing about 4ooo tonnes of by sea from Stewart to DowaMining’s smelter in Japan. At quartzite flagstone. a daily mining rateof 300 tonnes, annual productionis estimated at 6530 kilograms (210OOO 02) of goldand 290 OOO Claybum Industries Ltd. of Vancouveris mining rela- kilograms (9.3 million 02) of silver together with copper tively slnall amounts of fireclay, diatomite and and zinc. The operating cost is forecast to be US$187 per

Exploration in British Columbia 1994 9 BrifishColumbia

Surface exploration included mapping, soil sampling, trenching and down-hole geophysics.This year's focus was on the AV and 141zones, and the south-southeastern part of the'property. The 'hlsequah Chief andBig Bull projects, located75 kilometres northeast of Juneau, Alaska were explored by Redfern Resources Ltd. with expenditures estimated at $900 OOO on each. Undergrounddrilling (4240 m) and surface drilling (1700 m) were completed on the Tulsequah Chief deposit. Undergrounddrilling was mainly targeted on the northeast extensions of the H and G lenses which comprise most of the present geological reserve estimated by the company at 8 489 885 tonnes grading 1.41 % Cu, 1.23% Pb, 6.65% Zn, 2.56 g/t Au and 103.4 g/t Ag. In-fill drilling on the H lens intersected a thick and high-grade zone (Hole TCU94-065, 13 m grading 2.92% Cu, 1.15% Pb, 11.65% Zn, 3.1 g/t Au, and 159 g/t Ag) which is expected to substantially improve the existing reserve in an area of low drilling density. Surface drilling confirmed the western ex- Figure 7. Advanced exploration and developmentpmjects in tension of the host stratigraphy and alteration associated British Columbia- 1994. with the maindeposit approximately 300 metresdown-dip from its previously known limit. A Pre-application for a ounce gold equivalent. Eskay Creek will become the fourth Mine Development Certificate has beenfiled with the Gov- ernment of British Columbia. largest silver producer in the world. Zinc will be recovered using thesolvent extraction - electrowinningmethod. At the Big Bull depsiL 8 kilometres south of the Tul- sequah Chief, a surface diamond drilling program During excavation for a rock quany toprovide aggre- consisting of 5528 metresin fifteen holes was successful in gate for road construction, a 0.4-metre sulphide bed was expanding the size of the massive sulphide deposit mined discovered approximately 150 metres stratigraphically by Cominco in the 1950s. The ore appears to be disrupted above the favourable contact mudstone unit.Six deepdrill- by faulting, and distincta stratiform body has yet to be rec- holes tested the 'Eskay horizon' north and east of the ognized. Drilling also confirmed the large size. of the Big deposit, on theIKS and GNCclaim groups. New zones of Bull alteration system, whichhas a minimum strike length gold mineralization were located during underground de- of 1000 metres, and a minimumdip extent of 600 metres. A velopment. Prime has entered into agreements to acquire recently discovered and significant thickness (up to 40 m) the remaining 50% interest in the IKS 1 mineral claim of massive manganeseoxide and jasper is interpreted by the which is estimated to contain approximately 4975 kilo- company to be an exhalative deposit distalto the main vent grams (160 OM) ounces) of gold equivalent, as part of the area. 21B zone orebody.The potential to increase reservesis con- On the Sulphurets (Bruceside) project, owned 60% sidered verygood. by Newhawk Gold MinesLtd. and 40%by Granduc Mining In 1994 Lac Minerals Ltd. whichhas now been taken Corporation. an estimated $1.5 million was spent on 7350 over by American Barrick Resources Corporation, carried metres ofdrilling concentrated inthree areas. Deep drilling out the largest exploratioddevelopment program in the (300 to 500-m holes) tested the Gossan HilVTom- province, with expenditures estimated excess in of $15 mil- myknocker zones; areas with open intersections of lion on the Red Mountain project. The company mineralization in the Westand Shorezones; and the up-dip previously reportedthe resource in the Marcand AV zones extension of the R8structure of the West zone at its eastern was 2 539 OOO tonnes grading 12.8 g/t Au and 38.1 g/t Ag end. Exploration to date has identified over forty zones of at a cut-offgrade of 3 g/t Au. During 1994.22 742 metres gold-silver mineralization including the West zone, where of surface drilling was completed in 63 holes and 16 390 geological reserves are estimated by the company at ap- metres of underground drilling in 66 holes. Five hundred proximately 750 OM) tonnes grading 15.43 g/t Au and 647 and forty metres of underground development were com- g/t Ag. Drilling at the western end of the West zone inter- pleted in the decline for diamond-drill stations in the sected a wide, low-grade halo, withhigher gradeswithin it, that providessome potential for additional reserves. hangingwall and in the AV zone. The proposed develop- menUproduction portal (1750-metre level) and decline was On the Huckleheny project, NewCanamin Resources advanced for 12 metres of an estimated 1.3 kilometres to Ltd. completed 19 807 metres of drilling, including in-fill reach the Marc, AV and JW zones. drilling (38 holes totalling4585 m) on the Main zone; defi-

10 Geological Survey Branch Ministrv ofEnem. Mines andPetmleum Resources

TABLE 3 NEW MINES, RE-OPENINGS, CLOSURES,DEVELOPMENT AND ADVANCED EXPLORATION PROJECTS

Company Name Pmjeet EstimatedCommodity Estimated Reference Estlmsted Name Tonnes (Ooos) Grade Employment

ReOpenin~s~evelopment

Prime Res. Group Inc. Eskay CreeW AU.4 1019 65.14 glt Au, 2949 Homestake. ME€ 125 218 wne glt Ag, 5.6% Zn, @rod. Spring '95) 0.77% Cu

CusacLtd. Jnd. Table Mtn. Au Bain zone 32.7 23.6 glt Au Cum, 1994 Michelle wne 22.7 35.0 glt Au

Teck Corp. ARodAjax Au, Cu 14 I00 0.46% cu, Teck AM. Rpt., 150 0.34 glt Au 1991

westmin Res. Ltd. Myra Falls Cu, Pb, ZR 12 500 1.9% Cu, 0.5% Pb,Weshnin, 350 A& Au 6.3% 2% 45.6 glt Ag, 1994 2.1 gltAu @rod.of Battle z. spring '95)

Princeton Mining cop. Similw Cu, Au 94 800 0.399% Cu Princeton, 1994 250

Gibraltar Mines Ltd. Gibraltar cu 170 100 0.3% Cu, Gibraltar, 275 (expansion) 0.0095% Mo 1994

Kinrou Gold Corp. QR Au 1300 4.77 glt Au Kinrou, 75 MDC 1994 @rod. Spring '95)

North American Metals LtdJ Golden Bear Au 473 4.6 glt Au Wheaton, MDAF' 75 Wheaton River Minerals Ltd. (Kdiak) 1994

Bethlehem Res. CorpJ Goldstream Cu, A& Zn lo00 4.3% Cu, 2.94% Zn, Bethlehem. 1994 130 Goldnev Res. Inc. 12 glt Ag

Closures @[nde!inite)

International Skyline Gold (Johy Mtn) Au,A&Cu 24 11.3 s/t Au, 22 s/t Skyline. 1994 Corp. Ag, 0.23% Cu

Amwrp Ind. Ltd. (Silvm) Pb,Zn,Ag 54 3.4% Pb, 4.7% Zn, SW,Oct. 13/94 290 glt Ag Equity Silver Mines Ltd. Equity Silver Ag, Au, Cu

North American Metals Ltd. Golden Bear Au Wheaton River Minerals Ltd. (Bear Maim)

265 Advanced Exploration

Coal and Industrial Mineral Deposits

Manalta coal Ltd. Telkwa Coal 670 38 thermal

Globaltex Industries Ltd. Willow Creek Coal thermal

in British Expbration in Columbia 1994 11 British Columbia

Table 3 continued

Quiito Mining Carp. Ltd. Lumby wphite. 27 OM) Quinto, 1994 sericite

Porphyry (and related) Deposits

Imperial Metals carp. Mt. Polley Cu, Au 49 OM) 0.38% Cu, ImprrialMetals 200 0.55 &/I Au MDCJ993

Taseko MinesLtd. Fish Lake Cu, Au 675 OM) 0.236% Cu, TasekoMines, 300+ 0.435 g/t Au 1994

El Condor Res. LtdJ Kemess south Cu, Au 200 400 0.22% cu, El Condor, 3w St. Philip Res. Ltd. 0.63 #t Au MDAP, 1992

Jodex Res. Ltd. Hushamu Cu, Au, Mo 173 237 0.27% Cu, JOrdeX, 1992 *) 0.34 Au, 0.01% Mo

New Canamin Res. Ltd. Huckleberry cu Main wne 30 900 0.48% Cu, New Cananin, 1.9 0.07 git Au, 2.17 dtA& O.O13%Mo East Zone 60 275 0.54% Cu, MDAP, 1994 0.06 dt Au. 3.1 g/tA& 0.014% Ma

Placer Dome Inc. Mount Milligan Cu, Au 298 400 032% C", Placer Dome, 0.45 g/t Au MDC, 1993

American Bullion Red-chris Cu, Au 100 100 0.58%Cu, Amer. Bull., Minerals Ltd. 0.46 g/t Au 1w5

Princeton Mining Similcn - Cu, Au Princeton, 1994250 Inge&lleEast 20 OOO 0.35% Cu Alabama 20 ooo 0.31% Cu, 0.16 g/t Au

Gibraltar Mines Ltd. Gibraltar cu 5+ est. 0.3% Cu Gibraltar. 1994275

American BarrickRes. COT./ Red Mountain Au, Ag 2540 12.8 g/t Au Lac Minerals Lac Minerals Ltd. 38.1 B/tAg MDAP, 1993

Massive Sulphide Deposits

Teck CorpJCominwLtdJ Ciiue Pb, Zn, Ag 24 700 2.3% Pb, 8.5 % Zn, CUrraghMDc, 3w samsung/Koreazinc 50.8 gh Ag 1991

P.edfem Res. Ltd. Tulseqush Chief/ Cu, Pb, Zn, 8490 1.41% Cu, 1.23% Pb Redfem, MDAP, Big Bull Au, Ag 6.65% Zn, 1994 2.56 glt Au, 103.4 Ag Vein Deposits

Bralomepioneer Gold Bralome Au& AvinoMDAP, 50 Mines LtdJ Above loo0 level 292 12 glt Au 1992 Avino Mines and Res. Ltd. Below IOM) level 613 8.2 glt Au Liquid Gold Res. hcJ Brett Au Huntington, 1993 Huntington Res. Ltd. Bonanza wne 2300 100 to 120 g!t Au

12 Geological Survey Branch Minisrry of Energy, Mines and Petmleum ResouEes

Table 3 continued

Canarc Res. Corp. Polaris-Taku ' Au 2200 14.7 glt Au Canarc, 1994

Newhawk Gold Mines Ltd.1 Sulphurels Au,Ag 750 15.43 git Au, Newhawk MDAP, 50 - 60 Granduc Mining Corp. (Brueeside) 647.2 git Ag 1993 West zone

Fairfield Minerals Ltd Elk (Siwash North) Au 122.5 54.5 git Au, Fairfield, I994 24.68 gll Ag

Tenajon Res. LtdJ SB Au,A& 313 3.07 gll Au Tenajon, 1994 Wesunin Resources Ltd.

Wesunin Res. Ltd. ~orcherIsland A4Ag 82 13.7 glt Au Wcstmin, 1994

Pacific Vangold Res. 1w.l Iron Colt Au, Ag 90.7 11.3 glt Au sw Oct. 13/94 Int'l Silver Ridge Res. Inc. Evening Star

Hen Res. 1nc.l Taurus ALL Ag 436 7.2 glt Au Hera, 1994 Int'l Taurus Res. Ltd.

Claimstaker Res. Ltd. 6.4 25.4 git Au SW, May 2/94

nition drilling (fifty holes totalling 13 181 m) on the East Mine DevelopmentCertificate will be submitted to the pro- zone; and 2041 metres of condemnation drilling.Two short vincial government. holes tested the FarEast zone. At a cut-off grade of 0.30% At the Kemess South project, El Condor Resources Cu. the company reported total mineable reserves at 91.2 Ltd. (60%) and St. Philips Resources Inc. (40%) submitted million tonnes grading 0.52% Cu, 0.014% Mo,0.06 g/t Au an Application for a Mine Development Certificate inDe- and 2.8 g/tAg. Reserves for the Main and East zones are cember 1993. Mineable reserves are estimated by the reported to be 30.9 million tonnes grading 0.48%Cu ,OM6 company at 45.4 million tonnes grading 0.20%Cu and 0.75 g/t Au, 2.17 g/t Ag and 0.013% Mo; and60.3 million ton- g/t An (supergene) and 155 million tonnes grading 0.23% nes grading 0.536% Cu, 0.063 g/t Au, 3.1 g/t Ag, and Cu and 0.59 g/t Au (hypogene) for an overall reserve of 0.014% Nlo, respectively. The mining plan outlines two 200.4 million tonnes grading 0.22% Cu and 0.63 g/t Au. open pits, starting with the higher grade East zone, that Mill throughput is proposed at 40 OOO tonnes per day, pro- would be developed sequentially over a mine life of 18 viding a mine life in excessof 15 years.In May, 1994,after years at a daily production rate of 13 500 tonnes. The ap- an extensive due diligence program including a nine-hole proximate annual production is estimated to be 23 800 confirmation diamond drilling program, PegasusGold Inc. kilograms of copper, 1674 kilograms of molybdenum,9950 decided not to proceed with its proposed acquisition of El kilograms (320 OOO 02) of silver, and 158.6 kilograms(5 100 Condor's outstanding shares. The results of the Pegasus oz) of gold. New Canamin submitteda revised pre-applica- program compare favonrably with the pre-feasibility mine tion for a Mine Development Certificate in September and model completed by Kilborn Engineering Ltd. in July, 1993. intends to submit an application inearly 1995. At the Fish Lake deposit, in excessof 96 OOO metres Placer Dome Inc.'s Mount Milligan project receiveda was drilled in 305holes over the period 1962to 1993, out- combined Mine Development and Energy Project Certifi- lining an open-pit reserve of 675 million tonnes grading cate in late November 1993. Reservesare estimated by the 0.236% Co and 0.435 g/t Au. Taseko Mines Ltd., has ac- company at 298.4 million tonnes grading 0.22% Cu and quired the: exclusive right to all of Cominco's residual 0.45 g/t An. Capital costs were projected in the $500 to $600 million range. There was no significant activity in interest in the property. The reserve is sufficient for a 30- 1994. year mine life at a milling rateof 60 OOO tonnes per day.The initial capital cost estimate reported ina recently completed In March 1994,Imperial Metals Corp. signedan agree- prefeasibility study is $460 million. An Application for a ment with Gibraltar Mines Ltd.for the formation ofa 50/50

Exploration in British Columbia 1994 13 British Columbia

~~ joint venture to develop Imperial’s wholly owned Mount Zinc andSamsung. Reserves in the North orebody are esti- Polley copper-gold deposit. Gibraltar undertook an exten- mated at 24.7 million tonnes grading2.3% Pb, 8.5%Zn and sive duediligence study over a 15-monthperiod to confm 50.8 g/t Ag. A Mine Development Certificate was issued in tonnage, grade andmetallurgy, as estimated by WrightEn- December 1992. However, the surrounding Gatagabeltwas gineers Ltd. in its feasibility study of June 1990. Mineable actively explored in 1994 (see Exploration Highlights). reserves estimatedby Imperial Metals are. 49 million tonnes Jordex Resources Ltd. conducted modest diamond grading 0.38% Cu and 0.55g/t Au. Capital costs were esti- a mated at $150 million. A Mine Development Certificate drilling program in the spring of 1994 on its Husbamu was issued in October,1993. In 1994 the joint venture par- (Expo) property located approximately25 kilometres west ties hopedto establish the feasibility oflinking the proposed of the Island Copper mine. Proven and probable reserves Mount Polley mine to the Gibraltar concentrator by con- are. estimated by the company at 173 237 OOO tonnes grad- veyor or other means of surface transport, allowing the ing 0.27% Cu, 0.009% Mo and 0.34 g/t Au. After Jordex milling of Mount Polley ore at Gibraltar. Gibraltar com- completed its 45% earn-in withBHP MineralsCanada Ltd. pleted seven drill holes totalling 1220 metres within the in thespring of 1994, BHP became manager of the project. proposed open-pit area to confm ore grade andthickness. A seven-hole diamond drilling program was completed to The company also conducted additional metallurgicaltests test a zone of advanced argillic alteration located 12 kilo- on five bulk samples, essentially confvming previous re- metres northwest ofthe Hushamu deposit. covery estimates of 76.6% for copper and 81.2%for gold. Westmin Resources Limited in 1994 acquired an op In early September, 1994 Gibraltar gave notice that it will tion to earn 50% of the Porcher Islandproperty, owned by not proceed withphase of its progm. In November, Im- II Cathedral Gold Corporation, by completing a mine evalu- perial Metals Corporation and Bethlehem Resources ation, a feasibility studyand by giving notice by December Corporation agreed to merge. The primary focus of the new 31,1994 of its intention to place the property into produc- company will be the financing and development of the Mount Polley project. tion. Proven and probable reserves are estimated by the company at 300 OOO tonnes grading 7.8 g/t Au; possible In February 1993, Kinross Gold Corporation’squest reserves are estimated at 190 OOO tonnes grading 7.8 g/t Au; to increase production levels from 500 to 800 tonnes per and further possible deep reserves are estimated at 800 OOO day for the proposed QR (Quesnel River) gold projectwas tonnes grading 6.9 g/t Au. Included in these reserves are granted, and in March 1993 a Mine Development Certifi- 82 OOO tonnes of direct-shippingore grading 13.7 g/t Au,all cate was issued. The mineable reserve is estimated by the accessible above the existing mine levels. Westmin is ex- company at 1.3 million tonnes grading 4.77 g/t Au:Ex- ploring the possibility of mining the Porcher Island ore, pected minelife is about five years. Whenfully operational, crushing it on site and transporting the crushed ore by barge the mine will produce about1244 kilograms (40 OOO 02) of 240 kilometres north toits Premiermill near Stewart. West- gold annually.The mine will beginas an open-pit operation, min completed metallurgical tests, preliminary supplemented by reserves from two underground areas. concentrate-marketing studies, detailed capital and trans- During 1994 purchasing of equipmentand hiring of people portation cost estimates and has held public meetings in continued, with production scheduled for the spring of connection with permittingthe mine. Workcontinues on the 1995. final feasibility study. The Polaris-Taku gold project liesdirectly across the American Bullion MineralsLtd. (80%) and Teck Corp. Tulsequah River fromthe Tulsequah Chief site. Geological (20%) conducted a fifty-eight-hole diamond drilling pro- reserves at the beginningof the 1994 season were estimated gram totalling approximately 21400 metres on the by Canarc Resource Corporationat 2.2 million tonnes grad- Red-Chris property, designed to expand a higher grade ing 14.7 g/t Au. Surface work in 1994 has identified a core within the deposit. whichis estimated by the company 1525-metre northerly strike extension of the property’s to contain 30 million tonnesgrading 0.73% Cu and 0.48 g/t three main vein systems. The discovery is more khan 520 Au. Previouswork outlined a drill-indicatedinventory of4 1 metres higher than area of existing gold reserves and the million tonnes grading0.56% Cu and 0.34 g/t Au available past production, affording significant depth potential. To for open-pit miningto a depth of about 275 metres. Deeper the end of October, a total oftwenty-nine drill holes were drilling (below 300 m) is testing the higher gradestockwork completed including eight holes in theC vein, five holes in zone. The Red-Chris deposit is currently defined over a the Y vein and sixteen holes in the new North zone. As a 1100 metre length, widths rangingfrom 150 to 500 metres, result of the 1994 drilling program Canarc reported an in- and to depths greater than 300 metres. An LP. survey was creased resource estimate of 35 770 kilograms (1 150 OOO oz) gold. conducted to define the edges ofa 4 kilometre by 1 kilometre anomaly overthe Red stock.In January 1995 geological No work was caniedout on the Cirque project, owned reserves were estimated at0 100.1 million tonnes grading 25% by each of Teck Corporation, Cominco Ltd., Korea 0.58% Cu and 0.46 g/t Au at a 0.40% Cu cutoff.

14 Geological Survey Branch Ministry of Enew, Mines and Petmkum Resourres

Tenajon Resources Corporation, together with its decline extended the known vein system anadditional 290 50/50 joint venture partner Westmin Resources Limited, metres along strike and 120 metresin width. Trenching on conducted underground developmentdrifting, bulk sam- the eastern portion ofthis zone hasalso returned good val- pling and diamond drilling on the Kansaslwest Kansas ues. Recent drilling on I.P. anomalies has encountered a zones of the SB property, north of Stewart. Work in 1993 new broadzone of low-gradequartz stockwork andaltered resulted in the def~tionof a mineablereserve of 312 700 volcanic rocks. If this lower grade material is leachable, tonnes grading 3.07 g/t Au based on development drifting there is potential for several million tonnes of leach ore. and diamond drilling of a 50-metre strike length of theore Recent drilling on the Taurus West zone has resulted in a zone. Prio~rwide-spaced surface drilling indicates there is loss of potential reserves previously reported, however, this potential to increase this reserve to several million tonnesat loss has been offset with the addition of potential reserves a similar grade. A further 140 metresof strike length within in thenew (B.M.)and 88-1 zones.The campfacilities have the mineralized zone was tested by 168 metres of explora- been expanded for a winter program, and mine permitting tion sub-drifting in 1994. A total of 3507 metres of is in progress. underground diamond drilling in 62 drill holes tested the newly accessible strike length at 20-metre intervals. Early Huntington ResourcesLtd. (50%)and Liquid Gold Re- indications are that the mineralized silicified zone has a sources Inc. (50%) received approval for the removal ofan strike length of more than 280 metres. A total of 1481 ton- 8000-tonne bulksample from their Brett property. Between nes of development material from the sub-drifting was mid-1993 and mid-1994 Liquid Gold has spent approxi- processed through Westmin’s adjacent Premier gold mill. mately $325 000 on surface drilling, engineering and This material was composed of about40% from within the feasibility studies,and completion ofthe haulage road.The reserve and 60% sub-grade material outside of thereserve drilling confirmed earlier grade estimates of 68 to 108 g/t blocks. The average millhead grade of this material was Au on the Bonanza zone and average gradesof 41.1 g/t Au 1.66 g/t Am. The in situ undiluted geologicalreserves for the on theR.W. vein which is accessible for surface mining. In KWK zone are estimated by the company to total 1 774 OOO September 1994. Liquid Gold began driving an adit from tonnes grading 2.2 g/t Au over 295metres ofstrike length. the portal site approximately 180 metres to the Bonanza A bulk sampling programis proposed to further test the re- zone. Stockpiling of material from the zone began in mid- serve. January 1995. Bralome-Pioneer Gold Mines Ltd, in a joint venture In 1994 Fairfield Minerals Ltd. recovered 932 kilo- with Avino Mines and Resources Ltd., completed a 2134- grams (29 965 oz) of gold and 1220kilograms (39 224oz) metre diamond drilling program on the Peter vein and the of silver from 10 400 tonnes of ore treated at the Asarco newly discovered, parallelBig Solly vein on the Bralorne smelter at Helena, Montana, from its bulk sampling pro- mine (King mine) property.The program tested the down- gram on the Siwash North vein on the Elk property. Total ward extensions of two veins on the northeast side of the cost of open-pit production was US$160per ounceof gold. Ferguson fault. In July, 1994 Avino submitted an Applica- Reserves at January 1,1995 were estimated by the company tion for a Mine Development Certificate. Proven and at 156 OOO tonnes grading 36.55 g/t Au and 50.0 g/t Ag. A probable reserves are estimated by the company 292 at OOO stockpile inventory of 3900 tonnes of ore containing ap- tonnes grading 12 g/t Au above the 1OOO level, and an ad- proximately 373 kilograms (12 OOO oz) of gold remains on ditional 673 OOO tonnes grading 8.2g/t Au below the 1OOO hand for future sales. Since late 1993, 1540 tonnes of ore level. on theLoco prospect estimated to Also, two veins are averaging 77.14 g/t Au, test mined from underground. has contain 362 800tonnes grading 17.2g/t Au. yielded 118 kilograms (380002) of gold from drifts, raises and a stope below the open pit. This high-grade ore was AI the Taurus project in the Cassia camp, Hera Re- sources Inc. and International TaurusResources Ltd. spent mined over an average width of 0.55 metre. Eighty-three over $1.5 million on exploration in 1994. Work included drill holes, totalling2410 metres, drilled from underground approximately 300 metres of underground exploration and stations to intersect the vein, expanded and further defined development, approximately 3700 metres of surface drill- ore shoots. Underground exploration, development and test ing, 1850 metres of trenching, 40 kilometres of induced mining, withaN.5 million budget,resumed in Octoberfol- polarizatinn surveying and cleaning up the 135 tonne per lowing completion of open-pit operations. The resumed day mill. Three phases of underground development from underground program willinclude 400 metres of additional the Sable (Hopeful) decline were carried out to further de decline to accommodate future mining andfurther diamond fine the previously reported geologicalresource of 436 OOO drilling. Since mid-1992 the Siwash (Elk) mine bas pro- tonnes grading 7.2 g/t Au. A higher grade vein, with reduced over 1555 kilograms (50 OOO oz) of gold fmm ore serves of 29 000 tonnes grading 17 g/t Au, has been averaging 95.7 g/t Au. This production exceeded drill-indi- identified within this resource. A trenching and surface cated estimates byfactor a of two. Fairfreldis also exploring drilling program on the 88-1zone to the west of the Sable two nearby gold properties, theCrest and the Oka.

~ .- Erpbrofion in British Columbia 1994 I> British Columbia

In the Rossland camp, International Silver Ridge Re- will be used to produce samplematerial to supply to poten- sources Inc. and Pacific Vangold Mines Ltd. have been tia~customers. conducting underground development work on the Iron Cassiar Coal Company Ltd.initiated a feasibility study Colt andEvening Star projects. Onthe Iron Colt, the corn- on its Stitt Cmk placer garnet deposit, north of Revel- panies have a bulk sampling permit allowing the mining stoke in the Goldstream mine area. The company estimates and testing of 10 OOO tonnes of ore. Underground explora- that the deposit contains substantial reserves of almandine tion and development is being facilitated by a 40-metre garnet; mine life is estimated at ten years. drift, four box holes that test the upward extension of the vein, and a crosscut which has been drivento test the width Zeolite beds have been identified in seven areas of the main vein.The first 450 tonnes of material stockpiled throughout the interior of British Columbia. Trial produc- graded approximately 51.4g/t Au. The companiessigned a tion by Mountain Minerals Ltd. in 1992-1993 tested the letter of intent with Echo Bay Mines Ltd. in September,un- market. Potential buyers on the Prairies responded posi- der whichEcho Bay has agreedto treat ore supplied by the tively to the variety of agriculturaluses. IMPACT Minerals Iron Colt joint venturein the Kettle River mill in Republic, Inc. has entered into a letter of intent to acquire the Allenhy Washington. The first shipmentof 635 tonnes, estimated by and BromleyVale (Sunday Creek) zeolite properties near the company to grade in excess of 34p/t Au, commenced Princeton from Princeton Zeolite Products Inc. and the November 15,1994. Continuousproduction is planned at a Princeton Industrial Mineral Joint Venture. The company daily mining rate of55 tonnes. Estimated production costs plans a bulk sampling programto obtain material for prod- are US$162 per ounce gold. Bylate December 1994, devel- uct testing and market development.Surface sampling has opment on the Evening Star vein, with an estimated identified the zeolite as a highquality clinoptilolite variety. reserve of 700 tonnes grading 11.3 g/t Au, was com- 90 Gemstones are attracting more interest in British Co- pleted. An application for a bulk sampling permit was in lumbia as new discoveries are made. In addition to the preparation by the company. Pacific Vangold plans exten- sapphire from the Blu Starr claims, there two new sive underground drilling to test the western extension of are finds in the Slocan valley. In the Airey Creekarea prospec- this orebody. Elsewhere in the Rossland district, Pacific tors have found gem quality aquamarinein Vangold Mines Ltd. conducted an extensive diamond drill- pegmatite dikes. crystals are also ing program on the Gertrude claim adjacent to the War High quality black andsmoky greyquartz common. The Klinker fire opallocality near Vernon con- Eagle mine and the Georgia claim, where the company tinues to attract attention, although there has been no theorizes that the LeRoi and North veins converge. significant development to date. Claimstaker Resources Ltd., under an option agree- Canada Pumice Corporation is developing a marketfor ment with Beaton Engineering Ltd. and Cleveland Capital scoria from the Nazko cinder cone, located westof Ques- Company Ltd., began shipping ore to the Trail smelter at a nel. Black scoria in the deposit is used mostly as daily rate of 75 tonnes from the Bonaparte gold property light-weight aggregate, antiskid highway sand and barbe- located north of Kamloops. The reported assays from the cue rock. The company is finding buyers for the extensive first shipment averaged 27.8 g/t Au. The company has a red cinder used mainly in landscaping andother ornamental permit to remove a 2700-tonne bulk sample ofand ore ship aggregate applications, including golf course sand traps. ments continued to the end of October. The company expected to receive payment for approximately 93 kilc- A bulk sample was collected at the Lumby feldspar grams (3000 oz) of gold.The sample results will be used to deposit in 1993. The material is being tested by Lakefield confirm the average grade and general mineahility of the Laboratories for use in theglass plant in Lavington. ore. A diamond drilling program also explored strike and Highland Talc Ltd. has been conducting marketing dip extensions ofother mineralized zones on the property. studies and product development on its talc property, INDUSTRIAL MINERALS jointly with the Finnish owners of proprietary technology. Exploration and market interest in industrial minerals Lang BayResources Ltd. is planning alarge bulk sam- continues to increase. In 1993, exploration expenditures ple and is seeking financing for its kaolin property near reached at least $2 million, with approximately half that Sechelt. The feasibility of underground mining is an unre- amount spent on the search for diamonds in the southeast- solved issue.The B.C. pulp andpaper industry has recently ern part of the province. In 1994, exploration expenditures identified an emerging market for precipitated and ground are estimated at $4.5 million, including $1.5 million for dia- calcium carbonateand kaolin as fillers in paper making, to monds. add valueto its products. B.C. Chrysotile Limited didnot completethe assembly In 1993 New Global Resources Ltd. shipped a 9OOO- of its pilot plantto process the asbestos tailings at Cassiar tonne bulk sample ofpyrophyllite-silica (geyserite) from and because of advancing winter weather, decidedto post- its Monteith Bay (Easy Inlet) property on the west coast pone its completion until thespring of 1995.The pilot plant of VancouverIsland to the Tilbury portlandcement plant in Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petmkum Resou,xes

Delta. The cementplant found the product acceptahle.The program, consisting of approximately 2000 metres in six project is in the Mine Development AssessmentProcess. holes on the Tsolum River property, at an estimated cost of $150 On the Quinsam property, Quinsam Coal Ltd. Consolidated Ramrod Corporation Ltd. spent approxi- 000. drilled F‘Q holes to test the down-dip depth and conti- mately $0.45 million exploring for diamonds on its large three nuity of the main coal seams north of the mine property which includes the Crossing Creek kimberlite 2N13N Ice block. Resultswere encouraging. The company also drilled near Elkford. Grassroots exploration was also canied out seven holes betweenthe and blocks, confm elsewhere in the Rocky Mountains, the Horsethief Toby PQ 2N 3N to - thickness, quality and local structure in an area not ade- Creek and near Midway and south of Grand Forks. area, quately tested prior to open-pit production. Total Quadra Stone opened a new granite quarry at Grano expendkures are estimated at $150 OOO. Creek in Christina Valley, well new sites in the as as two At the Telkwa thermal coal project, Manalta Coal Beaverdell Quarry Pacific Industries Ltd. opened two area. Ltd.’s focus in 1994 was reconnaissance drilling (500 m new granite quarries at Idabel Lake, east of Kelowna. spacing) of the large property,as well as in-fill drilling on Franz Capital Corporation Ltd. is working on develop the Tenas deposit.A total of 8550 metres was completed in ment of its Kingfiiber white marble property east of 57 rotary-drill holes. Geological reserves on the main de- Vernon. The property also has a very attractive white peg- posit are estimated to be 38.7 million tonnes contained matitic granite 250 metres east of the marble zonethat may within four pit areas. The application to the Mine Develop be another development target. The company estimates a ment Assessment Process, originally filed in 1990, is geological potential ofat least 5.5 million tonnes of marble. currently under review. Permitting has been appliedfor block sampling and ASTM In the Peace River area, Globaltex Coal Corporation testing. drilled 101 rotary-drill holes totalling 5000 metres at an es- In 1994 Jade West Resources Ltd. purchased the re- timated cost of $300 000 on three coal licenses on the maining Mohawk Oiljade properties in the Kutcho Creek Willow Creek thermal coal property. Bulk samples from area and concentrated production there.The Ogden Moun- each of the four major seams were takenfor detailed testing, tain area has been left idle. The jade is processed at Jade product development, and initial customer samples. Re- West’s South Surreysite. liminary results indicate the seams have excellent cleaning characteristics. The company is planning for production of Quinto Mining Copration Ltd. is developing its 27 coking and thermaVindusUial coals. Detailed design engi- million tonne Lumby (Chaput) graphite and sericite de- neering and environmentalstudies continue. Mine start-up posit kilometres east of Vernon. The microcrystalline 37 is planned for 1995 at an initial production rate of500 000 graphite is intergrown with mica and cannotbe upgraded to tonnes per year. a marketable graphite concentrate. However, the company is examining the possibility of marketing a muscovite- There was no exploration ateither Quintette or Bull- graphite product for special filler applications. USIG Inc. of moose coal mines. California has earned a 30% interest in the property. Work during 1994 included underground bulk sampling and con- HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPLORATION struction ol‘atest lab and pilotflotation plant. PROJECTS COAL Gold-enriched porphyrycopper deposits, polymetallic massive sulphide deposits (volcanogenic, seafloor hy- 1994 saw a decrease of about 50% in coal exploration dmthermal and sedex), and veins and porphyry-related to in four areas of province: the Kootenays;Telkwa, Peace the transitional deposits accounted for approximately 90% of River and ‘Vancouver Island. Total estimated expenditures 1994 explorationexpenditures in British Columbia. The re- for coal exploration are $1.5 million of which$1.0 million mainder were directed to coal, industrial minerals, skam, was spent on the investigation of thermal coal potential, diamonds and less traditional targets such sedimentary principally at the Telkwa, TsolumCreek andWillow Creek as copper. Of the total estimated $100 million exploration ex- coalfields. penditures, approximately 45% fits into the less advanced In the ICootenay coalfields, Fording Coal Limitedcon- to grassroots category addressedin this section. Although ducted exploration programs at its Fording River and most of the programswere focused inand around areas with Greenbills operations. A total of 76 holes were drilledfor mines or known showings and existing infrastructure, sev- coal sampling and down-hole geophysics, andone test pit eral new, relatively low budget, regional programs were was excavated. At the Line Creek and adjacent properties, conducted throughoutthe province. These keyed on: sedex Manalta Coal Ltd. drilled 15 rotary holes. The total explo- deposits in the southeast (especially in the Purcell Super- ration expenditure in the Kootenay coalfields in 1994 is group) and northeast (e.g.,Cirque-Driftpile area); estimated at $500 000. On Vancouver Island, CanadianOc- diamonds inthe Rocky Mountains; golddeposits in the In- cidental Petroleum Ltd. conducted a modest drilling terior Plateau of south-central British Columbia; porphyry

Exploration in British Columbia I994 17 British Columbia deposits in the Bahine Lake area and epithermal precious cia mineralization over 250 metresto the northeast of pre- metal veins and porphyry-related deposits in the Stewart viously mapped limits. Elsewhere in the Bahine region, camp in the northwest. Some of these projects have ad- Hera ResourcesInc. recently acquired the Nak prospect and vanced very quickly and are mentioned in the previous conducted alarge I.P. survey in early 1995. section (k, Huckleberry, Red Mountain). The diversity Gold Corporation reached an agreement in of targets, theirlarge size (some world class, such as High- Lysander principal with Kennecott Canada Inc. to acquire an option land Valley Copper and Sullivan),and the profitability of to purchase a 100% interest in the Lorraine property. Pre- smaller, higher grade deposits such as Snip, continue to vious work outlined geological reserves of 10 million make British Columbia a good place to explore. The prop- tonnes grading 0.67% Cu and 0.34 g/t Au in the Main zone erties mentioned beloware shown onFigure 8 andlisted in deposits. Three other anomalous wnes have been identi- Table 4, with estimated preliminaryreserves, where avail- fied, including the Extension (Bishop) zone. .Drilling of able. 1216 metres in tenholes in 1994 concentrated onthe Exten- PORPHYRY AND PORPHYRY-RELATED sion wne (seven holes) and, to a lesser extent, the Main COPPER-GOLD DEPOSITS wne (three holes). Intersections well mineralized with chal- At the Hearne Hill deposit, located close to the re- copyrite and bornite have been reported, including hole ceutly closed Bell Copper mine in the Babine Lake area, L94-8 which assayed 1.48% Cu and 0.65 g/t Au over 92 Booker Gold Explorations Ltd. completed extensive metres, inthe upper Main zone. ground magnetometer and EM surveys to delineate more International Skyline Gold Corporation drilled 870 breccia pipe targets, and follow-up percussion and diamondmetres on theBronson Slope propertyin late 1993 and cal- drilling. A total of seven new magnetic anomalies, larger all culated a mineral inventory of 100 million tonnes grading than the Chapman breccia pipe anomaly, were identified 0.65 g/ t Au, 0.14% Cu, 3.4 g/t Ag and 0.01% Mo. A drill- within or peripheral to an extensive porphyry copper sys- indicated probable and possible mineral resource of 20 tem. In the fall of 1994 the company drilledeight core holes, million tonnes grading 0.25%Cu, 0.71 g/t Au and 2.65 g/t intersecting stockwork porphyry and a weakerstyleofbrec- Ag is contained within the larger resource. A second phase

A Vein

Thimble MtnlEholt BromleY Vale Idabel, Grano.Beaverdell Figure 8. Exploration highlights projectsin British Columbia - 1994.

18 Geological SUN^ Branch Minisfry of Enem, Mines and Petmieum Resources

TABLE 4 1994 EXPLORATION HIGHLIGHTS

Company Nsme Project EstimatedCommodity Estimated Reference Name T0"IlW Grade

Massive Sulphide Deposits

M ining Carp./Ecsrail Mining Akie PbZnAg GCNL Oct. 5194 Metali MiningCop.

Teck Corp. Driflpile Pb,ZRAgDriflpile Corp. Teck 20 000 2.4% Pb + Zn Oct. NM, 18/93

Consolidated ForsNme Pb,ZRAg Rammd Gold Corp.

Ecstail Mining Corp.1MiningEcstail Eestail CsZn,Ag Ama, 1994 Ama Res. Ltd. Red Gulch 6350 0.6% Cu, 2.5% 2% 0.5 pit A", 20 pit Ag

Porphyry (and related) Deposits

International Skyline BronsonCreek Cu.Au,An.Mo 100 000 0.14%0.65 Cu. dt Skyline, 1994 Gold Corp Au, 3.4 p/t Ag, - 0.01% MoS2

Brooker Gold Explorations Heme Hili Cu,Au 180 Cu 1.7% PIOSpeCNS Ltd. MDAP, 1992

Camnor Res.Ltd.1 Wilioughby Au, Ag NM, Oct. 10194 Gold Giant MineralsInc.

Lysander GoldCorp.1 Lonaine Cu,Au IO 000 Cu,0.67% Kennecon, 1993 Kennecon Canada Inc 0.34 pit Au

Getchell Res. Inc.1 Rainbow Cu,Au 3000 0.7% Cu Getchell, 1994 Tcck Corp. Ltd. No. 2 lone

Skarn Deposits

GWR Resources Inc.1 Lac LaHache Cu,Au 544 1.54%Cu,O.I7g/t CWR Res. Inc., 1993 Regional Rerources Ltd. (Peach Lake) A", 49% FQO,

Orvana Minmls Corp. Eholt/Thimble Mm. Cu,Au SW,Aug. 8/94

Hemla Gold Mines 1nc.I Kli c4Au 2300 0.31%Cu, 1.3 pit SW, Feb. 2193 Athlone Res. Ltd.1 Au, 6.9 pit Ag Kennecott CanadaIncJ Vital Pacific Res. Ltd.

,Gold City Res.1nc.l Ket 28 A" Sway Res.1rz.I Phoenix Gold Res. Ltd.

Vein Deposits

AGC Americas Gold Corp. JD Au SW,Oet. 20194

Exploration in British Coiumbia 1994 19 British Columbia

Table 4 continued Industrial Minerals B.C. Chrysotile B.C. Ltd. Cassiar asbestos Canada PumiceCanada Carp. Nazko red cinder CassiarCoal Co. Ltd. Stin Creek placer garnet

Quadra Stone granite

Quarry Pacific Ind. Ltd. Idabel granite Franz CapitalCorp.KingfisherLtd. marble, pegmatite IMPACT Minerals Inc. Allenby/ Zeolite Bromely Vale (Princeton)

TNemadCunie Lumby feldspar

Westroc Ind. Elkhorn gYPSW Nolthamerican Gypmk Co. Coyote Creek gypsum Consolidated Ramrod Ice (Cross) diamond Gold Cop. LuchanskyDemen alu stam, sapphire, Barkley Airey Creek aquamarme Leo DOr Marble Bonanza Lake limestone (Leo D'Or) Blue EmeraldBlue Res.Klinker Ltd. !ire opal B. Yorke .Hardy/ G. Grywacheski New Global Res. Ltd Monteith Bay pyrophyllite (Easy Inlet) -silica

Note: SW = Stockwatch; NM = Northern Miner: MDAP = Mine Development Review Process; GCNL = George Cross News Letter

of drilling was suspended due to severe winter conditions zation. Teck's phase I program in 1994 included ground after completion of 610 metres in two holes to test down to magnetic andLP. surveys, detailed lithologic and alteration the 200-metre elevation. The company considers this drill- mapping, trenchingand approximately 2600 metres ofdia- ing successfully confirmed results from previousdrilling in mond drilling in sixteen holes. Targeted areas included higher grade zones and traced these previously defined extensions of known mineralized zones, previously uu- zones to a greater depth. A revised mineral inventoryby the tested intrusive contact areas and possible fault company is estimated to be 100 million tonnes grading 0.72 intersections as interpreted from data acquired from air- g/t Au, 0.15% Cu, 4.1 g/t Ag and 0.007%Mo. Preliminary borne surveys. Following encouraging results from the mine planning, metallurgical testing and preparation of a phase I program, Teck entereda second phaseconsisting of preliminary feasibility study is under way. at least 1500 metres drilling of in sevencore holes designed On the Lac La Hache property, Regional Resources to follow-up an intersection of 0.7% Cu and 0.1 g/t Au Ltd. and GWR Resources Inc. conducted I.P. surveys over across 62 metres inhole 94-14. Hole 94-17 returned a 176- six target areas outlined during the 1993 season. Regional metre interval which averaged 0.61%Cu. Drilling tested also conducted an LP. survey on claims and adjoining the on-strike and down-dipextensions of this new zone which Nemrude borniteskam zone andplanned to conduct a win- has been intersectedover an east-west width of100 to 150 ter drilling program on the Nemrude zone. The company metres, a north-south strike length of 200 to 250 metres, and previously estimated reserves of 544 200 tonnes grading to depths of 250 metres. The company suggests that this 1.54% Cn, and 49% magnetite in the Peach Lake skarn mineralization may relate to the No. 2 zone in which it has zone. estimated a reserve of 3 million tonnes grading 0.76% Cu. In the area between the Afton and Ajax deposits, Teck A third phase ofdrilling, totalling approximately 1830 me- Corporation, under an option agreement with Getchell Re- tres in eight holes, tested the up-dip extent of the sources Inc., drill-tested the Rainbow property. Previous mineralized intrusion. Getchell also controls the Galaxy operators hadoutlined three zones of copper-gold minerali- property 1.5 kilometres to the north of Teck's Ajax mine.

20 Geological Survey Branch Ministry 0fEne-w. Mines Md Petmleum Resources

The company reports that property hosts an estimated 3.2 zone drilled in 1993. nenty-one of the twenty-six holes million tonnes grading 0.65%Cu and 0.34 g/t Au. intersected sulphide-barite mineralization. Best results iu- cluded 7.93% over 2.0 metres and 17.5% Zn over 1.0 Camnor Resources Ltd., under an option agreement Zn metre, both indrill hole 94-88on theEast zone. Significant with Gold Giant Minerals Inc., drilled 1775 metres in sev- ore grade intercepts were not encountered. Improved under- enteen holeson the Wdoughby property, 6 kilometres east standing of the structure and stratigraphy indicates that of Lac Minerals’ Red Mountain project. The property is mineralization in the East zone may represent a strati- geologically similar to the Red Mountain deposit. Drilling graphically higher and more weakly mineralized horizon (hole NZ8!>.06) on the North zone of the Willoughby prop- than high-grade intersections recorded in 1993.The poten- erty by Bond Gold Canada in 1989 returned 20.1 metres tial for a deeper high-grade mineralized horizon, similarto grading 25 g/t Au and 171.4 g/t Ag. At least nine surface that tested in the Main zone in 1993,is indicated. Conodont showings have been identified to date in or near the Wil- dating by the Geological Survey of Canada should confirm loughby nunatak. Four of the showings were drill tested. the stratigraphic position of the East zone mineralization. The North zone is a mineralized vein stockwork in an al- Additional work is planned for 1995. Teck also completed tered porphyry ina struc~re30 metres long and65 metres drilling on the Bear sedex property, located approximately deep. Mineralized intercepts include 6 metres grading 712 kilometres to the southeast. g/t Ag and 18.2 g/t Au in hole 94-26. Based on theresults, IO Camnor is considering a modest underground exploration In the Purcell Mountains, Consolidated Ramrod Gold program for 1995. The Wilhy zone, defined by six holes 425Corporation drilled three deep holes on the Fors sedex metres southeast of the North zone, is 55 metres long, 35 prospect in the searchfor a Sullivan-type deposit.A modest metres deep and 26metres wide. Mineralization occursas drilling program onthe Vine prospect was plannedfor late a replacement body of semimassive sulphides in altered, in 1994. Drilling in 1993 identified an extensive vent com- bedded tuK Hole 94.22 returned 2.7 metres grading 15.8g/t plex with widespread alteration and mineralization in the Au. vicinity of the “Sullivan horizon”. POLYMETALLIC MASSIVE SULHPIDE On the Dragon polymetallic prospect located near DEPOSITS Gold River, Westmin Resources Limited exercised a right of first refusal with Doromin Resources Ltd. The property Both base metal rich (sedex and volcanogenic) and pre-is underlain by Paleozoic stratigraphy, similarto that at the cious metal rich (“Eskay Creek” or seafloor hydrothermal nearby Myra Falls mine, overa strike length in excess of8 type) massive sulphidedeposits were very important targets kilometres. Noranda Exploration Company, Limited drilled in 1994. The success of projects at Myra Falls (BattldGap the Falls and North showings in 1993, but did not renewits zones), TnlsequahChieflSig Bull, Eskay Creek,ForsNine, option agreement with Doromin. Goldstream and Akiemriftpile over the past few years bears goodl testimony to the exploration potential of these Exploration by Atna Resources Ltd. on the Efstall deposit types. volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits focused on the Thirteen Creek and Red Gulch areas. The Ecstall deposit in In the: Gataga district, where the Cirque deposit has the Red Gulch area basa reserve estimated by the company been delineated, Metall Mining Corporation, under an op- at 6.35 million tonnes grading 0.6% Cu, 2.5% Zn, 0.5 g/t Au tion agreement with Ecstall Mining Corporation, reporteda and 20 g/t Ag. In the Thirteen Creek area disseminated and new discovery (Cardiac Creek zone) on the Akie sedex vein-type copper mineralization was discovered along a property. The discovery chill hole (A-94.5) intersected 31.9 zone 2kilometres long. metres of bedded pyrite, sphalerite and massive barite within which 13.1 metres assayed 3.56% Zn, 0.61% Pb, andPRECIOUS METAL BEARING VEINAND 5.05 g/t Ag. Further drilling has intersected sulphides along BULK-MINEABLE DEPOSITS a strike length in excess of 1.4 kilometres and a dip length Exploration targets in this category covera broad spec- of 300 metres. Hole A-94-12 intersected 40.4 metres of trum of hydrothermal, epigenetic mineral deposits. They mineralized sedimentary rocks, includinga 9.3-metre inter- include high-level epithermal and deeper level mesother- val grading 8.42% Zn and 1.61% Pb, adding 150 metres to mal deposits. the previously testeddip length. Results fromdrill holes A- 94-11 and A-94-12 indicate the grade of the deposit is In the northern Toodoggone district, AGC Americas increasing at depth.The program was suspended following Gold Corporation drilled thirty-two holes on theJD prop- the completion of drill hole A-94-12 due to deteriorating erty. Geochemical, geophysical and geological surveys weather. Drilling will resume in the spring of 1995. were carried out over a gold-bearingstructure 2.5 kilometres long. Drilling tested the Gumbo-Finn zone which has On the Driftpile Creek property, Teck Exploration large-tonnage open-pit potential, and theJD West-Schmitt Ltd. drilled twenty-six holes totalling 4377 metres in 1994. zone of high-grade vein mineralization.Drilling on the Finn The drilling tested five mineralized targets beyond the Main zone returned an intersection of 13.2 g/t Au over 8.84 me-

Exploration in British Columbia 1994 21 British Columbia tres in ‘discovery’ hole 94-18. Further drilling along strike across 3.35metres witbin 10 metres of surface on their Ket and down dip indicates that the shallow dipping mineral- 28 claim. The gold zoneis associated with a pyritic matrix- ized structure has potential to host a significant tonnage. supported breccia, in chloritized, epidotized and silicified In the Interior Plateau region inthe central part of the greenstone. The Ket 28 property, located 12 kilometres province, numerous projects were carried out in the search northwest ofBattle Mountain Gold Company’s56 OOO kilo- for epithermal bonanza andbulk-mineable (heap leachable) gram (1.8 million oz) Crown Jewel goldskam deposir lies deposits: Wolf(Metall MiningCorporation), Baez (Phelps along the 18-kilometre RockCreek - Jolly Creek structural trend. Dodge Corporation of Canada Ltd.), Blackwater-David- son (GrangesInc.), Cutoff, HolyCross and YeUnw Moose To the east, inthe Greenwood camp, Orvana Minerals (Cogema Resources Inc.), Loon (Hudson Bay Mining and Corporation drilled the Thimble Mountain and Eholt Smelting), Uduk Lake (Pioneer Metals Corporation), gold-copper skam targets. FawdBuck (Western Keltic Mines Inc.),Tsacha (Teck Ex- ploration Ltd.), Bent (Kennecott Canada Inc.) and Greg OTHER TARGETS (Cominco Ltd.) Both property-scaleand regional exploration programs On the Blackdome epithermal gold property, Claim- were conducted for sedimentary coppe*obaltsiIver de- staker Resources Limited completed in excess of 2000 posits in the southeast (e.&, Junetion/Delta properties) and metres of drilling in 20 diamond-drill holes testing the No. northeast (e.& Tuchodi Lakes area) of the province. 11 and No. 18 vein systems. Results indicate an additional mineable resource maybe outlined by tiutherdrilling. Prior NEW INITIATIVE3 IN BRITISH to 1994 exploration, an in-mine resource of approximately COLUMBIA 73 OOO tonnes grading 14 p/t Au had been estimated. The property includes a 200 tonne per day milland a permitted Several new government progograms that will influence tailings pond. Production is planned for 1995. future mineral resource planning, exploration and development in British Columbia wereinitiated in 1994. SKARN DEPOSITS A five-year $100 million program to provide In north-central B.C., Hemlo Gold Mines Inc. worked significant tax reductions and explorationincentives on the Soup property ( see Figure 8) under an option agree- to assist and promote private sector mineral ment with VitalPacific Resources Ltd. (75%) and Athlone exploration in British Columbia was announced in Resources Ltd. (25%). Strongly anomalous goldcopper April. geochemical values extend over an area greater than 1 Explore B.C., a part of this program,is a three-year square kilometre.These correlate with ground and airborne $13.5 million program designed to provide part of magnetic anomalies in areas of diorite and magnetite skam the risk capital required by mineral exploration in andesitic flows. In 1994, Hemlo discovered magnetite- companies to finance their programs, to extend the silica-sulphide mineralization identified by an airborne economic lives of existing mines and contribute to magnetic and coincident gold-copper geochemical anom- community stability inexisting mining regions.The aly over an area 90 to 275 metres wide and 1200 metres program has two components: long. A 1989 drill hole in the target zone averaged 5.4 g/t (1) Mineral Exploration Incentive Program - Au and 0.1% Cu over metres. 40 (MEIP) provides grants to eligible exploration On theKli property, Hemlo, under an option agreement companies or individuals, to cover up to one-third with AthloneResources Ltd. (25%). KennecottCanada Inc. of eligible exploration expenses on properties with (45%) and Vital Pacific Resources Ltd. (30%). completed identified economic potential. Maximum assis- ten diamond-drill holes totalling 1120 metres testingaurif- tance is $150 000 per project. In July 1994, 56 erous and cupriferous magnetite-silica replacement zones exploration and mining companies wereawarded within altered and fractured andesitic, dioritic and mon- grants totalling $2.4 million under theMEIF’ pro- zonitic rocks. Previous drilling had outlined about 2.3 gram. This figure includes grants totalling $0.2 million tonnes grading 0.45%Cu, 1.3 p/t Auand 6.9 p/t Ag. million to ten industrial mineral targets. Elsewhere in the area, Hemlo optioned Major GeneralRe (2) Accelerated Mine Exploration Program - sources Ltd.’s Joh and Darb claims which adjoin the Kli (AMEP) provides grants tn mining companies to property to the north. The target is gold-copper skam asso- cover up to one-third of eligible exploration ex- ciated with porphyry-style mineralization. Several new penses at existing mines for the purpose of claims havebeen staked inthe area. discovering additional reserves. Maximum assis- In the Rock Creek area, Gold City Resources Inc., tance is $150 OOO per project. Under the AMEP Sway Resources Inc. and Phoenix GoldResources Ltd. an- program, grants totalling approximately $1 mil- nounced a drill-hole intersection assaying 52.1 glt Au lion were awarded to eleven projects.

22 Geo~ogic41Survey Branch Ministry of Energy, Minesand Petroleum Resources

The Prospectors’.Assistance Grant Program is expected to encourage base and precious metal de!;igned to promote grassroots prospectingfor new exploration io these areasand elsewhere. mineral deposits in British Columbia. It will The Mineral Potential Mapping Initiativewill see conhibute up to 75% of eligible costs of an approved completion of 1:250 000-scale mineral potential project to a maximum of $10 OOO. Sixty-nine grants, maps for the province in 1996.These data are being totalling approximately $500OOO, were awarded in used in.many land-use planning processes. 1994. Initiation of a multi-year project to develop an The 1994Budget amended the Mineral Tax Act to inventory of sand and gravel resources in the allow companies with more than one operating mine province. in the province to pool exploration expenditures, Initiation of a pilot program to produce an providing new flexibility for mining companies in earthquake microzonation map ofpart of the Fraser using exploration deductions. Valley. EKective January I, 1995 a five-year program will Development of a joint strategic plan of selected begin whereby the allowable deduction for capital geoscience needs for British Columbia between the costs for a new mine or major expansion will be British Columbia Geological Survey Branch and the Geological Survey of Canada. The “Geoscience increased by one-thirdfor the calculationof Mineral Cooperation for British Columbia” planis intended TZL to guide both organizations in planning operations British Columbia spent $1.6 million in 1994/95 on for the next five years. t h e Federal/Provincial Mineral Development Completion of part of the Geological Survey Agreement. This program runs to 1995/1996 and Branch’s *Mineral Deposit Profiles” project to coordinates the efforts of Canada and British describe the types of mineraldeposits found around Columbia to strengthen and diversify the province’s the world, with special emphasis on examples and mineral industry. Activities sponsored under the deposit characteristics relating to British Columbia. agreement include the fundingof geological, market After two years of consultation between the mining and technology studies. New value-added industry, government officials, the labour unions, opportunities will alsobe examined. environmentalists and First Nations groups, the The new Environmental Assessment Act has Whitehorse Mining Initiative Leadership Accord parised third reading in the Legislative Assemblyof was signed in September 1994.The mining industry British Columbia and will be proclaimed in 1995, is committed to establishing guidelines for following completion of drafting the regulations. protecting the environment during all mining The Act builds on thestrengths of the existing Mine activities and to improving training and human Development Assessment Act in establishing a resource development in the industry. In return, the process through which the potential effects of industry hopes that governments will encourage projects are identified and means of preventing or Canadian and international mining companies to mitigating adverse impacts are developed and explore and invest in new mines by, amongst other evaluated, things, providing greater exploration incentives and A provincial initiative which includes a revising tax policies on mine reclamation. partnership with B.C. Trade Development Discussions continued with the First Nations, Corporation to promote the marketingof industrial spearheaded through the Treaty Commission in minerals in the province, Pacific Rimcountries and British Columbia, designed to provide them with a Europe. more equitable role in mineral exploration and development decision making within their Creation of the Premier’s Forum on mining, traditional temtories. involving cooperation and consultation between In March 1994 an agreement signed between the government and industry at the highest levels to provincial government and Cominco will see a develop concrete solutions to the industry’s Ltd. new lead smelter constructed at Trail at a cost of competitiveposition. approximately $145 million and a zinc plant The Geological Survey Branch’smultidisciplinary expansion costing approximately $25 million. programs continue to be focused on regions where exilrting mines are forecast to close in the next few years (northern Vancouver Island, East Kootenays SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK FOR 1995 and northern Selkirks) and in areas with significant Many signs indicate an upswing in the mining industry identified potential (Interior Plateau, Tulsequah, in British Columbia. Exploration expenditures in 1994 are Gafaga and Tatogga). Results of these programsare forecast to be approximately $100 million, a 40% increase

Exploration in British Columbia 1994 23 Brifish Columbia

from 1993; claim staking is forecast to be up 15%; the bulk-mineable targets(e.g., Wolf, Baez, Uduk Lake, Loon) number of valid Free Miner Certificates is up, four metal are beingrecognized. mines haverecently re-opened, production from southeast- The completion of theaccess road into the Eskay Creek em coal mines is expected to reach pre-1992 levels with a property and production in January, 1995 will provide im- strong demand for metallurgical coal, and the general in- proved infrastructure for future exploration programs inthis creased level of grassroots activity are all key factors. area. The increase in exploration expenditures on industrial Several advanced projects will receive further work in an- minerals is forecast to continue, with new discoveries and ticipation of improved metal markets and favourable new markets being developed. In general, the long-term resolution of uncertainties in land-use policies. Several outlook for markets for minerals, and mineral products is smaller, high-grade gold projects have and willcontinue to very good throughout thePacific Rim; British Columbia is take advantage of the custom millingfacilities available in well positioned to compete in the international market. the province by obtainingthe necessary permittingfor hulk sampling. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This report has benefitedfrom input from the Regional The many copper and gold-bearing porphyry deposits Geologists with the Land Managementand Policy Branch, discovered during the 1960s and 1970s (e& RedChris, based infive regional offices throughoutthe province. They Lorraine, Huckleberry) will continue to attract attention. are: Paul Wojdak in Smithers, Ted Faulkner in Prince Sedex (e.g., Akie, Driftpile) and volcanogenic polymetal- George, Moira Smith in Kamloops, Paul Wilton in Cran- lic sulphide (e.g.,Efstall,Tulsequah Chief) deposits offer brook, and Robert Pinsent in Vancouver. Dan Hora and small to medium tonnage and high-grade potential, particu- Alex Matheson, both in Victoria, provided summaryinfor- larly those enriched in precious metals. The stratiform, mation on industrial minerals and coal, respectively. Bob gold-enriched (seafloor hydrothermal) Eskay Creek-type Lane in Vancouver, produced the maps and graphs. Mar- deposits are examples of low-tonnage, but potentially ex- jorie Hunter, in Vancouver, typed the manuscript. tremely profitable, high-grade targets. The transitional Information and forecast production statistics from Klaus setting which includes vein and skam deposits related to Brueckl with the Land Management and Policy Branch in porphyry systems (e.g., Red Mountain, Willoughby, Victoria, and mineral tenurestatistics from Rick Contewith Snip), offers similar small to medium tonnage and high- the Mineral Titles Branch in Vancouver, are gratefully ac- grade potential. knowledged. JohnNewell, Brian Grant, Gib McArthur and Ron Smyth provided a careful and critical review of the The potential for bulk-mineable (heap leachable) gold manuscript. We also greatly appreciate the efforts of Janet deposits will continue to be examined. Current exploration Holland in doingthe layout and typesetting andensuring all and future development at theGolden Bear mine willfocus last-minute changes and corrections were included. Most on the heap leaching characteristicsof recently discovered importantly, the Ministry appreciates the contributions of “no seeum” mineralization associated with silicified lime- data to this review article by the exploration and mining stones. In the Interior Plateau region bonanza and community in British Columbia.

24 Geological Survey Branch Ministry of Enerm, Mines and Petroleum Resources

EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS NORTHWESTERN REGION- 1994

By Paul Wojdak, P. Gm. Regional Geologist, Smithers Land Management and Policy Branch

OVERVIlEW AmericanBullionMineralsLtd. commencedamajor exploration program on theRed-Chris porphyry cop- For the third successive yearexploration activity in per-gold property. northwestern British Columbia increased substantiallyover A high level ofactivity continued in the Cassiar gold the previous year. Expenditures in1994 were $49.0 million. and asbestos mining camp. The level of exploration spending now approachs one-half Exploration was revived on targets as diverse as the of the 1990 peakachieved duringthe flow-through financing Toodoggone epithennal gold camp and the Ecstall era (Figure9). Contributing factors include government volcanogenic massivesulphide belt. financial assistance to mineral exploration through the Ex- plore B.C. program and improvement in base and precious Prospector Assistance was re-instituted after a three metal prices. year absence. Some of the year’s highlights include: Exploration in 1994 focused on major programs and advanced properties. Table 5 lists the 30 projects with ex- EskKy Creekmine was developed by Prime Re- penditures in excess of $200 OOO, the base line for major sources Group Inc., withore shipments to commence projects is revised from $100 OOO used in 1993. Nine had in January, 1995. budgets over$Imillion. Intrusiverelated gold deposits such Lac Minerals Ltd. continuedto conduct a very large as Red Mountain and Willoughby accounted for 40% of exploration program for gold at Red Mountain that exploration dollars (Figure 10). Porphyry copper-molyhde- included road construction, underground develop- num-gold deposits attracted 18%, and 8% was directed to ment and intensive diamond drilling. volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits, including the Tnl- - North American Metals Corporation’s KodiakA de- sequah and Eskay camps. Among precious metal deposits, posit, BritishColumbia’s first goldheap-leach epithennal targets including Sulphurets-Bmceside, Premier, project was discovered, engineered and approved in GoldenBear and the Toodoggonecamp received 20% just ten months. whereas mesothermal deposits, including Polaris-Taku, the Cassiar camp and Snip, received 10%. The remainder, a Two more projects entered the mine permitting proc- diverse groupof asbestos, coal and jadeprojects, amounted ess, the TulsequahChief zinccopper-silver-gold to 4%. massive subhide dewsitof Redfern Resources Ltd. and the Hu&ebeny&rphyry copper depositof New Informationcontained in this report is derived from Canamiu Resources Ltd. property visitsby the Regional Geologist andother MEMPR - Smithers staff, news releases and other publications and,

DISTRIBUTION OF EXPLORATION EXPENDITURES BY DEPOSIT TYPE MINERAL EXPLORATION EXPENDITURES NORTHWEST BRITISH COLUMBIA

Figure 9 Figure 10

Exploration in British Columbia 1994 25 property Operator Mining NTS MmE commodity Work Done Divlslon Number lLpe Ashwd 103P112. Ma Zn,Au, Cu. VMS Geol; air ma@M 7 ddh, 13 Ag 1200 m BakerIChappelle BakerLake Gold Omineca WE16 026 Au. Ag Epithermalvein Trenchin loo0 m: 30km Mines Inc. w*,&m Bandit North American Met- Allin 104w1 086 Au. Ag E ithermal re- MagEM, 6.2-km, geo ais Corp. pPacement chem; 5 ddh, 931 m Bmnson Slope International Skyline Liard lMB/ll 077 c4 Au Porphyry Geo1:9ddh,lS50m Gold Ccfp. Cassiar CanadianChrysotile Liard 104P/5 005 Asbestos Industrial min- Pilot mill Mgmt. Corp. eral %Stall AtnaRes.SkeenaLtd. 103W13, 011,053, Cu, Zn, Ag, VMS Grid: geol; geochem 14 069 Au Engineer AmpexMining AUin 104M/8 014 A" Epithemal vein Install testmill Eskay Creek Prime Res. Group IncSkeena 104B/9 008 Au, Ag,Zn, VMS Geol; 11 ddh,4O8l m C" Golden Bear North American Met- Allin IWWl 088 AU Epithemal car- Geol;geochem; VLF- als Corp. bnate Ma trench; 58 ddh, 6060 replacement m; 6g develop., 900 m Hearne Hill BookerGold Expl. Omineca 093W1 006 Cu, Au Zzrphyry,brec- 20 . dh. 1500m; 12ddh. Ltd. 2&m Huckleberry NewCanamin Res. Omineca 093E/ll 037 Cu, Mo Porphyry135 ddh, 20049 m: Ltd. geofech; En". ID AGC Americas Gold Omineca WW6 032.065 Au, Ag Epithemal veinGeochem: P, 31 ddh, Cwp. 2084 m Limonite Limonite Creek Lim- Omineca W3U12 075 Cu, Au. Ag Epithermalacid Geol; Ip, 9 ddh,1162 m ited Partnership sulphate Polaris-Taku Golden Angus Mines AUin 104w12 003 A" Mesothermalvein 27 ddh, 5258 m Ltd. Premier Gold WestminRes. Ltd. Skeena 104B/I 153 Au, Ag. Zn, Epithermalvein ddh.6 4332 m Pb RedChris AmericanBullion Liard 104w12 005 Cu, Au Minerals Ltd. Red Mountain AmericanBarrick Skeena 103P/13 86 Au, Ag Res. Cwp

SB Westmin Res. Ltd.Skeena IMBII 150 Ag Au, Epithermalvein U/ devel., I60 m; 70 ddh, 3585 m; 1700 1bulk sam Ple Silver PondRaw Ocean CrystalRes. Omineca 094El6 069 Am, Ag Epithermal Geol; IP8 ddh,551 m IN. veihreccia Snip (Bmnson) ComincoLtd. Liard 104BIll 4,264 Au Shearvein 13 ddh, 4200 m Snip (Jim) Cominco Lld. Lid IC4BIll 250 Au Shear33vein ddh, 13090m Sulphurets - NewhawkGoldSkeena 1MB/8,9 190 Au. Ag Epilhermal Geol; cham1 sample; 20 Bruceside Mines Lld. ddh. 7574 m Table Mountain Cwac Industries Ltd. Liard 104PI4,S Au70,113, Mesothermal vein U/g devel., 70 m: ddh mt 034 available Taurus International TauNs Liard 104P/5 om.011 AU Mesothermalvein Geol Ip U devel 350 m; Res. Inc. & Hera Res. eenc~;8'1 &, 4360 m Inc. Telkwa ManaltaCoal Ltd. Omiwca 093Ull 156 Coal ARD study; 56 ddh, 6727 m Todd Oracle Minerals Ltd. Skeena 104M4.5 105,106, Au,Cu Intrusive-related Geol; airborne Wmag 107 gold Treaty Creek Prime Res. Group Inc.Skeena IMBB 078 Ag Au, Epithermalacid Geol; hench; 8 ddh, 875m sulphate TUlSeqUah RedfernRes. Ltd. Allin IMWIl. VMS 0-l; 30 ddh, 11469 m: 12 downhole IP Willoughby CamnorRes. Ltd. Skeena 103Pl13 006 Ail Intrusive-relatedGeol; geochem; 17 ddh, gold I747 m zo PiresteelResources Allin 104Wll Epithed vein14 ddh, 1313 m 1°C.

26 Geological Survey Branch Ministry of Energy, Minesand Petroleum Resources

Claim staking is a good indication of the health of the EXIPLORATION DRILLING mining industryat the grassroots level. A low level of claim IN THE NORTHWEST REGION forfeitures indicates the esteem of existing mineral tenure, another measure ofthe industry’s vitality. Total exploration drilling, a good indication of the level of activity on inter- C 170.639 mediate and advanced exploration projects, increased to 170 854 metresin 1994 (Figure 11). Over a period of years comparative statistics on mineral tenure and drilling will provide meaningful trends on exploration activity. Many othex statistics are potentially not as reliable. Total exploration spending for example is subject to inflation and may include substantial non-explorationcosts such as aboriginal consultationand environmental studies. Tracking the number of Notices ofWork has many deficiencies: large and small projects count equally, staged projects may submit several notices, some planned programs are not completed due to financing problemsand permits for reclamation programs may be included with exploration activity.

1993 19841992 1993 Several developmentsand trends have emerged in 1994 that are expected to impact on exploration in 1995. First, the Figure 11. growing revival in porphyrycopper exploration is the most apparent new trend in northwestern British Columbia. The most significantly, from mine and exploration geologists porphyry component of exploration spending increased to whose work andideas are acknowledged throughout the text. $9.01million in 1994 from $2.86 millionin 1993. This increase reflects not only the addition ofa major programat Red-Chris and continuationof the Huckleberry project, but TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES also new activity in the Houston-Babine area. High copper price and demandfor copper concentrate are likely to maintain interest in porphyry copper exploration in 1995. The Northweskm British Columbia comprises all of Skeena, possibility of significant Tertiary supergenezones in central Atlin and large parts of Omineca and Liard Mining Divi- British Columbiais an additional considerationfor porphyry sions. A tally of new and forfeited claims for Northwestern explorationists targeting deposits amenable to SxEw recov- Region during thefirst eleven months of 1994, reportedby erymethods. Supergene mineralizationmay have been Mineral Titles Branch is summarized in Table 6. Overall, preserved from erosion in grabens of the basin-and-range therewere 9775 newmineral claim unitsrecorded and tectonic regime that characterizes west-central British Co- 12 131 claim units forfeited,yielding a net reduction of2356 lumbia. Growing interest incopper may lead to exploration units. The statistics reveal the decrease in mineral tenure for other deposit types suchas redox fronts as at Sustut, and occurred in all mining divisions except Skeena wherethere skarns. is a pronounced net gain,a reflection of continuing activity in theStewart and Iskutcamps. The decreasein other mining Preliminary reports on the Red Mountain gold deposit divisions may be a delayed effect of the 1987-1991explora- and the scale of the Lac Minerals Ltd exploration program tion boom during which several years workwas recorded on in 1993 and 1994 generated considerable activity by com- many claims which are now coming due. With respect to petiton in theBear Pass- Cambria Icefield area. The widely placer tenure, there is a net gain attributable to a strong publicized acquisition of Lac Minerals Ltd. by American increase in the AtlinMining Division. Banick Resources Corporation and subsequent decision to

TABLE 6 SUMMARY OF CHANGES IN CLAIM STATUS, NORTHWESTERN REGION M INERAL TENURE PLACER TENUREMINERALPLACERTENURE

M INING DIVISION MINING NEW FORFEITS NEW FORFElTS

Atlin 1762 455 I I4 49 1332 4893 50 82 50 Liard 4893 1332 Omineca 1981 2935 8 2 -Skeena 2541 6007 0 2

Exploration in British in Exploration Columbia 1994 27 Figure 12. sell the Red Mountain property has cast uncertainty over opment of mineral resources, factors which must be bal- BritishColumbia’s largest explorationproject. Although anced against pressures to reclaim and remove Red Mountain goldresource announcements in 1994 didnot infrastructure. keep pace with many observers’ expectations, this intrusive- related, base metal-associated gold deposit is an important Cominco Ltd.’s discovery of the Kudz Ze Kayah vol- new target inthe Stewart and Iskut camps. Continued explo- canogenicmassive sulphide deposit in Yukon-Tannaua ration of intrusive-related gold-bearing systems in thearea Terrane may spawn increasedexploration of Paleozoic stra- in 1995 is assured but the level of activity is uncertain. tigraphy in British Columbiafor similar deposits. The high Growing recognition of a parallel in geology and mineral potential ofPaleozoic strata in northwestern British Colum- deposits (such as Eskay Creek, Red Mountain and copper- bia is already well documented, e.g. Tulsequah Chief and goldporphyries) between active island arcs in the Foremore properties, but prospective areas inthe Slide southwestern Pacific and Upper Triassic to Lower Jurassic Mountain (Sylvestor allochthon) and Dorsey terranes have arcs in northwestern British Columbia may point to other received less attention for this type of target. deposit targets. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a resurgence in The of the Kcdiak A and Ursa zones at the prospecting appears to be underway, induced in part by the discovery provincial Prospector Assistance program. The number of Golden Bear mine and successful permitting of a cyanide heap-leach mining plan has revolutionized ore deposit target prospectors able to sell or option properties to junior or parameters for North American Metals Corporation. Pend- senior mining companiesis still low but seemsto be increasing operational success of the heap leach, this project may ing. A high-grade silver find southwest of Smithers, and lead to more widespread exploration for carbonate-hosted showings in theBear Pass- Cambria Icefield area are exam- gold deposits by others. ples of promisingdiscoveries that will spark more prospecting in northwesternBritish Columbia next year. Although hampered by late project financing, a strong revival in exploration activity in the Tdoggone camp by several junior companies emerged as a significant trend that LAND-USE ISSUES is expected to continue in 1995.The presence of roadaccess and milling facilites from previous mining operations are In I992 the Government of BritishColumbia introduced important factors which contribute to the economic devel- the Protected Areas Strategy(PAS). Under PAS, 12%of the

28 Geofogical Survey Branch province willbe set aside to protect naturaland cultural-heri- Tweedsmuir Recreation Areas: Lindquist, Rainbow, tagevalues and offerrecreational opportunities. No Tesla, Preston and Red Bird (by Paul Wojdak and industrial extraction or development will be permitted in Lany Diakow). these The role of the Ministry of Energy, Mines and areas. All were rated to have significant mineral potential ex- Petroleum Resources in land-use planning processes is to cept Fiordland, Rainbow and Swan Lake wbicb were rated ensure that mineral potential values properly identified, are as low. Only asmall area within Hakai and Gitnadoix River enabling a rational selection of landto be removed from the were rated as significant. (Notethat mineral potential assess- land baseavailable to mineral exploration and development. ment studies of Babine Mountains Recreation Area,by R.G. Recent protected area designations in the Prince Rupert Gaba and Nisga’s Lava Bed Recreation Area, by A. Legun, Forest Regioninclude the Kitlope River and Khutzeymateen were completed priorto 1994 and have been releasedto the River watersheds and the Tatshenshini area which increase public). This information willbe used by any land planning the protected area to 3 442 349 hectares, or 13.7% of the processes inthese areas, or by government to determine final region. In addition, 511 745 hectares (2.0%) is partially land designations. protected as Recreation and Forest Wilderness Areas. Note that Prince Rupert Forest Region, used in regional land planning, differs somewhat from Northwest Region as defined by MEMPR. MINERAL EXPLORATION Bear Pass, near Stewart,is a PAS study area with alarge ATLIN CAMP number of Crown-granted mineral claims and high mineral exploration interest derived from numerous mineral occur- Activity in the Atlin placer gold district was up about rences and proximity to the Red Mountain gold project. 30% in 1994, withabout 38 producing operations of greatly MEMPR, together with the Ministryof Environment, Lands varying size and a further 20 testing programs. Gold occurs and Parks, the Municipality of Stewart,the Nisga’s govern- primarily in pre-glacial stream gravel, easily distinguished ment and concerned mining companies, discussed the meritsfrom younger gravelby a distinctive yellow-orange colour, of preservation and mineral development. The result was a but was reconcentrated in high-energy younger stream chan- recommendation to government by the Prince Rupert Inter- nels so that pay gravel occursat as manyas four stratigraphic agency Management Committee (comprising the Ministries levels.Encouraged by the success ofKo-Ken Mining’s of Forests, Einvironment, Lands and Parks and EMPR) that seismic surveyon Otter Creek, wherethere was little historic the large studyarea be greatly reduced and that onlythe toe underground mining, several more seismic surveys were of Bear Glacier and Strohn Lakebe protected. This recom- conducted on othercreeks in 1994to detect buried preglacial mendation has been acceptedby Cabinet. stream channels.The profitability of several typesof mining operations assures continuation of placer mining in the Atlin In northwestern British Columbia, aspart of a provincial camp for many years. Large strippingpitting operations on mapping program, MEMPRis preparing a mineral potential Spruce and Otter Creeks utilize heavy equipment including assessment of the Skeena-Nass area. The first phase, based 35-tonne trucksto handle large volumes of material. Exca- on historical data, has been completedby D.G. MacIntyre et vators paired with a floating wash plant are successfully al., see MEA4PR Geological Fieldwork 1994. Resultsof the re-mining low-value gravel on Pine Creek and O’Dounel analysis will be interesting to explorationists and informa- River, and small “family operations” with minimal earth tive to landplanners. For site-specific issues,Regional moving equipment are profitably working more difficult Geologists me commonly involved with mineral potential ground, suchas Ruby and Boulder creeks. Yellow Jacket, an assessments. For example, the impact on mineral exploration important lode prospect was re-stakedby local prospectors of planned deactivationof Forest Access roads was provided in 1994. for areas on Graham Island andeast of Babine Lake, in the Babine porphyrycopper belt. The Protected Areas Strategy Hemlo Gold Mines Inc. continued exploration of aurif- requires MEMPRto rate mineral potential of Recreation anderous epidote-hornblende-chlorite-pyrrhotite skarnand Forest Wilderness Areas as “low” or “significant”. With Au-As-Sb-Cu-Co veins on the Pavey property, 75 kilome- much appreciated assistance from staff of the Geological tres northwest ofAtlin. The property straddles the Llewellyn Survey Branch, the following mineral potential reports werefault which separates pre-Permian metamorphic rocks of prepared for the Prince Rupert region: Nisling Terrane to the west from Mesozoic volcanic and sedimentary rocksof StikineTerrane. Skarn is developed in Fiordland Recreation Area (by Kim Bellefontaine) Stuhini Group mafic volcanic rocks. At the Engineer mine, 30 kilometres west of the Atlin Ampex Mining, a Hakai Recreation Area (byKim Bellefontaine) camp, privatecompany, installed a 45 tonne perday mill and Stikine River Recreation Area (by James Logan) proposes to treat a 10 000-tonne bulk sample of auriferous quartz-calcite vein in 1995. Engineer is an epithermal de- Atlin Recreation Area (by Mitch Mihalynuk) posit in a splayof the Llewellyn fault. - SwanLake Forest Wilderness Area (by Paul Wo- jdak) TULSEQUAH CAMP Gitnadoix River Recreation Area (by Paul Wojdak) Redfern ResourcesLtd. continuedto evaluate Tulsequah * Mount Edziza Recreation Area (by Paul Wojdak) Chief and Big Bull,former producing volcanogenic massive

Exploration in Exploration British Calumbia 1994 29 sulphide deposits.Underground drilling wasdirected to hoped to mine 325OOO tonnes from KodiakA andplace the northeast extensions of the H and G lenses at Tulsequah ore on the heap leach pad by November 1. This fast-track Chief which host the bulk of the present reserve (8 489 885 approachwas necessary to maintaingold production as tonnes grading 1.41% Cu, 1.23% Pb,6.65% Zn, 2.56 g/t Au underground mining of the Bear Main zone was wound up and 103.4 g/t Ag). A program highlight was a particularly in mid-September and mill-roasterthe complex put ona care thick and high-grade intersection of the H lens. Surface and maintenance schedule. Unluckily, a severe rain storm drilling extended the stratigraphy and alteration whichhosts made it impossible to install the leach pad liner, causedother the Tulsequah Chief deposit some 300 metres westerly damage to mine infrastructure and forced postponement of (K.M. Curtis,personalcommnnication). Drilling at Big Bull, Kodiak A mining to 1995. The Grizzlyexploration decline 8 kilometres south of Tulsequah Chief, confirmed the large is scheduled for completion at the end of 1994 and under- size of the Big Bullalteration zone, atleast 1OOO metres long ground drilling of the Grizzly zone from the decline is by 600 metres down-dip, and returnedsome ore grade inter- already underway. Grizzlyis a refractory mineralized zone, cepts over mineable, widths. However, mineralization similar to the Bear zone, in fault gouge between Permian appears to be disrupted by faulting and a coherentmassive limestone andStuhini Group mafic volcanic rocks. Another sulphide body has yet to be found. Exhalative manganese discovery, theCub zone, was encountered whiledriving the oxide andjasper, up to 40 metres thick, was encountered(T. decline, butfollow-up work has not been encouraging. Chandler, R. Carmichael, personal communication). Red- fern Resourcessubmitted a Pre-application for Mine Heap-leach gold mining willrevolutionize economics at Development Certificate to initiate government’s mine ap- Golden Bear. Mining cut-off grade in the Kodiak pit is proval process. Through this process British Columbian, expected to be 1 g/t Au, versus 12 g/tAu in refractory Canadian federal, Alaskan and Taku Tlingit interests will underground ore (D. Tenney, K. Atkin, personal communi- address potential impacts of mine development on other cation).EvenwasterockfromtheBearpit,withanestimated resources such as fish, wildlife and tourism. grade of 1.5 g/t Au, has been renamed the low-grade stockpile. Kodiak oreis in silicified Permian limestone, variably After a one year hiatus,exploration resumed onPolaris- hematitic butcontaining no pyrite,so that ore and wasteare Taku, a former gold producer located on the opposite bank indistinguishable. Gold occursover a @-metrewidth in the of Tulsequah River from Tulsequah Chief. Litigation be- footwall of a very subtle splay of the Fleece fault, faintly tween Canarc Resource Corporation and Rembrandt Gold detected by a close-spaced EM survey. Mines Ltd. concerning project management was resolved. Past production, 231 OOO ounces of gold, and current re- As in 1993,an important gold discoverythat is amenable serves, 2 186 OOO tonnes grading 14.7g/t Au, are within the to cyanide leach recovery was made in The1994. Ursa zone, “mine wedge”,structurally controlled listwanite containing 800 metres north of Kodiak A, is in dolomitized and only three quartz-arsenopyrite vein systems, the AB, C and Y- locally silicified limestone some 200 metres west of the veins. Canarc’s operating subsidiary continued systematic Ophir break(L. Pigage, personalcommunication). Pre- drilling on the C and Y veins in 1994, with three excellent viously, exploration at GoldenBear focused on majorfaults intercepts fromthe C-vein, hut discovery of the North zone but the Kodiak and Ursa discoveries have expanded the provided more exciting news by opening newore potential. search area. There are only 12 drill holes in the Ursa zone One of the better intercepts in the Northzone is 16.9 metres but with a best intercept of12.2 g/t Au over a true width of grading 6.2 g/t Au. The new discovery, which resultedfrom 27.2 metres, there is substantial promise it will be an ore trenching and drilling of a soil geochemical anomaly, is zone. widerbut lower grade thanpast-producing gold zones. Canarc suggests the North zone is the faulted extension of North AmericanMetals commenced systemmatic re- themine wedge, and resembles the upper levels of the evaluation of its claim holdings in the GoldenBear camp for productivezone in that the carbonate halo to listwanite cyanide leachable gold mineralization.On the Bandit prop- alteration is broad and stibnite is abundant (James Moors, erty, drilling targeted a silicified fault contact between personal communication). If vertical zoning in the North Stuhini volcanic rocks and Paleozoic limytuffs and clastic zone is similar to the mine wedge, arsenopyrite and gold sedimentary rocks in the Post and Ram Reef zones. Drill should increase with depth. targets were selected usingVLF EM and IP to assess extensive stronggold soil anomalies (A. Hamilton,personal 00 ZohiniCreek, 15 kilometreswest of Tulsequah, communication). Firesteel Resources Inc. drill testeda shear-hosted polymetallic vein with significant values in antimony, gold, silver, CASSIAR CAMP lead and zinc. Gold mining was re-activated at the Table Mountain GOLDEN BEAR CAMP mine by Cusac Industries Ltd. The West Bain vein was accessed by a decline driven in late 1993.29 900 tonnes of A great many events occurred at Golden Bear during ore were mined during the winter and milling followed 1994. The Kodiak A gold deposit, located3 kilometres north during spring and summer. A post-ore dike in the plane of of the plant site at an elevation of 1900 metres, was defined the Bain vein caused greater dilution than anticipatedbut the by a winter drilling program early in 1994 and a cyanide operation was still a success, with a recovery grade of 14.1 heap-leach mine plan was conceived, engineered and per- g/t Au. Historic production from listwanite-hosted quartz mitted by August 8. North American Metals Corporation veins at Table Mountain is 8302 kilogramsgold from 519

30 Geological Survey Branch Ministry of Enerm, Mines and Petroleum Resources

300 tonnes of ore. representing a millheadgrade of 14.4 g/t (R. Farmer, personal communication) and might be useful Au, nearly identical to mine grade in 1994. The 1 to 2 metre in regional prospecting. ’lbenty kilometres northwest of wide Bain veincontains 5 to 15% pyrite, sphalerite, chalco- Driftpile, Ecstall Mining Corporation staked theRough pyrite, tetrah~drite,arsenopyrite and visible gold. Gold is prospect, a structurally controlled base metal showing and enriched on thefootwall side in ribbonhands of fine-grained nearby barite horizon. Potential for sedimentary exhalative sulphide, the hangingwallcomprises brecciated quartz with mineralization extends 200kilometres northwesterly toward a sulphide matrix but is not ore grade (M. Sadd, personal the Yukon border. communication).Auriferous quartz veinsin the Cassiar camp are hosted by stacked thrust slices in the Paleozoic STIKINE PORPHYRY CAMP Sylvestor Group, and ore grades are limited to a 100-metre vertical exterlt (M. Ball, personal communication). At time Exploration of the Red-Chris porphyrycopper-gold of writingCusac Industries is proceeding with development prospect, 80 kilometre south ofDease Lake, was revivedby of theBig vein and Michelle high grade zone. American Bullion Minerals Ltd. after a twenty year dor- mancy. Exploration in the 1970s outlined a resource of 41 Gold-bearing quartz veinson the Taurus property of Hera million tonnes grading 0.56%Cu and 0.34g/t Au in the Main Resources Inc. and International Taurus ResourcesInc. are and East zones. A 5-kilometre-long early Jurassic mon- similar to Table Mountain, except that sulphide and gold zonite, the Red stock,intrudes probable Stuhini Group mafic content are less. Exploration in 1994 focused west of the volcanic mks at the fault bounded margin of the Bowser Taurus mine workings which produced 700 217 tonnes grad- sedimentary basin. Copper and goldoccur within a sheeted ing 5.14 g/t Au during 1981-88, and included a 350-metre quartz-pyrite-chalcopyrite veinstockwork that parallels the extension of the Sable decline to explore the 93-1 and 93-2 northeasterly elongation of the Red stock in the high-grade veins. Late in the exploration season attention shifted to a East zone, but grades to a randomstockwork westerly zone up to tens of metres thick of heavily disseminated pyritethrough the Main zoneto the Gully zone. Pervasive altera- in silicified mafic volcanic rocks may that have bulk-tonnage tion is characterized by sericite, ankerite and hematite, the potential. W.A. Howell of Hera Resources suggests zone this latter two are unusual in a porphyry environment. Classic may correlate with the “pyrite zone” in the lower levels of porphyry zoning is not evident (W. Mann, J. Pardoe, per- the Taurus mine describedby M.H. Gunning inExploration sonal communication). Drilling in 1994 was mainly within in British Columbia 1987, pages B101-104. the limits of prior drilling, except that holes were drilledto 300 metres belowsurface versus 60.180 metres in previous CanadianChrysotile Management Corp., a wholly holes. The objective of American Bullion’s program is to owned subsidiary of Black Hill Minerals Limited, began substantially increase reserves and define a higher grade installation of a pilot mill at the former Cassiar Asbestos core, realistic goals because theextent of mineralization is mine, using proprietary wet-milling technology.If success- poorly known.A flat alpine plateau witha till blanket masks ful, a larger production plant will be built. The proposed bedrockexcept in the incised Gully zonewhere earlier source of millfeed is a 16 million tonne stockpile oftailings drilling is sparse and shallow. from the previous dry milling operation that grades 4.2% short-fibre asbestos. The company opened the world’s first No explorationof other porphyry targets was undertaken wet-milling plant at Baie Verte, Newfoundland in 1991. in the Stikine camp. Chrysotile asbestos has substantially lower health risks than the amphibole groupasbestos minerals and world demand TOODOGGONE CAMP for Cassiar’s premierchrysotile fibre remains strong. AGC Americas Gold Corporation discovered new gold- Trenching and diamond drilling to determine gem quality silver mineralization by drilling of the Finn zone on the JD of jade, prior to excavation and diamond sawing, continued (McClair) property. Two parallel zones returnedsignificant in the Tuma,gain River area 80 kilometres west of Dease grades over core intervals up to 7 metres, separated by a 3 Lake.Nephrite jade is associatedwith serpentinized ul- to 8-metre low-grade siliceous interval. AGC suggests the tramafic rocks of the Cache Creek Terrane, 120 kilometres zone is related to a low-angle fault. A major trenching and south of the Cassiar camp. The largest operators are The drilling program is being planned for 1995. Continental Jade Ltd., Glenpark Enterprises Ltd. and Green- rock Exploration Ltd. On theSilver Pond and Law properties,about 3 kilometreswest of Chenimine, Ocean Crystal Resources Ltd. GATAGA CAMP conducted geological mapping,IP surveying, trenching and diamond drilling for a precious metal vein using the Bucha- The Devonian Gunsteel formation hosts importantsed- nan epithermal model. One kilometre west of the Baker mentary exhalative zinc-lead-barite mineralization that was mine, Baker Lake Gold Mines Inc. locatedthree new veins explored by Teck Exploration Ltd. onDriftpile the property. with significant widths by prospecting and trenching in the Two stacked sulphide horizonsoccur at the base of a locally West Chapelle area. Ocean Crystal andBaker Lake propose derived turbidite sequence deposited within 1 kilometre of further work on their respective properties next year. Sable the MountMlldemarfault, interpreted by R.C. Came to have ResourcesLtd. drilling onthe Shasta property returned originated as a growth fault and been converted to a thrust disappointing results on the main target, the JM zone, but by northeasterly compression.Distinctive dolomite concre- the final three holes onthe Creek zone returned encouraging tions are restrricted to shale overlying the mineralized zones gold-silver assays. Also in the Toodoggone camp, Cheni

Exploralion in British Columbia 1994 _I,2, British Columbiu

Gold Mines Inc. conducted soil and magnetic surveys over 0.4-metre-thick sulphide bed was discovered (D. Kuran, the AI and Moose claimsand Western Horizons Resources personal communication). Gold valuesare not high but the Ltd. conducted a study of satellite imagery on the Golden discovery demonstrates the area’s ore potential. Prime Re- Stranger property.The writer has not visited the Toodoggonesources Group Inc. explored two properties acquired by camp and has drawn entirely on information provided by option from Teuton Resources Cop. The Eureka and Orpi- company geologists. ment mnes within strong advanced argillic altered Hazelton Group volcanic rocks on the Treaty Creek property were ZSKUT CAMP drilled in search of an epithermal golddeposit and preliminary work was conducted on the Bonsai claims for Eskay The exceptionally rich Eskay Creekgold-silver deposit, Creek style mineralization. discovered in 1988,received mine approval and was developed to production in 1994 byPrime ResourcesGroup Inc. At the highlysuccessful Snip goldmine, recoveq of the (Photo I). Government review included approval to con- crown pillar was initiated in additionto normal operations. struct a pressure oxidation and cyanidation plantto treat the Cominco Ltd. maintained efforts to discover new gold re- complex ore, to be built 600 kilometres from the mine site serves to extend the mine life.An encouraging intersection nearHouston, British Columbia, but smelters ineastern was cored in a major drilling program that targeted east and Canada and Japan made proposalsfor purchase of raw ore west extensions of the ’bin shear zone, which hosts known thatPrime found attractive andthe plant was not built. reserves at Snip, and the Sky Creek shear zone (T. Hodson, During construction, PrimeResources continued its system- penonal communication).Exploration drilling for vein matic exploration of the Eskayarea with drill testing of deep structures parallel to the Twin vein was also carried out on geological and geophysical targets. The objective is gold- the adjoining Bronson property.International Skyline Gold rich exhalative sulphide mineralization near the baseof the Corporation drilled the Red Bluff porphyry copper-gold Salmon River rift volcanic and sedimentiuy sequence, de- system, just 4 kilometresfrom Snipmine. posited after cessation of arc-type, “felsic volcanism”. The Eskay 21B depositoccurs in theContact mudstone butother On the Sulphurets Bruceside property, drilling was un- ore zones, such as 21C, occur at stratigraphic levels above dertaken by Newhawk Gold Mines Ltd.on the Shore, West, this marker unit.While excavatingSalmon River mudstone R-8, PM-3, Coogan’s Bluff,Grace, Tommyknocker and Big 150 metres above the 21B horizon for road construction. a Sleep zones. Much of 1994 drilling was 300 to 500-metre- holes to test below prior shallow holes in search of a large

32 Geological Survey Brunch Ministry of Energv, Mines and Petroleum Resources deposit. In the West zone, two follow-up holes failed to intersections include impressive gold intercepts but ability extend an intercept of99.4 metres grading 2.57 g/t Au and to extend the zones is compromised by severe topography 43.2 g/t Ag. Existing geological reserves in the West zone and ice which limit drill sites. Inspection of the drill core are 750 OOO tomes grading 15.4 g/t Au and 678 g/t Ag. reveals interestingsimilarities to Red Mountain gold miner- Geological mapping by Steven Roachand others tracedJack alization.The critical hostrock is hornblende- formation wacke andargillite from the Shore zone through feldspar-porphyritic diorite, similar to high-level phases of the quartz-sericite-pyrite alterationzone to outline an impor- the Goldslide stock, thathas intruded thin-bedded sediments tant syncline. Consultant Peter Lewis worked to resolve and andesite tuff. Some zones are associated with ductile alternative structural models for the property, relating the shearing in the intrusion, others are associated with hy- mineralized ;!ones to folding, faulting and dilational events drothermalbreccias. Gold is associated with pyrite, in a multi-stage structural history. pyrrhotite, and variable galena and chalcopyrite. Mineral- ized zones have an As-Zn-Pb signature. Alteration includes Several smaller programs were conducted in the Iskut- sericite, blackchlorite(?) and pervasive carbonate, whichis Sulphurets camp by other operators. Pamicon Developments not present at Red Mountain. Continued explorationis an- Ltd. prospected two distinct auriferous massive sulphide ticipated in 1995. boulder trains on the Pam property,35 kilometres northwest of Eskay Creek mine. Geological and geochemical surveys G.J. Corbett and T.M. Leach, in their Guide io Pacific were conduckd on theForrest property, 20 kilometres north- Rim AdCu Exploration (a workshoppresented at Mel- west of Eskqy Creek by Abacus Minerals Corporationfor a bourne University, July 5, 1993) defined a class of deposits Au-Ag-Cu shear vein target, and on the RDN property, 35 that can be referred toas intrusive-related, carbonate- base kilometres north of Eskay Creek,by Pathfinder Res. Ltd.for metal gold systems. Exampledeposits are Kelian in Indone- a gold-rich exhalative massive sulphide target. Planned ex- sia, Porgera and Mount Kare in Papua New Guinea. This ploration of new showings on the Corey property, located writer suggests Red Mountain and Willoughby belong to this between the:Eskay Creek and Sulphurets Bruceside proper- class. The definitive characteristics are: ties was not undertaken todue difficulties in securing project * gold is closely associated with iron and other base financing. metal sulphides and carbonate deposition within vein through to breccia settings, STEWART CAMP associatedmetal abnndances are typically The most intensiveexploration activity Britishin Colum- Zn>Pb>Cu bia was in the Stewart camp, centred on theRed Mountain gold zones commonlyoccnr within, or at the margins goldproject. Lac Minerals Ltd. carried out most of its of intrusive rocks, planned, very substantial 1994 exploration program at Red Mountain prior to controlof the company being acquiredby gold - base metal - carbonate deposition may be American Banick Resources Corporation. The Marc zone preceded either by porphyry-related quartz stockwork or epithermal quartz-adularia-sericiteveining, decline was extended 540 metres to permit detailed under- depending on the depth of the system. ground drilling of the AV and JW zones. The 141 zone, its name derived froma drill hole which assayed3.8 g/t Au over These characteristicsrelate well totheRed Mountain and 34 metres, anda variety of other geological, geophysical and Willoughbyprospects, with some qualifyingcomments. geochemical targets were tested by trenching and surface Carbonate is aprominent pervasive alteration at Wil- drilling. Gold zones at Red Mountain are relatedto the loughby, but is restricted to late veins at Red Mountain. Goldslide stock, a multi-phase, early Jurassic hornblende Strong pervasive K-feldspar - sericite alteration occurs be- diorite intruding a well bedded sequence of siliciclastic to low the goldzones at Red Mountain, and quartz- argillaceous sedimentary rocks, determined from paleon- molybdenite stockwork veining occurs at greater depth in tological and mapping evidence to be Late Triassic in age the Goldslide stock, but their age relationshipto gold depo- (C. Greig, personal communication); Previously these rocks sition is not known. Apparent similarityof Red Mountain to were assigned to the Hazelton Group but are now suggestedPorgera (types A, B and E) mineralization was described in by Greig to correlate with Unuk River Formation. Dissemi- Exploration in British Columbia 1993, pages 33-35. nated pyrite is widely distributed about the stock but gold, tellurides and associated pyrrhotite sphaleriteand occur with Many other exploration programs in the Bear Pass - a come pyrite vein-stockwork and breccia in-filling. Brec- Cambria Icefield area were prompted, to some degree, by cia zones most commonly occur at contacts between very discoveries at Red Mountain and Willoughby. Near Bitter irregularly shaped, high-level phases of the intrusion and theCreek, northwest of Red Mountain, Nicholson and Associ- sedimentary country rocks @. Rhys, M. Prefontaine, per- ates evaluated twogroups of shear vein occurrences on the sonal communication).Gold zones have an As-Sb-Zn MM property for Prime Equities InternationalCorp. Trench- signature (H. Smit, personalcommunication). American ingand drilling areplanned for the Stewart Central Barrick hopes to sell the Red Mountain project but at time showings, pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite-arsenopyrite mineraliza- of writing no buyer hasbeen identified. tion withgold values controlled by northwest-striking structures and/or by a contact between volcanic and sedi- Camnor IResources Ltd. sampled and drilled the North, mentaryrocks (G. and J. Nicholson,personal Wilby, Willow and Upper Icefall gold zones on the Wil- communication). Teuton Resources Corporation prospected loughby nunatak, 5 kilometres east of Red Mountain. Drill itsextensiveclaim holdingsnear RedMountain,discovering

Exploration in British Columbia 1994 33 avariety of new occurrences. North of RedMountain, NORTH COASTAREA Cameco Corp. conducted detailed geological mapping and sampling in the vicinity of an auriferous sphalerite breccia Atna Resources Ltd. acquired the &stall prospect 70 zone on the Cornice Mountain (Stewart) property, but was kilometres southeast of Prince Rupert from Falconbridge disappointed with results and returned the claims to Trev Ltd. Texas Gulf Sulphur Company identified 6.9 million Corporation. Westmin Resources Limited followed up an tonnes grading 0.6% Cu, 2.5% Zn, 0.5g/t Au and 20 g/t Ag airborne EM-magnetic survey conducted over stratabound in massive pyrite lenses at Ecstall during the 1950s. Rocks pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite showings at a mafic volcanic/argil- correlated with Alexander Terrane are preserved as a pen- lite contact on the New York property in Bear Pass. The dantwithin the Coast Plutonic Complex and target is a gold-rich exhalative massive sulphide deposit. A metamorphosed to amphibolite grade, which obscures pri- similar target was sought by Aquaterre Mineral Develop- mary features and stratigraphic facing.&stall River bisects ment Ltd. on the Asbwood property, where Hazelton Group the area of interest;the &stall deposit is located northof the mafic to intermediate volcanic rocks are overlain by pyritic river on Red Gulch Creek but Atna’sinitial focus was sonth argillite. of the river in the Thirteen Creek area where a belt of verticallydipping sericitic quartzofeldspathic gneiss 150 North of Bear Pass, Canstar Ventures Corporation iden- metres wide and 2.5 kilometres long contains widespread tified a Au-As-Pb-Zngeochemical signature from disseminated chalcopyrite, minor pyrite and traces of lithogeochemical surveying of alteration zones on theWolf bornite. The longest chip sample assayed 0.20%Cu over 119 (Golden Crown) property. Also north of Bear Pass, Oracle metres; the highest grade sample returned 0.65% Cu over Minerals Ltd. propertyat Todd Creek surrounds a small gold 7.5 metres (U.Schmidt, personal communication). Miner- deposit owned by Hemlo Gold Mines Inc. and estimatedto alization is not vein like or fracture controlled as expected contain 207 OOO tonnes grading 5.48 g/t Au. Oracle’s map in the footwall of a volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit ping and samplingof altered Hazelton Group volcanic rocks and Atnais considering a deformed porphyrycopper system, and high-level intrusions outlined drill targets on several such as Gibraltar, as an alternative deposit model. Targets in zones nearby. At Oweegee dome, a basement window in the Thirteen and Red Gulch Creek areas will be drilled in Bowser Lake Group sedimentary basin, Cominco Ltd. re- 1995. newed exploration of high-level intrusions into Hazelton rocks on the Delta claims inlight of the new Red Mountain Three other volcanogenic massive sulphide properties deposit model. Near the Tide Lake airstrip, Hemlo Gold were explored in the northcoastal area of British Columbia. Mines Inc. located anomalous amounts of gold associated TVICopper Inc. conducted reconnaissancegeological map- with arsenic, zinc and leadby a geochemical and geological pingand prospecting on the Anyoxcopper property. survey of alteration zones related to earlythe Jurassic Sum- Noranda Exploration Company, Limited mapped and pros- mit Lake stock. pected extensionsto the Prospector and Discovery showings on the Smahy property,70 kilometres southeast of Kemano. Westmin Resources Limited continued efforts to utilize Chalcopyrite, sphalerite and magnetite occur over several kilometres near the contact between sericite-pyrite altered its Premier mill andCIL gold recoveryfacility by attracting additional millfeed. Modifications to mill design were maderhyolite and mafic volcanic rocks, tentatively correlated in order to treat Snip mine’s gold-bearing sulphide concen- with the Hazelton Group.Two new copperoccnrrenceswere trate.Formerly, Snip concentrate was exported but found, one in situ andone in float. Eastfield Resources Ltd. shipments to Premier Gold commenced in March 1994 and prospected a large alterationzone for the source of a strong the change has proved to be advantageous for both opera- multi-element soil anomaly on the Cutfinger property. 30 tions. Five kilometres north of Premier Gold, Westmin and kilometres northeastof Bella Coola, and located copper-zinc mineralization in outcrop andin float. Tenajon Resource Corporationcontinued theirunderground sampling and drilling program to evaluate the KansadWest Westmin Resources Limited conducted feasibility and Kansas gold zones on the SB (Silver Butte) property for environmental studies, and held meetings with the general potential to supply ore to the Premier mill. Gold occurs in a public and aboriginal groups regarding test mining of the quartz-calcite base metal vein-stockwork, well suitedto bulk Porcher Island mesothermal gold vein deposit,40 kilometres mining. southwest of Prince Rupert. Ore would be barged to Stewart for trans-shipment to Premier Gold minefor milling. West- At Premier Gold mine,bulk mining of low-grade caved min estimates Porcher Island orereserve potential to be 135 rock from old undergroundworkings on555-level and a new OOO tonnes grading 8 to 10 g/t Au. If a 10 OWtonne bulk 515-Ievel continued tobe the main source of ore.A smaller sample confirms thisgrade, production is proposed at a rate tonnage of higher grade ore is supplied by recovery of pillars of 200 tonnes per day. Forty kilometres northof Bella Bella, from lower levels of the old workings, primarily 4-level. the Marion copper-gold skam property provided exciting Westmin continueddeep drilling for a northerly extensionof results from a newzone discoveredby Verdstone Gold Corp. the ore zone,structurally controlled preciousand base metal vein breccia and stockwork. Grades in the Early Jurassic Tru-Grit Abrasives Limited recover slag fromthe 1914- target zone are low but native gold and corresponding high 1936 copper smelting operation of Granby Consolidated grade was found arsenopyrite-bearing in veinlets, an unusual Mining, Smelting& Power Co. Ltd.at Anyox, inone of the association at Premier, and an age determination yielded a few industrial mineral operations in northwestern British Tertiary date (P. Lhotka, personal communication). Columbia. The slag is washed, screened and shipped by

34 Geological Survey Branch Ministry ofEnergli Mines and Petroleum Resources

barge to be used as a light weight filler in concrete, in west of Smithers, was acquired by Golden Hemlock Explo- ashphalt shingles andas sand blasting abrasive. rations Ltd. Zone dimensions are significant and a major exploration program appears likely in 1995. SMITHERS CAMP TheLimonite CreekLimited Partnership explored a TAHTSA AND HOUSTON CAMPS large, advanced argillic alteration zonefor a high sulphida- tion enargite gold deposit near the headof Telkwa River,40 New Canamin Resources Ltd. submitted a pre-applica- kilometrestiouthwest of Smithers. Stratabound alteration tion to government for development of the Huckleberry within intermediateto acidic volcanic rocksof the Hazelton porphyry copper deposit, based on final definition drilling Group comprises sericite, quartz, clay, pyrophyllite, alunite, of the Main and East zones(Photo 2), and engineering and lazuliteand zunyite, identified petrographically (W. environmental studies that culminated witha positive feasi- Tompson, personal communication). Massive pyrite with bility study. The eastern endof the Fast zone was delineated traces of copper mineralization occurs within the intensely and a small southwest extension of theMain zone was altered rocks. discovered, buta hypothesized deep connection between the twozones was found not to exist.Diluted reserves are In the Telkwa coalfield, Manalta Coal Ltd. sought to' estimatedtobe91 175000tonnesgrading0.517%Cu,O.W evaluate and reduce extensive coal licensesby wide-spaced g/t Au, 2.78 g/t Ag and 0.014%Mo. Copper at Huckleberry reconnaissance drilling. In addition, drilling to define coal occurs preferentially in biotite-chlorite-magnetite hornfel- limits and evaluate wastedump sites was conducted on the sed Hazelton volcanic rocks adjacentto two small stocksof Pit 3.7 and 8 and Tenas Creek coal deposits. Unlike most porphyritic biotite granodiorite of the widespread Late Cre- other British Columbia coal deposits, waste rockat Telkwa taceous Bulkley suite. It appears that the brittle hornfels has potential to generate acid and Manalta continued de- fractured readily to provide permeability for ore fluids and tailed ARD studies as required by government's Mine superimposedpotassic(hydrothermal biotite)and later pbyl- Development Review Committee. lic alteration. No significant mineralization occurs in the Near Kirwanga, 80 kilometres northwest of Smithers, Main zone stock but theEast stock is a somewhat better ore C.E. Carlso~n drilled three core holes to test gold-bearing host. Chalcopyrite-molybdenite veinletsare invariably steep arsenopyrite veins peripheral to the Morningstar porphyry and pyriteis more abundant in the East than the Main zone. molybdenum system. Anhydrite occurs withchalcopyrite and appears to be more common at depth. Flat, post-mineral gypsum veins charac- A high-grade silver-gold-copper discoverylate in 1994, terize bothzones. Gypsum dissolutionin the weathered zone by prospector D. Heino at Tatsi Creek 50 kilometres south- resulted in difficult drilling of hard, uncemented hornfels.

Explorafion in British Columbia 1994 Supergene copper is unimportant at Hucklebeny, a signiii- 1.7% Cn, and a second breccia was discovered in 1994. cant thickness occurs onlyat the eastern endof the East zone. TexasGulf Sulfur Company outlined 16 million tonnes grading 0.32% Cu and0. I g/t Au in 1967in an adjacentzone Possibly based on success at Huckleberry, exploration activity increased in the Houston-Tahtsa area, primarilyfor of porphyry copper mineralization. Drilling late in 1994 porphyry copper deposits. Seventeen kilometres north of encountered higher copper grades in the porphyry zone at Huckleberry,International Tournigan Corporation drilled depth and to the north of previous drilling. geophysical targets on theTed property. Cominco Ltd. conducted extensive E' surveys on both the Crow-Raven and Noranda Exploration Company, Limited completed its Dual-Thira properties. located10 and 60 kilometres south of exploration of theBahs property, 15 kilometres southeast of Houston, respectively. In an extension of activity in the the former Bell Copper minealong the trend of the Momson Interior Plateau, PhelpsDodge Corporation of CanadaLtd. fault. Emplacement ofdistinctive Babine porphyritic intru- conducted reconnaissance explorationfor epithermal gold in sions is related to formation of the Momson and other the Whitesail area. Equity Silver Mines Ltd. carried out an grabens. Biotite feldspar porphyry glacial float, with ore- extensive program of test pitting and drilled four holes on grade copper and gold values, occurs over a 300 by 150 the eastern marginof the Equity Silver property in search of metre area on the Babs property buttwo drill holes based on the source of mineralized float found on the adjacent Allin magnetic, IP and soil surveys failed to locate the source and Creek property, which EquitySilver explored in 1993. the claims were returned to prospector R. Keefe. Hera Re- sources Inc. optioned the Nak property, another Babine BABINE CAMP porphyry copper-gold target, and conducted a 43-kilometre Booker Gold Explorations Limited persisted withexplo- 1P survery. Drilling this large porphyry systemis anticipated ration of chalcopyrite-bearing breccia on the Hearne Hill early in 1995. Prospectors K. Soby and L. Hewitt explored porphyry copper property. The Discovery (Chapman) brec- for the source of mineralized porphyry float on the nearby cia was estimated in 1991to contain 180 OOO tonnes grading Hautete property.

36 Geologicai Survey Branch EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS CENTRAL REGION - 1994

By E. L. Faulkner,P. Geo. Regional Geologist,Prince George Land Management and Policy Branch

HIGHLIGHTS costs. Budgets, however, continuedbe to tight and financing very difticult, especiallyfor junior companies. * An end to the downturn of 1989-1993 A much broader range of commodities was sought in * Expenditures and projects both up from 1993 1993 than in the previous two years. Interest in porphyry copper-goldproperties in the northernQuesnel Trough Encouragingresults from Muskwa-Gataga and picked up, the levelof activity in the Muskwa-Gataga belt Fraser Plateau (sedex base metals, silver) and the Fraser Plateau (epither- * QR mine under construction mal and porphyry-related precious metals) was up sharply * Mount Polley to start construction in 1995 and there was increased interest in industrial minerals and stone. The locations of the more significant exploration * Land-use issues continue to dominate district activity projects, together with propertiesin the Mine Development * Cariboo-Chilcotin Land Use Plan in place Review process and operating mines, are shown on Figure 15. Therewas good news from the district's mines and INTRODUCTION quarries. Gibraltar mine reopened and was at full production before year's end. Construction, mining and the stockpiling The cautiousoptimism seen at the end of 1993was of ore began at theQR gold deposit late in the year. Produc- translated intoan increase in both projects and expenditures tion decisions were made for the Mount Polley copper-gold in most partsof the district during 1994. Mineral Noticesof deposit and the Wishaw Lake quartzite deposit and plans Work, at 123, were np 22% from 1993 and as Figure 13 were announced for a major increase in production at the shows, much of this increasewas in the Omineca. There was Nazko cinder deposit. also a shift in activity in the Cariboo from the traditional areas, southern Quesnel Trough and Barkerville Terrane, to Land-use issues continued to dominate the activitiesof the Fraser and Nechako plateaus. district staff. Late in the year, theCaribw-Chilcotin Land- Use Plan was announced, ending uncertainty over protected Placer Noticesof Work,at 449, were little changed from areas (parks) in that region,but decisions on protected areas 1993, however, in part because of concern about land-use in the Omineca and Peace regions will not he made until late proposals that would have put manyof the Carib's most this year or early in 1996. productive areas inside protectedareas (parks). Mineral exploration expenditures,at $6.27 million, were MUSKWA-GATAGA RANGES up 37% from 1993, endinga downward trend that beganin 1989 (Figure 14). Major projects (expendituresof $100 OOO This area saw the highest level of activity since 1982. or more) increased similarly. These figures do not include Both major and junior companies were at work on sedex preproduction costs at operating minesor feasibility-related Million 8 160 7 I 35.00 4- 140 30.004 127.50 1 120 25.00 100 20.00 60 60 15.00

40 10.00 20 5.00 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 n nn 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 Carib00 0mi"eCS Others Figure 14. Exploration expenditures- Centraal District Figure 13. Notices of Work - Central District 1990-1994. 1990-1994.

Exploration in British Columbia 1994 37 British Columbia

I j i i I

i I

I i i i I ! i I !

~ i i

I 1280 1260 124O 1220 1209 1180 1209 1220 124O 12601300 1280 I

Figure 15. LOcations of significant exploration projects. properties through the belt, led by Teck Corporation, MetallNORTHERN QUESNEL TROUGH Mining Corporation and Ecstall Mining Corporation. Teck continued to drill targets and define mineralization at the The number of companies active in this area increased Driftpile Creek property with mixed to encouraging results. in1993, but most of the programs were on established With some promising exceptions, the gradesof mineraliza- calcalkaline porphyry copper-gold properties. Results re- tion in the zones discoveredto date have been less than those ported were for the most part typicalof the trough - mixed at other deposits in the belt such as the Cirque and Akie. to occasionally encouraging. Mineralization is typically a veryfine grained pyrite or pyrite-harite mix grading 2 to 4% lead plus zinc. The geo- Canasil Resources Inc. completed a major surface pro- logical resourceof the various zonesis more than20 million gram on the promisingbut under-explored Brenda property, north of the Kemess deposit, with some good assays reported tonnes with good potential for increasing that figure substan- from several trenches. Major General Resources Ltd., No- tially. randa Exploration Company, Limited, Swannell Minerals Cororation, Lysander Gold Corporation and Hudson Bay At the South Gataga project, which comprises the Akie, Exploration and Development Company Limited all had Pie and YN properties under option from Ecstall, Metall drilling programsin the area. reported several drill intersections of up to 42 metres and grading from6 to 10% combined lead and zinc overa strike Lysander reported'possibly the best results from the length of more than 1.2 kilometreson the Akie property.The Lorraine property.The company managedto drill three holes mineralized zoneis open on strike and down dip and clearly from a set-up on the steep face of Lorraine Mountain into has the potential to become a major ore deposit. A major the Main zone and were rewarded with three very good intersections. These averaged close to 1% including one program of deeper drillingis planned for this year. Cu, of 92 m grading 1.4% Cu and 0.65 g/t Au. Drilling on .the Bishop zone also returned some encouraging results, with Elsewhere in the belt, however, activity consisted mostlycopper grades from 0.47 to 1.09% over widths from 15 to of small or early stage surface programs. 31 metres.

38 Geological Survey Branch FRASER. AND NECHAKO PLATEAUS Hudsonmine, the IslandMountain mine, the Mosquito Creek mine and property on Cow Mountain. Both compa- Exploration in this area, mostlyfor epithermal gold de- nies are looking at the feasibility of resuming production. posits related to the Ootsa Lake Group volcanic suite, and Gold City hopesto mine and truckore from its properties to for porphyry-related base metal and gold deposits, has per- a small custom millto be built nearWells. sisted at a modest levelfor more than a decade despite a poor database, poor exposures and generally poor results. The In the Likely area, BigValley Resources Inc. steppedup level of acti.vity has picked up significantly in the last two exploration on its Nordik property adjacent to the Mount years, aided by the Interior Plateau Project - a series of Polley deposit. It has also acquired additional ground be- interdisciplinarystudies funded by the Canada - British tween the Nordik claims andthe QR mine to the northwest. Columbia Mineral Development Agreement.These studies There are a number of untested or poorly explored target have led directlyto the discovery of a promising new show- areas peripheral to the Mount Polley stock that may host ing, the Malaput, on ground staked by Western Keltic Minescopper-gold mineralization. BigValley outlined some target Inc., as well as to a greatly improved understanding of the areas and intersected some mixed to low-grade copper and geology of this area. More than $1.5 million was spent in gold mineralization in a modest drilling program on one 1994, mostly on surface programs and initial drilling, and target area. industry persistence mayat last be paying off, with the In the northeast coal belt, Globaltex Industries Inc. con- reporting of some of the most encouraging resultsto date. tinued its exploration of the Willow Creek coal deposit with At the UdukLake property, Pioneer Metals Corporation trenching and bulk sampling, and acquired a numberof the reported some scattered but encouraging assays from trench adjacent coal licenses. Quintette Coal Limited conducted a samples, but was unableto secure. funds for a more substan- major program of trenching, drilling and underground ex- tial program. At the nearby Loon property, Hudson Bay ploration in the Mesa Extension area near the Quintette reported some success in outlining silicified alteration zones mine. with a resistivity survey and drilled 762 metresfive in holes with the typical mixed results that characterizemany of the plateau properties. Cogema Resources Inc. similarly had INDUSTRIAL MINERALS AND STONE mixed results from large drilling and trenching programs on its Cutoff and Yellow Moose properties. Interest in industrial minerals and stone picked up during 1994. Exploratory drilling to define grade or expand re- Westem Keltic was active on several properties in the serves took place attwo of the district’s limestone deposits area. At the Fawn property, drilling beneath trenched targetsand there was the usual level of contract production from the intersected narrow,closely-spaced clay-sericite breccia area’s operating quarriesto supply local pulp mills. zones with good assays reported from several holes.The best averaged 2.0 g/t Au and 25.2 g/t Ag over 8.1 metres. At the Global Metals Ltd. re-examinedthe jade occurrences at Buck property, a different style of mineralization consisting the Green property and announced plans to begin limited of conformable base metal sulphides in felsic clastic vol- production this year. Ava Resources Ltd. removed some canics of theHazelton Group hasbeen found. Surface blocks of quartzite from the old Wishaw Lakequany site. sampling has returned assaysup to4.69% Zn and 6.48% Pb Product tests were satisfactory and the company plans to with occasionally significantcopper and goldvalues. begin quanying blocks this year.The blocks willbe shipped to Italy for processing. Canada Pumice Limited announced At the Wolf property, optioned by Metall from Lucero plans to greatly expand production from the Nazko cinder Resource Corporation,Metall drilled nine holes in a number deposit west of Quesnel. The deposit has seen small-scale of shallow-clipping silicified lenses thatoccur in a sequence production of cinders for use as a winter anti-slip product. of felsic volcanics and sills. The lenses are grouped into New markets are planned for horticultural and nursery use clusters in three zones and assays to date have generally asa soil conditioner. Quarry Pacific Industries Limited averaged 2 g/t Au over widths up to 30 metres. Scattered removed some test blocks from the Redgold property at Shik individual assays have run as high as 78 g/t Au. Metall Lake. The Shik Lake plutonis one of several in a linear trend returned the property to Lucero late in the year and Lucero that includes the QR and Mount Polley alkaline stocks and plans to testthe possibility that at least twoof the zones may the property has been exploredfor its copper-gold porphyry be joined at shallow depths. Ifso, there is good potentialfor possibilities. The porphyryhas an attractivecolour and a medium-sized open-pittable deposit. texture andis now being considered forits stone potential- an excellent example of looking beyond the obvious at a property. OTHER AREAS

In the Wells-Barkerville area, junior companies have PRODUCING MINES been active in optioning former producing gold mines or properties with reserves. International Wayside Gold Mines The welcome news from the producing mines of the Ltd. has an optionon the Carib00 Gold Quartz mine, where district was the reopening of Gibraltar mine, initially with some low-grade open pittable reserves have been outlined. only the copper recovery circuit.The sharp surge in molyb- GoldCityMiningCorporationhasalsooptionedtheCariboo denum prices late in the year led to the reopening of the

Exploration in British Columbia 1994 39 TABLE I EXPLORATION PROJECTS- CENTRAL DISTRICT

property MINFILE Mhing NTS Commodity Deposit Work XOperator) Number Division Type Done

North Galas 094L 01 1 SedexLid Ag Zn, Pb,94L/1,8 geoeha (Ecrtall Mining Corp.)

DritlpileCreek(Teck 094K fM Lid 94W4W Pb, Zn, Ag Sedex 26 ddh, 4399 m; mad

South GatadMetall 094F007 Ommeca 94F16,7 Pb, Zn, Ag Sedex 12 ddh, 4273 m; geophys

Brenda(Canasi1Resources 094E 147 Ommeca 94EIZE.7W Au,Cu Porphyy geochem; renching

KIiyulCreekWoranda 094D 020 Omineca 94Dl8, 9 Cu, Au Porphyry IO ddh; geochem; geophys

Abe 094C Abe 054 omineca 94c15 Cu, Au Porphm IO ddh, 899 m (Reliance Geol S~NSInc)

Pal(Swanel1Minerals5E,Omineca94C1 Porphyry6W Au Cu, IO ddh; geol; geochem,

Par 094C Par 024 Omineca 94c12.3 Pb, Zn, Ag Base metal 6 ddhJ170 m (Cominco Ltd) vein

Cat 094C 024 Ominccs 94c13w Cu, Au Porphyryddh, 4400 m (Lysander Gold Corn.

Glen 0930 046 Lid 930110 Limestone Sedimentary 5 ddh, 460 m (Halferdahl& Assocs Ltd.)

KL 093N032 93Nl7W Cu, Au Porphyry .6ddh, 915 m; geochem, (Hudson BayEx & De". Ltd.) 093N 032 93Nl7W Cu. Au Porphylv IO ddh,1216 m;geol

Quiintette (Quintette Coal 093P 019 Lid 93P13 Coal Sedimentary 69 ddh, 8297 m; 128 m dg;

Green 093K 005 Ominccs 93W14W Jade Metamorphic geol (Global Metals Ltd.)

Mt. SidneyMt. Williams 093K043 Omineca 93W14W A" Liotwanite IO ddh, 724 m;geochem (U. Mowat)

Pat 0931 Pat 025 Carib 93JllW Limestone Sedimentary4 ddh, 488 m (Halferdahl& Assocs Ltd)

Wishaw093HLake I3 I Carib00 93W16E Quartzite Metamorphic sample blocks (Ava Resources Inc.)

Uduk Lake(Pioneer Metals Omineca 93E/9 AU Epilhennalddh; 5trenching;geol

Lw" Omineca 93F112W Au.Cu Epifhermalddh,5 762m; IP (Hudson BayEx & Dev

CutoNCoKema Resources 093K 044 Omineca 93FlIO AU Epilhennal21ddh,2231m; 14 tr;

Yellow MoosdCoKema Omineca 93Fl6,l IE Au Epilhennal 6 ddh, 6261x1; IO tr; geochem

FaWl 053 093F Omineca 93F13E Au Epilhennal 6 ddh, 616m (Westem Keltic Mines)

40 Geological Survey Branch hopem MiningMINFILE NTS CommodityDeposit Work IOwrator~ Number Division Type Done

Buck (WestemKelticBuck Omin- Au93Fl3E Epithermal I ddh, 6om,tr; pl;gecchem

Wolf (Melall Mining093F 045 omieca 93F/3W,4Eddh,Epithermal Au 9 406m; geochem

Tsacha 093F 041 omiiecaAu 93F/3E Epithermal 17 tr: geochern (Teck Exploration Ltd)

Nazko 093B 060 Carib00 93B/13E Cinders site Volcanic prep (Canada Pumice Cow.)

BaedPhelrls MgeCan 093c 015 EpithermalCarib00Au 93C/9B, 16 10geochern; ddh: geophys

Lloyd PorphyryCarib00 Au93Al12 Cu, 4ddh (Big Valley Res Ltd.)

Redgold 093ARedgold 058 Carib00 93Al6 Stone Igneous tr: sample blocks IOuanv Pacific Ind. Ltd.)

molybdenum circuit and prompted both Gibraltar and En- Cariboo-Chilcotin Commission on Resources and Environ- dako mine staff to review their long term mine plans. ment Round Table active for most of the year and no less than nine Land and Resource Management Plan processes in operation in the Prince George forest region. Interagency MINE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW and public meetings relatedto Protected Areas Strategy, the Carib-Chilcotin CORE and district processes typically There was some positive newsfor some of the six prop- have averaged 25 to 30 per month. By the end of the year, erties that have Mine Development Certificatesor are in the government decisions had been made on a land-use plan for Mine Development Review process. Construction andmin- the Carib-Chilcotin, and the plan had passed into the ing began at the QR gold deposit owned by Kinross Gold implementation phase. Twelve percent of Carib-Chil- the Corporation. The official opening is mid-September, with cotin region has been set aside for full protection through the first pourofgold July 13,1995. Employment will thenbe70 creation of 17 new protected areas and through commit- people. ments to create a number of additional small, protected areas. Although some ground with high mineral potentialis Following the decision by Gibraltar Mines Limited not now in protected areas, very few active exploration proper- to proceed with joint a venture with Imperial Metals Corpo- ties were lost to protected areas. ration to mine Imperial’s Mount Polley copper-gold deposit andprocess the ore at the Gibraltar mill, Imperiallater Eighty percentof the plan areais designated asResource completed a merger with Bethlehem Resources Corporation.Development Zones. There were strong industry concerns The new company will continue under the Imperial name that the so-called “sensitive areas” :the Special Resource and plans tostart construction at Mount Polley this year, withDevelopment Zones, which comprise26% of the plan area, milling to commencein 1997. The mine is expected to would become “de facto”’ parks.The language of the plan, employ 170-180 people. however, states clearly that mineral exploration and mining El Condor Resources Ltd. continued its feasibility stud- will have access to 100% of all zones outside of protected iesfor the Kemess copper-gold deposit,completing areas and existing no-staking reserves. fieldwork on the access and powerline rights-of-way. Land- use concerns eased considerably as areas of interest, that There is a very clear message to industry to be drawn would have affected the ability to mine the deposit, were from the Carib-Chilcotin CORE experience: those indi- removed from the Protected Area Strategy priority list. At viduals and companies that were in contact with Ministry year’s end a number of major companies were conducting a land-use staff and participated regularly in the public meet- detailed review of the project. ings, were able to make other sectors aware of mineral potential issues in the negotiations and have generally had their concerns addressed in the plan. Those who did not LAND USE participate, have been the most affected.The land-use processes in the Prince George forest region had, at time of It was a hectic and intense yearfor district and headquar- writing, entered the phase at which a strong industry pres- tersstaff involved with land-use issues. with the ence at the meetings would be most effective.

British Columbiu Exploration in British I994 41 British Columbia

42 Geological Survey Branck Ministry of Enerm, Mines and Petroleum Resources

EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS SOUTH-CENTRAL REGION- 1994

By M.T. Smith, P. Geo. and M.S. Cathro, P. Geo. Regional Geologists, Kamloops Land Management and Policy Branch

HIGHLIGHTS tions located along the Tulameen and Similkameen rivers, the Goldstream River,the upper Kettle River, and the Significantly higher copper and molybdenum prices FrasedBridge River areas near Lillmt. and the lower Canadian dollar should result in im- Total explorationexpenditures increased 64%over proved profitability for all of the metal mines in the 1993, to $16.5million (Figure 19). This is particularly region in 1995. significant as it is coupled withan increase in the number of The Similco and Afton/qjaxcopper-gold mines re- moderate to large projects; in the previous year a large opened in August and September, respectively. proportion of the total spending was accounted forby only Bulk samples were extracted at several projectsin the two major projects. Nevertheless, spending levels are still region. Bulk sampling programs conducted Elkat the wellbelow those experienced in the late 1980sand the (Siwash North)and Bonaparte projects werecom- proportion of spending directed to grassroots projects ap- mercially profitable ventures, and will allow furtber pears to be declining. For example, approximately 20%of exploration and development of the properties. A total spending was directedto replenishing reservesat exist- similar test-mining programis now underway at the ing or dormant mine sites such as Goldstream, Similco, Brett project. Bralorne, Blackdnme and the Afton/Ajax area. A further 44% wasdirected to definingreserves, test mining and * Thenumber of exploration projects in the region conducting feasibility studieson well known potential pro- increased to 203, a 35% increase over 1993. More ducers, such as Fish Lake, Elk (Siwash North), Lumhy, importantly, the number of major projects (expendi- Brett, and Bonaparte. Only 36% of spending was directed tures >$I00 OOO) was up 79% to a total of 36. to exploration programs in relatively remote areas of the * Expf.orationexpenditures increased 64% over1993 region, or on properties that can be classified as early stage to $1 6.5 million, however, claim staking activity was or grassroots. This situationshould improve in 1995as down. land-use certainty returns after the completion of land-use plans overa large portion of southern British Columbia. * There werenineteen successful applicants for Ex- plore BC funding in the region, including two grants While most of the exploration indicators are up, many under the Accelerated Mine Exploration Program companies reported difficulty raising capital,forcing them (Similco and Goldstream), andseventeen grants to start programs late in the season or to complete only under the Mineral Exploration Incentive Program. abbreviated programs. A continuing decline in the number * Seventeen prospectors in the region received finan- of claim units staked (Figure20) further suggests that indus- cial assistance through the Prospectors Assistance try is directing investment to well established properties Program. rather than grassroots targets. Agreementin Principle was reached on the Kam- Gold veins, porphyry copper-gold (molybdenum) de- loops Land and Resource Management Plan. posits and polymetallic stratiform deposits continuedto he the most popular exploration targets in the South-central Region in 1994. There is particular interest in small, high- SUMMARY grade epithermal and mesothermal vein gold deposits, such as Blackdome, Bonaparte, Mount Skinner, Elk (Siwash The levdl of exploration activity took an upswing in North), Brett, Rahbitt mine (Tulameen area) and 1994, reversing the downward trend of the last five years. Fairview. Part of the attraction of these deposits is that The numberof exploration and development projects in the exploration can be partially financed through the sale of regionincreased 35% from 152 in 1993 to 203 in 1994 high-grade, direct-shipping orefromhulk sampling projects. (Figures 16 and 17). Of this total, there were 36 “major” projects in 1994- those with spending greater than$100 OOO In addition, strong exploration interest continues to be - up about ‘79% from 1993 when there were just 19 such directed towards porphyry and/orskarn copper-gold depos- projects (Table8). Placer activityalso picked up in 1994, as its, particularly in the Princeton, Kamloops, Logan Lake - evidenced by an increase in the numberof Placer Noticesof Ashcroft and Lac la Hacheareas, and towards polymetallic Work filed, relative to the previous three years (Figure 18). massive sulphide or sedex targets such as the Cottonbelt As in previous years, most of the projects were hand opera- deposit and those near the Goldstream mine.

British Columbia Exploration in British 1994 43 Figure Id 1994 Exploration projects, Southcentral Region,B.C. Major projects($100 OOO) indicated by name andfilled symbols.

198919901991 1992 1993 1994

19 91 1992 1993 1994 1993 1992 1991 Figure 17. Number of exploration projectsin the Southcentral Region, by year. Major projects($100 OOO expenditure) indicated by stippled pattern. (Figures for years priorto 1991 are estimated hmNotices of Work and may overestimate the Figure 18. Number of Placer operationsin the SouthcentralRe- number of projects by5 to 15%). gion, by year (estimated from Noticesof Work).

44 Geological Survey Branch METILE Property. (Operator) NumberMiningDivision NTS CommodityDepositWORKType DONE

Beaton Group KamlWpS 92VlOE Cu,Au Porphyry 5 ddh, I I13 m; 2 pdh, 240 (Lakewood Mining Co. Ltd.) m Bell Creek Bell 092HSEM7Zn, 92WZE Sirnilkameen Cu Massive 5 ddh, 1400 m; gemhem; (Westmin Rcsources Ltd.) sulphide borehole geophs Blackdome MineBlackdome Vein Ag0920 053Au, 92018W Clinton 20 ddh, 2048 m;trench (Claimstaker Rtsoumr Ltd.)

Bonapve 092P 050 KamlwpsAu 92V16W Vein 18 ddh, 973 m; 3722 t bulk (Claimstaker Resources Ltd.) 92PlIW sample

Bralome Mine Bralome 092JNEWl Lill-t 92Jl15W Au,Ag Vein 14 ddh,2100 m; 20 trench: (Avino Mines (AvinoLtd.) & Rcsources ulg rehab; geol

Brett 082LSW110 Vernon 082LSW110 Brett Au,Ag 92U4E Vein 170 mulg development, rite (Liquid Gold RcrourcesInc.) preparation

Brow Revelstoke 82Ml9W Cu, 82Ml9W Revelstoke Brow Zn,Pb Massive 3 ddh, 610 m; geol; geochem (OTM International Developmentshe.) sulphide

092JNE020Lillooct 92J115W Au Vein 10 ddh, 1000 m; 10 trench: geochem

Cone Hill Clinton 920112E Cu,Au Porphyry 9 ddh, 1429 m (Valerie GoldReroumr Inc.)

Elk (Siwash North) 092HNE096Sirnilkameen 92W16W Au,Ag Vein ulg development; 83 ulg ddh, (Fairfield Minerals Ltd.) 2415 m; bulk sample

Fairview 082ESW008 Osoyws 82W4E Au Vein 34 ddh, 2591m (Oliver Gold Corp.)

Fish Lake 0920 MI Clinton 92015.5Cu, Au, Ag, Porphyry 35 ddh, 7568.1m; baseline (Tascko Miner Ltd.) MO envimmcntal studies

French Creek Revelstoke 82Ml16E AU Vein Geochem; gwl (Thousand Hills Mining Co.) 82Ml9

Goldstream (C-l) Revelstoke 82MlIOE Cu,Zn, Pb Massive 4 ddh, 750 m, geophys (ma& (Bethlehem Resources Corp.) sulphide VLF); geochem

Goldstream Mine 082MRevelstoke 141 82Ml9WCu, Zn, Ag Massive I1 ddh (Bethlehem Resoums Corp.) 82MllOE sulphide

Jack 082N 088 Golden 82N114E DiamondsDialreme 38 t bulk samplc (Cons. Venturex Holdings Ltd.)

Jericho-Lynn 0921SEOI I Kamlwps 92V7W Cu,Mo Porphyry Ip, 150 km (Highland Valley Copper)

Kingfisher 082LNEO23Vernon MetamorphicMarble 82LiIO 4000 t bulk sample; 3 trench; (FmCapital Cop) 2 test pit; gwl

Exploration in British Columbia 1994 45 British Columbia

MINFILE Property (Operator) Number Mining Division NTS Commodity Deposit Type WORK DONE

Kli&er 082LSW125 Vernon 82U5E Precious Epithemd 5 trench; 415 t bulk sample (Okanagan Opal Inc.) opal cavity ftllmg

Lumby 082LSEOO6 Vernon 82L/6E Graphite/ Shear zone l0,OOO t bulk sample; dg (The Quint0 Mining Corp.) sericik development R&D

Monashee 082LSEO22Vernon 82LIIW A",Pb, Ag, Vein/ 6 ddh, MK) m; Ip, geol (Camew Corp.) 82U2E Zn replacement

Mt Skinner 092N039 ClintonVein Au 92N19W 56 m dgdevelopment; 9 dg (Cheni Gold Mines Inc.) ddh, 679 m

Murphy 092P 002 Clinton Cu,Au92Pll4W Porphyry 11 ddh approx 2300m (GWR Resources Ltd.)

Rainbow (New Zone) 092INE028 Kamloops 92W9W Cu,Au Porphyry 31 ddh, 5959m; gwphys (Teck Exploration LtdJGetchell Resources Inc.)

Sadim 092HNE095 Similkameen 92W10E Au, Cu Stwkwork Trench; gewhem; gwphys (Christopher Dyakowski) (mag, VLF)

Savona Kamlwps 92UlO VeinAu,Zn, Ag, Geophys (ma& VLF); (CRC Explorations Ltd.) cu geochem

Similco - Alabama 092HSE013 Sirnilkameen 092W7E Cu,Au Porphyry 32 ddh, 5248 m; 6 rcdh, 1158 (Princeton Mining Corp.) m

Siilco - Ingerbelle 092HSE004 Sirnilkameen 092W7E Cu,Au Porphyry 34 ddh, 6077 m (Princeton Mining Corp.)

Siwash 092HNEW1, Similkameen 92W16W Au,Ag,Vein Cu, 2000 m pcdh; geol; geochem, (InternationalTower Hill Mines Ltd.) 032,063, 165 Z", Pb geophys~Op,mag, VLF)

Spokane Gold 092JNE034 Lillwet 92Jl16WVein Cu Au, 26 ddh, 2551 m; gwl; (Spokane Resources Ltd.) geochem

Spout Lake-Nemrud 092P 120, 108 Clinton 92P114 Cu, Au Porphyry, 5 ddh, appmx 550m; P, (Regional Resources Ltd.) 93N3 Skam 55.9 km

Spring Clinton 92P114 Cu,Porphyry1 Au 4 ddh, approx 250 m, (GWR Resources Ltd.) skam PPhYS

Summit 092lNE035 Lillwet 92Jl15E Au,Ag, Zn, Vein 6 ddh, 1Mx) m; 10 trench: (Gold SummitMines Ltd.) Pb, Cu geochem

Task 9,lO Clinton 92015 Cu, Ag,Au Porphyry 5 ddh, 730 m; mag pioneer Metals Corp.) 920112

Valley pit 092ISW012 Kamloops 92W6E Cu, Mo Porphyry 8 ddh, 2380 m (Highland Valley Copper)

wood croup Kamloops 92WlOE Cu, Au Porphyry 2 ddh, 766m; 8 pcdh, 865 m (Lakewood Mining Co.Ltd.)

46 Geological Survey Branch 16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 19891990 1991 1992 1993 1994 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 Figure 19. Estimated exploration expenditures (in millionsof doXlars) in the Southcentral Region, by year. Figure 20. Claim units staked in the South-central Region,by year. OPERATING MINES funded by an Explore BC grant, this work included more METAL MlINES than 6ooo metres of drilling on each of the Alabama and Ingerhelle East zones. Results for both programs were As of the end of 1994, there were five operating metal encouraging and additional infill drilling at Alabama was mines in the South-central Region:Highland Valley, Gold- scheduled to continue well into 1995 in an attempt to define stream, Nickel Plate, Similco and Aflon/Ajax. two more an ore reserve. late in the year the company announced a than at the end of 1993 (Table 9 and Figure 21). The Mascot new ore reserve figure and mine planfor the Ingerbelle East gold tailings;, heap leach operation of Candorado Operating deposit. It proposes to expand the Ingerbelle pit in two Co. Ltd. was also in production in 1994. All the mines, but phases. Phase 1 is planned for spring, 1995 and will involve in particular the copper and molybdenum producers, are mining about 13 million tonnes grading0.32% Cu and 0.24 benefiting fiom highermetal prices and the lower Canadian g/t Au at a wasteto ore ratio of about 0.8. Production from dollar. Ingerbellewill gradually increase to replaceproduction from the low-grade stockpile. Phase will involve mining At the Highland Valley Coppermine 32 065 825 tonnes 2 of copper-m,olybdenum-gold-silverore were milled in first of 38.4 million tonnes of ore grading 0.329% Cu and 0.24 nine months of 1994, for an average throughput of over g/t Au at a waste to ore ratio of 1.7. The Ingerbelle pit 117 OOO tonnes per day. Employment averaged1092 persons expansion will provideabout five to six years of mill feed. during thispriod. The Atlon/Ajaxmine, a copper-gold producer ownedby At Nickel Plate, a total of979 504 tonnes of gold-silver Teck Corporation re-openedin September after a three-year orewere milled in first ninemonths of 1994. Average shut-down due primarily to lowcopper prices. In late Octo- throughput was3575 tonnes perday and employment aver- ber, 1994,135employees were backat work and production aged177pe~sons.Themineisscheduledtocloseinlate1996 from the Ajax East pit was averaging about8700 tonnes a due to depletion of reserves. day, grading about 0.46% Cu. Reserves at Ajax East are considered to be sufficient to keep the Afton mill operating The Similco mine, owned by Princeton Mining Cow- until about January1996. A recently announced re-opening ration, re-opened on August 18, 1994 after a nine-month of the Ajax Westpit has increased employmentto about 170 hiatus due to low copper prices and a company reorganiza- positions and will allow mining untillate 1998, depending tion. The company is currently milling ore from a low-grade on metal prices. stockpile at a rate of approximately24 500 tonnes per day. At the end of 1994 approximately 8 million tonnes of ore At the Goldstream mine, owned equally by Bethlehem remained in the stockpile, sufficient for about ten months Resources Corporation and Goldnev Resources Inc., the mill production.Princeton reported that the Similco division was shut down for one month in spring, to allow for shipped abut OOO kilograms of copper and 1994 4 003 164.66 underground development. Additional shut-downs are not kilograms of gold in concentrate during the last quarter of 1994. anticipated, and total revenue is up, due to higher copper prices. During the first six months of the year the mine ’lbotargets on the Similco property were the subject of produced 258 557tonnes of copper-zinc ore, employing an aggressive exploration programs during the year. Partially average of 138 people.

Explorafion in British Columbia 1994 47 British Columbin

TABLE 9 OPERATING MINES, PROECR IN THE! MINE DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT PROCESSAND SIGNIFICANT BULK SAMPLING PROJELTS, SOUTH-CENTRAL REGION,1994

M INF,iPROJECT OPERATOR COMMODITY DEPOSIT TYPE COMMENTS TYPEMINF,iPROJECTCOMMODITYOPERATORDEPOSIT

Mines - Metah Afton-Ajax AIton Operating Corp. (TeckCu, Au Porphyry Re-opened September, 1994; carp.) milling 87W Vday from AjaxEast pit propose mpening Ajax West pit in 1995.

Goldstream Bethlehem Resource Corp. Cu, Zn, Ag Massive Milled 258 557t in fmt 9 months of (SO%), Goldnev Resovnes Inc. sulphide 1994; mill shut down forone month (50%) ' in spring, 1994.

Highland Valley Highland Valley Capper Cu, Mo, Au, Porphyry Milled 32 065 825 tin fmt 9 4 months of 1994, averaging about 117 OOO Vday.

Mascot Gold Tailings Candorado Operating Co. Ltd. Au Tailings

Nickel Plate IIomestaLe Canada Inc. Au, A8 Skam Milled 979 504 t in fit9 months of 1994, averaging 3575 Vday.

Similco Similco Mines Ltd. (Princeton AuCu, Porphyrv Re-opeped August, 1994; Mining Cop.) production from low-grade stockpile at approximately 24 500 Vday; propose re-opening and expansion oflngerbelle pit in 1995.

Mine Development hessmeot P~oeeso- Metals Bralorne Avino Mines and Resources Au Submitted Application for aMine Ltd. Development Certificate, July, 1994

Fish Lake MinesTaseko Ltd. Au, Cu, Pre-application phase of Mine Ag, Mo Development Assessment Process

Bulk Samples ~ Metals Bonapm Claimslakcr Resources Ltd. Au Vein Shipped 3720 t grading about 26 g/t Au to Trail smelter.

Siwash North Fairfield Minerals Ltd. Ag Au, Vein Shipped ore containing 715 kg Au to ASARCO smelter in Montana. Ore was mainly from open pit mining and stockpiles.

Mines snd Quarries - Industrial Miners$ Craigmont Tailings M. Seven Industries Ltd. Magnetite Tailings In continuous production in 1994

Harper Ranch Lafarge Canada Inc. Limestone Industrial Produced 245 978t in fmt 11 mineral months of 1994

Moberly Mountain Minerals Co. Ltd. Silica Industrial Produces about 80 OOO t mually mineral

48 Geological Survey Branch Ministfy ofEnerm, Mines andPetrolewn Resources

MWE/PROJECT OPERATOR , COMMODITY DEPOSlTTYPE COMMENTS

Nicholson Bell Miller Contracting Ltd. Silica Industrial Produces about SO OOO t annually mineral

Parson Mountain Minerals Co. Ltd. Barite Industrial Produces about 60 Mx) t annually mineral

Pavilion Lake ContinentalLld. Lime Lime Industrial mineral

Red Lake Western Industrial Clay Fullen Earth Industrial Intermittent producer Products Ltd. mineral

Mine Development Assoasmerit Pmeess - Industrial Minerals Crystal Peak Polestar Resources Ltd. Garnet Approval pending

Bulk Samples - Industrial Minerals Kingfisher Franz Capital Corp. Ltd. Marblo, Industrial 4000 t bulksample Granite mineral

Lumby The Quinto Mining Corp. Graphite-Sericite Industrial 10 000 t bulk sample, process and mineral product developmentitesting

Ranchlands Mountain Minerals Co. Ltd. Zeolitc Industrial 1000 t bulk sample, process and mineral product developmentitesting

+ \I + tl -t N SIWASH NORTH

COTGOLDTAILINGS% METAL MINE A INDUSTRIALMINERA L MINE BULKSAMPLE-METAI + BULK SAMPLE-INDUI ;TRIAL MINE DEVELOPMENT * REVIEW PROCESS - - 03” 122” 1210 ncp 1w 1180 1170 Figure 21. Locations of operating mines, projects in the Mine DevelopmentAssessment Process and significant bulk sampling programs, Southsenwal Region, 1994.

Exploration in British Columbia 1994 49 During the year, the joint venture conducted a deep Avino Mines and ResourcesLtd. submitted an Applica- drilling programto define the down-plunge extension of the tion for a Mine DevelopmentCertificate in the early summer orebody. The known mineralizedzone is approximately 150 of 1994, with the intention of re-opening the historic to 300 metres strikein length, averages4 metres in thickness, Bralorne gold mine. It intends to bring the Bralorne mine and plungesat least IS00 metres to the northeastat a shallow back into production at 200 tonnes per day, eventually in- angle. An initial program of six holes, partially fundedby an creasing to 450 tonnes per day. Initially,the main source of Explore BC grant, was very successful andthe program was ore will be areas at the margins of the upper levels of the expanded to a total of eleven holes.The best intersection was mine. Proven and probable reserves are reported by the 3.94 metres grading 6.594%and Cu 1.67% New reserves Zn. company to be 292 OOO tonnes grading12 g/t Au above the were reported in November, 1994and total 700 OOO tonnes 1000-metre level,and a further 673 OOO tonnes grading 8.2 grading 4.20% Cu and 2.30% Zn, sufficient for about two years of production. g/t Au below 1OOO metres. During 1994, partner Bralorne Pioneer Gold Mines Ltd.completed underground rehabilita- tion, trenching and a 2100-metre, 13-hole drilling program INDUSTRIAL MINERAL MINES on the Peter vein and the newly discovered BigSolly zone. There are numerous small to medium-sized industrial Another phase of drilling is planned for 1995 and will test minerals operations in the South-central Region, many of the area between theBralorne mine and thePioneer mine to which operate inte~ttentlyor on an as-needed basis (Table the north, an area which is considered to be largely unex- 9 and Figure 21). Productsinclude limestone, silica, barite, plored. fullers earth, magnetite. gypsudanhydrite, flagstone and dimension stone. The larger operations are Harper Ranch, At Fish Lake,Taseko Mine Ltd. completed a$1.7 mil- Pavilion and Craigmont tailings, which wereall in coutinu- lion pre-feasibility work program. The company is in the ous operation in 1994. pre-application phaseof the Mine Development Assessment Process. In July, it announced potential resenres of 675 Lafarge Canada Inc.operated three quarries in theKam- million tonnes grading 0.236% Cu and 0.434 g/t Au at an loops area to supply feed for its cement operation. These overall waste to ore ratio of 1.57:l. A conventional crusb- include the Harper Ranch limestone quarry, with producing/flotation operation is proposed with a milling rate of tion of 245 978 tonnes for the first eleven months of 1994: 60 OOO tonnes per day. Capital costs are estimated at $460 the FalWand gypsudanhydrite quarry,which produced million. Late in the year the company reported the results of 9049 tonnes,and the Buse Lake siliceous tuff quarry, which twelve large-diameter, angle drill holes designed to retest a produced 6596 tonnes over the same period. Estimated re- portion of the deposit. This resulted in an increase in gold serve-life for Harper Ranch is IS to 17 years at the current and coppergrades by 11% and 4%, respectively,for the 120 production rate,and 30years for Buse Lake. Approximately million tonne portion of the deposit tested in the program. 15 personsare employed inthe mining and crushing opera- The company plans additionalangle drilling to test whether tions.Lime is produced from high-puntymarble at the Pavilion Lake operations of Continental Lime Ltd. near the grade increase extends to the rest of the deposit. Lillooet. At the Siwash North (Elk) gold property west of Sum- merland, Fairfield Minerals Ltd. conducted an aggressive In the Golden area, silica is produced at the Moberly quarry of Mountain Minerals Co.Ltd. and at the Nicholson development program in 1994 consisting of test mining, quarry of Bert Miller Contracting Ltd. Approximately underground developmentand underground drilling.For the 60 OOO tomes of barite were mined by Mountain Minerals year, the company reportedsales of about 715 kilogramsof at theParson mine. Magnetiteis produced by M-7Industries gold contained in bulk samplestotalling some 8800tonnes. Ltd. at Craigmont by re-processing old tailings from past The bulk samples werefrom open pit mining, underground copper mining. This magnetite is used in beneficiation of test-mining and stockpiles on hand from 1993 mining and coal elsewhere in western Canada. Finally, Western Indus- were shippedto the ASARCO smelter in Helena, Montana. trial ClayProducts Ltd. produceddiatomaceous earth Since mid-1992. bulk samples from this narrow, high-grade (fullers earth) from a quarryat Red Lake north of Kamloops. gold vein have producedover 1500 kilogramsof gold at an The company supplies a large portion of the kitty litter average gradeof nearly96 g/t Au.The operation is permitted market in western Canada. to ship up to 10 OOO tonnes of ore per year for off-site processing. In early 1995 the company submitted a prospectus to the governmentto expand theoperation to a 200-tonne ADVANCED EXPLORATION AND per day mine and onsite flotation mill. DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS After a late start, Liquid Gold Resources Inc. and joint METALS venture partner HuntingtonResources Inc. report that underground developmentat the Brett gold propertynear Vernon Several projects in the South-ceutral Region are pres- has begun. At the end of December an adit had been ad- ently in the Mine Development Assessment Processor are vancedabout 170-metres of the estimated 245-metre in advanced exploratioddevelopment or bulk-sampling distance to the high-grade Bonanza zone. The companies phases (Table 8, Table 9 andFigure 21). plan to extract a 10 000-tonne bulk sample in 1995.

50 Geological Survey Branch - Minisfry of Ezerm, Mines and PefroleumResources

INDUSTRIAL MINERALS Claimstaker also conducted a bulk sampling program on the Bonaparte property north of Kamloops. About 3720 The Quinto Mining Corporation continued to explore tonnes of vein quartz grading 26 g/t Au were shipped to and develop its Lumby graphite-sericite deposit in1994. Cominco’s Trail smelter. Eighteen diamond-drill holes, to- Work included underground development, extraction of a talling 973 metres were completed in an effortto define the 10OOO-tonne bulk sample,cor&uction of atest lab, product zone at depth and alongstrike from thepic. Veinsare gener- development and market rermh. The bulkmaterial is ally less than a metre in width, trend northerly and dip processed to produce a graphite-coated sericite material, moderately eastward. The mineralization appears to be informally called “schillerite”. The company believes that mesothermal in character. the flexibility and unusually tine grain size ofthis material make it valuable as a filler in composites andother specialty At the Mount Skinnergold vein property northof Tatla plastics applications, such as automotive bodypanels. Lake, Cheni Gold Mines Inc. optioned the property from Quinto reptnzs that at least 60 samples of “schillerite” have owner Ottarasko Mines Ltd., and began work on a decline been submittedto manufacturers for product testing. to remove an underground bulk sample. Ottarasko had re- coveredapproximately 11.4 kilograms ofgold from a On the ICingfiiher property east of Vernon, Explore BC 300-tonnebulk sample in 1993. The steeply dipping, grant recipient Franz CapitalCop. Ltd. explored the dimen- sheared, metadiorite-hosted quartz vein averages approxi- sion stone potential of attractive white marble and white mately 0.7 metre width. in Resultswere not encouraging and granite. The marble is very coarse and hosted in a band at Cheni returned theproperty to theowner in late summer. least 1500 metres longin the Shuswap Metamorphic Com- plex. In addition to conducting exploration along the length A number of companies were active in the Bridge Lake of this band, a 4000-tonne bulk sample of the marble was - Lillooet area.Programs of diamond drilling and trenching collected. large blocks will be cut for dimension.stoue were conducted on gold-silver vein occurrences BRX on the testing and smaller pieces crushed for landscaping uses. In property of Strand ResourcesInc and the Summit property addition, a small sample of the white granite was removed of Gold Summit Mines Ltd. Spokane Resources Ltd. relate in the seasonfor testing. ported good results from a 26-holediamond-drilling program on the Spokane property in the Shulaps Range.It At the Ranchlands (Z1 and Z3) zeolite properties near was a quiet year at the Wayside property of International Cache Creek, Mountain Minerals Co. Ltd. appliedfor min- Wayside Gold Mines Ltd., althoughthecompany announced ing leases ,with the intention of putting the deposits into late in the year that a drilling program would start shortly. limitedproduction in 1995. During 1994, it collecteda Internaiional WaysidealsooptionedtheMintoandOlympic 1000-tonne bulksample and did trenching in preparationfor claims from Avino Mines and Resources Ltd, and plans further bulk sampling in 1995.The company also completed drilling for 1995. beneficiation tests at its Moberly facility on material collected in 1993, and, in conjunction with Agriculture Canada, At the FairviewlStemwinder gold-silver vein prospect conducted product testing for use of zeolite in the agricul- in the southern Okanagan, OliverGold Corporation drilled tural industry. approximately 2600 metres in 34 diamond-drill holes with encouraging results. Exploration is focusing on two high- grade shoots identified by drilling in February. Also in the EXPLORATION Okanagan, International TowerHill Mines Ltd. exploredits Siwash property near the Siwash North (Elk) property of Fairfield MineralsLtd.. Ronew discoveries were reported Major exploration project, in 1994 are listed in Table 8 by the company, consisting of siliceous zones containing and locations shown 16. of are on Figure Highlights some of gold, silver, lead, zinc,copper and fluorite. Fairfield reported the programsare outlined below. discovery of a narrow high-grade gold vein on itsPen nearby PRECIOUS METAL VEINDEPOSITS property. On the Ned property southwest of Kamloops, Rhino Claimstaker Resources Ltd.optioned the Blackdome Resources Inc. reported encouraging gold valuesfrom sev- mine property in the spring and completed a program con- eral drill holes. The mineralization is interpreted by the sistingof llimited trenching and 20 diamond-drillholes company to be epithermal in character. totalling 2051 metres. This narrow, high-grade, epithermal vein gold property has been dormant for several years, but PORPHYRY DEPOSITS has a200 tonne per day mill and mining permits.A possible resource of 79 OOO tonnes grading 14g/t Au is reported for Teck Exploration Ltd., andjoint venture partner Getchell the mine. Drilling in1994 focused on extensionsto the No. Resources Inc., conducted a large exploration programfor 1,No. llandNo.18veinsandresultsappeartoindicategd alkalic porphyry copper-gold targets on Rainbowthe prop- potential for increasing reserves. The best results included erty within the Iron Mask batholith southwest of Kamloops. 1.20 metres grading 77.5 g/t Au and 37.4 g/t Ag and 1.25 Teck drilled 31 diamond-drill holes totaling 5959 metres, metres grading 32.2 g/t Au and 90.9 g/t Ag. In addition, mainly in the area southeastof Sugarloaf Hill and the Rain- several untestedsoil anomalies are reported to be present on bow #2 zone. The drilling discoveredthe New zone (or “17 parallel stnlchues outside the mine area. Further drilling is Zone”), located southeastof the Rainbow#2 zone and buried planned for 1995. beneath 20 to 40 metres of overburden.Five good intersec-

Expbrafion in Brifish Columbia 1994 51 British Coiumbh

TABLE 10 1994 EXPLORE! BC GRANT RECIF'IENTS, SOVI'H-CENTRAL REGION PROJECT COMMODITIESAPPLICANT TYPE DEPOSIT MINERAL EXPLORATION INCENTIVEPROGRAM (MEIP) AcdJoker Teck Exploration Ltd. Cu. Au Porphyry Alwin Claimstaker Resources Ltd. Au, Cu Vein CVS-Mystery Lake Aucumo Resources Ltd. cu Porphyry Fairview Oliver Gold Corp. Au Vein Getty SoutWCentral Robak Industries Ltd. cu Porphyry Goldstream Regional Bethlehem Resources Corp. Cu, Zn Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide Jesse Creek Conlon Copper Cop. cu Skarn Kingfisher ffingfisher Marble Ltd. Marble Industrial Mineral fflinker Okanagan Opal Inc. Opal Gemstones KraidGetty NorthGettyCopper Cop. cu Porphyry Lucky J Graphte Carbon Reef Resources Graphte Industrial Mineral R ainbow Teok Exploration Ltd.Exploration TeokRainbow Cu. Au Porphyry R ey Lake Hera ResourcesInc.Hera Lake Rey Cu, Au Porphyry Sun Claims Canmark International ResourcesIm. Zeolite Industrial Mineral Taseko Westpine Metals Ltd. Au Vein Task Pioneer Metals Corp. Cu. AU Porphyry Whipsaw World WideMinerals Au Vein

ACCELERATED MINE EXPLORATIONPROGRAM (AMEP) GoldstreamBethlehemResourcesCorp. Cu. Zn Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide Similco Princeton Mining CorporationMining Princeton Similco Cu. Au Porphyry Alabama Hill lngerklle East

1240 t2P t22' t2P 1200 1W 1180 1170

Figure 22. Successful applicants forExplore B.C. funding, South-central Region, 1994.

52 Geologica[ Survey Brmh Ministry Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources ~~~ of

tions cut the zone with the best returning0.93% Cu over 91 INDUSTRIAL MINERALS metres. The zone occurs in an area of strong faulting anda complex inter-relationship ofXron Mask and Nicola rocks. 1994 continued to be a busy year for industrial minerals It appears to have a steep dip and a northwesterly trend. Teck exploration, with keen interest in zeolites otherand absorb- also explored the nearby Joker/Ace property. Lakewood ent materials, as well as dimensionstone. Twenty-five Mining Co.Ltd. also drilled inthe Iron Mask area during the projects (12% of the regional total) were identified as indus- year, focusing on theBeaton and the Wood groups. trial minerals projects, accountingfor $2.6 million (16%) in expenditures. In the Guichon Creek batholith, Highland Valley Copper Canmark International ResourcesInc. reported explora- completed an extensive induced polarization survey on the tion success at theSun zeolite property near Sunday Creek, Jericho and Lynn targets, and did definitiondrilling.within south of Princeton. A ten-hole diamond drilling program, the Valley Claimstaker Resources optioned the lpit. Ltd. coupled with a program of similar scope in 1993, suggests nearby Alwin property and began preparations for taking an that the deposit is approximately to 15 metres thick, and underground bulk sample in early1995. IO contains 3 500 OOO tonnes measured,4 400 OOO tonnes indicated and38 600 OOO tonnes possible reservesof zeolitized Activity was again strong in theLac la Hache area this volcaniclastic rocks. The cation exchange ratio (CEC) for year, as seve.ral companies exploredfor alkalic porphyry and the material ranges from95 to 135, with an averageof 116. skam copper-golddeposits in the southern Quesnel Trough. A IO @“tonne bulk sampling programis planned for 1995. Regional Resources Ltd. and GWR Resources Ltd. carried out induced polarization surv~:ys and diamond drilling on targets on theSpout Lake, Ne~mrud, Spring, and Murphy Several groups of claims were investigated for their properties. Verylittle information hasbeen released on these zeolite, bentonite and diatomite potential along the Dead- projects so far. Several other junior companies and individu- man River. Prospectors Assistance grant recipient Chuck als also worked in the area. Marlow investigated his Bentnnite/Diatomiteproperty covering a Miocene channel deposit northof Vidette Lake. In the Ta.seko Lake area, results were mixed from nine Explore BC grant recipient Okanagan Opal Inc. has been diamond-drill holeson the Come Hill porphyry target, being exploring the Mlinker property, a precious opal showing explored by Sultan Minerals Inc. andValerie Gold Re- near Vernon. Workincluded prospecting, hulk sampling and sources Inc. Pioneer Metals Corporation also drilledon the cutting and marketing of finished jewelry.The opal occurs adjacent Task 9 and 10 property, intersecting low grade as vesicle and fracture fillings in volcanic mudflows (la- copper-gold-silver mineralization which it believesmay be hars?) in the Kamlwps Group, and ranges from “fire” opal the fault-offset extension of theFish Lake deposit. to clear, yellow and white varieties. It is the only known precious opal occurrence in British Columbia, and has attracted interest fromcollectors throughout North America. STRATIFORM SULPHIDE DEPOSITS A small bulk sample was collected from the Jack dia- treme in the Rocky Mountains by Discovery Consultants on In 1994, most work onstratiform base metal deposits was behalf of Consolidated Venturex Holdings Ltd. In addition, confined to the northern Selkirk Mountains near the Gold- ProspectorsAssistance recipients Barb andBill Welsh stream mine.To the west of Goldstream,mine owners staked areas containing diatremes with possible diamond Bethlehem Resources Corporation and Goldnev Resources potential near the north end of the Dogtwth Range in the Inc. conducted a drilling program on the C-1 zone, a band Purcell Mountains. of lead-zinc mineralization. OTM International Develop- ments Inc. drilled three diamond-drill holes at the Brew volcanogenic massive sulphide target under option from PROSPECTORS ASSISTANCEAND Bethlehem and Goldnev. The drilling intersected massive sulphide mineralization in twoholes over widthsof up to 3.8 EXPLORE B.C. PROGRAMS metres. In contrast to the Goldstream deposit, which occu- pies a similar stratigraphic and metallogenic setting, samples The Prospectors Assistance and Explore BC grant pro- ofmassive :sulphide boulders on surface had previously grams were revivedby the provincial government in1994, returned very high gold values. and helped to stimulate exploration activity province-wide. Within the South-central Region, seventeen prospectors re- ceivedProspectors Assistance grants. They targeted a On the Cottonbelt stratiform lead-zinc property, Can- varietyof commodities using conventional prospecting questResources Corporation performed an aerial methods and, insomecases, newer methods suchas enzyme- geophysical survey during the summer, with strongly en- leach geochemistry.Option agreements havebeen signed or couraging results. Several anomalies were identified along are presently beingnegotiated for several of the 8-kilometre strike length of mineralized rocks. Bethle- the projects. hem and Canquest tookan option on the propertylate in the The Explore BC programis divided into Mineral Explo- year with intention of drilling the geophysical anomalies in ration Incentive Program (MEIP) grants and Accelerated 1995. The target is fold hinge zones where the persistent Mine Exploration Program (AMEP) grants. Seventeen com- stratiform horizon maybe structurally thickened. panies were awarded MEIP grants for properties in the

Explorafion in British Columbia 1994 53 South-central Region, and two (Goldstream and Simileo) the Interior Plateau. A 1:250 000-scale colour plot were awardedAMEP grants (Tahle IO and Figure 22). Many was released in December, 1994 as GSC Open File of the more successful programsare described above. 2785.

MINERAL POTENTIAL INITIATIVE LAND-USE ISSUES - KAMLOOPS LRMP

The B.C. Geological Survey Branch hasnow completed The Kamloops Land and Resource Management Plan Phase 1 and Phase 2 mineral potential mapsfor the Okana- (LRMP) table reached an “agreement in principle” in De- gan8huswap and Kamloops areas. Phase 2 probabilistic cember 1994, to recommend a strategic land-use plan for estimates were generated during a 4-day workshopKam- in approximately 2.2 million hectares of the Kamloops and loops,with approximately 20 industry and government Clearwater Forest Districts.The plan includes recommenda- experts participating. The resultis the most completedataset tions for 17 new protected areas totalling approximately 4% yet assembled for any of the regionsbeing analyzed. of the area. The KamloopsLRMP table, made up of public 1:250 000-scale geologic compilations of these areas are and government representatives, meton a monthlybasis for expected to be available in mid-1995. over two years prior to the agreement.A ratification meeting was held in early February with Cabinethas given approval- in-principle of the plan. The mining sector was represented RESEARCH ACTIVITIES by the Kamloops Exploration Group, the Cordilleran Pros- pectors and Developers Association and the Gold Dredgers Severalacademic, federal and provincial government Association ofB.C. It is hoped that the resolution of land-use projects werecanied out in the region in 1994.These have, issues in the Kamloops region will havepositive a effect on or will soon, provide useful new data for explorationists. exploration activity, by decreasing uncertainty related to Some of these projects are: new protected areas. Planhighlights for mining include: Paul Schiarizza (B.C. Geological Survey) mapped * The LRMP table endorsed the conceptof “Enhanced the 92N/09 1:50 000-scale map sheet northwest of Resource Development Zones”for mining, andother Tatlayoko Lake, extending his previous mapping to resource-based industries. Four areas, including the the northwest. Guichon Creek batholith, Iron Mask batholith, and two areas in theEagle Bay Complexare proposed for JimLogan (B.C. Geological Survey) continued this designation. Management guidelines will be 150000-scale mapping on the82W09 map sheet in written to build investor confidence for mineral de- the vicinity of the Goldstream mine, northof Revel- velopment in these areas. stoke. A deposit study focused on the underground workings at the mine. Only about 90 claim units will be affected by the creation of new parks. Of these, 15 willbe included Bob Thompson (Geological Survey of Canada)is in in a park only if the claims lapse or are voluntarily his secondyear of mappingthe Vernon (82L) relinquished, and 59 only if the tenure holder is 1:250000-scale map sheet, assisted by Ken compensated at fair market value by conservation Daughtry of Discovery Consultants. Preliminary in- groups, with nocost to the taxpayer. dications are thatthe location and significance of the Mining sector representatives were largely success- Okanagan Valleyfault may have to be rethought. ful in their endeavourto keep high mineral potential Jim Lang and Colin Godwin (Mineral Deposits Re- lands outof new protected areas (Figure 23). Analy- search Unitat UBC) relogged drillcore from the Big sis using Phase 2 mineral potential data and local Onion porphyry copper-gold deposit near Afton, to expertise suggests that proposed protected areas al- gain a further understanding of the sequence of min- ienate only about 0.8% of such land in the LRMP eralizing events in the Iron Mask batholith. area. * Geochemists from the Geological Survey of Canada A systematic review of all no-stakingreserves in the and the B.C. Geological Survey Branch teamed up region willbe undertaken by the Ministry of Energy, with Teck Exploration Ltd. to study the application Minesand Petroleum Resources. Those reserves of the enzyme-leach geochemical method and bio- deemed to be no longernecessary will be removed. chemistry to the Iron Mask area. This may partially mitigate theloss of mineral lands * The Geological Survey of Canada and Teck Explo- due to park designation. rationLtd. jointly sponsored an airborne Managementguidelines in special management magnetictgammaray survey overthe Iron Mask zones are being written to emphasize that mining is batholith, The information has a one-year confiden- an acceptable activity inthese areas. tial period and willbe released to the public in April, Government announceda land-use plan for the Cariboo- 1995 as GSC Open File 2817. Chilcotin region in Octoberof 1994. Further information on Underthe Canada-B.C. Mineral Development this plan, which covers a portion ofthe South-central Re- Agreement, the Geological Survey of Canada con- gion, can be found in the report for the Central Region by ducted a airborne magnetic surveyover a portion of E.L. Faulkner.

54 Geologicar Survey Branch OUTLOOK FOR 1995

The year ahead should see continued improvement in exploration and developmentactivities in the region. Sharplyhigher copper and molybdenum prices and the lower Canadian dollar mean the existing metal mines will be much more profitable.We expect to see continued devel- Low 60% -. 0 opment activity as the mines =-open pits and maximize throughput. This willbe particularl; evident at Similco and Mod. Afton-Ajax mines. -. 40% High Explorationactivity will probably continue to be focused on a handfulof targets, mainly on well established properties in stable land-use areas. Spending will likely continuebe to 20% -- directed to porphyry Cu-Au and Cu-Mo-Au deposits, high- grade Au-Ag veins andindustrial minerals. Interest in stratiform base metal deposits shouldsee a marked improvement in1995, particularly as land-use uncertaintyis reduced in the Kootenay Arc and Adams Plateau mineralbelts due to the completion of the Kootenay CORE process and the Kamloops LRMP.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Figure 23. Percentage of high, medium and low mineralpoten- The authorswish to acknowledge the contributions of tial lands inproposed management zones, Kamloops Landand data and ideas from many prospectors and explorationists in Resource ManagementPian. the region.

Exploration in Exploration British Columbia 1994 55 British Columbia

56 Geological Survey Branch EXPLORATION TRENDS AND HIGHLIGHTS KOOTENAY REGION - 1994

By H.P. Wilton, P. Eng. Regional Geologist, Cranbrook Land Managementand Policy Branch

TRENDS million, a decline of 27% from the 1993 figure and about one half of the $12 million expenditure in 1991 when the The level of exploration activity in the Kootenay Region current downward trend in project funding began.The ap- in 1994, if measured by the number of Notices of Work parent contradiction between theincrease in permit (permit applications) submitted, showed an increase22% of applications and the sharp decline in spending illustrated over 1993 (Figure 24, Table 11). A total of 220 mineral, very clearly that thereis still a firm willingness by explora- placer and coal notices were filed but 17only projects could tionists to propose and plan projects in the region but many be classed as "major " projectsinvolving a significant projects were postponed completelyor significantly scaled amount of drilling, underground explorationor a budget in back due to the inability, particularly by prospectors and excess of $1.00 OOO (Figure 2!5, Table 12). Other indicators junior companies, to raise the necessary funding. exploration activity, such as money spent and mineral of Of the contextof long-term sustain- claim units recorded, were significantly down in1994. The particular concern in of non-coal mining activity in the region is the fact estimated total exploration expenditurein the region (includ- ability that a decreasing amountof effort is currently being put into ing on-property work at producing coal mines) was $5.6 grassroots prospectingor exploration. Most of the expenditures in 1994 were on established prospects and advanced projects. Prospecting was definitely given a boost by the seventeen Prospector Assistance Program grants issued by the Ministry to prospectors for work in the Kootenay Re- gion, and several of those grant-assisted programs resulted in new or improved prospects. Nevertheless,the number of mineral claim units recorded in the region declined13%, by largely because the flurry of speculative staking for diamonds which occurred in1993 was not sustained into1994.

In spite of thedecline in project funding there were some definite successes recorded within the region during the year, as outlined in the following sections of this report, and Figure 24. Notices of work - by mining division (mineral, placer, the expectation for1995 is for increased activity and funding and coal notices). forexploration in allparts of the region.Many of the uncertaintiessurrounding land use and regulatory issues TABLE 11 which unquestionably caused much of the caution and re- COMPARATIVE INDICATORSOF LEVEL luctance to invest funds displayed by exploration companies OF EXPLORATION ACTIVITY in 1993 and 1994, are expected to be cleared away early in 1995. Thatshould result in a more positive and secure Notices of Work: 1990 - 253 environment in whichto commit capital and undertakenew 1991 - 197 exploration in the coming years. 1992 - 166 1993 - 181 1994 - 220 (+22%) EXPLORATION HIGHLIGHT§ EstimatedOn-the-ground 1991 - $12 million Expenditure (All Projects): 1992 - $7.1 million INDUSTRIAL MINERALS 1993 - $8.3 million 1994 - $5.6 million (-33%) For what is probably the first time in the Kootenay Region, the project which saw the highest total on-the- MineralClaim Units Recorded: 1990 - 11,022 ground expenditure was an industrial minerals prospect.The 1991 - 8.2218 Ice diamond prospectof Consolidated Ramrod GoldCop- 1992-5,294 ration now covers anarea of 160 square kilometres along the 1993 - 6,415 west side of the Elk Valley, north and south of the townof 1994 - 5,637 (-13%) Elkford. Systematic tracing of indicator minerals in heavy

Exploration in Exploration British Columbia 1994 57 Figure 25. Major exploration projects, Kcolenay Region - 1994. mineral concentrates from stream sediments, combined with Range and southern Rockies,the Toby and Horsethiefcreeks the identification of strong magnetic anomaliesby airborne area of the central Purcells, the Arrow Creek area east of geophysics, has resulted in the discoveryof three new kim- Creston and around Wildhorse River, very little follow-up berlite intrusions givinga total of six so far identified on the investigation or sampling occurred in 1994, primarily dueto property. Included among the original three are the Cross theinability of the companies involved to raise further pipe on Crossing Creek, and a swarm of dikes south of exploration funding. This appears to be symptomatic of a Boivin Creek,all of which havebeen known for over twenty general decline in the pace of grassroots exploration for years and until recently were British Columbia’s only con- diamonds in western Canada. firmed true kimberlites. Previous exploration of these kimberlites had failed to discover any diamonds. However, Two other industrial minerals projects of note in 1994 from its 1995sampling of intensely weathered bedrock were the Eagle dimension stone prospect of Qnadra Stone exposures of the newly identified kimberlite bodies, Con- Company Ltd. south of Beaverdell, where IO00 tonnes of solidatedRamrod has reported the discovery of two granite were quarried for product testing, and the Black macrodiamond fragments one from each of two pips lo- Crystal graphite prospect of Black CrystalResources Ltd. catedabout 2.5 kilometres east of theCross pipe. It is on Hoder Creek inthe Valhalla Range west of Slocan Lake. anticipatedthatthenewkimberlitebodjeswillbedrill-tested On the latter property the 1994 work consistedof 250 metres and possibly bulk sampled in 1995. In addition, there are of reverse-circulation drilling in six holes to test the conti- several large airborne magnetic anomalies on the property nuity of disseminated coarse flake graphite associated with which have not yet been investigated. marble zones in high-grade paragneisses of the Valhalla Metamorphic Complex. Furtherdrilling and bulk sampling Sway Resources Inc. reported the identification of 15 are proposed for 1995. diamonds,including 12 macrodiamonds,in residual soil Interest remains strong amonga number of prospectors samples collected in 1993 from its Kimberlite claims on and junior companies in the potentialfor development of a Santa Rosa Creek west of Rossland. The samples were variety of industrial minerals in the region, including dimen- collected from surface depressionsaharzburgite in intrusion. sionstone, gemstones, wollastonite, barite, gypsum, No significant follow-up work was undertaken in 1994 but, magnesite, garnet, silica and phosphorite. late in the year,it was announced thatMmm Resources Inc. had signed an agreement with Swayto initiate further exploration starting in early 1995. METALS A top priority target in the Kootenays continues to be Following widespread staking in 1992 and 1993 of a Sullivan-type sedex zinc-lead-silver mineralization in the large number of previously known and newly-discovered Middle Proterozoic Aldridge Formation. The world-class ultramafic intrusions and diatremes throughout the Hughes Sullivan orebody willbe mined ont early in the nextdecade

58 Geological Survey Brmh TABLE 12 EXPLORATION PROJECTS- KOOTENAY REGION - 1994

property MMFILE Mining Deposit (Operafor) Number Commodity Type Work Done Work Type Commodity Number (Operafor) NTSDivision

KOOTENAY REGION

Black Prince 082FNW140 Slocan 82Fll4W Vein ulg & surface (Pacific Golden Spike ResourcesLtd.) diamond drilling bulk sampling

Bull Rivcr 082GNW002Fori Steele 82G/6W, RotaryVein & diamond (RH. Stanfield & Assoc.) IIW

Dayton CanlpKet 082ESWO22 Greenwood82El3E Epithennal 16 rdh, 1079111; (Phoenix Gold Res., Gold City Rw., vein, skarn 15 ddh, 1247 m; Sway Res.) geochem; geophys

Eagle Greenwood82FJ6E Intrusive 1000 1 bulksample (Quadra Stone Co. Ltd.) (granite)

Evening Star 082FSW102TrailCreek 82Fl4W surface ddh:Vein5 u/p (Pacific VangoldMines Ltd.) drifting & raising

Fording River 082JSE009, Fan Steele 82JI2W Sedimentary21 rdh appmx. (Fording Coal Ltd.) 010,012 4600 m

ForsNinc 082GSW035, Fon Steele82Gl5W Sedex 5 ddh, 2883 m; (Consolidated Ramrod Gold Corp.) 50 geochem

Franklin 082ENE002,Greenwood 82El9W Epithennal I I ddh,1060 m; (Sway Resources IC.) 003,009 vein, 10 rdh 300 m; 51 replacementgeaphys; geochem

Greenhills 082JSE007 Fon Steele 82112W Sedimenmy 23 rdh: 6test pits (Fording Coal Ltd.)

lee Fori Steclc 82Jl2W Intrusive Heavy mineral (Consolidaud Ramrod Gold Corp.) (kimkrlite) geochem & petrology: geophys

Indigo Nelson 82FllE SedCX I ddh, 1018 m; (A. Whalcy) geochem

Iron Colt 082FSW100TrailCreek 82F/4W sampling;BulkVein u/g (Pacific Vangold Mines, drifting & raising Internat. Silver Ridge Res.) JerseyEmerald 082FSW009,82Fl3ENelson skam 9 ddh, approx. (Sultan Minerals he.) 010 replacement I 100 rn; geophys

Line Creek 082GNE020, FonSteele,82G/ISE, CoalW SedimentaryAppmx. 70 rdh, (Line Creek Resources Ltd.) 021,022 14000 m

MidnightnXL 082FSW116Creek82Fl4WTrail Au Vein ulg & surface (Consolidated Ramrod Gold Corp.) diamond drilling @whys

st.~~ Joe ~~~ 082GSW004Fort Stecle 82GlSWAgZn,Pb, Vein, 5ddh30M)rn (Consolidated Ramrod Gold Corp.) sedex

Exploration in Brifish Columbia 1994 59 British Columbia - and no successor has yet been found spite in of many years high-gradegold mineralization is associatedwith ser- of diligent searchingby Cominco Ltd. andother companies pentinite ina regional-scale thrnst fault. The company throughout the Purcells.The most promising occurrenceat terminated the agreement at the conclusion of the program. present is the combinedFors and Vine property of Consoli- Late in the year it was reported that the vendor, Matovich dated Ramrod Gold Corporation in the Moyie Lake area Mining Ltd., had dealt the propertyto Midnight Mining Co., south of Cranbrook. A major drilling programin 1993, a subsidiary of LRX Capital Corporation. Test mining and following discovery ofthe Fors vent structure in late 1992, hulk samplingare proposed for 1995. defined extensive sulphide-rich tounnalinized breccia, numerous thin but conformable sulphide hands and virtually One ofthe more intriguing projects currently underway in the region is at the Jerseyrnmerald property south of all of the alterationtypes and distinctive lithologies typical of the Sullivan setting,over a strike length of 8 kilometres Salmowhere Sultan Minerals Inc., is re-examiningtwo parallel to the Moyie fault and over a thick stratigraphic former producing base metal mines as gold prospects. Fol- interval above and below the Sullivan horizon. Exploration lowing up on highgold values reportedby Gerry Ray of the on the ForsNine prospect was scaled back 1995 in to include BC Geological Survey on samples collected at the former only 2883 metres of diamond drilled in five holes, mainly Emerald tungsten producer, prospectors Lloyd Addie and because the company’s resources andfunding were diverted Bob Bourdon purchased the Emerald and adjoining Jersey onto other properties, including the Ice diamond prospect lead-zinc mine properties in 1993. They confirmed the ex- described earlier. Other properties with Sullivan-typea ob- istence of free gold in the Emerald mine tailings and high jective which were explored by Consolidated Ramrod in gold values associated with massive pyrrhotite zones the in 1995 included the St. Joe, just south of Cranbrook, where lead-zinc and tungsten orebodies. They also located three 3000 metres were drilled in five holes, and the Horn pros- new gold-bearingquam veins by prospecting elsewhere on pect southwestofMarysville. Similar mineralization was the the property. Sultan Minerals optioned the property in late target of Pacific Mariner Explorations Ltd. and Arbor Re- 1993 and, in the fall of 1994, completed an initial drilling sources Ltd. in modest drilling programson the Sun property program of 9 surface holestotaling approximately 1100 at Kitchener and the Sky property near Goatfell, respec- metres. Among the better intersections reported were 33.9 tively. ProspectorAllen Whaley, using a Prospector g/t Au across 0.9 metre withina geophysical anomaly south Assistance grant, drilled 1018 metres in one longto hole test of the tungsten mine and 16.1glt Au across 0.4 metre in the the Sullivan horizon beneath a large mercury-in-soil anom- “Bismuth”zone adjacentto the Jerseylead-zinc mine. Drill- aly on the Indigo property at the head of Kid Creek. He had ing will continue in 1995. not succeeded in reaching the target depthby the end of the HellroaringCreek southwest of Salmo, the 1994 season but hopesto continue the bole in 1995. On joint venture ofYellowjack Resources Ltd. andHemlo Gold Pacific Vangold Mines Ltd. badvery a successful year in Mines Inc. has resumed exploration at the Katie porphyry copper-gold property.A proposed OOO drilling program 1995, with exploration programs in the Rossland gold camp, $200 partly financed with an Explore BC grant.On the Evening on the Main zone, one of three separate zones defined by Star claim, underground exploration drifting, raising and drilling priorto 1992, began in mid-December,financed and sampling proved up higher overall grades and increased operated by Yellowjack. Only the first hole had been com- mineable ore reserves at the former-producing main zone. pleted by year-end. The Katie prospect is the most easterly Prior to the present program, remaining reserves in the mainof the alkaline porphyry copper-goldoccurrences in British Columbia and,so far, theonly potentially significant Cu-Au zone had been reportedto be about 000 tonnes averaging 91 deposit identified in the Jurassic Rossland Group volcanics, 10.6 g/t Au. In additionto the underground program, surface diamond-drilling outlineda new zone south and west of the although severalother prospects were briefly explored in the between Nelson and the US. border. This previously stoped area containing at least 16 300 tonnes at 1980s in the area based on a revisedstructural interpretation about 17 g/t Au. Mining of a IO 000 tonne bulk sample has latest program is been proposed for 1995. Meanwhile, at the nearbyIron Colt of the deposit which suggests that a 90” change in drilling claim, the company, in a joint venture with International direction will significantly improve the indicated grade of Silver Ridge Resources Inc., madefirst a shipment of about main zone mineralization. 560 tonnes (averaging approximately 34 g/t Au) out of its A brief flurry of staking activity in mid-summer in the approved10000-tonnebulksample.Theoreisbeingtrucked Rock Creek area resulted from a reportby Sway Resources to Echo Bay’s Kettle River mill in Washington for custom Inc. of a drill intersection averaging 51.4 g/t Au over 3.36 milling. Earlier in the year, a crosscut to test the full width metres on the Ket 28 claim south of Bridesville. This im- of the Le Roi vein system on the Iron Colt claim returned anpressive intersection was the best of several in erratic gold average grade of23 g/t Au from muck samples over a width mineralization associated with pyritic, silicified fault brec- of 9.1 metres. On its Gertrude claim southof Red Mountain, cia.ThedrillingonKet28wasonlyonepartofamultiphased Pacific Vangold drilled two surfacecore- holes to further test program of diamond drilling, rotary drilling and geophys- the War Eagle zone. Onlyone bole intersected the zone but icdgeochemistry surveys in several areas within a belt of it returned 14.7 g/t Au over 6 metres. contiguousproperties extending from the US border to north of the old’Daytonmining camp and located between Also at Rossland, Consolidated Ramrod Gold Corpora- Bridesville on the west and Rock Creekthe on east. This belt tion carried outa program of undergroundand surface which contains several new and old discoveries of gold drilling on the optioned Midnight and IXL claims where mineralization associated with both skarn and epithermal

60 Geological Survey Branch vein and breccia systems has been referred to as the Rock Other projects of noteinclude the Black Prince property Creek gold trend. The south end of the belt is only a few at the head of Springer Creek,east of Slocan, where Pacific kilometres from the major Crown Jewel gold deposit in Golden Spike ResourcesLtd. carried out underground and Washington. Thecurrent exploration activity within the belt surface diamonddrilling on agroup of small past-producing is a joint venture of Phoenix Gold Resources Ltd., Gold Citysilver-lead-zinc vein deposits. The company was also inves- Resources L.td. and Sway Resources Inc. Several encourag- tigating the possibility of bulk sampling the waste dumps ing results were reported from the1994 program, providing from the previous operationsand re-processing the material numerous opportunities for further work in 1995. through a small pilot mill. At the Bull River mine east of Cranbrook, R.H. Stanfield and Associates conducted further Sway Resources Inc. was also veryactive in the old deep drilling in an attempt to increase measured resources Franklin mining camp on Burrell Creek north of Grand of gold-copper mineralization at depth beneath the former Forks. Although Sway's focur! is on gold-silver targets, the Bull River openpit mine. camp contains a variety of precious metal and base metal past-producers and prospects, most of which are replacement or epithermal vein deposits. The most encouraging PRODUCING MINES results in 1!B4 came from a brief drill test on the North Banner zone of gold-bearing quartz veins, where the best intersection was27.4 g/t Au over 2.4 metres. A total of over COAL loo0 metres in 11 diamond drill holes and ten rotary holes The four largest of the five operating mines in the South- totaling 300 metres were completed, together with localized east coalfield maintained steady or increasing production geophysical and geochemical surveys. through 1994. Fording Coal Ltd. reports total production in 1994 of about 6.5 million tonnes at theFording Rivermine In the Greenwood camp, Orvana Minerals Corporation drilled four short holes to test the Seattle showing on its and about3 million tonnesat Greenhills mine. TeckCorpo- rationproduced approximately 2.4 milliontonnes at its Thimble Mountainproperty north of Grand Forks. Earlier surface sampling of this showing had returned a best assay Elkview mine. All three mines are planning expanded production in 1995. At the Line Creek mine of Line Creek of 7.3 glt A.u and 0.71 96 Cu over 4.8 metres. A similar program on the nearbyEholt property was abandoned after Resources Ltd., 1994 production is believed to have been only one hole was completed, due to unseasonably mild approximately 3 million tonnes. Allfour mines produce and weather prior to Christmas. The plan is to complete the market mainly metallurgical coal (Figure26). programin the spring. The targeton both properties is The former Byron Creekthermal coal mine at Corbin, skam-hosted copper-gold mineralization. which hadbeen producing at a rate of about 1 million tonnes per year, ceased operations in October due to the expiry of

1, Fordlng River 9. Sullivan 2. Greenhills 10. Crawfard Bay 3. Line Creek 11. Sirdar

4. Elkview 12. LOSt Creek 5. Coal Mountain 1 6. Mt. Brusrilof 1 7. Windermere (Elkhorn) 1 8. Four J

0 25 50 75 100 I._ KM Figure 26. producing mines and quarries, Kootenay Region- 1994.

Exploration in British Columbia 199.1 61 its marketing contracts. Shortly after, the mine was pur- with significant placer activity also occurring in the Perry chased by Fording Coal Ltd. and re-opened in December Creek, Moyie River andRock Creek areas. with the new nameof Coal Mountain Operations.

Only three of the mines, Fording River, Greenhills and LAND USE (contributed by DavidGrieve, P. Geo., LineCreek, undertook on-propertyexploration work in Regional Mineral Land Planner) 1994. In all cases, the work involved mainlyrotary drilling programs to firm upreserves in specific parts of the properties and ranged scale in from 4600metres plannedat Fording KOOTENAY REGIONAL LANDUSE River toan anticipated totalof 14 OOO metres at Line Creek. PLANNING PROCESS The government of B.C. released its regional land use plans for East Kootenay and West Kootenay-Boundary on METALS March 13, 1995. This made the Kootenays the third region in the province, after Vancouver Island and the Cariboo- The onlyproducing metalmine in the region is the Sullivan zinc-lead-silver mine of Cominco Ltd. at Kimber- Chilcotin, to have a regional plan in place.Contents of the ley. The mine remained in full production through 1994 with plans reflect to a large extent the work of the CORE (Com- a daily milling rate of about 7000 tonnes. Reserves will be missionon Resources and the Environment)planning exhausted and the mineis due to close in about sevenor eight process,which took place through 1993 and 1994,with years. multi-stakeholder negotiations, based on principles of shared decision-making.The mineral industry, both coaland general mining, was representedduring those negotiations. INDUSTRIAL MINERALS The CORE process culminated in the releaseof the CORE Three major industrial mineralsoperations are located in Iand-useplanreportsonOctober31,1994.Followingrelease theRocky Mountains. Magnesite is minedby Baymag of the CORE reports, government begana period offurther Mines Company Limited at Mount Brussilnf east of Ra- consultation. Again, the mining industry was anactive par- dium HotSprings at a rate of approximately 175 000 tonnes ticipant in the consultationprocess. annually. Westroc Industries Limited produces gypsumat a Crown lands in the Kootenaysare now designated in one production rate of about 450 OOO tonnes per year from its of four categories: protectedareas, special resource manage- Elkhorn pits on Windermere Creek. Domtar Gypsum pro- men(zones, integrated resource managementzones and duces about IO 000 tonnes of gypsum per year from its enhanced resource development zones.These four designa- operation in the Lussier River area east of Canal Flats. tions correspond with designations in the Vancouver Island Current production is from the Four J deposit on Lussier and Carib-Chilcotin regional land-use plans, although the River north of the confluenceof Coyote Creek. terminologies differ. Exploration and mining are accept- Other industrial minerals operations in the includeregion able activities in all zones other than protected areas. ImascoMinerals Inc.'s undergrounddolomite mine at Some portions of certain special management zones bewill Crawford Bay, limestone mine on Lost Creek, south of moresensitive to mining-relatedimpacts than others. In Salmo and granitequarry at Sirdar, north of Creston. these cases, conditions may be established in the develop- Kootenay Stone Centre produces and markets quartzite ment approval processes so that mining-related activities flagstone from several small quarries, mainly in the Porcu- respect sensitive values. The enhanced resource develop- pine Creek area north of Salmo. Dolomite is quarried at ment zones mainly apply forest to resources, with one major Rock Creek by Mighty White Dolomite Ltd. and granite exception: a high proportionof the Crown-owned coal-bear- dimension stone south ofBeaverdell by Quany Pacific Ltd. ing lands in the East Kootenayare in the enhanced resource development zone. Sixteen new protected areas have been created. Where possible, mineral tenures were excludedfrom the new pro- PLACER ACTIVITY tected areas. When existing protectedareas are added in, the total amount of protected area in the Kootenays as a whole Weaver Creek Placer Ltd., a subsidiary of Fiorentino amountsto 13.9% (with 11.3%in the West Kootenay- Bros. Contracting Ltd. of Cranbrook, resumed large-scale Boundary region, and 16.5%of the East Kootenay region). production of placer gold from the former Queenstake Re- sourcesLtd. leases on Moyie River, upstream from the In addition to the land use designations and economic mouth of Weaver Creek. The operation had shut down in strategyincluded inthe plans, government announced a October 1992 dueto exhaustion of known reserves, but test series of measures specifically designed to stimulate and drilling since then has identified sufficient additional re- provide a degree of certainty to the mineral industry.These serves to warrant re-opening in 1994. include a $600 OOO airborne geophysical survey to be focused on the Aldridge Formation. This will aid theongoing A total of 62 Notices of Work for testing or mining on search for other Sullivan-type ore bodies, which are needed placer properties were submitted in 1994. The heaviest con-by the region to replace the Sullivan Mine when it closes centrations of activitywere in theWildhorse River permanently in less than 10 years. Another measure is a watershed and along the PendDOreille River east of Trail, commitment to streamline the exploration and mining per-

"A Geological Survey Branch Exploration in British Columbia 195’4 63 British Coiumbia

64 Geological Survey Branch EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS SOUTHWESTERN REGION- 1994

By R H. Pinsent, P. Geo. Regional Geologist, Vancouver

INTRODUCTION Westmin Resources Limited reported excellent results from explorationdrilling in highly prospective The Southwestern Regional GeologyOftice, in Vancou- H-W “Mine Series” stratigraphy underlying Thel- ver, monitors exploration and other geoscience activity on wood Valley. the Queen Charlotte Islands, Vancouver and the off-shore RomulusResources Limited and MistyMountain islands and in the Coast Mountains southeastof Bella Cmla Gold Limited formed jointa venture to evaluate the (Figure 27). It also handles land-use issues on the Lower underground mine potentialof the Cinola property, Mainland. on the QueenCharlotte Islands. - Athabasca GoldResources Limitedoptioned the past-producing Carolin gold mine, east of Hope. It HIGHLIGHTS plans an undergound drilling programme. * Westmin ResourcesLimited returned to full produc- * Government released a land use plan for Vancouver tion at Myra Falls after an extended industrial Island basedon recommendations made by the Com- dispiute. mission on Resources and Environment. The plan

Exploration in Brirish Columbia 1994 65 created 23 new protected areas and a strategy for measure of exploration activity as most are small projects “intergrated resource managment” lands. and many fail to go ahead. There were91 Notice of Work The British ColumbiaMinistry of Energy, Mines and applications filed in 1994, which comparesto 85 in 1993 and Petroleum Resources re-estahlishedExplore B.C. 83 in 1992. Unfortunately, the increase in number offilings and Prospectors Assistance grants to stimulate min- did not translate into a significant increase in exploration. eral exploration. The number of major projects (arbitrarily defined as those likely to have incurred costs in excess of $100 OOO) provides abetter gauge of field activity.There were16 major EXPLORATION TRENDS projects in 1994, the same as in 1993 and down from18 in 1992. The level of mining and exploration activity in the region was similarto 1993. It was a difficult year. lko of the mines The total investment in exploration in 1994 is estimated experienced production problems and fewthe explorationof to be $4.0 million: down from$5.0 million in 1993 and $8.5 companies had adequate funds. The exploration climate, million in1992. The low figure reflects the lack of advanced however, seems to be improving. There were several devel- exploration programs in the region. Very few projects in- opments in 1994 that bode well for the future. These include: curred costs in excess of $250 OOO. resolution of the lahour dispute at Myra Falls; substantial Two of the major programs (Table 13, Figure 28) were increases in commodity prices:properties changing owner- mine-site exploration projects.lko others were small scale ship in advance of renewed exploration; successfulmiddle bulk sample extraction projects and the remainder were and earlystage and “grass-roots”exploration progams; pro- general exploration programs.Between them, they covered vincial government initiativesto encourageexploration; and a wide range of exploration opportunities. Two were resolution of some land-use issues. Mining and exploration focussed on coal, two were directed toward industrial min- activity should increase in 1995. eralanUordimensionstonetargetsandtherestweremetallic The number of Notices of Work applications filed for mineralprojects exploring gold-bearingveins and shear mineral properties provides some indicationof exploration zones, volcanogenic massive sulphide, porphyrycopper and intent or interest, although it is not a particularly accurate skam targets.

1280 1280 1240 1220 Figure 28. Major exploration projects. Southwestern Region- 1994.

66 Geological Survey Branch TABLE 13 EXPLORATION PROJECTS - SOUTHWESTERN REGION - 1994

pmpertr MINmLE Mining NTS CdXy Deposit WwkdOne (owner) Number Division Type

Bonanza/lSteele 092L 164 Nanaimo 92vIw Cu,A&Fe, Skam 6ddh4463m (Bddick.Resources Ltd.) Au Zn

Brandywine 092JW001 Vancouver 93J/3E CuPb,ZnMassivesulfide 10ddh 1981 m (La Rock Mining Cop.) sheadveinAg, Au

Hushamu porphylrCu,Au92U12WNanaimo 185 092L 4 ddh, 972 m (Jordex Resowccs Inc.)

Lake Adit 092JSEW9 LiIlwt 92J17E Cu,Pb.Zn Skam S ddh, 701 m; (Guardian Resources Corp.) wphysFe, A% As

LeoDOrMarbIe 092L 339 Nanaimn 92W Marble bulk sample (Len DOr Mining hc.)

Myra Fallsniumpeter 330092F Alkd 92F/12E CuPb.Zn, Massive S ddh, 2oM)m; (Westmin Resources Ltd.) 092F 073 sulphide A&Au dhole geophys

Northwest Expo 1021013Nanaimo 102V9E PorphylyCu,Mo,Au ddh, 7 822 m (BHPMinerals (Canada Ltd.)

Qua* 092L 061 Nanaimo 92W12E Cuporphyly Ag 2 ddh, 439 m I~SourceSLtd.)

Quinsam coal 092F319 Nanaimo 92F/13E Coal 15 ddh, Spdh 2300 m; (BMcn coal Mining Cop.) 92F/14W dhole pphys

seneca 092HSW013New West 92WSW CuZn,Pb Massive I ddh,694 m; (Metall Mining Corp.) 092HSW139 Au A& sulphide t3eophYS

Tay Gold Altemi 92Fl6W SheadveinAu, Ag 18 ddh. 2320 m @almation Resources Ltd.)

Treasure Mountain 092HSWO16 New West 92W6E Ag,Pb,ZnShearhein 6pdh271m (Huldra Silver Inc.)

Tsolum River Coal 092F318Nanaimo 92F/14WCoal 6 ddh, 1945 m; Occidental Petroleum Ltd.) (CanadianPetroleum Occidental dhole 92KBW geophys

Valentine lbfountain 0928 108 Victoria 92BI12WShearhein Au bulk sample (Beau Pre :Explorations Ltd.) metallurgical test

Var Limestone Nanaimo Liiestone92U12E 8 ddh, 1073 m @ow& Industries Ltd.)

Yew Nanaimo092FS16 92F/IOE C&Au Skam bulk sample (International Metals ResearchCop.)

Ewloration in British Columbia 1994 67 In the springof 1994, the Ministry of Energy, Mines and company drilled five holes for an aggregate length of 2OOO PetroleumResources announcedtwoinitiativestoaccelerate metres and ran down-hole and surface electromagneticsur- exploration in the province. The Explore B.C. 1994-1997 veys. The holes tested prospective H-W“Mine Series” program, has two parts; the Accelerated Mine Exploration stratigraphic and down-hole geophysicaltargets. Two tested Program (AMEP), designed to assist established mines de the known Trumpeter zone, on the west side of Thelwocd lineate reserves, and the Mineral Exploration Incentive Creek, and three tested prospective stratigraphy east of the Program (MEIF’) to help companies fund exploration pro- creek. The Trumpeter holes expanded the known copper- jects.Ten companies were awarded grants to carry out rich zone andencountered two zinc-rich zones higher in the programs in the region. However, they werenot all able to section. Core from one hole ran 1.7 g/t Au, 31.9g/t Ag, 1.2% implement them withinthe calendar year. Cu and 3.8%Zn over 33.5 metres. The mineralization above the Trumpeter zone is fragmental in nature and it strongly The Prospectors AssistanceProgram is designed to assist resembles Block 43 ore, which occurs at the same strati- prospectors and encourage grass-roots exploration in the graphic inte~alin the H-W mine.The data suggest that there province. Seven prospectors receivedgrants for work in the may be a substantial deposit in the “gap” betweenthe Myra region. They used the funds to make new discoveries and - Price fault, which terminatesBlock 43, and the Trumpeter provide better understanding and documentation of known area of Thelwocd Creek. mineral prospects.The program encouragedsome prospectors to stake new claims andenabled others to carry out the Island Copper Operation:BHP Minerals (Canada) work requiredto option their properties to exploration com- Limited operates an open-pit porphyry copper mine, near panies. Port Hardy, at the north end of Vancouver Island. In 1994, the operation was able to take advantageof improvedcopper prices but, with proven ore reserves nmning low (23.4 Mt OPERATING MINES AND QUARRIES grading 0.33% Cu and 0.02% Mo), the company is finding it increasingly difficult to operate the millat full capacity(52 The three mines and the major quarries in the region all OOO tonne per day). Preliminaryfigures for the year indicate benefited from improving economic conditions.The metal that the company processed 18 477 072tounes of ore and mines, despite their other problems. wereable to take advan- produced 52 519.7 tonnes of copper, 1138.2 kilograms of tage of significantlyhighercopperprices while thecoal and gold, 14 789.1 kilograms of silver and 1330.9 tonnes of limestone operations were ableto increase their production. molybennm.

In1994, the operationwas .affected bygeotechnical Myra FaUs Operation: Westmin Resources Limited problems. The south wall of thepit started to destabilize. Myra Falls operation was affected by a labow dispute for much of the year and operated well belowits nominal 4OOO The company drilled holes to alleviate water pressure tonne perday capacity. Management operated the mine on a and buttressed thetoe of the slope with waste.It managed to limited “batch”basis until unionized staff returnedto work stabilize the wall but may have lost approximately 14.5 attheendofAngust.Preliminaryfiguresfortheyearindicate million tonnesof ore, equivalent to nine monthsof pmduc- that the mine processed 251560 tonnes ofore and produced tion. It is reviewing its development planto see if any of the 4096.8 tonnes of copper, 136.7 kilograms of gold. 4010.2 affected reservecan recovered. kilograms ofsilver and 5146.9 tonnes of zinc. be At years end, theMyra Falls operation had reportedore BHP Minerals ran a major exploration program at the reserves of 9 704 OOO tonnes grading 1.6 g/t Au, g/t35.6 Ag, mine, in 1993. It located a substantial but low-grade, near- 1.7% Cu, 0.4% Pb and 6.3% Zn in five discrete ore zones surface, resource in the Bay Lake area, peripheralto the pit. (H-W, Battle, Gap, Gopher and Extension). The company feels that it is unlikely to be economic andit expects the mine to close in the fall of 1995. It is already Westmin scaled down its exploration and development implementingitssitereclamationp1an.Ithaslandscapedand at Myra Falls during the dispute but wasable to cany out a seeded over 150hectares of waste dump. limited definition-drilling program over part of the Battle zone. It drilled off the Gopher lens,at the southeast end of The Island Copper plant could, conceivably, be used to thezone. It has nowrestarted definition drilling and it custom millore from other deposits but economic feasibility expects to drill off the remainder of the zone in 1995. has yetto be established. The company has a considerable amount of development work to do beforeit can start full-scale production from the Quinsam Coal Operation: Brinco Coal Mining Cor- Battle zone. However, it could start small-scale production poration operates a coal mine at Quinsam Lake,near in the spring of 1995.It plans to ramp the 18-level explora- Campbell River. It has proven and probable reserves of 38 tion drift down into the zinc-rich Gopher lens and blend million tonnes of high-volatilebituminous coal. In 1992, the production with copper-richore from the H-W lens. company started to restructure the operation as part of a plan to increaseproduction from 0.25 million to 1.0 million As part of an on-going project to locate additional re- tonnes of cleancoal per year. In 1994, it closed its last open serves, Westmin conducteda surface drilling program in the pit and became fully dependant on its underground opera- Thelwocd Valley area, southeast of the H-W shaft. The tion.

68 Geological Survey Branch The company currently controls the sulphur content of of silica per year. The company receivedits mine develop- its product by blending coal from two parts of the deposit.It ment certificate early in 1995. takes approximately 65% from the 2N reserve block and the remainder from the 2s block. Early in 1994, the company Sumas Sodaspar: Quality Mineral and Supply Inc. closed its fi~rstportal in the 2N area and moved two continu- has submitted a prospectus for production of ceramic-grade ous miners into a second, where they are used for mine sodaspar from a site near the top of Sumas Mountain. The development and production.At the same time, it opened a company has yet to receive terms of reference to proceed portal into rthe 2s block, where it uses a single continuous with its submission. miner to perform both functions. Both blocks are cut by Red Dog: Crew Natural Resources Limitedsubmitted faults with minor off-sets that complicate mine develop- a prospectus for production from the Red Dog porphyry ment. These faults, and other problems, have slowed the copper deposit, north of Holberg Inlet, in 1992. It planned expansion process. However, the mine is now able to pro- to produce 20 OOO tomes ofore per day forshipment to the duce approximatly 1800 tonnes ofclean coal per day, Island Copper mine site for custom milling. The company equivalent to approximately 600 OOO tomes per year. The has droppedits option andit has withdrawn its prospectus. company currently processes the coal through singlea wash plant. It plar~sto build a secondto handle anyfurther increase in production. EXPLORATION ACTMTY Briuco carried out a major exploration program at the mine. It diamond drilled and geophysically logged23 holes, VANCOUVER AND TEXADAISLANDS for an aggqate lengthof approximately 2300metres. Twenty holes tested the thickness and quality of known coal There were numerous exploration projectson Vancouver seams in a previously under explored area between the 2N Island. Most were at the north end, however, there was and 3N reserve blocks. The results were encouraging. They activity furthersouth, particularly inthe Port Albemi region. Several individuals and companies explored for: volcano- show that the seams are of good quality and mineable width. genicmassive sulphide deposits inSicker Group, or Three hodes were drilled deeper in the sedimentary basin,equivalent, strata; porphyry copper-gold deposits in high- down dip from the known reserve. They too produced en- level intrusions in Bonanza volcanic strata; skam deposits couraging results. The main productive seams appear to in Quatsino limestone; epithermal and mesothermal shear- continue to depth and maintain reasonable thickness and hosted gold vein deposits in Sicker, Karmutsen, Bonanza quality. The drilling program willenable Brinco to up-grade and Leach River Group rocks, coal in Nanaimo Group its reserve and establish a development plan for the area sediments; and a variety of industrial mineral and dimen- between the2N and 3N reserve blocks. sion-stone targets. There were a few programson Texada Island. They were Texada Island LimestoneQuarries: Holnam West directed toward shear-hosted gold vein deposits in Karmut- Materials Limited and Ash Grove Cement Company sen basalt and skam mineralization in Quatsino limestone. increased limestone production at their respective quarries at the north end of Texada Island. They shipped approxi- Tay: Dalmation Resources Limited completed a dia- mately5.0 million tonnes of chemical,cement and mond drilling program on the Tay property, west of Sproat agricultural ,grade limestone. Lake. It drilled 18 holes for an aggregate length of 2320 metres. The holes tested geological, gold-in-soil geochemical. andinduced polarization geophysical targets ina MINE DEYELOPMENT SUBMISSIONS complex quartz-carbonate vein system in Karmutsen volcanic rocks. The company is exploring for gold-enriched ore shoots at intersectionsof crosscutting structures.The results There are currently four properties in Mine Review and were erratic butsufkiciently encouraging for the company to Permitting process. are likely to start production in Two expand its claim holding and contemplate an airbornegeo- 1995. physical survey. Mount Meager Pumice: Great Pacific Pumice he. Valentine Mountain: BeauPre Exploration Limited has submitted a prospectusfor seasonal production of pum- continued its on-going program to determine the average ice from a past-producing quarrysite on the north slope of grade of aseries of narrow, high-grade, gold-bearing quartz Mount Meager.It plans to excavate, crush, screenand truck veins and vein stockworks in metasedimentary rocks on between 35 (xx)and 50 OOO tonnes of pumiceper year. The Valentine Mountain. The company cleaned out and sluiced company received its mine development certificate early in muckfrom the floor of a trench along the B veinand 1995. collected several tonnes of heavy mineral concentrate. It processed small. approximately 22-kilogram, bulk samples Monteith Bay “Geyserite”: Monteith Bay Resources to assess the average gold content. Limited hassubmitted a prospectusfor seasonal production of “geyserite” silica from a deposit onshore the of Easy Inlet, The company also extracted and stock piled100 tonnes at the north end of Vancouver Island. It plans to excavate, of ore from a trench along theC vein stockwork. In 1995,it. cnish, screen and ship between 70 OOO and 100 OOO tonnes plans to extract additional bulk samples. It will run the

Erphration in British Columbin 1994 69 material through asmall, 5 to 10 tonne per day, crusher and erty. north ofHolberg Inlet. They drilledseven holes, for an ball mill and sluice the pulp to generate additional concen- aggregate lengthof 822 metres, to test for "transitional" and trate. The program is designed to establish the consistency porphyty style mineralization. The holes testeda large, of the goldgrade along the trench. coincident, geophysical (magnetic and induced potential) and geochemical (copper-in-soil) anomaly originallyidenti- Dragon: Doromiu ResourcesLimited. Noranda Explo- fied in the early days of exploration on the property. The rationLimited dropped its option on the Dragon anomaly is at the foot of a cliff of strongly altered Bonanza volcanogenic massive sulphide property, near Gold River, volcanic rock, capped by silica. The holes intersected sig- on VancouverIsland. Westmin Resources Limited acquired nificant alteration and weak,but encouraging, signs of the property.It plans a two stage field program for 1995. mineralization. Tmlnm Coal: Canadian Occidental PetroleumLm- Leo D'Or Marble: Leo D'Or Mining Inc. has permits ited ran a seismic survey near the Oyster River, south of to extract 3000 tonnes of white crystalline limestone for Parksville, in 1993.It identified several possiblecoal seams dimension-stone purposes. In 1993, it started to develop a in shallowdipping Nanaimo Group sedimentary strata. In quarry on the east side of Bonanza Lake. The company 1994, the company drilled six holes,for an aggregate length shipped severalblocks over the fall and winter and shut the of 1945 metres, to test the stratigraphy and establish the project down in the spring of 1994. number and quality of theseams. Four were intersected,one inthe Dunsmuir Member and three in the Cumberland Var Limestone: Ekowaste Industries Limited is ex- Member of the Comox Formation.'bo may be of economic ploring for limestone on Vancouver Island. It drilled eight interest. core holes on the'Var property on the south side of Rupert Inlet for an aggregate lengthof 1073 metres. The holes tested Bonanza/Steele:Braddick Resources Limited ex- the thickness and chemical purity of a relatively flat lying plored two parallel zones of copper-bearing garnetiferous section of Quatsino limestone. skarn at the southend of Bonanza Lake. Oneof the zonesis ina pendant within a granodiorite pluton. The other is Yew: InternationalMetals Research Corporation immediately adjacent to it. The company traced the zones continues to develop theYew property, on Texada Island.In for several kilometres, usinga combinationof soil geochem- 1993, it extracted approximately4000 tonnes of pyritic skam istry, geologyand ground geophysics, and drilled six from a flat lying lens interbedded with Karmutsen Formation diamond-drill holesfor an aggregate lengthof 446.2 metres. basalt. It bucked the ore to the nearby Bolivar mill (225 The holes were designedto confirm previousindications of tonneper day). The company is currently processing it gold enrichment in one of the zones, andto evaluate other through a fine-grind circuit and recovering gold from a geological and geophysical targets. They encountered appre-gravity circuit.In 1989, the Yew deposit was reportedto have ciable thicknesses of skam with disappointingly low gold indicated reservesof 31 576tonnes grading 17.4g/t Au and values. 2.0% cu. Qua* Kamaka Resources Limited explored a por- There were numerous small-scale exploration projects phyry copper target near Quatse Lake, northwest of the and prospectingventures on Vancouver and Texadaislands. Island Copper mine. The company drilled two core holes, Examples of successful projects include: thedetailed map for an aggregate lengthof 439 metres. They were sitedto test ping of aninteresting volcanogenic massive sulphide a linear, copper-in-soil geochemical anomaly, and coinci- showing on the Jasper property, near Nitinat; the discovery dentmagnetic and induced polarization anomalies. The of several newareas of magnetite and sulphide skam miner- holes intersected strongly altered but weakly mineralized alization on StoreyCreek, near Nimpkish Lake; and further volcanic rocks. The rocks display chlorite alteration and definition of the high-grade gold vein system on the Mac- magnetite enrichment comparable to that found at Island Tush property, west of Alberni Inlet. Copper. Hushamu: Jordex Resources Inc. completed a diamond drilling program on the Hushamu part of the Expo SOUTHERN COASTAL REGION property, nolthwest of the Island Copper mine.It drilled four holes for an aggregate length of972 metres. The holes were There were several exploration programs in the southern designed to add definition to the known deposit. However, Coast Mountains. Most were directed toward volcanogenic they did not significantly alter the resource estimate. The massive sulphide deposits in Gambier Group pendants or deposit is reported to have a proven and probable reserveof mesothermal, shear-hosted gold vein systems. There was 173 237OOO tonnes grading0.27% Cu, O.W% Mo and0.34 lesser interest in exploration for porphyv copper or skam g/t Au. Jordex completed its earn-in requirement for the deposits. There were several corporate developments that Expo property. Theclaims are now ownedjointly by Jordex should lead to increased exploration in 1995. Resources Inc. (45%) and BHP Minerals (Canada) Limited (55%). Carolin Mine:New Global Resources Limited increased its land holding thein MacMastedCarolinmine area, Northwest Expo: BHP Minerals (Canada) Limited east of Hope.It carried out a limited rock sampling program and Jordex Resources Inc. carried out a diamond drilling and optioned the past-producing propertyto Athabasca Gold program in the extreme northwestcomer of the Expo prop- Resources Limited.

70 Geological Survey Branch ~ ~~~~~______~~~______~

Athabasca plans to re-open the mine and carry out a derlain by approximately30 metres of strongly altered vol- major underground drilling program.It hopes to increase the canic and sedimentary mkover the critical stratigraphic current indicated “reserve”of 898 OOO tonnes grading 4.3 g/t interval. The sandstone unit runs2.15% Zn over 3.3 metres. Au. If successful, it intends to recommission the 1350 tonne per day grinding circuit and modify the existing plant to extract gold using carbon-in-pulp technology. Metall Mining also ran a limited electromagnetic geophysical surveysouthwest of the ChehalisRiver. The results Harrhu Gold Pacirrc Comox Resourns Limited were inconclusive. closed the ~nainJenner stock portal on the Harrison Gold property, nearthe south end of Harrison Lake.It also shipped Pilldolh Aquaterre Mineral Development Limited 20.7 tonnes ofdry auriferous sulphide concentrate @redomi- carried out a limited mappingand prospecting program on nantly pyrrhotite with lesserpyrite and minor chalcopyrite) the Pilldolla property, near the headof Jervis Inlet. It traced to the Cominco refinery,at Trail, B.C.. The concentrate was a train of auriferous massivesulphide @yrite, pyrrhotite and from the underground bulk sampling program that Kerr chalcopyrite) bouldersto a probable source;a cliff face that Addison Mines Limited and Bema Gold Corporationcarried defines the trace of a majorshear zone. out in 1987. JL Aquaterre Mineral Development Limited also ex- Brandywine: La Rock Mining Corporationcontinued plored for volcanogenic massivesulphide deposits near Friel to explore two targets on the the Brandywine property, near Lake, on the west side of Jervis Inlet. The company ran Whistler. The company diamond drilled five holes, for an geological, soil geochemical and geophysical (inducedpo- aggregate length of approximately IS00 metres, to test a larization)surveys across a beddedcontact between complex ductile shear zone in Gambier Group volcanic Gambier Group volcanic and sedimentary strata. The pro- strata near Dave’s Pond. The results were erratic. However, gram identified four close-spaced, subparallel, targets in several holes encountered1 .O to 2.0-metre zones of quartz, prospective stratigraphy. sericite and carbonate alteration with trace amounts of galena, sphaledte, chalcopyrite and a significant amount freeof Treasure Mountain: Huldra Silver Inc. completed a gold. limited percussiondrilling program on Treasure Mountain, The company also diamond drilledfive holes, for a total east of Hope. It drilled six holes,for an aggregate length of length of approximately 500 metres, to test for zinc-rich 271 metres, to test a soil geochemical anomaly located800 volcanogenic massive sulphide in cherty tuff at the Zinc metres from the undergound workings associated withC the showing. The holes confirmed the presence of prospective vein. One hole returnedin assay of 918.9 g/t Ag over 36.0 stratigraphy but encountered only weak mineralization. metres. In 1990, the company reported proven and probable reserves of 145OOO tonnes grading 877.7g/t Ag and 9.85% Lake Adit: Guardian Resources Corporationcarried combined lead and zinc. out a field program on the Lake Adit magnetiteskam property,on the west side of Lillwt Lake. It raninduced There were other small-scale exploration and prospect- polarization and magnetometer geophysical surveysover a ing programs on the mainland. For example, successful polymetallic massive sulphide showing. The company out- prospecting programs lead to the discovery of a southern lined two strong geophysicalanomalies and diamond drilled extension to theO.K. porphyry copper deposit, near Powell five holes, for an aggregate length of701 metres. The holes River andto a better understanding of a gold-bearing silici- intersected two shear zones, one of which contains rho- fied shear zone on the Bird propertyon Rutherford Creek. donite. A substantial areaof pyrite, chalcopyriteand sphalerite mineralization wasalso identified. QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS Doratha Morton: Ripple Rock Resources Limited increased its land holding around the Doratha Morton property, on the mainlandto the north of East Thurlow Island. In There were no major exploration programs in the Queen the fall, it optioned the ground to Home Ventures Incorpo- Charlotte Islands in 1994. However,there was one important rated. The latter company plans to explore a variety of development. geological targets.These include auriferous shearzones and a large, possibly porphyry-related, mineralized intrusive Cinnla:Romulus Resources Limited and Misty breccia. Mountain Gold Limited formed ajoint venture to explore and develop the Cinola property, on Graham Island. The Seneca: Metall Mining corporation explored the property covers a large, epithermal gold depositin conglom- Seneca volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit, under the erate adjacent to the Cinola fault. In 1988, City Resources Chehalis River valley, west of Harrison Lake. The deposit Canada defined an open-pit “reserve”31.3 of million tonnes currently has a geological reserve of 1.5 million tonnes grading 2.2 g/t Au, at a 1.1 grams per tonne cut-off and a grading 3.57% Zn, 0.63% Cu, 40.0 g/t Ag and 0.8 g/t Au. strip ratio of 1.71. The company conducted a feasibility The company drilled a single,veaical, diamond-drill holeto study, however, metallurgical problems and environmental a depth of 694 metres. The hole was collared uphill and concerns regarding trace element content and potential for approximately 1.O kilometre to the east of the main showing. acid rock drainage, preventedit fiom proceeding to produc- It encounteredweakly mineralized tuffaceous sandstone un- tion.

Exploration iri.BritishColumbin 1994 71 Romulus and Misty Mountain willevaluate the feasibil- In the fall, IAMC established an advisorycommittee of ity of developing the property using more selective, representatives of stakeholder organisations, including the under-ground mining methods.In 1995, they plan to reopen mining industry, to assist government in selecting the best the adit drill large diameter holes to establish the size and areas to fill “gaps” in the current protected areas system. In grade of a higher grade quartz-vein system within the de- December, IAMC presented the advisory committee with posit. The company will use the drill core for metallurgial technical data and a range of possible protectedarea options test work. for discussion. LAND-USE ISSUES In addition to the regional selection process, there are four on-going “special-case” land-use studies in the Lower Mainland region. They are all nearing completion. Three VANCOUVER ISLAND study teams; StawamusChief (at Squamish), Pinecone Lake - Burke Mountain (north of Coquitlam) and Tetrahedron In February, 1994, the Commission on Resources and (near Sechelt) completed public review processesand sub- Environment (CORE) produced its land use plan for Van- mitted final reports with recommendationsto IAMC. Their couverIsland. It recommended that the provincial recommendations have been reviewedby Cabinet and new government increase the amount of land under protection protected areas have been created at all 3 locations. The from 10.3% to 13% by the creation of 23 new “protected fourth, Callaghan Lake(near Whistler) completedits public areas”. It also proposed a rangeof possible land-use desig- review process.It has yet to complete its final report. nations for the remaining land base. GOVERNMENT ACTIVITY AND In June, government announced the creationof 23 new RESEARCH protected areas, subject to boundary revisions which were announced in April,1995. The revisions reduced impactson The Ministry of Energy, Mines and PetroleumResources mineral tenures andareas of high mineral potential.The land is actively involved in implementingPAS and other land-use use decision returned eight Protected Areas Strategy (PAS) processes in the Southwestern Region. study areas, covering 65 000 hectares, to “integrated resource management” and allocated12 a00 hectares for small In 1992, the Ministry commenced a province-wide as- protected areas covering special features. These areas, whichsessment of regional-scale mineral potential. In 1994, it have still to be selected, will bring the over-all level of completed workon Vancouver Island, and produced prelimi- protection on Vancouver Island to13% of the land base. nary datafor the Mid-Coast. Both areas have been subdivided, based on geology,into tracts designatedas hav- Government’s land-use plan recommends the creation ing “high”, “medium”or ‘‘low’’ potential. of one integrated resource management zone, called a “For- est Land Reserve”. This would be managed under existing Also in 1992, the Ministryinitiated a multi-faceted, legislation and the new Forest Practice Code. The Reserve multi-year, studyof the geology and mineral potential of the would be open for forestry and mining. It would be com- north endof Vancouver Island. In1994, the project included: posed of three zones that allow for different intensities of a 150 000-scale mapping program south and westof Hol- resource use (high intensity, general forestry andlow inten- berg Inlet; surficial geology anddrift exploration programs sity). Low intensityareas will besubject to special over much of the Holberg Inlet area; age determination management standards to respect specific environmental, studies; and investigations of a natural acid rock drainage recreational and/or cultural heritage values. and an anomalous mercury-bearing stream. The data adds considerably to the geological information availablefor the LOWER MAINLAND north end of Vancouver Island. The GeologicalSurvey ofCanada alsoconducted several Lower Mainlandis not subjectto regional laud-use plan- research studies on Vancouver Island. Some were done in ning, such as the CORE process. Land-use issues are conjunction with the Ministry of Energy, Mines andPetro- managed by a government Inter-agency Management Com- leum Resources, the Mineral Deposit Research Unit,at The mittee(IAMC) supported by a Regional Protected Area University of British Columbia, and industrial partners. Team (RPAT). Both are involved in implementing the Pro- tected Areas Strategy. The Mineral Deposit Research Unit continuedstudies its of volcanogeuic massivesulphide deposits in the region. In In 1993, RPAT reviewed the existing protected areas and 1994,itfocussedonthevolcanicsettingoftheH-Worebody identified “gaps” in representation of conservation, recrea- at Myra Falls. tion and cultural heritage values. Italso reviewed the merits of “studyareas” identified the previousyear and recognized ACKNOWLEDGMENTS the need to study a broader selectionof areas. The authoracknowledges the contribution of numerous In 1994, RPAT solicited additional “areas of interest” public and privatesector geologists and other professionals from the public. in the creation of this report.

72 Geological Survey Branch Page 73: Paragraph 3: Page 74: Figure 3 1, caption: Incorrect (Figure 31) Incorrect '1990-1992' Correct (Figure 32) Correct '1992-1994' Page 75: Figure 32, caption and diagram: Incorrect '1992' Correct '1994' See new figure below:

Page 75: Paragraph 1: RegionalGeologist's officc has been moved from Nelson to Cranbrook. ASSESSMENT REPORTS A SOURCE OF VALUABLE CURRENT AND HISTORIC MINERAL EXPLORATION DATA

By T.E. Kalnins, P. Eng. and A.F. Wilcox, P. Geo.

S-RY OF ASSESSMENT WORK, The Geological Survey Branch maintains a library of 1994 over 23 OOO assessment reports dating from 1947. A com- puter index called ARIS (Assessment ReportIndexing Results of mineral exploration programs are submitted System) provides help to users wishing to locate specific bythe indoshy to theMinistry in compliance with the information for planning new exploration programs, re- Mined Tenure Act Regulations and provide a valuable sourcemanagement - landuse studies, or geoscience record of explorationdata in British Columbia. research. The number of assessment reports submitted and ap- This is a basic bibliographic index sorted by NTS map provedin 1994 totalled 490 with declaredcosts of sheets. For each report the indexprovides geographiccmr- $19 057 218, a 12% increase in expenditures over year1993 dinates, claim names, operator, author, typeofwork reported iJable 14, Figures29 and30). and report year. Newly computerized, page-size index maps show the approximatecentre of exploration reported. Drilling accounted for 45% of the expenditures, geo- chemicalsampling 24%. geological mapping 7%. The Assessment Report Index is available on COM- geophysical surveys 12%.physical work10%. andprospect- FICHE, PAPER printouts and DISKElTES. On diskettes ing 2% (Figure 31). the data fields are enhanced with additional information on geology, mineralization, mining camp,and work done. Data Assessment work, whichis required for the maintenance on the diskettesare organized as a series of flat ASCII files of mineral claim tenure, comprises only a portion of the to facilitate access by commercialsoftware programs. overall mineral exploration inthe province. The paper index has been updatedinto 5 volumes and a Average exploration project costs bywork type are supplement. The first volume consists of index maps, and shown in Table15. These values are based on clearly appor- four other (1993) volumes plus a 1994 supplement covering tioned cost statements including labour, consulting, food, southeastern, southwestern. central, and northern ofthe parts accommodation, transport, camp equipment rentals and sup- province. plies,laboratory analyses, report preparation, and direct administration and management of the project. These products may be purchased directly from: B.C. and Yukon Chamber of Mines Publications Centre USING THE DATABASE 844 West Hastings Street Vancouver, British Columbia Assessment reports are the primary and most current V6C IC8 source of detailed technical data available in the public domain. Reptson explorationmay be viewed or paper and Telephone: (604) 688-7571or 681-5328 microfiche copies purchased after expiry of a confidentiality Fax: (604) 681-2363 period (usuallyone year).

TABLE 14 SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT WORK, 1994

NTS N0.0f Vdw Gv?~Gsopbyrical otabc!n mim Wins Tmnching A- LWdd Tmuiog AsesUxa Groved No.01 Cm N- Rd R@ 5 '(ha) m) OM) sanwl- (m) (rn) @a) (In) OM1 OM) (rnl

8U83 143 3149621 11210 I805 1122 10963 14661 3319 3 399 65 33 352 305 921102 156 4928191 30440 381 852 2124622619 2W 1032 13W 10 332 15% 93 52 4005996 18501 3414 662 19498 29579 419 62W 518 20 228 3w 94 34 2241111 18810 419 252 I1 168 7194 - - LM - 343 - 1027639 3670 103 IO 1027639 250 64 4 860 3427 - 1 I75 820 - 91 - LW114 55 3698054110 29 469 126 1116213621 - 1315 3w 20 11s M

TOTNS 1994 490 19051218 013s111881 3078 6138 wm21181 5747 3503 83 1~07 2221 1993 23101418 668111082345 91210 72626131365 1954 4521 4903 41 1359 IS92 616 21625329 231342 3913 4213 128811 12480126156 46410 3148 56 2391 480

Expkmfion in British Columbia 1994 73 Figure 29. Assessment report distribution inB.C. - 1994.

Figure 31. Assessment reports, valueof exploration by NTS; Figure 30. Assessment reports received. 1990-1992.

74 ihmhgkui Survey Branch. Ministry of Energy, Minesand Petroleum Resources

TABLE 15 AVERAGE EXPLORATIONPROJKX COSTS, 1994 ($ per unit of work) Geochamislr 18% ophysics-grouna TYPE OF WORK 1994 1993 1932 Dr#lling-olher2%

GWMmapping 12ma 201ha 18/ha h4agiE.u. aiitwme emnl 1m 9mnl Prospecl~ng2% Magneiiz. gmund 269/km 2721km 2- Eleclrwnagnetic. ground Wm W7h 474/km Induced polarirstm 1 5Wm 1702h 1W&*m sen polenual 4mkn 79&*m 7B4/km Drillin(l-care 48% soils Wsamp 31l~amp Wsamp Stream sediments 1lWsamp Wsamp Wwmp Rock chips Wmmp 61lsamp 721eampk Sampling-assaying Wsamp Wsamp Core drilling wSamp9Wm 1oWm 1Wm Drilling. I)(UWMB Wm Wm - 32. Value of by work type; Assessment Figure exploration re- ProSpecting 12ma 13ma 1- pods, 1992. Line cuning, grid 429h 56sha 5501km Trerching Wm 871m Wm A completelibrary of original assessment reports is located at the Geological Survey Branch’s headquarters in Geological Survey Branch Victoria. Partiallibraries are located at the Regional Geolo- Room 5002 - 1810 Blanshard Street gists’ oftices in Smithers; Prince George, Kamloops and Victoria, British Columbia Nelson. Complete libraries of microfiche assessment reports V8V 1x4 are availablein all RegionalGeologists’ offices. Partial libraries are maintained in fourteen Gold Commissioners’ Telephone: (604) 952-0383 oftices throughout British Columbia. For further informa- Fax: (604) 952-0381 tion contact:

Exploration in British Columbia 1994 75