19th International Geochemical Exploration Symposium Exploration Geochemistry into the 21st Century The Association of Exploration Geochemists SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM AND ABSTRACTS VOLUME Vancouver1 British Columbia, Canada April10--16, 1999 Hotel Vancouver THE ASSOCIATION OF EXPLORATION GEOCHEMISTS P.O. Box 26099, Roht.:nson Rd. Nepean, Ontario, K21l 9RO, Canada OFFlCERS President Erick F.Wcihmd AGRA E:H lh and Environmental Secretary David B. Smith U.S.Ccological Survey Treasurer Gwcndy E.M.Hall Geologio1l Survey of Canada COl,~C I LLORS 1997- 1999 Roherr Clark, William B.Coker, John S.Conc, tcphen J. D<ly, Shea Clark Smith, Barry W.Smee 1999- 2000 Duvid Gamen, Eric Hoffm;m, Ray Lett, M.Bcth McClenaghan, J.Thomas Nash Australia Leigh Bertenay, Nigel Radford, Mark Elliott Brasil M.Lima Ja Costa Chile Vacant China Guangshen Yan Ern·ope B\)UJwijn de Smeth Northern Countries Clemen$ Reimann South East Asia T.Nuchangong Southern Africa Chnrles Okujeni U.K. and Ireland C.C.J ~) hnson 19th INTERNATIONAL GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATlON SYMPOSIUM ORGANISING COMMITTEE Chairman Barry W. Smee, Smee anJ Associates Consulting Ltd. Co-Treasurer Giles R. PeatfielJ, Consulring GeologisT Co-Treasurer Ray Lett, B.C. Geological Survey Co-Secretary Bruce W. D(lwning. Gamah International Ct)-Secretary lvor L. Elliott, Geochernist Technical Program W.K. Fle1cher, U niversity of British Cl)lumhia lmr L. Elliott, Geochemist Short Courses Steve Cook, B.C.Geological Survey John B<)rakso, Consultant Field Trips Bruce Ball;mtyne, Consulting Geoll,gisr DaviJ VanJerklcy, C1minco LrJ Trade Show Jnhn Gravel, Acme Analytica l Lahorarorics LrJ Bruce W. Downing, Gamah International Social Program Kathy Laurus, Consulting Geologist Patricia Murphy, Venue West Conference Services Ltd Publicity David Smid1, T.S.L. Laboratories Ltd Registration Pntri cia Murphy. Venue West Conference Services Ltd Lloyd Clark, Consulring Gel)logbr At Large Steve Sibbick. Norecoi. Damc$ and Moore 19th International Geochemical Exploration Symposium Exploration Gcochcmbt ry into the 2 1st Ct:nl ury The As.;oclation nf Explornt ion Geochemists Symposium Program and Abstracts Volume Edited by \V.K.Fietcher and I.L.EIIiott Ho(cl Vancouver \'ancouver,R.C.,Cmm Ia Apnl 1Oth to 16th 1999 VENUE \V51 t:ONFER I ~NCh ~l:HV I CES 1.11) •64S-'7'l WATER ST,VANCOUVH~.II.c. w;n S< 'tJ r ~·l: 6L'4-Mll-=i!26 Fax: 6('.J-6Sl -l5t' \ Cllllll'ulll)!f~ .. ~,\'CIIIIC\\l''LC\1111 This Symposium is dedicated to the memory of Harry Verney Warren (1904·1998) OC. OBC, D.Sc., D.Phil., FRSC, FGSA Fmmding Member of the AEG, and Pioneer in Geochemistry, Biogeochemistry and Environment~ I Gcochem istry In Murch of h1St year, Professor Harry Warren pa..'\SL'<.i away after a long, varied and richly pn.xlucriv<.' c:.~ rcc r, hased here in V;mcouver nc the Universiry of British Columbia (UBC). He WHS <me of the gre-<1ts of geochemistry with lln exceptionally fertile and innovative mind. He was constantly investigating rlew methods of geochemical exploration and seeking new applications for geochemical studies. He touched and influenced many li ves through his enthusiasm and inspiration to legions of students, colleagues (lnd professionals. In his early years he excelled in several sports, n ot<~b ly rugby, cricket, grnss hockey and track e,·cnts. As a sprinter he held track records for the I 00, 220 and 440-yard events ar UBC, and went on w be a member of the Omadian track team in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. n ,e same year he equalled the world record in d1e 100-yard d<JSh on gra._~ at a meeting in Dublin. At thflt time he was a Rhodes Scholar ar Oxford ( 1926-1929), completing his U{)Ctor;~ l dissertation on lead and zinc deposits of south-western Eu rope. Following a period of p<\~ tdoctora l rese<~rch at Calt ech he joined faculty of the Department of Geology and Geography <~ t UBC in 1932 where he was based until his r\:tircment 41 years later when he was nearly 70. During his retirement he remained as active as ever for the next 20 years as an honora ry, then emeritus professor, continuing tO inspire by what others have desc ribed l'lS his "boundless energy" and "unbridled enthusiasm". Amongst his many accolades, Harry Warren became renowned as the Father of Biogeochemistry. Many of his 197 publications describe lhe result~ of a vast array of tests on the relationships between plant chemistry and mineral deposits, conducted at numerous sites across Canada <1nd elsewhere. In addition to his many discoveries of metal enrichments in rrees and shrubs (e.g. extraordinary enrichment of As in Douglas­ ftc), his fertile mind led to a range of rather exotic tests, such as the analysis of bee pollen and trout livers to assist in locating mineral-rich are:~s, and the use of dogs in the bush to sniff our sulphide-rich boulders. These studies have been the inspiration for others to continue to build on the foundation of observatiOTlS and information that he laid, using the fundamental advances in low cost multi-element an:~ lyrical technology that have emerged in recent years. His profound interest in the distribution of trace elements in ttll natural materia,ls was not directed purely at mineral exploration, but also at the rehHionship between trace element concentrations and health. He was a pioneer in environmental geochemistry and was a founding member of the. Society for Environmental Geology and Health. h'\ 1973 his efforts and achievements in chis area resulted in his installation as an honorary member of the Royal College of General Practitioners in the UK. ln his Later years he became increasingly interested in medicinal plants and their properties, focusing on plants used in native Indian remedies. Harry Warren WdS, indeed, a pioneer in environmental geochemistry, since a<; fa r back as 1954 he published the first of 37 papers on the relationship between geology and human hel!lth. In that same paper he promoted the idea of major surveys to examine relatioTlShips between trace element coment of soils and rocks and uptake by foodstuffs. Harry Warren received many honours throughout his life, including the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada. On january 20 of lhis year he was inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame. In 1997 I visited him in hospital 3t a time when it was a considerable effort for him to speak. His response to some new developments that I had recounted was ''never a dull moment". These were his last words to me, and they really epitomize the full and adventurous life of this remarkable man who, in addition to his great influence on the development of biogeochemistry, environmental geochemistry and geochemical explorntion in general, has made his permanent mark on history. Colin E. Dunn Emeritus Scientist, Geological Survey of Canada; Consultant Geochemist, Nepean, Ontario. Message from the President of The Association of Exploration Geochemists Chairman, AEG Members, and Distinguished Guests: It is an honor and a privilege to welcome you to this Symposium. The Association of Exploration Geochemists is proud to sponsor the 19th International Geochemical Exploration Symposium - "Exploration Geochemistry into the 21st Century". The first AEG sponsored IGES was actually the third IGES and held January 1972 in Toronto. There were approximately 700 delegates from 26 countries. The initial IGES was held April 1968 in Ottawa, organized by Robert Boyle and sponsored by the National Advisory Committee on Research in the Geological Sciences. The second IGES was held April 1969 in Golden Colorado. John Hansuld, Harold Bloom, and Frank Canney organized this IGES and it attracted 483 delegates from 16 countries. Since then an IGES has been held approximately every two years and is one of the major voices for the Association, the others being the Journal and the Newsletter. Two of these early organizers, Robert Boyle and John Hansuld, will be honored Thursday night with the Gold and Past President medals, respectively, of the Association. The purpose of the Association of Exploration Geochemists is: • to form a united and representative group of persons specializing in the field of exploration geochemistry; • to advance the science of geochemistry, especially as it relates to exploration and associated research; • to foster the common scientific interests of exploration geochemists; • to facilitate the acquisition of professional knowledge and information relevant to exploration geochemistry and to promote the interchange thereof among its members; • to encourage research and development of geochemical exploration methods; • to advance the status of the profession of exploration geochemistry; • and, to promote and maintain high standards of training and ethics among its members The International Geochemical Exploration Symposia have been of significant benefit to the Association in the achievement of these goals. This, the 19th IGES, should prove to be one of the year's more significant international geochemical gatherings. During the week we will honor three of our own: Harry Warren, Robert Boyle, and John Hansuld. With the broadening of exploration opportunities throughout the world, Association members, are providing the scientific and technical leadership and training to deal with today's challenges. Members not only provide expertise with respect to mineral discovery but also leadership in identifying, mitigating, and reducing the environmental impact of both old and new mining developments. Geochemists throughout the world must continue to play a role in the advancement of the Geosciences, increasing the public awareness as to the value of the Earth Sciences, and promoting of scientific awareness and education. Each of us is responsible to maintain high professional standards throughout our careers. I challenge each of you to continue in the fine tradition of the AEG and to advance the application of geochemistry and, in this process, help AEG provide a solid forum from which to exchange ideas and communicate advancements.