Completed Minerals Projects Provide New Mapping for South Central BC; Make Samples Available in Digital Museum

Vancouver, BC – June 11, 2020 – Two newly completed Geoscience BC projects are bringing new digital mineral geoscience knowledge to British Columbia. The first project has used machine learning and multivariate statistical methods to produce a series of new mineral deposit probability maps, and the second has created a ‘virtual museum’ of rock, mineral and fossil samples across BC.

Advanced Analysis of the QUEST-South Stream Sediment Geochemical Data, British Columbia
This research project, managed by Telemark Geosciences, has generated a series of predictive maps based on probability estimates for various mineral deposit types in BC’s South Central Region. The research is based on combining existing stream sediment geochemical analyses and various classes of mineral deposit types from the BC MINFILE database.

The regional stream sediment geochemistry dataset was previously compiled for the QUEST-South Catchment Basin Analysis and Stream Sediment Exploration project, which was completed in 2011. The multi-element geochemistry was integrated with MINFILE deposits, prospects, occurrences and anomalies. The application of advanced multivariate statistics and machine learning methods resulted in maps where increased mineral resource potential was identified with measures of likelihood (probability).

Project lead Eric Grunsky said: “The methodology described in the report and the resulting predictive maps demonstrate that the application of modern statistical methods combined with machine learning can predict various types of mineral resources based on regional geochemical survey data.”

View Project Page, Report and Maps

Access to the Mining Heritage of British Columbia: Bringing Geological Collections to the Masses
This project by Below BC has created a virtual museum of rock, mineral and fossil samples from sites and collections across BC from two data collection trips. The first trip travelled from Vancouver through southern BC visiting Kamloops, Galena Bay, Yoho National Park, Invermere, Kimberly, Sparwood, Kootenay Bay, and New Denver.  The second trip toured northern BC, including stops near Barkerville, Smithers, and Stewart.

Below BC’s Andy Randell said: “This project makes some amazing collections accessible to everyone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re especially proud that people can see these collections online, whether it’s for education, research or general interest.“

The online resource includes virtual 360-degree field trips at key locations across BC. Follow @Geoscience BC on social media to join a virtual road trip of the project!

View Below BC Interactive Geology Map View Project Page and Report

About Geoscience BC
Geoscience BC generates independent, public geoscience research and data about British Columbia’s minerals, energy and water resources. This advances knowledge, informs responsible development, encourages investment and stimulates innovation.

Our collaboration with the resource sectors, academia, communities, Indigenous groups and government develops and shares unbiased and credible earth science research and data.

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For more information, please contact:

Richard Truman
Geoscience BC
604-662-4147/778-929-1662
truman@geosciencebc.com