The primary objective of this project is detailed geologic mapping (1:50,000) and economic mineral assessment of the eastern Coast Plutonic Complex and western Stikinia in the southwestern and western Whitesail Lake map-area (including parts of 93E04, 05, 06, 12). The map-area straddles the transition between the Coast and Intermontane morphogeologic belts, and contains significant exposures of Mesozoic arc assemblages, including the Jurassic (Hazelton) and Cretaceous (Monarch, Kasalka) volcanic arc successions. These units are known hosts of vein, porphyry, and volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) mineralization (e.g., the Nifty occurrence in Bella Coola map-area), and are known metal producers in other parts of the Cordillera. Stream sediment geochemistry, MINFILE data and detailed geologic mapping farther north in Whitesail Lake map-area, and to the south (eastern Bella Coola map-area), indicate potential for volcanogenic massive sulphide, Cu±Mo±Au porphyry, and Ni-Cu-Cr-PGE mineralization. Detailed geologic mapping, systematic geochemistry, geochronology, petrology and economic mineral evaluation will constrain the distribution of and controls on potential economic mineralization in the region.

Posters and Presentations

2007 : New geological mapping and implications for mineralization potential in southern and western Whitesail Lake map area (NTS 93E)
- Mineral Exploration Roundup Poster (pdf, 10MB)

2006 : Geologic setting and mineralization potential of the southwestern Whitesail Lake map-area (93E) - a preliminary assessment
- Mineral Exploration Roundup Poster (pdf, 14.3MB)

Technical Articles

2006 : "New Geological Mapping and Implications for Mineralization Potential in the Southern and Western Whitesail Lake Map Area (NTS 093E), Southwestern British Columbia"
- Geological Fieldwork 2006, Paper 2007-1 p.341-354 (pdf, 2.78MB)

2005 : "Geological Setting and Mineralization Potential of the Southwestern Whitesail Lake Map Area (NTS 093E), Southwestern British Columbia: Preliminary Assessment"
- Geological Fieldwork 2005, Paper 2006-1 p.313-322 (pdf, 4.70MB)

Final Deliverables

Geoscience BC Maps 2007-11-1 to 4: "New Geology Maps in Whitesail Lake Map Area, British Columbia"

The following maps are now available from the Geological Survey of Canada:

Geoscience BC Map 2007-11-1 / GSC Open File 5585
Geology, Tahtsa Peak (93 E/12), British Columbia
1 colour map, scale 1:50 000.
- J.B. Mahoney, J.W. Haggart, R.L. Hooper, L.D. Snyder, G.J. Woodsworth

Geoscience BC Map 2007-11-2 / GSC Open File 5586
Geology, parts of Chikamin Mountain and Troitsa Lake (93 E/06 and 11), British Columbia
1 colour map, scale 1:50 000.
- J.B. Mahoney, J.W. Haggart, R.L. Hooper, L.D. Snyder, G.J. Woodsworth

Geoscience BC Map 2007-11-3 / GSC Open File 5587
Geology, Tsaytis River (93 E/05), British Columbia
1 colour map, scale 1:50 000.
- J.B. Mahoney, J.W. Haggart, R.L. Hooper, L.D. Snyder, G.J. Woodsworth

Geoscience BC Map 2007-11-4 / GSC Open File 5588
Geology, Kitlope Lake (east part) (93 E/04), British Columbia
1 colour map, scale 1:50 000.
- J.B. Mahoney, J.W. Haggart, R.L. Hooper, L.S. Snyder, G.J. Woodsworth

All maps are available from the GSC bookstore (625 Robson St., Vancouver, 604-666-3812).