The basement of Quesnellia in southern British Columbia consists of several diverse lithotectonic assemblages, including the Harper Ranch Group, Apex Mountain complex, and Knob Hill complex, as well as the Anarchist, Kobau, Attwood and Chapperon assemblages. Scarce fossil ages and rare U-Pb zircon ages from some of these assemblages range from Devonian to Permian. However, there are major lithological differences between the various assemblages. The Harper Ranch group is considered to be of calc-alkaline arc affinity, whereas the Knob Hill and Apex Mountain complexes are more oceanic (ophiolitic) in character. The paleotectonic affinity of the other assemblages is largely unknown at this point.

This project is a regional study of the Paleozoic basement components of southern Quesnellia, utilizing U-Pb dating of volcanic units and detrital zircons, together with micropaleontology (radiolarian and conodonts) and lithogeochemical analysis of volcanic rocks. Results of the study will provide a much-improved understanding of the age, nature and paleotectonic setting of the various basement components, and the possible relationships between them. This information can help identify possible previously unrecognized exploration targets within southern Quesnellia. The proponents will also carry out a regional Pb isotopic study of Mesozoic intrusive rocks and a wide range of mineral occurrences in the region to evaluate genetic linkages between epigenetic mineralization and the various intrusive suites and also to identify possible Paleozoic mineralization in the area that is unrelated to Mesozoic intrusions.

Posters and Presentations

2011: Geological Investigations of the Basement of Quesnellia in Southern British Columbia: Progress Report
- Mineral Exploration Roundup Conference 2011 Poster (pdf, 3.9 MB)

Technical Articles

2011: "Geological investigations of the basement of the Quesnel terrane in southern British Columbia: progress report"
- Summary of Activities 2010, Report 2011-1 p. 133-142 (pdf, 3.7 MB)