Geoscience BC is pleased to announce the release of data from the Hyperspectral Demonstration project (Geoscience BC Report 2008-2). Cal Data Ltd. completed this project with a grant from Geoscience BC. The project objectives were to obtain and make available high spatial and spectral resolution imagery over varied mineral deposit types with typical BC ground conditions.
The new hyperspectral imagery is now available for free download and on-line analysis with the image analysis tools contained in the Exploration Assistant map through the Ministry of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resource's MapPlace (www.mapplace.ca). Ten images ranging in length from 4.2 to 18.7 kilometers were collected over six sites: Blackdome, Gibraltar, Mt. Polley, Prosperity, Limonite (MINFILE occurrence) and the Lang Lake area. Terra Remote Sensing Inc. collected the imagery on August 1, 2007 for SpecTIR LLC using the AISA DUAL sensors. The spatial resolution of the imagery is 1.5 meters. Spectral resolution ranges from 0.9 nm to 12.6 nm and covers the electromagnetic spectrum from 0.967 -- 2.45 micromeres, providing 178 bands of information. This collection provides about 20.5 million individual spectrum.
This new hyperspectral imagery is available in either radiance or reflectance values. SpecTIR performed the atmospheric correction utilizing in-house techniques based on the ATCOR4 program. An orthorectification solution is included with each download package.
On-line analysis is available with the Image Analysis Toolbox suite of programs included in the Exploration Assistant map on the MapPlace. The hyperspectral imagery has been added to the collection of Landsat and ASTER images available for analysis through this site. As part of the project two spectral libraries, the USGS Mineral Spectral Library and the John Hopkins University Mineral Spectral Library have been integrated into the site. Spectral Angle Mapper analysis utilizing library spectrum or image spectrum is now available for both ASTER and hyperspectral imagery. A spectrum plotting feature has been added to allow plotting of library or image spectrum for various wavelength ranges and sampled to match ASTER or hyperspectral band configurations.
Vancouver B.C. -- January 28, 2008 -- Mineral claim staking in central B.C.'s Mountain Pine Beetle Infestation Area has skyrocketed in anticipation of the release of initial results from the $5 million QUEST (Quesnellia Exploration Strategy) mineral exploration project -- the largest mineral exploration geoscience project of its kind in the province.
Since the QUEST project was announced last June, almost 1,760 mineral claims have been staked in the central B.C. geophysical survey area by 114 companies or individuals. These claims cover over 780,000 hectares of land. This brings the total mineral claims in the area to over 6,000 held by more than 300 companies or individuals, covering approximately 2 million hectares.
At the Mineral Exploration Roundup Conference, Geoscience BC released the initial results from the QUEST project making over 1.5 Gigabytes of information available to industry and the public. Data released included the airborne electromagnetic (EM) survey of central B.C. and geochemical results from a reanalysis of almost 5,000 archived stream and lake sediment samples collected in the region over 10 years ago. These projects represent over $1.5 Million of the $5 Million QUEST project. The EM data was collected by Geotech Ltd., from Aurora Ontario, with TRK Helicopters (BC) Ltd., based in Langley BC. The geochemical reanalysis program was undertaken by Noble Exploration Services Ltd., from Sooke, BC.
"This new information will encourage increased exploration throughout the central area of the province further fuelling an already surging mining sector while providing more jobs for areas impacted by mountain pine beetle," said Minister of State for Mining Kevin Krueger.
"The data sets released today are the first in a series that will help unlock central B.C.'s mineral potential," said Dr. Lyn Anglin, President and CEO of Geoscience BC. "The electromagnetic survey will help identify different rock types that may be associated with mineralization, and will aid in determining the thickness of glacial cover. The enormous wealth of new information made available today will help guide industry in targeting their mineral exploration programs."
The QUEST project was funded by Geoscience BC in partnership with the Northern Development Initiative Trust, and covers a 46,000 square kilometre area extending from Williams Lake to north west of Mackenzie. The communities of Mackenzie, Fort St. James, Prince George, Quesnel, Wells and Barkerville are within the project area.
Central B.C. has yielded some important copper and copper-gold deposits over the years resulting in mineral discoveries that led to the opening of the Mount Polley and Gibraltar mines in the southern portion of the target area and the ongoing exploration of the Mt. Milligan copper-gold deposit to the north. Large parts of this area still remain largely unexplored due to a cover of glacial material (sand and gravel) in the region. The QUEST project was designed to help "see through" this cover of glacial material to the prospective rocks below using leading-edge exploration technologies.
In addition to the airborne electromagnetic survey, the QUEST project involves an airborne gravity survey of the project area which is presently underway. Airborne gravity surveys measure the density of rocks and help identify different rock types and potential mineralization targets in the subsurface. Results from this survey are expected to be available this spring.
The QUEST project also includes the analysis of new geochemical samples collected from streams and lakes in the region to identify trace minerals. More than 2,000 new geochemical samples have been collected in the project area, which are currently being analyzed and documented.
Geoscience BC is pleased to announce the release of four new geology maps in the Whitesail Lake map area, British Columbia. These maps are final deliverables for the project "Distribution and Controls of Economic Mineralization along Intermontane/Coast Belt Boundary, Whitesail Lake map area, British Columbia", which was co-funded by Geoscience BC, the Geological Survey of Canada, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the University of British Columbia. The principle investigator on this project is Dr. J. Brian Mahoney, from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
The project focuses on detailed bedrock mapping and evaluation of economic mineralization potential in the southern and western Whitesail Lake map area.
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; J.B. Mahoney, J.W. Haggart, R.L. Hooper, L.D. Snyder, G.J. Woodsworth, 1 colour map, scale 1:50 000.
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; J.B. Mahoney, J.W. Haggart, R.L. Hooper, L.D. Snyder, G.J. Woodsworth, 1 colour map, scale 1:50 000.
Geoscience BC Map 2007-11-3/GSC Open File 5587
Geology, Tsaytis River (93 E/05), British Columbia; J.B. Mahoney, J.W. Haggart, R.L. Hooper, L.D. Snyder, G.J. Woodsworth, 1 colour map, scale 1:50 000.
Geoscience BC Map 2007-11-4/GSC Open File 5588
Geology, Kitlope Lake (east part) (93 E/04), British Columbia; J.B. Mahoney, J.W. Haggart, R.L. Hooper, L.S. Snyder, G.J. Woodsworth, 1 colour map, scale 1:50 000.
All maps are available from the GSC bookstore (625 Robson St., Vancouver, 604-666-3812). For more information on this Geoscience BC project, please go to www.geosciencebc.com/s/2005-032.asp.
Geoscience BC Report 2007-10 "Halogens in Surface Exploration Geochemistry: Evaluation and Development of Methods for Detecting Buried Mineral Deposits" NEW!
by Colin Dunn, Stephen Cook and Gwendy Hall; Released October 3, 2007
Much of the bedrock in central British Columbia has a cover of Quaternary deposits and/or volcanic rocks. Given the fact that the area is underlain by the generally 'fertile' Quesnellia Terrane, there is good reason to be optimistic that significant buried mineralization may be present. The challenge is, therefore, to develop a method for detecting mineralization hidden beneath this cover. Geoscience BC Report 2007-10 is aimed at enhancing the discovery of concealed mineral deposits using the halogen elements, focusing on soil and common vegetation from three target areas: Mount Polley (Imperial Metals Corp); QR (Cross Lake Minerals Ltd.); and 3Ts (Silver Quest Resources Ltd.).
The halogen elements (Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine, Iodine) are commonly associated with the emplacement of mineral deposits. They are contained within the structure of many minerals and in saline fluid inclusions that are typical of a wide range of mineral deposits. Their volatility renders them good candidates to examine as 'pathfinder elements' in surface geochemical media, where they may be captured on soil particles and taken up by vegetation. Other studies have demonstrated the exceptional migrational abilities of Iodine and Bromine in different geological settings, and found these elements to be highly effective in exploring for orebodies at depths of up to 1000 m.
Geoscience BC Report 2007-10 reports on the optimal procedures for determining halogen concentrations in soil and vegetation, and examines new halogen data from the Mount Polley, QR and 3Ts deposits.
This project complements the parallel Geoscience BC project "A Comparative Assessment of Soil Geochemical Methods for Detecting Buried Mineral Deposits: 3T's Epithermal Au-Ag Prospect, Central British Columbia, Canada" by Stephen Cook and Colin Dunn (Geoscience BC Project 2005-009), which was released in July as Geoscience BC Report 2007-7. Much of the new data in this report falls within Geoscience BC's QUEST Project area.
For more details on this project, please refer to project reports published in Geoscience BC Report 2006-1, or to the project page on Geoscience BC's website (Geoscience BC Project 2005-008).
Geoscience BC is pleased to announce the release of Geoscience BC Report 2007-9 "Geoscience BC Mountain Pine Beetle Data Repository Version 1.0" by Wayne Jackaman, which compiles publicly available multimedia regional geochemical information for the core of the Mountain Pine Beetle Infestation Area of British Columbia.
Public geoscience initiatives have produced a large collection of geochemical data in the Mountain Pine Beetle infested area. Geoscience BC Report 2007-9 consolidates this diverse data landscape into a functional data repository, which includes a digital database of this geochemical information and associated geospatial base maps, and can be easily accessed and incorporated into a wide range of exploration and research activities. The repository provides immediate benefits of data access, delivery and functionality, and will assist in planning detailed surveys and targeted studies, identifying gaps in geochemical data that can profiled for future attention, and providing long-term data management advantages.
The database contains over 30,000 samples, covering over 250,000 square kilometers in BC's interior, and includes the new South Nechako Basin & Cariboo Basin geochemical data released in Geoscience BC Report 2007-6. A preliminary version of the Mountain Pine Beetle Data Repository was released on CD at Roundup in January 2007.
Geoscience BC Report 2007-9 is the final report for GBC Project 2006-012.
Geoscience BC Report 2007-6 "Regional Drainage Sediment and Water Geochemical Data South Nechako Basin & Cariboo Basin, Central British Columbia (parts of NTS 92N, O, P, 93A & B) - NEW!
Geoscience BC is pleased to announce the release of Geoscience BC Report 2007-6 "Regional Drainage Sediment and Water Geochemical Data South Nechako Basin & Cariboo Basin, Central British Columbia (parts of NTS 92N, O, P, 93A & B)", by Wayne Jackaman, which contains new lake sediment and water data covering over 16,000 square kilometers of previously un-surveyed ground in central BC, and represents a significant addition to the provincial geochemical database.
Survey results include information on sample site locations, field observations and analytical data and maps for a total of 1451 sample points. Each sample has been determined for a range of base metals, precious metals and path-finder elements using advanced multi-element analytical techniques.
Drainage sediment and water geochemical data provides valuable information on the abundance of base and precious metals in the environment. Survey results can be used to locate sources of mineralization as well as assist in the identification of underlying bedrock geology. This type of information is used by the mining sector to focus exploration activities into areas that are considered to be prospective for new discoveries.
Used in combination with other mineral exploration tools, detailed investigations of this new geochemical information will help identify areas of mineral potential and provide a greater understanding of the complex geological conditions associated with the survey area.
Geoscience BC Report 2007-7 "A Comparative Assessment of Soil Geochemical Methods for Detecting Buried Mineral Deposits: 3T's Epithermal Au-Ag Prospect, Central British Columbia, Canada"
by Stephen Cook and Colin Dunn; Released July 19, 2007
Geoscience BC Report 2007-7 describes the methods and results of a multimedia geochemical orientation survey conducted during June and July 2005 over the 3Ts epithermal Au-Ag prospect in the Interior Plateau region. Effective mineral exploration in the Nechako Plateau and adjoining regions of central British Columbia has been hindered for many years by thick forest cover, an extensive blanket of till and other glacial deposits and, locally, widespread Tertiary basalt cover. This project, funded by Geoscience BC, investigates the surficial geochemical response in soils and Quaternary materials of epithermal Au-Ag mineralization at 3Ts. This region is highly prospective for the discovery of epithermal Au deposits, among other mineral deposit types, and the low-sulphidation 3Ts prospect is one of the more significant examples in central BC of this type.
The objective of this project was to determine and recommend the most effective field and laboratory geochemical methods for property-scale evaluation of buried mineral targets in drift-covered terrain, by 1) evaluating the most suitable soil media and horizons for field sampling, and 2) evaluating and comparing commercially available analytical methods. No similar publicly available comparative geochemical methodology studies have been conducted in the western Cordillera. This project complements the parallel Geoscience BC research project by Colin Dunn (Geoscience BC Project 2005-008; GBC Report 2007-10) on the effective use of halogen geochemistry of soils and vegetation for exploration.
by Don MacIntyre; Report Released June 6, 2007
Geoscience BC is pleased to announce to the release of the Skeena Arch Metallogenic Data and Map (NTS map sheets 093E, L, M; south half of 094D, east half of 103I and southeast corner of 103P).
Geoscience BC Report 2007-5/Geofile 2007-3 presents the geology and mineral deposits of the Skeena Arch area of west central British Columbia. This digital report is the primary vehicle for distributing map-based geoscience data for this project, and contains a link to the project's interactive map hosted on the Ministry of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources MapPlace website. This project was funded by Geoscience BC.
A key objective of the Skeena Arch project is to generate a series of GIS compatible data files that could be downloaded and incorporated into standard GIS software packages. The files are available as ESRI shape files as this format can be used in almost all commercially available GIS packages including ESRI's free Arc Explorer. Two projections are currently available -- UTM and Geographic. Also included for download is a Manifold GIS Map file that contains all of the layers used to build the Skeena Arch metallogenic map. Manifold also supports the creation of KLM files for use in viewers such as Google Earth. The following KML layers were generated for the project area: RGS, copper and molybdenum anomalies; MINFILE and Porphyry Cu-Mo and Mo occurrences; geology layers, including Babine, Bulkley and Nanika intrusive suites, faults and marker units; and logging roads.
Geoscience BC, in partnership with Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan) Targeted Geoscience Initiative 3, Candorado Operating Company Limited, Amarc Resources Limited and GWR Resources Limited, is pleased to announce the release of new airborne gamma-ray spectrometric and magnetic data in the Bonaparte Lake Area (parts of NTS 092P and 093A), spanning 8900 square kilometers from Kamloops, BC north to Lac La Hache. The data, presented at the Kamloops Exploration Group Conference, provides new insights into the geology and mineral potential in the region.
"The results of this survey will identify new potential targets for mineral exploration in the Bonaparte Lake area," states 'Lyn Anglin, President & CEO of Geoscience BC. "Without a doubt, the survey will stimulate new interest and investment in resource exploration in the region."
"These survey results provide new data and interpretations that will increase the potential for exploration and mining in B.C.," said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. "This survey is yet another great example of a partnership to produce public geoscience that benefits both the mining industry and area communities."
The Bonaparte Lake area has very good potential for a number of mineral deposit types, particularly copper and gold. However, exploration in the region has been limited by the extensive glacial material and young volcanic rocks which cover the rocks of potential economic interest.
The new magnetic survey information will improve the understanding of the rocks, especially where they are hidden by glacial cover, will help target areas for further exploration, and will aid in future bedrock and surficial mapping projects. The spectrometric data will provide key information to help guide exploration to new mineral targets. Industry partners have already used their data to focus their exploration and make new discoveries in the area.
The Bonaparte Lake airborne survey expands upon a 2005 proposal, originally made to Geoscience BC by the Whispering Pines-Clinton Indian Band, and covers part of their traditional territory. Project management was undertaken by NRCan. The surveys were conducted by Fugro Airborne Surveys of Toronto and Sander Geophysics Limited of Ottawa, under contract to the Geological Survey of Canada.
Complete results from the survey are available through Geoscience BC, and online from NRCan. Digital images and grids of the data are also available from the Ministry of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources' MapPlace website .
Geoscience BC Maps 2007-1-1 to 16 and 2007-2-1 to 16 Regional High-Resolution Geophysical Magnetic Data of the Jennings River Area, Northern, British Columbia (NTS 104-O/1 to 104-O/16 32 colour maps, scale 1:50 000 (32 open files, 1 sheet each).
A high-resolution aeromagnetic survey was flown over northern British Columbia in the Jennings River area. This survey, consisting of 33,750 line-kilometres of traverse and control lines, was monitored by the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) and carried out by Goldak Airborne Surveys, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Nominal line spacing was 500 m for the traverses and 2000 m for the control lines, all flown according to a nominal terrain clearance of 150 m. Traverse lines were oriented at N045° with orthogonal control lines.
This survey and the production of these maps were funded by Geoscience BC (Contribution Number GBC018). These maps were produced as part of the Cordillera Energy and Minerals Project and are a contribution to the Northern Resources Development Program of the Earth Sciences Sector, Natural Resources Canada. Also released as Geoscience BC maps 2007-1-01 to 2007-1-16 and 2007-2-01 to 2007-2-16.
Residual total magnetic field
First vertical derivative of the magnetic field
NTS sheet
Name
GSC Open
Geoscience BC map
GSC Open File
Geoscience BC map
104-O/1
Ed Asp Lake
5351
2007-1-01
5367
2007-2-01
104-O/2
Tuya Lake
5352
2007-1-02
5368
2007-2-02
104-O/3
Nazcha Creek
5353
2007-1-03
5369
2007-2-03
104-O/4
Chismaina Lake
5354
2007-1-04
5370
2007-2-04
104-O/5
Hyland Lake
5355
2007-1-05
5371
2007-2-05
104-O/6
Tahoots Creek
5356
2007-1-06
5372
2007-2-06
104-O/7
Ash Creek
5357
2007-1-07
5373
2007-2-07
104-O/8
Maria Lake
5358
2007-1-08
5374
2007-2-08
104-O/9
Chromite Mountain
5359
2007-1-09
5375
2007-2-09
104-O/10
Jennings Lakes
5360
2007-1-10
5376
2007-2-10
104-O/11
Klinkit Lake
5361
2007-1-11
5377
2007-2-11
104-O/12
104-O/12
5362
2007-1-12
5378
2007-2-12
104-O/13
Smart River
5363
2007-1-13
5379
2007-2-13
104-O/14
Swan Lake
5364
2007-1-14
5380
2007-2-14
104-O/15
Plate Lake
5365
2007-1-15
5381
2007-2-15
104-O/16
104-O/16
5366
2007-1-16
5382
2007-2-16
Price: $15.00 (Canada), $19.50 (outside Canada)
Digital versions of these maps, corresponding digital profile and gridded data, and similar data for adjacent aeromagnetic surveys can be downloaded, at no charge, from Natural Resources Canada's Geoscience Data Repository or from http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/mining/Geolsurv/MapPlace. The same products are also available, for a fee, from the Geophysical Data Centre in Ottawa.
Remote sensing images have been continually added to the MapPlace since 2003. The Image Analysis Toolbox (IAT) was created to utilize this data. Making use of such image data is new for many clients of the website. This manual is provided as an introduction to ASTER imagery and to assist users in navigating the toolbox. Portions of this manual are derived from three B.C. Geological Survey papers in Fieldwork: Kilby et al. (2004), Kilby (2005) and Kilby and Kilby (2006), and many other sources noted in the text or under References at the end of the manual.
Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) is an imaging instrument flying on the Terra satellite, launched in late 1999. The instrument has 3 subsystems that capture readings from different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum at different resolutions. The three subsystems are referred to as VNIR (Visible and Near Infrared), SWIR (Shortwave Infrared) and TIR (Thermal Infrared). Reflectance values in the SWIR range are particularly useful in differentiating rock and soil mineralogy related to alteration zones.
An ASTER image contains 14 bands of information, 4 bands in the VNIR with 15 metre resolution, 6 bands in the SWIR with 30 metre resolution and 5 bands in the TIR with 90 metre resolution. Two of the VNIR bands sample the same wavelength range but one is back-looking providing the ability to generate a stereo view of the scene. A single ASTER scene covers an area of about 60 by 60 kilometres. The ASTER web site http://asterweb.jpl.nasa.gov is an excellent source of information on the instrument, its mission, available imagery, usage examples and analysis tools.
The "Image Analysis Toolbox" project developed and implemented an image analysis capability for the MapPlace and was delivered by Cal Data Ltd. The Toolbox is a framework in which a variety of multi and hyperspectral imagery can be added and processed online by end users. The results of the analysis are georeferenced and can be completely integrated with the information already contained in the MapPlace. The suite of analysis tools in the IAT was added to the Exploration Assistant page of the MapPlace. The appearance and operation of the IAT was designed to maintain the general look and feel of the Exploration Assistant. The purpose of the Toolbox is to provide the ability for MapPlace users to experiment with a variety of imagery and analysis procedures in their search for exploration targets
Geoscience BC Report 2006-5/ MEMPR Geofile 2006-12 reports results of regional geochemical drainage sediment - water surveys in the Golden (NTS 82N), Brazeau River (83C), Canoe River (83D) and Mount Robson (83E) map sheets. This digital release consists of reports in PDF format, and appendices in a ZIP format file.
Most of the known base and precious metal occurrences are in the Golden map sheet although much of the remaining survey area has a higher potential for metallic and industrial mineral deposits. During 2005 stream sediment and water samples were collected from 1409 sites covering 21 560 square kilometres in southeastern BC. The samples were analysed for trace and minor elements by instrumental neutron activation and by aqua regia digestion - inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS), for loss on ignition (LOI) and for fluorine. Water samples were analysed for pH, conductivity and fluoride. Gold values up to 357 ppb and silver up to 1747 ppb were detected in sediment samples from the surveys.
Geoscience BC Report 2006-4 / MEMPR Geofile 2006-11 reports new regional geochemical drainage sediment - water survey data from the Anahim Lake (NTS 93C) and Nechako River (93F) map sheets. This digital release consists of a survey summary, data listings, statistics and maps in PDF format, plus appendices containing raw data and GIS importable shape files.
There are over 60 base and precious metal occurrences in the Anahim Lake - Nechako River map sheets including several such as the 3T's and Clisbako, which have extensive exploration history. However, exploration for new deposits has been hampered by widespread glacial sediment and Miocene lava cover. During 2005 a total of 2070 drainage sediment and water samples were collected from 1957 sites covering 19 500 square kilometres. Most of the samples were taken from lakes and analysed for trace and minor elements by instrumental neutron activation and by aqua regia digestion - inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS), for loss on ignition (LOI) and for fluorine. Water samples were analysed for pH, conductivity and fluoride. Survey data has been combined with the results of two previous lake sediment and water geochemical surveys completed near the Fawnie Range and around Ootsa Lake. Gold values up to 694 ppb and copper up to 1536 ppm have been detected in sediment samples.
