Geoscience BC Releases New Results from $5 Million QUEST-West Project

Vancouver B.C. - January 26, 2009 - Geoscience BC is pleased to announce the release of new QUEST-West results at the Mineral Exploration Roundup conference. Data released includes the QUEST-West airborne time domain electromagnetic (TEM) survey, and geochemical results from the reanalysis of almost 3500 archived stream sediment samples collected in the region between 1983 and 1996.

The QUEST-West Project area has excellent potential for molybdenum, copper, gold and silver mineralization. Operating mines in the region include Endako (molybdenum) and Huckleberry (copper-molybdenum). The region is also in the heart of the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation, and communities are looking for new opportunities to diversify their economies.

"I am very pleased to see Geoscience BC investing in geoscience in Mountain Pine Beetle affected regions," said Gordon Hogg, Minister of State for Mining. "New data sets like these will help unlock B.C.'s full mineral potential, creating jobs, new opportunities and greater economic diversification for communities affected by the pine beetle infestation."

The QUEST-West Project was funded by Geoscience BC in partnership with the Northern Development Initiative Trust, BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako and the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine. The project covers over 40,000 square kilometres from Vanderhoof to Terrace, and includes the communities of Fraser Lake, Burns Lake, Houston, Smithers and Kitimat.

"Northern Development is pleased to be a part of both Geoscience BC's QUEST and QUEST-West Projects," said Janine North, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Initiative Trust. "We're excited by all the new geoscience information that is being made publicly available, as it will focus the exploration industry's attention on the potential of Northern BC, and provide new economic opportunities for communities in central and northern BC."

In addition to the airborne TEM survey, the QUEST-West Project included an airborne gravity survey, which was released in November at the Minerals South Conference in Nelson. Airborne gravity surveys measure the density of rocks and help identify different rock types and potential mineralization targets in the subsurface. The TEM and gravity surveys were conducted by Aeroquest Ltd. and Sander Geophysics Ltd., respectively.

"Geoscience BC is proud to be supporting the mineral sector in BC through the delivery of world class technical information and knowledge," remarked 'Lyn Anglin, President and CEO of Geoscience BC. "The industry has told us that these types of regional surveys will be of lasting benefit to the exploration community for years to come."

The QUEST-West Project also includes the analysis of new geochemical samples collected from lakes and streams in the region. These samples are currently being analyzed, and are expected to be released this spring. The QUEST-West geochemical programs were managed by Noble Exploration Services Ltd.

For more details on the QUEST-West Project, please see our website at www.geosciencebc.com.

About Geoscience BC 

Geoscience BC is an industry-led, industry-focused, non-profit organization. Its mandate includes the collection, interpretation and delivery of geoscience data and expertise to promote investment in resource exploration and development in British Columbia. Geoscience BC works in partnership with industry, academia, government, First Nations and communities to attract mineral and oil & gas investment to BC.

For more information, please contact:

C.D. ('Lyn) Anglin, PhD
President and CEO, Geoscience BC
(604) 290-1194