New High-Resolution Data Guides Search for Mineral Deposits on Northern Vancouver Island
New data published 9:00 am; ‘Additions to the Geoscience Toolbox’ talk at AME Roundup conference today (1:15 pm. Innovation Stage) will describe project results
Vancouver, BC – January 21, 2020 – Renewed mineral exploration interest and investment are expected on northern Vancouver Island thanks to new high-resolution data from a recent Geoscience BC geophysical survey of the area.
Data and maps from the Vancouver Island North Regional Project were published at the AME Roundup 2020 conference in Vancouver this morning. The project’s geophysical survey was carried out by Precision GeoSurveys. It collected information about the magnetic properties of the rocks below the ground and the radiometric properties of rocks and soils near the surface, and covers approximately 20 per cent of Vancouver Island (6,127 square kilometres) stretching from Port McNeill in the north to Tahsis in the southwest.
Geoscience BC Vice President, Minerals, Christa Pellett said: “The new geophysical data from the Vancouver Island North Regional Project is the highest resolution regional data available for the area. It will focus the search for mineral deposits, and we are already hearing of new interest in mineral claims staking and investment in the area.
“The data is public, and experience from previous Geoscience BC minerals projects shows that it will also prove useful to government, communities and Indigenous groups to focus economic development and land use planning.”
Accessing Data
Information about the Vancouver Island North Regional Project geophysical survey is available from the Geoscience BC Booth at the AME Roundup 2020 conference (booth #217) and from the Geoscience BC website, which includes the Earth Science Viewer mapping application.
View project page View project outline in Earth Science Viewer
Geoscience BC’s consultant geophysicist Todd Ballantyne will be describing the survey results at the Geoscience BC Adds to the Toolbox: New Geophysics for Northern Vancouver Island talk as part of the 2020 AME Roundup conference technical session Additions to the Geoscience Toolbox. The talk is on the Innovation Stage at 1:15 pm on January 21, 2020.
In addition, Geoscience BC is hosting two open houses in February:
- Port McNeill: 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, Tuesday February 18th, Black Bear Resort.
- Campbell River: 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, Wednesday February 26th, Campbell River Community Centre (Preschool Room – Room 5).
Support for the Vancouver Island North Regional Project
Kendra Johnston, President & CEO, AME: “There is renewed excitement about mineral exploration in British Columbia, and Geoscience BC research projects like the Vancouver Island North regional geophysical survey are an important part of it. The publicly available data from this project is used and valued by all types of AME members, from grassroots prospectors to multinational mining corporations – as well as by the communities and Indigenous groups in the research area.”
Greg Neeld, President & CEO, Hawkeye Gold and Diamond Inc. (TSX.V: HAWK): “Geoscience BC’s Vancouver Island North Regional Project provides new mineral resource data over a large-scale contiguous block on northern Vancouver Island. This high-resolution airborne geophysical data benefit companies like Hawkeye and our Vancouver Island Bonanza claims, and all parts of the mining development cycle including prospecting, early stage exploration, service providers, geologists, private and public exploration companies and major mining corporations.
“This vital information will be key to new mineral exploration and potential discovery creating economic benefits to communities, businesses and First Nations within the project area and across Vancouver Island.”
Dallas Smith, President, Nanwakolas Council Board of Directors: "I am confident that Geoscience BC’s Vancouver Island North Regional Project’s high-resolution, public geoscience data will bring new mineral exploration interest and investment to the Island. Geoscience BC’s work helps to inform decisions and catalyze economic opportunities that can benefit communities.”
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.
Geoscience BC is a not for profit society incorporated under the BC Societies Act.
Visit www.geosciencebc.com or follow us @GeoscienceBC to find out more.
More information
Images to accompany this story are available for download here. Please credit Geoscience BC or photographers indicated in file names.
For interviews with Geoscience BC or supporting partners or for more information, please contact:
Richard Truman
Geoscience BC
604-662-4147 / 778-929-1662
truman@geosciencebc.com