New TREK dataset uncovers rock structures and mineral potential in central BC
-New data will be presented at joint Geoscience BC and MDRU workshop on October 17th
Vancouver, BC - October 11, 2017 Geoscience BC-supported researchers have 'stitched' together gravity maps to deliver the latest geological and geophysical information to decision-makers involved with resource development in Central British Columbia, identifying buried structures that may be host to undiscovered mineral deposits.
As part of the ongoing Targeting Resources for Exploration and Knowledge (TREK) project, the team compiled a series of gravity maps to identify faults and fractures in the rocks below the surface in a prospective 2,300 km2 area south of Vanderhoof. Gravity maps outline rock density differences which can be used to infer geology.
"The Central Interior Plateau is covered by a thick blanket of lava flows and glacial deposits," said Geoscience BC Vice President of Minerals and Mining Bruce Madu, "There could be mineral deposits located underneath, and these new interpretations will help pinpoint exactly where to start looking."
The new TREK Project Area Gravity Compilation, Enhancement Filtering & Structure Detection dataset will help identify hidden mineral deposits in an area where several rich gold, silver, and copper deposits have already been discovered, including New Gold's Blackwater deposit.
A team of researchers from geophysical consulting company, Fathom Geophysics, and the Mineral Deposit Research Unit (MDRU) at The University of British Columbia merged five separate gravity surveys into one grid, to produce a high-quality package of new data layers, freely available to explorers and land managers working in the area.
"Mapping of structures, like faults and fractures, is crucial for locating new mineral deposits," said Amanda Buckingham, Fathom Geophysics, "However, mapping these structures can be very subjective and inconsistent, depending on the expertise, concentration, and enthusiasm of the interpreter."
By applying a proprietary filtering process developed by Fathom Geophysics to detect structures, the team generated a series of 43 new data layers more reliable and objective that those generated by individual people.
Workshop
Geoscience BC and MDRU are hosting a technical workshop in less than a week on October 17th at UBC's Robson Square to present these new gravity maps, in addition to other detailed results for the four-year TREK project and sector highlights. The day-long TREKing through BC's central interior: Technical workshop highlighting Geoscience BC's series of Targeting Resources for Exploration and Knowledge (TREK) projects will bring together experts active in the TREK region for the first time, and include technical presentations, an Indigenous perspective, conversation, and posters. The workshop also be available online. To register click here
Accessing Information
Final reports are now available on the Geoscience BC website www.geosciencebc.com, which includes the free Earth Science Viewer web mapping application.
TREK Project Area Gravity Compilation, Enhancement Filtering & Structure Detection
View TREK project page View TREK Project in Earth Science Viewer
About Geoscience BC
Geoscience BC is an independent, non-profit organization that generates earth science information in collaboration with First Nations, local communities, governments, academia and the resource sector. Our independent earth science enables informed resource management decisions. Geoscience BC gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
For additional information, please contact:
Richard Truman
Geoscience BC
604-662-4147
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Vancouver, BC - October 11, 2017 Geoscience BC-supported researchers have 'stitched' together gravity maps to deliver the latest geological and geophysical information to decision-makers involved with resource development in Central British Columbia, identifying buried structures that may be host to undiscovered mineral deposits.
As part of the ongoing Targeting Resources for Exploration and Knowledge (TREK) project, the team compiled a series of gravity maps to identify faults and fractures in the rocks below the surface in a prospective 2,300 km2 area south of Vanderhoof. Gravity maps outline rock density differences which can be used to infer geology.
"The Central Interior Plateau is covered by a thick blanket of lava flows and glacial deposits," said Geoscience BC Vice President of Minerals and Mining Bruce Madu, "There could be mineral deposits located underneath, and these new interpretations will help pinpoint exactly where to start looking."
The new TREK Project Area Gravity Compilation, Enhancement Filtering & Structure Detection dataset will help identify hidden mineral deposits in an area where several rich gold, silver, and copper deposits have already been discovered, including New Gold's Blackwater deposit.
A team of researchers from geophysical consulting company, Fathom Geophysics, and the Mineral Deposit Research Unit (MDRU) at The University of British Columbia merged five separate gravity surveys into one grid, to produce a high-quality package of new data layers, freely available to explorers and land managers working in the area.
"Mapping of structures, like faults and fractures, is crucial for locating new mineral deposits," said Amanda Buckingham, Fathom Geophysics, "However, mapping these structures can be very subjective and inconsistent, depending on the expertise, concentration, and enthusiasm of the interpreter."
By applying a proprietary filtering process developed by Fathom Geophysics to detect structures, the team generated a series of 43 new data layers more reliable and objective that those generated by individual people.
Workshop
Geoscience BC and MDRU are hosting a technical workshop in less than a week on October 17th at UBC's Robson Square to present these new gravity maps, in addition to other detailed results for the four-year TREK project and sector highlights. The day-long TREKing through BC's central interior: Technical workshop highlighting Geoscience BC's series of Targeting Resources for Exploration and Knowledge (TREK) projects will bring together experts active in the TREK region for the first time, and include technical presentations, an Indigenous perspective, conversation, and posters. The workshop also be available online. To register click here
Accessing Information
Final reports are now available on the Geoscience BC website www.geosciencebc.com, which includes the free Earth Science Viewer web mapping application.
TREK Project Area Gravity Compilation, Enhancement Filtering & Structure Detection
View TREK project page View TREK Project in Earth Science Viewer
About Geoscience BC
Geoscience BC is an independent, non-profit organization that generates earth science information in collaboration with First Nations, local communities, governments, academia and the resource sector. Our independent earth science enables informed resource management decisions. Geoscience BC gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
For additional information, please contact:
Richard Truman
Geoscience BC
604-662-4147
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