Hydrogeochemistry is widely used in exploration for geothermal resources. While the authors report that some studies have shown the method can identify commodity and pathfinder element patterns related to outcropping and unexposed mineralized rock, the technique has not been widely used in mineral exploration.  Geoscience BC Report 2015-17 describes a “proof of concept” study carried […]

The bedrock geology of the Geoscience BC’s QUEST project area, especially in the Prince George area, remains poorly defined despite the wealth of publicly available regional geophysical and geochemical data. This new structural interpretation aims to improve previous geological maps for the area by pairing field observations with new and systematic multi-dataset ‘stacking’ methodology for […]

This project examines the chemical and textural characteristics of apatite and titanite minerals in rocks that host porphyry copper deposits, to identify features that are common to rocks formed under ‘copper-friendly’ conditions. British Columbia is Canada’s largest copper producer and currently exports about one million tonnes of copper concentrate each year from seven mines. Finding […]

Geothermal exploration has occurred in British Columbia for a number of years. Currently however, no electricity is produced in British Columbia from geothermal sources. To better understand the economic viability of geothermal energy in British Columbia, Geoscience BC and partner BC Hydro retained Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. (KWL) in January 2015, who with its […]

Natural gas exploration and development in northeast B.C. require large volumes of water. This water is needed to access the natural gas locked within tight shale rock reservoirs during a process called hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” This process releases the gas and/or oil by creating spaces in the otherwise tight reservoir that allow the gas […]

This project explores and explains the origin of the rich gold deposits in the eastern Cordillera of British Columbia, including the Cariboo gold district near the historic mining town of Barkerville, as well as the Cassiar and Sheep Creek gold districts.

This multi-year project, involving numerous researchers and graduate students, advanced methods to locate, measure and map gas and liquid hydrocarbons in unconventional reservoirs in northeastern BC.