Stream Geochemical Exploration for Pluton-Related Quartz-Vein Gold Deposits in Southern British Columbia

BCMEMPR Open File 2000-23

by R.E. Lett, W. Jackaman, and L. Englund

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Open File 2000-23 presents data from geochemical surveys carried out over two areas of southern British Columbia to compare the geochemical response of pluton-related quartz-vein gold mineralization in different reconnaissance scale stream sediment sample media. Moss sediments, stream sediments and water samples were collected at 40 sites in NTS 82M/4,5,6, three sites in 92P/8 and 26 sites in 82F/7. Bulk stream sediment samples for preparation of heavy mineral concentrations and rock samples for estimation of element background levels were also taken at selected sites. The results indicate that moss sediments and heavy mineral concentrates provide higher geochemical contrast and are a stronger indication of gold mineralization than routine regional survey scale stream sediments. The moss sediment and heavy mineral gold geochemistry has highlighted several drainage basins within the Baldy Batholith and Mount Skelley Pluton where the multi-element associations suggest new areas of pluton-related mineralization. However, there are may be other sources for typical pathfinder elements (e.g. Bi, Mo). The high variability of gold and bismuth in moss sediment suggests that these elements are present in relatively large mineral grains. Reconnaissance sampling for moss sediment or heavy minerals is recommended at a density of one sample per ten square kilometres. Follow-up basal till samples to trace the up-ice source of the stream anomaly should be collected at a density of one to two samples per square kilometre. 
 

Open File 2000-23 presents stream geochemical exploration for pluton-related quartz-vein gold deposits in Southern British Columbia.

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