Following last summer's series of aerial magnetic surveys, Geoscience BC has released its results.
The survey was conducted as part of the Northern Vancouver Island Exploration Geoscience Project, funded by Geoscience BC and the Island Coastal Economic Trust, to provide an overview of mining potential on the North Island.
"Our goal is to increase mineral exploration and attract investment to northern Vancouver Island and I applaud Geoscience BC and the Island Coastal Economic Trust for producing data to show the North Island's economic potential," said Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour.
The project was developed to provide more data in an area described by Geoscience BC as having a strong history of mineral exploration and mining but which is today under-explored.
"The results released today are the product of an airborne magnetic survey, which was flown in August and September of 2012 by Geo Data Solutions GDS. Inc.," said 'Lyn Anglin, President and CEO of Geoscience BC. "This survey, which maps variations in the Earth's magnetic field strength, helps geologists interpret the geology and structure of an area, and target their exploration activities."
Port Hardy Bev Parnham described the results as "very promising" and explained that the next step involves taking core samples for geochemical analysis in order to provide a clearer picture of the region's mineral distribution.
"We're hoping that more geological work will come to the North Island," she said, adding that the potential to create new jobs and bring more people to the area was something she was excited about.
The geochemical analysis is currently being performed by Noble Exploration Services Ltd. and is nearing completion, with results expected to be announced in the near future.
"Porphyry copper and related deposit types of three distinct and separate ages containing copper, iron, molybdenum, gold, silver and/or rhenium have been identified on Northern Vancouver Island," said Jacques Houle, President of the Vancouver Island Exploration Group. "The Geoscience BC geochemical and geophysical data releases for Northern Vancouver Island will help generate future mineral discoveries in this under-explored but highly prospective area. "
For more information on the project visit Geoscience BC's website at www.geosciencebc.com.