DIGITAL GEOLOGICAL COMPILATION OF THE PURCELL ANTICLINORIUM (SULLIVAN MINE AREA), SOUTHEASTERN BRITISH COLUMBIA: A TGI-3 PROJECT

This poster highlights results of a digital geological compilation of the Purcell Anticlinorium in southeastern British Columbia. A total of twelve 1:50,000 scale map sheets are being compiled in 82F eastern half and 82G western quarter to be released as GSC Open Files starting in early 2009. The compiled area includes over 15 km of middle to upper Proterozoic intra-continental rift and post-rift stratigraphy, hosting the world class Sullivan Pb-Zn-Ag deposit. The western portion includes a significant increase in structural complexity and metamorphic grade transitioning into the Kootenay Arc.

The project is part of the Geological Survey of Canada's TGI-3 Program, an initiative to stimulate exploration activities in Canadian mining communities. Mineral property geology is also integrated where appropriate. A key goal of this project is to incorporate Teck Cominco Ltd's legacy mapping data (1:50,000 and 1:20,000 scale) after decades of SEDEX exploration in the Purcell Supergroup. The maps synthesize published and unpublished data, and include mineral occurrences, alteration types (tourmaline, albite), fragmental units, and basin-scale, time-stratigraphic markers composed of uniquely laminated carbonaceous siltite. They also accurately delineate the middle Proterozoic, syn-rift “Moyie” sill complex, emplaced into the Aldridge Formation at about 1468 Ma.

The output from this project will be 12 new and seamless digital geology compilation maps and poster presentations at mineral exploration events. Ultimately, these new maps will provide the surface geometrical constraints for 3D models of selected areas that will assist mineral exploration in the Purcell Anticlinorium for syn- and post-rift SEDEX, iron-oxide gold copper and intrusion-related gold deposits. In addition, the new digital geological base maps are being synthesized with re-processed geophysical data by Mike Thomas (GSC, Ottawa; aeromagnetic and gravity data), and Fred Cook (University of Calgary; seismic data).