| Publication Summary
|
| Issue ID: | OF2004-13 |
| Title: | Geology of the Bella Coola Area, (Parts of NTS 93D) |
| Author(s): | Diakow, L.J., Mahoney, J.B., Gordee, S.M., Struik, L.C., Haggart, J.W., Woodsworth, G.J., Hrudey, M.G. |
| Purpose: | To update geology and to provide a regional assessment of mineral potential in Mesozoic magmatic arc assemblages underlying the eastern half of the Bella Coola map area (NTS 093D). |
| Series Name: | Open File |
| Publication Year: | 2004 |
| Other Citation Details: | GSC Open File 4639 |
| Scale: | 1:50000 |
| NTS Map Sheet(s): | 093D |
| Place Keyword(s): | British Columbia, Bella Coola |
| Lat/Long (NSWE): | 53, 52, -127.25, -126 |
| Theme Keyword(s): | Bedrock Geology, Mesozoic Hazelton Group, Coast Complex plutonic, volcanogenic massive sulphide, Nifty |
| Download(s): | |
Abstract:  | This 1:50 000-scale geological map of the Bella Coola area is a preliminary product from the Bella Coola Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI), which is a regional mapping program directed jointly by Geological Survey of Canada and the British Columbia Geological Survey in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin and the University of British Columbia. The principal objective is to update geology and to provide a regional assessment of mineral potential in Mesozoic magmatic arc assemblages underlying the eastern half to the Bella Coola map area (NTS93D). The Bella Coola area is relatively under explored and has potential for volcanogenic massive sulphide mineralization, gold-silver veins, and Cu-Mo porphyry deposits. Results of mapping suggest that volcanogenic massive sulphide potential exists within two stratigraphic successions. An older Middle Jurassic succession composed of submarine bimodal volcaniclastic rocks hosts the principal known stratabound Zn-Pb-Ag-Ba exhalite prospect at the Nifty-MINFILE 093D 006 property. A younger volcano-sedimentary succession of Early Cretaceous ago has favourable geology for volcanogenic massive sulphides; however no economic mineralization has been identified to date with this rock package. The Bella Coola area is relatively underexplored and has potential for volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mineralization (e.g. Nifty - MINFILE 093D 006), gold-silver veins, and Cu-Mo porphyry deposits. The area is underlain by the Mesozoic Hazelton Group, Coast Complex plutonic rocks and Cretaceous-Tertiary intrusive rocks. BC Geological Survey and Geological Survey of Canada geologists mapped parts of the Bella Coola area during 2002 and 2003. Results of mapping suggest that volcanogenic massive sulphide potential exists within two stratigraphic successions. An older Middle Jurassic succession composed of submarine bimodal volcaniclastic rocks hosts the principal known stratabound Zn-Pb-Ag-Ba exhalite prospect at the Nifty property. A younger volcano-sedimentary succession of Early Cretaceous age has favourable geology for volcanogenic massive sulphides; however, no economic mineralization has been identified to date within this rock package. To the west of the project area, results of the Bella Coola Regional Geochemical Survey (RGS) identify multi-element anomalies indicative of base metal sulphides which coincide with a northwest-trending tract of Paleozoic metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks that are believed to represent a southwestward extension of the Ecstall Belt containing numerous volcanogenic massive sulphide occurrences. |
