Publication Summary
Issue ID: GF2019-04
Title: Assessment report-sourced surface sediment geochemical database: Development and initial data release from the Interior Plateau
Author(s): Norris, J., and Fortin, G.
Series Name: Geofile
Publication Year: 2019
NTS Map Sheet(s): 082;092;093
Place Keyword(s): British Columbia, Interior Plateau
Lat/Long (NSWE): 57, 49, -128, -118
Theme Keyword(s): geochemical data, assessment reports, soil samples, till samples, digital compilation
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Abstract:

ARIS (Assessment Report Index System) is collection of about 36,700 reports that detail results from mineral exploration and development programs. Submitted by the exploration and mining industry to comply with Mineral Tenure Act Regulations and maintain titles in good standing, the reports become an open resource after a one-year confidentiality period. Although containing a wealth of information, the assessment reports are typically submitted in a form (e.g., paper or PDF file) that make working with the data cumbersome. To address this problem, we are developing databases that contain information extracted and digitized from assessment reports, and releasing data in formats that are amenable to evaluation using geospatial and analytical software. This first such database contains surface sediment geochemical data (e.g. soil, silt, stream sediment, and till) from the Interior Plateau, and includes location coordinates, sampling parameters and notes, laboratory information, sample preparation methods, and analytical methods. We use a streamlined process for data compilation, verification, product generation, and distribution. Containing information from about 120 assessment reports, the database includes results from more than 34,000 samples, with 1,446,000 determinations analyzed by 63 analytical methods in 13 laboratories. The data released herein (BCGS_GF2019-04.zip) are provided as a GeoPackage, which can be imported directly into most GIS, and a set of CSV files. A January 2020 update of the database added 19,479 new samples from 97 additional reports. The database now contains information from 220 assessment reports, including results from 53,941 samples, with 2,208,473 determinations from 14 laboratories.