PRINCE GEORGE – Northern Development Initiative Trust and Geoscience BC have partnered on an aerial survey to identify hidden mineral potential in north central and northeastern British Columbia.
Called Search Phase III, the survey will use helicopters fitted with magnetic sensors to build a better understanding of geology in the area. Once complete, project information will be made publicly available to help communities, First Nations, the resource sector and government to make informed decisions about responsible development and investment in BC.
This includes helping explorers to decide where to focus their mining efforts which will eventually lead to on-the-ground exploration activities, job creation and stimulate regional economic activity.
The project is funded in part by Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Economic Development Infrastructure program with a $125,000 grant.
Sentiment about British Columbia’s mining sector is increasingly positive. Recently, PwC published its latest annual mining report noting that “the industry is cautiously optimistic.”
Search Phase III covers approximately 9,600 square kilometre — an area approximately the same size as Haida Gwaii. Final details are yet to be confirmed, but it is proposed to cover a remote area that includes AuRico Metals Inc’s Kemess Underground Mine Project, which recently received an Environmental Assessment Certificate.
The project is expected to get underway in July, with results ready in early 2018. Search Phase III is a continuation of Search Phases I and II, which were completed in the Kitimat-Terrace-Smithers-Houston-Burns Lake-Vanderhoof area in 2015-16. The latest Search Phase II summary report, digital data, and survey maps are available on the Geoscience BC website.
