Gold exploration success along structural trends in the Sicker Group of Vancouver Island, British Columbia

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 83, No. 935, 1990

J.S. Getsinger, Consulting Geologist, T. Neale and K.D. Lund, MPH Consulting Limited, and G.R. Cope, Rio Algom Exploration Inc.

Mineral exploration in the Sicker Group, a belt of Paleozoic volcano-sedimentary rocks on Vancouver Island, has traditionally centred on auriferous polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits such as those currently mined by Westmin Resources Ltd. near Buttle Lake. Recently, however, the focus of exploration in the Sicker Group has shifted toward targets of structurally controlled gold concentrations, with notable success. Major north and northwesterly-trending structural features such as the Cowichan-Horne Lake break (one of several regional high-angle thrust faults active throughout a long period of geological time) and related fault systems have contributed to localization of gold mineralization. Using the extensive information database compiled by MPH Consulting Limited during numerous exploration projects in the Sicker Group, two cross sections through areas with significant gold occurrences southeast of Port Albemi are presented. The cross sections combine geological, geochemical and geophysical data in an attempt to emphasize the relationship between structural trends and gold mineralization. Examples from specific properties, including gold discoveries along the Mineral Creek fault zone, are used to illustrate this relationship.

Keywords: Exploration, Gold exploration, Sicker Group.