Researchers from the Colorado School of Mines have made a significant discovery at the Surebet site within the Golddigger Property, located in British Columbia's Golden Triangle. Their study confirms the presence of a Reduced Intrusion-Related Gold (RIRG) source, uncovering two distinct high-grade gold settings: shear-hosted quartz-sulfide veins and gold-bearing felsic to intermediate dykes. These findings suggest a considerable untapped gold potential in the area.
The research, which involved a comprehensive geological study, found that the visible gold in these settings increases in both abundance and coarseness with depth. This characteristic indicates a significant mineralization potential that could have major implications for gold exploration in the region. The study also determined that the mineralization ages range between 50.7 and 52.0 million years, confirming a common Eocene-age magmatic origin for the gold deposits.
Advanced analysis techniques, including the examination of melt droplet inclusions and fluid textures, revealed a previously unrecognized phase separation process in CO₂-rich hydrothermal fluids. This discovery provides new insights into the formation of gold deposits in the area and could lead to more effective exploration strategies.
Drill hole data supports the study's findings, with some intercepts reaching as high as 34.52 g/t AuEq over 39 meters. The analysis of 243 drill holes validates the extensive scale of the gold system and underscores the significant potential of Eocene-aged mineralization in a region that has traditionally focused on Jurassic targets. For more details on the research, visit https://www.mines.edu.
The geological model developed from this research offers crucial insights into the mineral potential of the Golden Triangle. It emphasizes the importance of Reduced Intrusion-Related Gold systems and could potentially reshape exploration strategies in the region. This study encourages further investigation of similar geological formations, opening new avenues for gold discovery in British Columbia and beyond.
