Colorado School of Mines Study Reveals Major Gold Potential in British Columbia's Golden Triangle

A comprehensive geological study conducted by the Colorado School of Mines has revealed promising findings at the Surebet discovery within the Golddigger Property in British Columbia's Golden Triangle, highlighting substantial untapped gold potential. The research identified two distinct high-grade gold environments: shear-hosted quartz-sulfide veins and gold-bearing felsic to intermediate dykes. Both settings demonstrate widespread visible gold that increases in abundance and coarseness with depth, suggesting significant mineralization potential.

Notably, the study's mineralization age analysis revealed dates between 50.7 and 52.0 million years, confirming a common Eocene-age magmatic origin. Researchers observed melt droplet inclusions and fluid textures that unveiled a previously unrecognized phase separation process in CO₂-rich hydrothermal fluids. This discovery challenges previous geological assumptions, which historically focused on Jurassic-era mineral targets in the region.

Drill data from 243 holes substantiates the scale of the gold system, with notable intercepts reaching as high as 34.52 g/t AuEq over 39 meters. The research underscores the potential of Reduced Intrusion-Related Gold (RIRG) systems and provides a compelling geological model for future exploration efforts. McEwen Mining views these results as a significant validation of the region's prospectivity and an important step in understanding the area's geological complexity.

The findings have broader implications for mineral exploration in British Columbia's Golden Triangle, suggesting that previous exploration models may have overlooked significant gold deposits. The identification of Eocene-age mineralization opens new avenues for discovery in a region traditionally focused on older geological formations. The study's methodology and results could influence exploration strategies across similar geological terrains worldwide.

For more information about geological research and mineral exploration, visit https://www.mines.edu. The comprehensive nature of this study provides valuable insights that could reshape understanding of gold mineralization processes and guide future resource development in the region.