As a prospector and a project developer, I am always researching mineral properties for all information I can get.
The main sources I use include the EMPR Annual Reports, The ARIS search on IMAPBC and MINFILE search via MTO. I also do a search on google and archives. I found a great resource of information at the West Kootenay Chamber of Mines for information on Crown Grants and historic mines of the area.
I just started researching the Yukon via the GeoYukon site.
Is there any other methods of Historical Data Compilation you prefer or use?
If you would like a Historical Data Compilation done on your property, feel free to reach out.
sebo, pickaxe, reglabbe liked this thread
Edit: updated Sept. 8, 2025
I work a lot with QGIS, government data sets, etc, and research is one of my favourite parts of both placer and hard rock prospecting.
Here are some data sets I have found indispensible for building my master QGIS map and data sets for prospecting purposes.
Forgive me if you know any of these data sets already, I just wanted to share all of them.
Source: BC Data Catalogue, iMapBC, Map Place 2, BC Geological Survey
Already Mentioned Above:
MinFile
ARIS - Assessment Report Indexing System (read technical reports for projects and past work programs in your area of interest)
Ones I'll Add:
SOW - Statements of Work - for a fee you can request SOW's submitted for any placer or mineral cell in BC (I have only heard this from someone, I don't have an official source for it).
PF - Property Files are a treasure trove of information for BC.
RGS - Regional Geochemical Survey - shows you multi-element assay results for stream sediment samples taken across BC.
MinFile production
BC Digital Geology - bedrock boundaries, rock group units, faults, etc
LiDar - federal government DEM (digital elevation models) - coverage is nearly non-existent outside major cities though
Tools I've Learned About Since Originally Posting This
Macrostrat: useful for integrating and visualizing geology and fault data sets
I use more than these, but I can't give away every data set and tool I have developed over the past two years as part of my research arsenal : )
Good luck, and have fun!
-Pickaxe
sebo, reglabbe liked this reply
This is a great thread with tons of useful info already!!!
Breaking apart the minfiles ( in BC ) takes a while to learn but its definitely a useful tool.
Things like EMPR annual reports , EMPR Assesment reports, Bulletins, Exploration file, Production Files, Fieldwork files and more..
There is also the GSC ( Geologicla survey of Canada) maps , Summary reports ..
If your lucky there will be blue links that lead you right to what you want but offen you have to know what the abbreviation means and google it ..
As the page grows I hope we get miners from other provinces sharing their tips for other areas..
pickaxe liked this reply
Thanks for all your contributions to the site my brother <3 hope the season is going well .....
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