Researchers from the Colorado School of Mines have confirmed a Reduced Intrusion-Related Gold source at the Surebet discovery within the Golddigger Property, revealing substantial untapped gold potential in British Columbia's Golden Triangle. The comprehensive geological study identified two distinct high-grade gold settings: 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 research revealed mineralization ages between 50.7 and 52.0 million years, confirming a common Eocene-age magmatic origin. Advanced analysis of melt droplet inclusions and fluid textures exposed a previously unrecognized phase separation process in CO₂-rich hydrothermal fluids. This discovery provides crucial insights into the formation mechanisms of gold deposits in the region and represents a significant advancement in understanding the geological processes that create high-grade gold systems.
Drill hole data supports the study's findings, with intercepts reaching as high as 34.52 g/t AuEq over 39 meters. Comprehensive analysis across 243 drill holes validates the extensive scale of the gold system and highlights the significant potential of Eocene-aged mineralization in a region traditionally focused on Jurassic targets. The geological model provides crucial insights into the region's mineral potential, emphasizing the importance of Reduced Intrusion-Related Gold systems.
This research could potentially reshape exploration strategies in the Golden Triangle, encouraging further investigation of similar geological formations. The confirmation of a Reduced Intrusion-Related Gold system at the Surebet discovery represents a paradigm shift for mineral exploration in British Columbia, opening new avenues for discovery in previously overlooked geological settings and time periods.
