Economic Geology

1,050,240 pounds of zinc. Vein widths in the stope section varied from 14
to 5 feet but averaged about 24 feet. Much of the exploration and drilling
underground was on the 6,000-foot level in search of the downward con-
tinuation of the vein. Two narrow veins were developed both west of the
original adit on this level. A crosscut, driven north 70 degrees west from a
point 498 feet from the portal, intersected the first vein at 240 feet and the
second at 410 feet. Strike of the veins is north 30 to 35 degrees west with
steep dips to the east. Widths vary from .7 foot to 2.3 feet but average 1.5 feet.
These veins have been opened to the north for distances of 170 and 200 feet,
respectively. Mineralization is similar to that on the 6,400-foot level with
perhaps a higher percentage of zinc.

Operations at the property ceased in November of 1952 and the mine
has been inactive since.

Tahtsa Range
Lead Empire Group (1)

References: W. H. Patmore, 1949; Western Miner, vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 39-42; Can.
Mining J., vol. 72, No. 4, p. 226; B.C. Minister of Mines, Ann. Repts.: 1951,
foo 1s MOSH, jo S7/,

The Lead Empire Group is situated on the northwest slope of the Tahtsa
Range close to the plutonic stock in the centre of the range. The claims were
staked by W. H. Patmore in 1948 and 1951 and cover a number of narrow
quartz veins and shear zones associated with the basic diorite or gabbro stock
in the core of the Tahtsa Range. The veins and shear zones contain lead-zinc
minerals with a small gold and silver content. The veins occur in both the
plutonic rocks and rocks of the Hazelton group. The claims are very difficult
of access and are free from snow only for a short period each year.

Some work was done during the period July to October in each of the
years 1951 and 1952. Much of the effort was expended on trail cutting and
cabin construction but some stripping and trenching were accomplished. The
property was not visited by the writer as the work in that part of the map-area
was completed prior to the work on the claims.

The trail to the claims, which is about 21 miles long, leaves the Tahtsa
Lake road near Twinkle Lake. It is understood a cabin was constructed on
the trail about 5 miles from the property. During 1952, six men were employed
between July 9 and September 14 working on trails and open-cuts. No sub-

sequent work has been done.
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