4

Exclusive of the several deposits of limonite, the hematite of
Chromium creek (locality 16), and the apatite-rich, magnetite bodies
near Kamloops (localities 31a and 31b), the other properties, seventeen
in number, occur on Queen Charlotte islands and Vancouver island.
The total amount of ore considered to be almost certainly present,
exclusive of the untabulated, comparatively trifling amounts of a number of
the deposits, is only 137,300 tons. The total amount of ore probably
present is, in round numbers, 1,200,000 tons (this sum includes the afore-
mentioned 137,000 tons). The stated amount of ore of this category
may be quite erroneous in the case of any one deposit, but probably
the total amount is not far from being correct. The total possible ore
content, in round numbers, is estimated to be 5,000,000 tons (this sum
includes the aforementioned 1,200,000 tons). In this case the amounts
assigned to the individual deposits are in most cases based on a very slender
body of facts, and, therefore, the tonnage estimates are really not much
more than an expression of what is considered to be the relative
values of the various deposits. As already stated in general terms and as
afterwards repeatedly indicated in the descriptions of the individual
properties, the deposits are so poorly exposed at the surface, have been so
slightly, if at all, developed, and are so irregular in form and composition,
that in practically no single instance is it proper to state the amounts of
actual, probable, and possible ore, using these terms with the meanings
now commonly attached to them by mining engineers. A fairly accurate
estimate of the probable value of most of the more important magnetite
deposits could be obtained, in any single instance, by a comparatively
small amount of work and it is the present writer’s belief that if such work
were performed the total probable content of all the major deposits would
prove to be not less than 2,000,000 tons and might greatly exceed that
figure.

As regards the limonite deposits, the values g ven for those of Summit
creek (locality 1) may be low, but those of Taseko River area (locality
29) must be nearly correct. Unfortunately both these groups of deposits
are at a very considerable distance from railways and steamship routes.
The deposit near Nicola lake (locality 32b) is comparatively close to a
railway, but is otherwise isolated. The limonite deposits of Quatsino
sound (locality 57b) may be extensive, but the amount of limonite of
reasonably high grade may be very low.

It seems certain that the magnetite deposits of the coast districts
should be considered as being the primary sources of native iron ore that
might support an iron-making industry in British Columbia.