Economic Geology
Classification

The mineral deposits of Whitesail Lake map-area may be classified as:
1. Non-metallic deposits
2. Metalliferous deposits
A. Placer
B. Lode

Non-Metallic Deposits

In Whitesail Lake map-area to date no non-metallic deposits of con-
sequence have been found. Due to widespread glaciation and stream action
sand and gravel are common and there is a plentiful supply of these materials
in stream valleys, lake shores, and drumlin-like drift ridges for such purposes
as road building and cement work. Though rhyolite flows are plentiful, so far
none of the perlitic varieties like those present northeast of the area on
Francois Lake has been discovered.

The presence of coal on Wells Creek has been reported by residents of
the area but five separate excursions up the creek in search of this coal proved
unsuccessful. A few fragments of lignitic material were found as float in the
creek but none was found in place.

Metalliferous Deposits
Placer Deposits

The only record of placer activity in the area is that of ‘Kid’ Price on
Sibola Creek. Price found a few colours by panning which led him to discover
gold in narrow quartz veins. The creek flowing into Tahtsa River from the
east end of the Whitesail Range is referred to by some of the residents as
‘Placer’ Creek and is reported to have yielded a few colours. No placer claims
are at present staked’in the area and there is no evidence of old placer
workings.

Lede Deposits

Most of the deposits of the area can be included under this heading and
may be divided on the basis of their chief mineral content as follows:

1. Lead-zine deposits
2. Gold deposits
3. Copper deposits

4. Tungsten deposits.
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