British Columbia Geological Survey
The British Columbia Geological Survey (BCGS) is the ministry branch responsible for producing and housing the public geological and geoscientific information about mineral resources and mineral potential in the province. Its core staff is made of professional geoscientists who carry out the systematic inventory and assessment of the varied and complex geology of British Columbia. Its role was initiated in 1895, and it functions today as a highly technical institution in answer to the continuing information needs of government, business, and the general public.
Information is gathered through geoscience field surveys and from industry assessment reports filed in compliance with legislation. The inventory is used to attract industry investment, to assist government's stewardship of its rich mineral resource endowment, and to help manage and protect Crown lands.
The main activities include: geological and geochemical surveying; mineral, coal and industrial mineral inventories management; mineral potential assessments for land use planning; monitoring exploration activities; assessing geological hazards; publishing maps and reports; and providing geoscience expertise to support government's sustainable development objectives.
Most publications of the BC Geological Survey are available digitally, free of charge, from this website.
For questions or more information on geology and minerals in British Columbia contact BCGS Mailbox or call toll free (B.C. residents only).