The Nanaimo Coalfield

Last updated on December 3, 2019

NTS Map Sheet 092G/04

Download map of the Nanaimo Coalfiled (1:60,000)

The Nanaimo Coalfield (1:60,000) (PDF, 1.1MB)

Download map of the Nanaimo and Comox Coalfields (1:250,000)

The Nanaimo and Comox Coalfields (1:250,000) (PDF, 7.3MB)

In the Nanaimo Coalfield coal is hosted by the Comox and the Extension-Protection formations of the Upper Cretaceous Nanaimo Group. Coal seams are broken by numerous of normal faults, which disrupt an easterly regional dip. In the hundred years preceding 1953, more than 50 million tonnes of high-volatile A and B bituminous coal were produced from this field. The coal was sold mainly as a thermal coal, though some was used to make coke on the Island. The producing area, in which the Douglas, Newcastle, and Wellington seams were mined, covered about 170 square kilometers. This coalfield is now mined-out.

Selected references

  • Bickford, C.G.C., 1988. Geology, Mining Conditions and Resource Potential of the Wellington Coal Bed, Georgia Basin. Geological Fieldwork 1988, B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Paper 1989-1, pages 553-558.
  • Cathyl-Bickford, C.G. and Hoffman, G.L., 1990. Geology and Coal Resources of the Nanaimo Group in the Alberni, Ash River, Cowie Creek and Parksville Areas, Vancouver Island. Geological Fieldwork 1990, B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Paper 1991-1, pages 381-385.
  • Cathyl-Bickford, C.G. and Hoffman, G.L., 1998. Geological maps of the Nanaimo and Comox Coalfields. B.C. Ministry of Energy and Mines, Open File 1998-7.
  • Kenyon, C. and Bickford, C.G.C., 1988. Vitrinite Reflectance Study of Nanaimo Group Coals of Vancouver Island. Geological Fieldwork 1988, B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Paper 1989-1, pages 543-552.
  • Van der Flier-Keller, E. and Dumais, S., 1987. Inorganic Matter Content and Specialized Element Potential of the Nanaimo and Comox Coalfields, Vancouver Island (92G,F,K).  B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Paper 1988-1, pages 435-439.