MINFILE Search Help

MINFILE occurrences may have more than one name assigned, with the most common or historically relevant name as the primary name. Searching by MINFILE name will include search results for records where the entered name matches any MINFILE name or portion of a name. 

MINFILE names may be entered in upper or lower case (or any combination).

Partial name searches can be performed. A partial search returns results with the entered text beginning with, ending with, or anywhere within the name.

Wildcards: '%' and '*' act as wildcard prompts. Using a '%' or '*' in front of a string of characters returns search results ending with the entered text. Using a '%' or '*' at the end of a string of characters returns search results beginning with entered text.

Examples: Entering '*rock' would return results such as 'Red Rock', while entering 'rock*' would return results such as 'Rock Creek'. Entering '%' or '*' with no other text returns all results.

A unique MINFILE number is assigned to each known mineral occurrence in the province. MINFILE numbers are a combination of numbers (N) and alphabetic characters (C).

MINFILE numbers are 9-character identifiers and follow one of these patterns:

• NNNCCCNNN
• NNNCC>NNN
• NNNC>>NNN

Where:

• N = numeric digit (0-9)
• C = alphabetic character (A-Z)
• > = a blank space stored as part of the MINFILE number

The NNNC at the start of a MINFILE number indicates the 1:250,000-scale National Topographic System (NTS) mapsheet in which the MINFILE occurrence is located.

Some MINFILE numbers contain one or two embedded spaces as part of the stored identifier. When searching, spaces are optional and do not need to be entered. For example, searches for '092B006', '092B>006', and '092B>>006' will all return the same record.

The From and To fields are used to search for a range of MINFILE numbers.

Example: Entering From '103P200' and To '103P300' will return all MINFILE numbers within that range, including the numbers entered in the From and To fields.

If searching for a specific record and the MINFILE Number is known, simply enter the MINFILE Number in the From field to query the system for that one record.

Example: Entering '092B006' in the From field will return a search result for that record if that record exists.

One or more of the status types can be selected by clicking the check boxes.

The status describes the state of development for the occurrence.

The province of British Columbia is divided into 1:20K mapsheets according to the British Columbia Geographic System (BCGS). Searches are possible on partial BCGS block names.

To search for MINFILE records within a BCGS mapsheet(s), scroll through the BCGS Map list or refine the list by typing the map name or partial name into the ‘search items’ box. Then click on the box next to the map name to add this to the search criteria. Mapsheets can be deselected by clicking to remove the check within the corresponding box.

BCGS mapsheets can be viewed on MapPlace 2 by selecting and expanding the Base Maps folder, and Map Grid subfolder, then selecting the layers Grid – 1:20K Mapsheets and Grid – 1:20K Mapsheets (labels). Note: Some layers are not selectable at all map scales.  If a layer does not appear in the folder list, try zooming in.

Selecting multiple BCGS mapsheets will query the system as an OR function, returning records within one or another of the entered mapsheets.

Example: Selecting mapsheets '093A001' and '093A002' will return records within either mapsheet 093A001 or 093A002.

Selecting both BCGS and NTS maps will return search results for MINFILE records within both the BCGS and NTS mapsheets selected (AND function). If the selected BCGS and NTS mapsheets do not overlap, no search results will be returned.

The province of British Columbia is divided into 1:50K mapsheets according to the National Topographic System (NTS), these mapsheets are subdivisions of the larger 1:250K map areas used in MINFILE numbers. Searches are possible on partial NTS block names. NTS mapsheets are selectable by the east (E) or west (W) halves.

To search for MINFILE records within an NTS mapsheet(s), scroll through the NTS Map list or refine the list by typing the map name or partial name into the ‘search items’ box. Then click on the box next to the map name to add this to the search criteria. Mapsheets can be deselected by clicking to remove the check within the corresponding box.

NTS mapsheets can be viewed on MapPlace 2 by selecting and expanding the Base Maps folder, and Map Grid subfolder, then selecting the layers Grid – 1:50K Mapsheets and Grid – 1:50K Mapsheets (labels).  Note: Some layers are not selectable at all map scales.  If a layer does not appear in the folder list, try zooming in.

Selecting multiple NTS mapsheets will query the system as an OR function, returning records within one or another of the entered mapsheets.

Example: Selecting mapsheets '092B05W' and '092B06E' will return records within either mapsheet 092B05W or 092B06E.

Selecting both BCGS and NTS maps will return search results for MINFILE records within both the BCGS and NTS mapsheets selected (AND function). If the selected BCGS and NTS mapsheets do not overlap, no search results will be returned.

To search an area (bounding box) by coordinates, define the search area by entering two diagonal points of a quadrilateral.

Searches for MINFILE occurrences within an area can be done on a range of latitude and longitude in NAD83/WGS84 either as decimal degrees or degrees/minutes/seconds.

Latitude range accepted values: between 48.30° and 60.00°
Decimal degrees examples: 48.50°, 49.02583° 
Degrees/minutes/seconds examples: 48° 30' 00", 49° 01' 33"

Longitude range accepted values: between -139.06° and -114.03°
Decimal degrees examples: -114.08°, -135.53333°
Degrees/minutes/seconds examples: -114° 04' 45", -135° 32' 00"

For BC coordinates, use negative degrees for longitude (e.g., -120°).

Scroll through the commodity list or refine the commodity list by typing the commodity name or partial name into the ‘search items’ box. Then click on the box next to the commodity name to add this to the search criteria.

Multiple commodities can be selected by clicking the selection box associated with the commodities of interest (OR function). 

Example: Selecting both 'silver' and 'gold' will return MINFILE records with either silver or gold listed as a commodity.

Note: A commodity entered within the Mineral Occurrence tab will query the database for records with that commodity listed as being present within the mineral occurrence. This is a different search than entering commodities within the inventory or production tabs. 

The mineralogy is described by significant, associated and alteration minerals, as well as alteration type.

Minerals included in the significant (economic) category do not need to be present in economic concentrations but contain some element of economic interest. Associated (gangue) minerals are those present which either form a host matrix to rocks of economic interest or are those related to the occurrence of significant minerals. Alteration minerals are those associated with the alteration process. Alteration type is based on the alteration and gangue mineralogy identified.

Scroll through the minerals lists (significant, associated, alteration, alteration type) or refine the minerals lists by typing the mineral name or partial name (or alteration type) into a ‘search by’ box. Then click on the box next to the mineral name (or alteration type) to add this to the search criteria.

Multiple minerals within a list can be selected by clicking the selection box associated with the mineral of interest (OR function).

Example: Entering 'chalcopyrite' and 'bornite' as significant minerals (same search list) will return search results with chalcopyrite OR bornite as significant minerals.

Selecting minerals in more than one list will give search results that include parameters entered in BOTH search fields (AND function).

Example: Entering 'chalcopyrite' as a significant mineral and 'quartz' as an associated mineral (different search lists) will return search results with chalcopyrite as a significant mineral AND quartz as an associated mineral.

Scroll through the deposit type list or refine the deposit type list by typing the deposit type code or deposit type name or partial code or name into the ‘search items’ box. Then click on the box next to the deposit type name to add this to the search criteria.

Each deposit type has a parent deposit type code, and selecting this parent code will select all other deposit types within this group. Deposit types can be deselected, and sub-codes within a parent group can be selected individually.

Deposit types are based on the British Columbia Geological Survey mineral deposit profiles.

The deposit character describes the style of the mineralization, or the significant geological feature(s) associated with the mineralized host rock.

Select one or more deposit characters using the check boxes. The search will return records associated with any of the selected deposit characters.

Deposit classification is a general interpretation of the origin of an occurrence, based on the best available geological data.

Select one or more deposit classifications using the check boxes. The search will return records associated with any of the selected deposit classifications.

When known, the geologic age of the mineralization is indicated with an appropriate era, period, or epoch.

Select one or more ages of mineralization using the check boxes. The search will return records associated with any of the selected ages.

The dominant host rock is the most significant rock type in which mineralization occurs. This is a non-searchable field and is listed in the MINFILE Detail Report PDF for each record.

Rock type is a searchable field for lithologies identified within the area of a mineral occurrence. The rock types that host the most significant mineralization are generally listed in their order of importance.

Select one or more rock types using the check boxes. The search will return records associated with any of the selected rock types.

Example: Selecting 'carbonate' and 'basalt' from rock type will return results with either carbonate or basalt in the rock type field.

Rock modifiers are descriptive terms used to further define rock types. 

Select one or more rock modifiers using the check boxes. The search will return records associated with any of the selected rock modifiers.

Example: Selecting 'carbonate' from rock type and 'breccia' from rock modifier will return results with both search parameters, though in this example the rock modifier may not necessarily apply to the carbonate rock type.

Formal host rocks are those with an officially established Group, Formation, or other stratigraphic name.

Select one or more formal hosts using the check boxes. The search will return records associated with any of the selected formal hosts.

Informal host rocks include formal names for igneous and metamorphic units as well as informal names or general terms which are not part of the stratigraphic nomenclature (for example, plateau basalt).

Select one or more informal hosts using the check boxes. The search will return records associated with any of the selected informal hosts.

The stratigraphic age identifies the geological age of the host rock in terms of era, period or epoch.

Select one or more stratigraphic ages using the check boxes. The search will return records associated with any of the selected stratigraphic ages.

One or more terrane(s) can be selected from the list using the check boxes. The terrane list can be refined by entering a name or partial name in the ‘search by terrane’ box. Terranes can also be located by using the scroll feature to the right of the terrane box.

Terranes can be viewed on MapPlace 2 by selecting and expanding the folder Geology, deselecting the subfolder Geology - Bedrock, then expanding and selecting the subfolder Geology – Others, and selecting Geology - Terranes.

One or more tectonic belt(s) can be selected by clicking the check boxes.

Tectonic Belts can be viewed on MapPlace 2 by selecting and expanding the folder Geology, deselecting the subfolder Geology - Bedrock, then expanding and selecting the subfolder Geology – Others, and selecting Geomorphological belts.

One or more commodities can be selected by clicking the check boxes. The Commodities list can be refined by typing a name or partial name into the commodities list ‘search items’ bar. Commodities can also be located by using the scroll feature along the right side of the list.

If multiple commodities are selected, the search results will include records with inventory data matching the search criteria with at least one of the selected commodities (OR function).

Example: Selecting 'lead' and 'zinc' from the list of inventory commodities will return results for records with inventory data for lead or zinc.

Note: A commodity entered within the Inventory tab will query the database for records with inventory data for that commodity. This is a different search than the mineral commodities search (Mineral Occurrence tab) or entering commodities within the Production tab.

Select one of more inventory categories (Resource, Reserve, Other) by checking the relevant boxes. When multiple categories are selected, records containing any of the selected categories will be returned (OR logic).

Example: Selecting 'measured' and 'proven' will return records that contain either measured resource data, proven reserve data, or both.

If both inventory commodities and inventory categories are selected, the search uses:

• OR logic within each group (commodities and categories)

• AND logic between the two groups

This means results will contain at least one selected commodity and at least one selected inventory category. However, the commodity and category do not need to be associated with the same inventory record.

Example: Selecting 'copper' as an inventory commodity and 'measured' as an inventory category will return records that contain copper as one of the inventory commodities and measured resource data. The measured resource data does not necessarily apply to copper.

One or more commodities can be selected by clicking the check boxes. The commodities list can be refined by typing a name or partial name into the commodities list ‘search items’ bar. Commodities can also be located by using the scroll feature along the right side of the list.

If multiple commodities are selected, the search results will include records with production data matching the search criteria with at least one of the selected commodities (OR function).

Example: Selecting both 'silver' and 'gold' will return records with production data for either silver or gold.

Note: A commodity entered within the Production tab will query the database for records with production data for that commodity. This is a different search than the mineral commodities search (Mineral Occurrence tab) or entering commodities within the Inventory tab.

Tonnes Mined/Milled Annually refers to the tonnes of ore mined or milled within a year. Enter whole number values for tonnes of ore mined or milled using the 'From' and 'To' fields to search for specific ranges of ore tonnage extracted or milled annually. Tonnes are metric tonnes.

Example: Entering '1000' in the 'From' field and '10000' in the 'To' field will return records with recorded annual production of between 1000 and 10000 metric tonnes of ore in any given year.

Production searches can be targeted to a specific year or range of years by selecting the appropriate radio buttons. If only the 'From Year' is selected, the search will return results with production data for that year selected and all years to present. If both the 'From Year' and 'To Year' are selected, the search will return results with production data for the years selected and all years in between. If searching for a specific year, enter that year in both the 'From Year' and 'To Year' fields.

Example: Selecting 'gold' from the production commodities table and selecting '2015' for the 'From Year' will return results for records with recorded gold production for the year 2015 up to present. Selecting 'gold' from the production commodities table and selecting '2015' for the 'From Year'  as well as selecting '2015' for the 'To Year' will return results for records with recorded gold production for the year 2015.

Example: Selecting 'copper' and 'zinc' from the production commodities table and selecting From '1990' To '2000' for production years will return results for records with production data for either copper or zinc during the years 1990 through 2000.

The Capsule Geology is a summary of geological characteristics, work history, as well as inventory and production data as available.

Entering text, numbers, or keywords in the Capsule Geology search box will query the database for the input values or characters within the Capsule Geology section of MINFILE records.

Example: Entering 'Stuhini,Triassic' into the capsule geology field will return records with Stuhini and Triassic in the capsule geology.

Note: Due to the transition between MINFILE systems, the formatting of tables within the Capsule Geology section of some MINFILE records may not display as intended. We are actively working to improve table formatting and appreciate your patience during this process.

The Bibliography identifies known references pertaining to a MINFILE occurrence or the surrounding area.

A listing of abbreviated codes can be found in the MINFILE Coding Manual.

Entering text, numbers, or keywords such as company names in the Bibliography search box will query the database for the input values or characters within the Bibliography section of MINFILE records.

Example: Entering the number for an assessment report, such as '32757' in the Bibliography search box, will return records with the entered string of numbers in the bibliography.

Comments fields are used to provide additional information and detail within records. These fields can be searched by entering text into the Identification, Structural, Significant Mineral, Associated Mineral, Alteration Mineral, Host Rock, Geological Setting, Inventory/Reference, and Production/Reference search fields.

Multiple comments fields can be queried at the same time.

Example: Entering 'sulphide replacement' in the Significant Minerals search box and 'granite' in the Host Rock search box will return results with both sulphide replacement in the Significant Minerals comment field AND granite in the Host Rock comment field.

Enter one or more MINFILE numbers in the Imported MINFILE Numbers box.

MINFILE numbers can be separated using:

• Commas (,)
• Line breaks (Enter/Return)
• Tabs
• Semicolons (;)

Formatting requirements

• Uppercase or lowercase characters in the MINFILE numbers are accepted
• Spaces after commas are optional to separate MINFILE numbers
• Spaces within MINFILE numbers with embedded spaces are optional

Example: 092B006,092B 007, 092B  008 (functions with or without a space after the comma, or with or without spaces for MINFILE numbers with embedded spaces)

Example:

092B 006

092B 007

092B 008 (enter/return can be used instead of a comma to denote a different MINFILE number)

You can upload a file containing a list of MINFILE numbers instead of entering them manually.

To upload a file:

1. Click Choose File.
2. Select the file you want to upload.
3. Click Open.
4. Click Search.

Accepted file formats

• TXT (.txt)
• CSV (.csv)

Note: Multi-tab CSV files are not supported.

In the search results table, click either the MINFILE number under the MINFILE Number column, or click Record Summary Page under the Reports column.

The Record Summary Page provides users with a brief outline of data for a MINFILE record. This includes metadata (MINFILE Name, Status, Commodities, Deposit Type(s), Tectonic Belt, Terrane, National Mineral Inventory (NMI) if applicable, Mining Division, NTS Map, BCGS Map, and location data in UTM and decimal degrees as well as the UTM Zone), Capsule Geology, and Bibliography.

Within the Record Summary Page, users can access the MINFILE Detail report (PDF) as well as the MINFILE Occurrence report (CSV), Inventory Detail report (PDF or CSV, if available) and Production Detail report (PDF or CSV, if available). These reports can be found under the Reports table at the top right corner of the Record Summary Page.

Note: The date of last edit indicates when a MINFILE record was last modified. An update may range from a minor edit, such as correcting metadata, adding a reference, or updating a single field, to a comprehensive review and revision of the record.

The MINFILE Detail Report for a specific MINFILE record can be accessed either through the Record Summary Page (under the Reports table click on the PDF button next to MINFILE Detail) or through the Search Results Table by clicking on the PDF button next to Detail Report.

The MINFILE Detail Report is an expanded PDF version of the MINFILE Record Summary Page, containing additional record information.

Note: The date revised indicates when a MINFILE record was last modified. An update may range from a minor edit, such as correcting metadata, adding a reference, or updating a single field, to a comprehensive review and revision of the record.

The MINFILE Occurrence Report, when generated from the Record Summary page, is a CSV file containing the MINFILE number, MINFILE names (primary and the first of any additional names), status, location coordinates, elevation, commodities, deposit type(s), deposit classification(s), tectonic belt, terrane, NTS Map, if production and inventory data are available (Y or N), and a URL for the MINFILE Summary Page for a specific MINFILE record.

The Inventory Detail Report for a specific MINFILE record can be accessed either through the Record Summary Page (under the Reports table click on either the PDF or CSV button next to Inventory Detail) or through the Search Results Table by clicking on the PDF or CSV button next to Inventory Report.

The Inventory Detail Report provides a list of metadata for the specific MINFILE record selected: MINFILE Number, MINFILE Name, Ore Zone for which the inventory data pertains to, Year the inventory data pertains to, Category (measured, indicated, inferred, proven, probable, possible, combined, unclassified, assay, unknown, or obsolete), Calculation A or B (used when more than one set of inventory data is present in the system for the same ore zone and year), Tonnes (only used for resource/reserve categories), as well as the grade for the documented commodities (gold, silver, platinum and palladium are listed in grams per tonne with all other commodities as per cent), comments, and references.

Within the CSV Inventory Detail Report, the data for gold, silver, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, and coal are static columns with the corresponding data listed beneath the header, if applicable. All other commodities are listed in dynamic columns with the commodity being listed and a corresponding grade to the right of the named commodity.

Example: Cobalt in the column for Commodity 1 and 0.058 for the value in the column for Grade 1 indicates a grade of 0.058 per cent cobalt.

The Production Detail Report for a specific MINFILE record can be accessed either through the Record Summary Page (under the Reports table click on either the PDF or CSV button next to Production Detail) or through the Search Results Table by clicking on the PDF or CSV button next to Production Report.

The Production Detail Report provides a list of metadata for the specific MINFILE record selected: MINFILE Number, MINFILE Name, tonnes of ore mined and milled for each year of mine production (as available), as well as the amount of each commodity produced for each year of recorded mine production.

Within the CSV Production Detail Report, the data for gold, silver, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, and coal are static columns with the corresponding data listed beneath the header, if applicable. All other commodities are listed in dynamic columns with the commodity being listed and a corresponding grade to the right of the named commodity.

Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are listed in grams while all other commodities are listed in kilograms.

Example: Tungsten in the column for Commodity 1 and 5080 in the column for Quantity 1 indicates a recovery of 5080 kilograms of tungsten for the corresponding production year in the row for that specific MINFILE record.

The MINFILE Numbers report is a CSV file with a tabulated list of MINFILE numbers returned for the search parameters entered.

To access a MINFILE Numbers Report, once a search has been conducted, within the Reports table (top right above the table of search results) click on CSV next to MINFILE Numbers.

The MINFILE Occurrence Report, when generated from the Reports table, is a CSV file with a tabulated list containing the MINFILE number, MINFILE names (primary and the first of any additional names), status, location coordinates, elevation, commodities, deposit type(s), deposit classification(s), tectonic belt, terrane, NTS Map, if production and inventory data are available (Y or N), and a URL for each MINFILE Summary Page for MINFILE records matching the search parameters entered.

To access a Mineral Occurrence Report, once a search has been conducted, within the Reports table (top right above the table of search results) click on CSV next to MINFILE Occurrence.

The Inventory Summary is a tabulated list of inventory data for MINFILE records matching the search parameters entered and with inventory data recorded. The Inventory Summary Report provides a list of metadata for MINFILE records: MINFILE Number, MINFILE Name (primary), Ore Zone, Year, Category (measured, indicated, inferred, proven, probable, possible, combined, unclassified, assay, unknown, or obsolete), Calculation A or B (used when more than one set of inventory data is present in the system for the same ore zone and year), Tonnes (metric, used for resource/reserve categories), as well as the grades for the documented commodities (gold, silver, platinum and palladium are in grams per tonne while all other commodities are in per cent), Comments, and References.

To access an Inventory Summary Report, once a search has been conducted, within the Reports table (top right above the table of search results) click on either PDF or CSV next to Inventory Summary.

Within the CSV Inventory Summary Report, the data for gold, silver, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, and coal are static columns with the corresponding data listed beneath the header. All other commodities are listed in dynamic columns with the commodity being listed and a corresponding grade to the right of the named commodity.

Example: Cobalt in the column for Commodity 1 and 0.058 for the value in the column for Grade 1 indicates a grade of 0.058 per cent cobalt.

The Production Summary is a tabulated list of production data for MINFILE records matching the search parameters entered and with production data recorded. The Production Summary Report provides a list of metadata: MINFILE Number, MINFILE Name, the total tonnes of ore mined and milled (metric, if known), and the amount of recovery for each commodity (gold, silver, platinum and palladium are in grams while all other commodities are in kilograms), as well as the first and last documented years of mine production.

To access a Production Summary Report, once a search has been conducted, within the Reports table (top right above the table of search results) click on either PDF or CSV next to Production Summary.

Within the CSV Production Summary Report, the data for gold, silver, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, and coal are static columns with the corresponding data listed beneath the header. All other commodities are listed in dynamic columns with the commodity being listed and a corresponding quantity to the right of the named commodity.

Example: Tungsten in the column for Commodity 1 and 977451 in the column for Quantity 1 indicates a recovery of 977451 kilograms of tungsten over the mine life for that specific MINFILE record.