Mineral Exploration

Fall 20 1 8 21 MAP: STEEL RAILS AND SILVER DREAMS: A HISTORY OF THE DOLLY VARDEN MINES BY DARRYL E. MURALT; PHOTOS: TOM SCHROETER; IMAGE I68491 COURTESY OF THE ROYAL BC MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES for McGinnis on the Dolly Varden project. Evindsen used his share of the payout to build the Alice Arm Hotel in 1916. The trend of silver mineralization extended almost 20 miles northward from Alice Arm along the Kitsault River and partially eastward along the Illiance River. The Toric mineral claims on the east side of the Kitsault River and northeast of the Dolly Varden would eventually be developed by Torbrit Silver Mines, becoming the largest producer of the camp. The North Star claim, initially owned by three of the original Scandinavian prospectors, would be extensively explored by underground methods, but, despite high hopes, the mine only produced several hundred tons of high-grade ore. Other identified producers included the Experanza (which shipped 950 tons averaging 86.3 oz/ton Ag), LaRose, Wolf, Muskateer, Silver Horde, Climax, Moose and Lamb, David Copperfield and Tiger claims. Early exploration was focused on prospecting, exposing and defining zones of mineralization with surface trenching, diamond drilling, underground tunnelling and raising. These zones, developed in volcanic rocks, varied from comparatively narrow, vein-like structures with pod- like bodies to massive deposits 40 feet (and occasionally up to 100 feet) wide and extending up to 500 feet in length. The largest quartz outcrop to be uncovered during the early days of the camp was on the Moose claim where a 150-foot-wide zone was exposed. The mineralized zones are comprised of quartz, jasper, carbonate and locally barite with associated pyrite, galena, sphalerite, tetrahedrite, pyrargyrite, argentite and native silver. The principal silver-bearing ore minerals are galena, argentite and pyrargyrite, often referred to as ruby silver. Native silver characteristically occurs as thin ribbons and plates, and also as segmented veinlets. Interestingly, there is little to no gold associated with the silver-rich deposits in the Dolly Varden camp. Early geologic studies suggested that the mode of occurrence for the Dolly Varden ore deposits is vein type; later they were referred to as structurally controlled replacement deposits, and, more recently, as stratiform volcanogenic deposits. By 1915, a number of silver-rich zones of mineralization were being explored on many claims along the Kitsault River trend. Dolly Varden Mines Company, formed in the same year under Richard McGinnis' leadership, was at the forefront of the exploration boom. A graded trail was constructed, along which packhorses could transport supplies and equipment from Alice to the site. A camp and assay lab were established at the property, and it was reported that thousands of tons of high-grade silver ore were defined along two underground levels. McGinnis immediately optioned the Wolf property two miles north of the Dolly Varden on Trout Creek. Underground work on this property defined three zones of mineralization, of which the main zone on the surface was exposed over 60- to 80-foot widths and extended 500 feet in length. Silver grades for these zones were lower than Dolly Varden ore, but this did not deter McGinnis; he acquired the Wolf property for Dolly Varden Mines at a price of $50,000 in 1918. Plans were being formulated to develop the Dolly Varden for production, but first, it was imperative that a reliable and cost-e¥ective transportation system be established to transport the ore from the mine to Alice Arm. In 1916, McGinnis engaged Taylor Engineering Company to provide the design and cost estimate to construct a 15-mile narrow- gauge railway from Alice Arm to the Dolly Varden property. The initial cost estimate was $113,535; following a re- examination of the proposed route and reconsideration for more rock blasting and trestle construction, the estimate was CAMPS OF FAME (Opposite page) Gateway to Dolly Varden: The former boom town of Alice Arm. (far left) Railway through the wilderness: Map showing the Dolly Varden Mine Railway and the region around Alice Arm; (left) Delivery suspended: The former Alice Arm post office; (below) Mountain camp at Dolly Varden c. 1925.

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