Molybdenite was first discovered at the S occurrence by Kodiak Mines Ltd. in 1967. Argillaceous quartzites of the Middle Proterozoic Dutch Creek Formation (Purcell Supergroup) are in contact with granodiorite of the Cretaceous Horsethief Batholith. The contact trends to the northwest and is exposed for 244 metres. Along the immediate contact, the intrusion is fine grained and aplitic in nature with aplite dikes cutting the sediments.
Pyrite is abundant in all the rocks along the contact, forming a prominent oxidized zone up to 300 metres in width. Molybdenite, with minor chalcopyrite, occurs along fractures, as dissemination and in quartz stringers in both sedimentary and intrusive rocks. In the intrusive rock, the aplitic phase most commonly carries sulphides but it is also noted in the coarse-grained granodiorite.
Five rock trenches were excavated by Kodiak and geological mapping was carried out. Sampling in trenches and on surface yielded values of between trace and 0.013 per cent molybdenite. Two grab samples assayed 0.16 per cent and 0.54 per cent molybdenite (Assessment Report 1254).
Canadian Johns-Manville Company Limited staked and investigated a number of claims in the area in 1970, including the Slide, Annette and Blue. It is reported that 739 geochemical samples were taken in 1970. Some investigation of what they termed the "Cansup" molybdenite showing was done (Geology, Exploration and Mining in BC 1970, page 469). In 1971, Canadian Johns-Manville completed further geochemical, geological and geophysical surveys on its Slide group of claims, including the Ice claims which cover the Cansup and "S" molybdenite showings (Geology, Exploration and Mining in BC 1971, page 426). In 1972, the company completed further surveys on its Slide group including mapping and geochemical sampling (Geology, Exploration and Mining in BC 1972, page 74). The company returned in 1973 and conducted further surveys (Geology, Exploration and Mining in BC 1973, page 92). By the end of 1973, some of the Ice claim group, even those that had covered parts of the mineralized area, had lapsed and were restaked by Canadian Johns-Manville as the Granite claims.
