The Quinsam 1 occurrence is located between Hawkins and Sihun creeks, immediately south of Upper Quinsam Lake.

Volcanics of the Karmutsen Formation are overlain by limestone of the Quatsino Formation, both of the Upper Triassic Vancouver Group. These rocks are cut by the Quinsam granodiorite of the Early to Middle Jurassic Island Plutonic Suite. The volcanics consist of massive amygdaloidal and pillow basalts. The volcanics are cut by a 73 degree trending altered shear zone.

Locally, three outcrops, of 40, 55 and 90 metres in length, of altered Karmutsen volcanics host pyrite, chalcopyrite, malachite and erythrite(?) mineralization. In 1995, rock sampling in an area of strong magnetic response yielded up to 0.48 per cent copper (Sample 124; Assessment Report 23968).

In 1971, Panther Mines completed a program of geological mapping and geochemical sampling. In 1974, Getty Mines completed fourteen percussion drill holes, totalling 1,380 metres. No information on drilling results was given. In 1979, a ground electromagnetic survey was completed on the area. In 1988, the area was prospected and sampled by J.P. Loiselle. In 1995, Aurizon Mines completed a program of rock sampling and a ground electromagnetic survey on the area.