At least four large sand deposits, of probable glacio- lacustrine origin, are located within three claim groups (Lyn, Midge and Min) along Scuzzy Creek and one of its tributaries, approximately four kilometres southeast of Scuzzy Mountain.
The feldspathic sand consists of unconsolidated grains 0.66 to 2 millimetres size. The sand, composed of plagioclase and quartz with minor mica and amphibole, ranges in colour from white to light grey or dark brown. Underlying rock consists of massive medium to coarse-grained biotite granodiorite of the Late Cretaceous Scuzzy pluton.
The individual deposits may be up to 1800 by 440 metres in the area and up to 60 metres thick. Samples analyzed had the following composition:
--------------------------------------------------
Major oxides Weight per cent
SiO2 73.75 - 76.90
Al2O3 14.43 - 15.40
Fe2O3 0.53 - 0.76
CaO 2.77 - 3.05
Na2O 4.44 - 4.84
K2O 0.44 - 0.49
--------------------------------------------------
Analyses indicate the sand is potentially suitable for glass applications. On this basis, one sample was sent to CANMET for beneficiation. The first process step, screen analysis, produced the following results:
---------------------------------------------------
Screen Analysis Mesh Weight per cent
+14 1.5
-14+28 17.1
-28+48 41.5
-48+100 28.1
-100+200 9.2
-200 2.6
---------------------------------------------------
Approximately 70 per cent of the grains are between -28 and +100-mesh, a size considered acceptable by glass manufacturers.
The sample was next scrubbed, deslimed and a mica, iron and feldspar float produced. The feldspar concentrate was run over a dry magnetic separator. Results are tabulated as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------
Flotation Test Test #1 Test #2
(Weight per cent)
+20 Mesh - 4.40
Mica-iron concentrate 1.0 1.20
Feldspar concentrate 1 17.60 19.60
Feldspar concentrate 2 26.50 -
Cleaner tails 3.20 5.0
Tails 35.90 65.30
Slimes, losses 15.80 4.50
Magnetic Separation Test 1 Test 1 Test 2
Major oxides Concentrate 1 Concentrate 2
SiO2 55.80 59.60 58.90
Al2O3 20.90 21.90 22.0
Fe2O3 0.084 0.084 0.94
CaO 5.52 5.53 4.53
Na2O 8.41 8.39 8.43
K2O 0.52 0.45 0.53
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Recovery rates for feldspar concentrates are low. After magnetic separation, tested samples are high in alumina and calcium and contain moderate amounts of iron (but less than 0.1 per cent).
Although recovery rates for feldspar are low, tests indicate that the Scuzzy Creek deposits contain material that meets glass manufacturers' requirements. Large volumes of sand are indicated, and relatively easy access increases the potential of the site as a raw material source for the glass industry.
In 1966, approximately 120 tonnes of silica sand was processed from one of the deposits within the Lyn Group (Minister of Mines Annual Report 1966, page 276). CAMROC made an unsuccessful attempt at developing the deposit in 1985 (Information Circular 1987-1, page 77).
In 1970 and 1971, several large blocks of quartz diorite rolled down a northwest facing mountainside above the south fork of Scuzzy Creek and were split and trucked out for ornamental stone.
