The Steamboat property was first worked in 1975 and 1976 when Cominco Ltd. carried out a program of surface geological mapping, soil sampling (600 samples) and diamond drilling consisting of 1439 metres in eleven holes. The drilling intersected a 4.3-metre interval that assayed 2.2 per cent zinc, and 2.6 per cent lead. Cominco returned to the property in 1984 and collected 365 soil samples. Cominco followed up in 1986 with an 8.5-kilometre Induced Polarization survey. 1n 1994, the Steamboat 1-6 claims were staked over the mineralized area for W.R Gilmour. On his behalf, Discovery Consultants carried out a program of prospecting and mapping and took 63 soil samples and 2 rock samples. In 2003, the Quest claims covered the property.

The Steamboat occurrence is hosted by silicified dolomite of the Cambrian Jubilee Formation. The Steamboat occurrence comprises galena, smithsonite, barite and copper carbonate with barium. The dolomites are found along the west limb of a steeply dipping syncline that plunges gently to the north. The silicified dolomite contains a cherty boxwork texture and barite veining.