BABINE PORPHYRY BELT PROJECT: DETAILED DRIFT EXPLORATION STUDIES IN THE OLD FORT MOUNTAIN (93M/Ol) AND FULTON LAKE (93L/ 16) MAP AREAS, BRITISH COLUMBIA

In conjunction with bedrock mapping (MacIntyre et al., 1996, this volume) and regional till geochemistry surveys @IuntIey et al., 1996, this volume) in the Babine Lake area, detailed drift exploration studies were undertaken on five porphyry-related copper properties: Babs, Heame Hill, Lennac Lake,, Bell mine (Newman Peninsula), and Saddle Hill (Figure 1). The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of glacial and postglacial processes on geochemical dispersal patterns at properties in tie contrasting physiographic settings. It is hoped this will help better define potential zones of mineralization, and provide models for future driit exploration programs. The proper& examined in this report are located in 93L/16 (Fulton Lake) and 93WOl (Old Fort Mountain) map areas, and lie at the northern limit of the Nechako Plateau (Figure 1; see also HuntIey et al., 1996, this volume). AlI five mineral properties border Babine Lake and its tributary waters, including F&on and Morrison lakes (Figure 1). Valleys in the Babine Lake area are broad, with gently sloping sides reflecting glacial modification. Regional iceflow directions in the study area are predominantly toward the south-southeast, paralleling these major topographic features (Armstrong and Tipper, 194X; Tipper, 19714 1994; Plooffe, 1991; Huntley et al., 1996, this volume),