PETROGRAPHIC DESCRIPTIONS
EXPERT INSIGHT
ACCELERATED DISCOVERY
Our service provides detailed petrographic descriptions of thin and polished thin sections, all prepared and analyzed in-house to meet the needs of exploration geologists. Ideal for professionals who lack access to modern petrographic microscopes, seek expert interpretation to supplement or refresh their analytical skills, or require time-saving solutions to navigate demanding workloads, our service delivers precise insights that streamline workflows and allow you to concentrate on critical exploration priorities.
What’s Included in a Standard Report?
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Semi-Quantitative Modal Analysis: Estimating mineral proportions accurately.
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Mineralogy & Textural Relationships: Detailed descriptions of mineral phases, paragenesis, and grain boundaries.
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Alteration & Structural Features: Documentation of veining, overprinting, shear zones, and metasomatic changes.
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Geological Summary: A concise overview of sample geology, enabling rapid assessment of sample suites.
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High-resolution photomicrographs accompany every report.
PETROGRAPHERS
John Payne
Senior Petrographer Ph.D. (1966)
Senior Petrographer for Vancouver Petrographics since 1974.
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Excellent working knowledge of volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, porphyry Cu-Au deposits, vein, skarn deposits, PGE deposits.
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Regional geological and property mapping since 1967.
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Consultant since 1974, mainly in the North/South American Cordillera.
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Major exploration property mapping and petrographic studies: Campo Morado area, Mexico (VMS); Britannia, B.C. (VMS); Delta District, Alaska (VMS), Cariboo area, B.C. (VMS); Stewart-Sulphurets-Iskut River, B.C. (Au-Ag); Casino, Yukon (Porphyry Cu-Au-Mo); Talcuna, Chile (vein and breccia Cu); High Andes, Argentina (bulk Au-Ag); Pedra Branca, Brazil (PGE); Calico, California (bulk Ag); and Pebble Deposit, Alaska (Porphyry Cu Au-Mo).
Senior Petrographer for Vancouver Petrographics since 1974. Excellent working knowledge of volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, porphyry Cu-Au deposits, vein, skarn deposits, PGE deposits. Regional geological and property mapping since 1967. Consultant since 1974, mainly in the North/South American Cordillera. Major exploration property mapping and petrographic studies: Campo Morado area, Mexico (VMS); Britannia, B.C. (VMS); Delta District, Alaska (VMS), Cariboo area, B.C. (VMS); Stewart-Sulphurets-Iskut River, B.C. (Au-Ag); Casino, Yukon (Porphyry Cu-Au-Mo); Talcuna, Chile (vein and breccia Cu); High Andes, Argentina (bulk Au-Ag); Pedra Branca, Brazil (PGE); Calico, California (bulk Ag); and Pebble Deposit, Alaska (Porphyry Cu Au-Mo).
Senior Petrographer for Vancouver Petrographics since 1986. Exploration geologist since 1971. Experience in major exploration projects in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Iran, and Turkey. Specializing in Porphyry Cu/Mo/Au, VMS, Sedex Zn-Pb-Ag, Cu, lode Au-Ag (epithermal and mesothermal), magmatic Ni-Co-PGM. Familiar with mafic/ultramafic chromite, chemical and clastic sediment-hosted Au, vein/stockwork Sn, skarn (W, Cu, Pb-Zn, Fe), REE carbonatite, uranium deposits. Structural geologist mapping/consulting for major engineering firms since 1997 on major projects (mainly tunnels and tailings dam investigations) in Canada (Capilano-Seymour, Pingston, Sea to Sky Hwy, Kicking Horse Canyon, Galore Creek), Philippines (Casecnan), Argentina (Agua Rica), Greenland (Malmbjerg). Research on Sullivan, B.C., Sheep Creek, Montana, Middle Valley (offshore black smokers), and Island Copper, B.C. at GSC, 1990-1995. Taught ore petrology at University of British Columbia, Mining Geology at BCIT, 1985-1991; Introduction to Ore Deposits and Mineral Exploration at U.B.C. and Simon Fraser University, 1998-1999.
Craig Leitch
Senior Petrographer B.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D. (1989)
Senior Petrographer for Vancouver Petrographics since 1986.
-
Exploration geologist since 1971. Experience in major exploration projects in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Iran, and Turkey.
-
Specializing in Porphyry Cu/Mo/Au, VMS, Sedex Zn-Pb-Ag, Cu, lode Au-Ag (epithermal and mesothermal), magmatic Ni-Co-PGM.
-
Familiar with mafic/ultramafic chromite, chemical and clastic sediment-hosted Au, vein/stockwork Sn, skarn (W, Cu, Pb-Zn, Fe), REE carbonatite, uranium deposits.
-
Structural geologist mapping/consulting for major engineering firms since 1997 on major projects (mainly tunnels and tailings dam investigations) in Canada (Capilano-Seymour, Pingston, Sea to Sky Hwy, Kicking Horse Canyon, Galore Creek), Philippines (Casecnan), Argentina (Agua Rica), Greenland (Malmbjerg).
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Research on Sullivan, B.C., Sheep Creek, Montana, Middle Valley (offshore black smokers), and Island Copper, B.C. at GSC, 1990-1995.
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Taught ore petrology at University of British Columbia, Mining Geology at BCIT, 1985-1991; Introduction to Ore Deposits and Mineral Exploration at U.B.C. and Simon Fraser University, 1998-1999.
Cathy M. Hamel
Senior Petrographer B.Sc., M.Sc. (1985), P.Geo.
Senior Petrographer for Vancouver Petrographics with solid working knowledge of volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, porphyry Cu-Au deposits, PGE, and Sedex deposits.
-
25+ years of petrographic experience in the evaluation of igneous and metamorphic rocks as well as sandstone, carbonate, and mudstone reservoir systems in Canada [Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, Beaufort-McKenzie Basin, Eastern Canada including offshore Newfoundland (Orphan, Flemish Pass, Jeanne d'Arc Basins), Labrador Shelf & the Scotian Margin], South America (Columbia, Argentina, Brazil), Africa (Egypt, Chad), Mexico (PEMEX) and the United States (Gulf of Mexico).
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Extensive field lithological/structural mapping of the Circum-Ungava meta-sedimentary belt, Cape Smith volcanic-meta-sedimentary foldbelt (Ni-Cu-Co, Pt-Pd) and the Abitibi Greenstone Belt. Implemented mapping and surface drilling program to determine the extension of The Lac Short gold deposit (Matagami-Chibougamau belt).
Senior Petrographer for Vancouver Petrographics with solid working knowledge of volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, porphyry Cu-Au deposits, PGE, and Sedex deposits. 25+ years of petrographic experience in the evaluation of igneous and metamorphic rocks as well as sandstone, carbonate, and mudstone reservoir systems in Canada [Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, Beaufort-McKenzie Basin, Eastern Canada including offshore Newfoundland (Orphan, Flemish Pass, Jeanne d'Arc Basins), Labrador Shelf & the Scotian Margin], South America (Columbia, Argentina, Brazil), Africa (Egypt, Chad), Mexico (PEMEX) and the United States (Gulf of Mexico). Extensive field lithological/structural mapping of the Circum-Ungava meta-sedimentary belt, Cape Smith volcanic-meta-sedimentary foldbelt (Ni-Cu-Co, Pt-Pd) and the Abitibi Greenstone Belt. Implemented mapping and surface drilling program to determine the extension of The Lac Short gold deposit (Matagami-Chibougamau belt).
Need Specialized Analysis or Custom Support?
Contact us to discuss your project with our petrographers. We’ll explore your requirements together, offering clear guidance on how to achieve your goals - whether through direct analysis, tailored insights, or recommendations to optimize your approach. Even if your needs fall outside standard workflows, we’ll help clarify possibilities, prioritize actionable steps, and ensure your exploration objectives stay on track.
John Payne
Senior Petrographer Ph.D. (1966)
Senior Petrographer for Vancouver Petrographics since 1974.
-
Excellent working knowledge of volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, porphyry Cu-Au deposits, vein, skarn deposits, PGE deposits.
-
Regional geological and property mapping since 1967.
-
Consultant since 1974, mainly in the North/South American Cordillera.
-
Major exploration property mapping and petrographic studies: Campo Morado area, Mexico (VMS); Britannia, B.C. (VMS); Delta District, Alaska (VMS), Cariboo area, B.C. (VMS); Stewart-Sulphurets-Iskut River, B.C. (Au-Ag); Casino, Yukon (Porphyry Cu-Au-Mo); Talcuna, Chile (vein and breccia Cu); High Andes, Argentina (bulk Au-Ag); Pedra Branca, Brazil (PGE); Calico, California (bulk Ag); and Pebble Deposit, Alaska (Porphyry Cu Au-Mo).
Senior Petrographer for Vancouver Petrographics since 1974. Excellent working knowledge of volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, porphyry Cu-Au deposits, vein, skarn deposits, PGE deposits. Regional geological and property mapping since 1967. Consultant since 1974, mainly in the North/South American Cordillera. Major exploration property mapping and petrographic studies: Campo Morado area, Mexico (VMS); Britannia, B.C. (VMS); Delta District, Alaska (VMS), Cariboo area, B.C. (VMS); Stewart-Sulphurets-Iskut River, B.C. (Au-Ag); Casino, Yukon (Porphyry Cu-Au-Mo); Talcuna, Chile (vein and breccia Cu); High Andes, Argentina (bulk Au-Ag); Pedra Branca, Brazil (PGE); Calico, California (bulk Ag); and Pebble Deposit, Alaska (Porphyry Cu Au-Mo).
Craig Leitch
Senior Petrographer B.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D. (1989)
Senior Petrographer for Vancouver Petrographics since 1986.
Exploration geologist since 1971. Experience in major exploration projects in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Iran, and Turkey.
Specializing in Porphyry Cu/Mo/Au, VMS, Sedex Zn-Pb-Ag, Cu, lode Au-Ag (epithermal and mesothermal), magmatic Ni-Co-PGM.
Familiar with mafic/ultramafic chromite, chemical and clastic sediment-hosted Au, vein/stockwork Sn, skarn (W, Cu, Pb-Zn, Fe), REE carbonatite, uranium deposits.
Structural geologist mapping/consulting for major engineering firms since 1997 on major projects (mainly tunnels and tailings dam investigations) in Canada (Capilano-Seymour, Pingston, Sea to Sky Hwy, Kicking Horse Canyon, Galore Creek), Philippines (Casecnan), Argentina (Agua Rica), Greenland (Malmbjerg).
Research on Sullivan, B.C., Sheep Creek, Montana, Middle Valley (offshore black smokers), and Island Copper, B.C. at GSC, 1990-1995.
Taught ore petrology at University of British Columbia, Mining Geology at BCIT, 1985-1991; Introduction to Ore Deposits and Mineral Exploration at U.B.C. and Simon Fraser University, 1998-1999.
Senior Petrographer for Vancouver Petrographics since 1986. Exploration geologist since 1971. Experience in major exploration projects in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Iran, and Turkey. Specializing in Porphyry Cu/Mo/Au, VMS, Sedex Zn-Pb-Ag, Cu, lode Au-Ag (epithermal and mesothermal), magmatic Ni-Co-PGM. Familiar with mafic/ultramafic chromite, chemical and clastic sediment-hosted Au, vein/stockwork Sn, skarn (W, Cu, Pb-Zn, Fe), REE carbonatite, uranium deposits. Structural geologist mapping/consulting for major engineering firms since 1997 on major projects (mainly tunnels and tailings dam investigations) in Canada (Capilano-Seymour, Pingston, Sea to Sky Hwy, Kicking Horse Canyon, Galore Creek), Philippines (Casecnan), Argentina (Agua Rica), Greenland (Malmbjerg). Research on Sullivan, B.C., Sheep Creek, Montana, Middle Valley (offshore black smokers), and Island Copper, B.C. at GSC, 1990-1995. Taught ore petrology at University of British Columbia, Mining Geology at BCIT, 1985-1991; Introduction to Ore Deposits and Mineral Exploration at U.B.C. and Simon Fraser University, 1998-1999.
Cathy M. Hamel
Senior Petrographer B.Sc., M.Sc. (1985), P.Geo.
Senior Petrographer for Vancouver Petrographics with solid working knowledge of volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, porphyry Cu-Au deposits, PGE, and Sedex deposits.
25+ years of petrographic experience in the evaluation of igneous and metamorphic rocks as well as sandstone, carbonate, and mudstone reservoir systems in Canada [Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, Beaufort-McKenzie Basin, Eastern Canada including offshore Newfoundland (Orphan, Flemish Pass, Jeanne d'Arc Basins), Labrador Shelf & the Scotian Margin], South America (Columbia, Argentina, Brazil), Africa (Egypt, Chad), Mexico (PEMEX) and the United States (Gulf of Mexico).
Extensive field lithological/structural mapping of the Circum-Ungava meta-sedimentary belt, Cape Smith volcanic-meta-sedimentary foldbelt (Ni-Cu-Co, Pt-Pd) and the Abitibi Greenstone Belt. Implemented mapping and surface drilling program to determine the extension of The Lac Short gold deposit (Matagami-Chibougamau belt).
Senior Petrographer for Vancouver Petrographics with solid working knowledge of volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, porphyry Cu-Au deposits, PGE, and Sedex deposits. 25+ years of petrographic experience in the evaluation of igneous and metamorphic rocks as well as sandstone, carbonate, and mudstone reservoir systems in Canada [Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, Beaufort-McKenzie Basin, Eastern Canada including offshore Newfoundland (Orphan, Flemish Pass, Jeanne d'Arc Basins), Labrador Shelf & the Scotian Margin], South America (Columbia, Argentina, Brazil), Africa (Egypt, Chad), Mexico (PEMEX) and the United States (Gulf of Mexico). Extensive field lithological/structural mapping of the Circum-Ungava meta-sedimentary belt, Cape Smith volcanic-meta-sedimentary foldbelt (Ni-Cu-Co, Pt-Pd) and the Abitibi Greenstone Belt. Implemented mapping and surface drilling program to determine the extension of The Lac Short gold deposit (Matagami-Chibougamau belt).