|
|
Geological map of the Cypress
Hills, Saskatchewan
1885, by R.G. McConnell
One of the chief means by which the Geological Survey
of Canada communicates the results of its field research
is through maps, such as the one shown here of the Cypress
Hills. All mineral discoveries in western Canada have
been assisted in one form or another by such maps. They
do not necessarily pinpoint sites for mining, but they
do show the areas which have better potential than others
and by doing so, reduce the mining industry's exploration
costs.
[more]
The vital role that the Geological Survey of Canada
was expected to play in the identification of western
resources was first evident in 1890 when the federal
cabinet made the Survey a separate department. In
1907, the Survey's mandate was expanded slightly when
it was amalgamated with the Mineral Statistics Branch
of the Department of the Interior to form the new
Department of Mines. When control of public lands
was handed over to the Prairie provinces in 1930,
the Survey was expected to continue its investigations
in support of the mining industry. It was merged with
the few remaining federal responsibilities for natural
resources into the new Department of Mines and Resources.
Later reorganizations by the federal government placed
the Survey in the Department of Mines and Technical
Surveys (1950), the Department of Energy, Mines and
Resources (1966), and Natural Resources Canada (1995),
where it remains today.
|
