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Fact Sheet

Tahsis Property

Isla Marble Quarry

Strategic Location

Positioned on Vancouver Island, Isla Quarry offers seamless access to major transportation routes and deep-water harbors, ensuring efficient global distribution of premium marble.

Robust Infrastructure

With year-round road access, proximity to the power grid, and on-site facilities, Isla Quarry is fully equipped to support large-scale marble extraction and processing.

Expansive Terrain

Spanning diverse elevations and natural landscapes, Isla Quarry’s terrain provides ample room for future expansion and ongoing marble production, ensuring long-term operational success.

Property Location

Terrain and Geological Setting

Isla Quarry is located in a geologically rich area on Vancouver Island, primarily composed of marble and limestone from the Triassic Quatsino Formation. The site’s stable bedrock provides ideal conditions for marble extraction, with a landscape that includes coastal cliffs and forested regions, offering diverse quarrying environments.

Elevation and Topography

The property spans varied elevations, from sea level to higher inland areas, with smooth gradients that aid in natural drainage and access. The elevation changes support efficient quarrying by providing multiple extraction points and natural water management.

Resource Density and Heatmap Analysis

Heatmap data highlights zones with high marble concentration, particularly in elevated areas. These resource-rich zones have been verified through drilling and sampling, allowing for focused extraction in areas of optimal yield.

Physical Properties and Polishing Index

This section presents a detailed analysis of the key physical properties and polishing quality of Isla Quarry marble. From water absorption to compressive strength, these test results highlight the marble’s durability and resilience. Additionally, the high polishing index reflects its premium finish, ideal for high-end architectural and interior applications.
Marble Type Polishing Index (Horiba Gloss Checker IG310)
Victoria Blue 102
Acadia White (Coarse) 98
Acadia White 105
Acadia White Premium 101
Physical Property Test Item Standard Units Range of Values for Marble [MIA] Recommended Value Isla Marble
Water Absorption ASTM C97 max % 0.06 - 1.0 0.2 0.12
Specific Gravity CNS 11321 kgs/m3 2,242 - 2,963 2,594 2,760
Specific Gravity ASTM C97 lbs/ft3 140-185 162 172.3
Compressive Strength ASTM C170 kgf/cm2 420 - 2,461 527 1,713
Compressive Strength ASTM C170 lbs/in2 6,000 - 35,000 7,500 24,365
Modulus of Rupture ASTM C99 kgf/cm2 70 - 281 70 97.2
Modulus of Rupture ASTM C99 lbs/in2 1,000 - 4,000 1,000 1,382.50
Abrasion Resistance ASTM C241 Ha rating 5.0 - 50.0 10 18
Hardness (Mohs) Mohs Hardness Scale Scale 3 - 4 N/A 3 to 4
Shore Hardness Shore Hardness Scale Scale N/A N/A 54
The physical property and polishing data for Isla Quarry marble were gathered as part of a comprehensive exploration and testing program carried out between 2016 and 2017. Bulk sampling was conducted at Site A and Site B of the quarry, with a total of 900 tonnes of marble blocks extracted for testing. The marble samples were shipped to Taiwan, where 224 tonnes underwent ASTM and glossometer testing.

Diamond drilling was also performed in 2016, with 13 vertical drill holes completed to a depth of 216.5 meters. The samples collected during this period were subjected to a range of physical tests, including compressive strength, water absorption, and modulus of rupture, ensuring the highest standards of quality for the marble extracted from the Tahsis region on Vancouver Island.

Access and Transportation

Isla Quarry is located on the north shore of Tlupana Inlet on Vancouver Island, just 20 kilometers southeast of the town of Tahsis. The quarry is accessible year-round via well-maintained all-weather logging roads, including the Head Bay Forest Service Road and Hisnet Main Road. These roads connect the property to nearby towns such as Gold River, providing efficient routes for the transportation of materials and equipment. The quarry’s proximity to deep-water harbors along the western shoreline of Head Bay further enhances its logistical advantages, allowing for bulk marble shipments to be transported by sea. This strategic location significantly lowers shipping costs for international export.

Power and On-Site Facilities

The property is well-equipped with critical infrastructure to support its operations. The provincial power grid is situated just 5 kilometers from the site, providing a reliable electricity supply for machinery and equipment. On-site, the quarry is outfitted with key facilities including an office trailer, generator, fuel storage, and secure areas for mobile equipment. These facilities enable smooth and uninterrupted day-to-day operations, including bulk sampling, drilling, and testing activities. The integration of these elements ensures that Isla Quarry is fully prepared to handle ongoing exploration and production.

Natural Terrain and Expansion Potential

The topography of Isla Quarry provides an ideal setting for both current operations and future expansion. The property spans a range of elevations from sea level to 300 meters, featuring steep shorelines, rocky highlands, and a network of radiating creeks and ponds. The surrounding second-growth forest offers natural buffers, while logging roads crisscross the site, allowing easy movement of personnel and equipment. This diverse terrain not only supports current quarrying activities but also provides significant opportunities for future development as operations grow, making Isla Quarry a prime site for long-term marble extraction.

Property Location

Location

The property is located on North Vancouver Island, 50km southeast of Port McNeill

DEVELOPED INFRASTRUCTURE

Port McNeill has a small airport and there is a larger airport at Port Hardy, 50km up the coast to the west. The region has a major road network and there are well maintained forestry roads to the property.

EASILY ACCESSIBLE

The property is a 45-minute drive from Port McNeil and a 4 hour drive north from Nanaimo (via a short air, seaplane, BC ferries and Hullo passenger ferry from Vancouver)

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