28. Prospecting Success in the Yukon Territory, Canada

Prospecting is fundamental to the discovery of new ore deposits.  Geologists who prospect and prospectors who do geology are the subject of this and next week’s episode.  In the Yukon Territory, Canada, prospectors are finding new mineralization with the support of a unique grant program. The Yukon Mineral Exploration Grant (YMEP) is at the root of several discoveries in the last 20 years, supporting individuals to get out in the field and take on risk. We learn about how the Yukon Government incentivizes early-stage prospectors and junior companies from Scott Casselman (Head of Minerals Geology, Yukon Geological Survey). Geologists Jack Milton (Fireweed Metals) and Ryan Burke (Victoria Gold), take the listeners on their prospecting journeys over the past few years. The interviews are pre and post field season, so listen in to hear how they progressed!Jack discusses his innovative regional exploration approach, which uses zircon in stream sediments to try and find new porphyry targets in a well-explored, but poorly exposed part of the Yukon.  Ryan gives us the run down on his two ambitious prospecting programs in the Yukon. He takes us on a journey through his recent discoveries, one a base metals target and one a porphyry Cu-Au target.  By the end of the summer, we hear surprises from both properties.  Do you have the ambition to get out in the field and find new mineralization?  Jack and Ryan both have some words of wisdom. Next episode we’ll continue with the prospecting theme with special guest Shawn Ryan along with Jessica and Katarina Bjorkman.  Theme music is Confluence by Eastwindseastwindsmusic.comCome join us in Salt Lake City, Utah for SEG 2026, September 30th to October 3rd. You can expect world-class technical content, including iconic ore deposits and the geological processes of North American Cordillera. The program balances applied case studies, framework geology, and technological innovation. The conference offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and help shape the future of economic geology. See you there.