British Columbia

Mineral exploration field contractors.

Geochemical sampling, ground magnetics, VLF-EM, induced polarization surveys, and prospecting across British Columbia. Owner-operated with field experience since 2004.

Check 2026 Availability Explore Capabilities

20+ Years of Experience

60+ Field Programs

15k+ Soil Samples

500+ Line-Km of Geophysics

Owner-Operated

About Petram.

Petram is an owner-operated mineral exploration contractor, established in 2022 by prospectors who have been fighting through devil's club, pushing past alders, scrambling up alpine slopes, swatting at mosquitoes, and climbing over deadfall throughout British Columbia since 2004.

We conduct geochemical surveys, ground geophysical surveys, prospecting, and data compilation for junior mining companies across the province. We care about the ground we walk. If we spot an outcrop while running mag, we sample it. If we notice alteration on a soil grid, we document it. We're there to help you find a discovery.

Data is processed nightly, with preliminary maps sent directly from the field. We have worked across the Golden Triangle, Toodoggone, Nechako Plateau, Quesnel Trough, Bralorne Gold Camp, and throughout the BC Interior.

We're prospectors at heart. Our goal is the same as yours: to find a mine.

MMI soil sampling crew on the Crine project near Atlin, BC, with glacier visible in the background

Grassroots Exploration

Field Services.

Geochemical and geophysical surveys for grassroots mineral exploration across British Columbia. Over 15,000 soil samples collected, thousands of rock samples, and more than 500 line-km of ground magnetic, VLF-EM, and IP surveys completed.

Data processed nightly. Preliminary maps sent directly from the field.

Soil, rock, and stream sampling programs designed to detect mineralization through transported overburden and deep glacial cover.

Methods

B-horizon soil sampling utilizing Dutch augers for deep recovery
Deep-cover evaluation using Ah-horizon, MMI (Mobile Metal Ion), and SGH (Spatiotemporal Geochemical Hydrocarbons)
Active channel stream sediment sampling
Biogeochemical bark sampling
Rock chip, grab, and channel sampling

Deliverables

Samples delivered to the accredited laboratory of your choice. Compiled datasets with GPS coordinates, field notes, and element maps plotted by symbology when assays are received.

Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) surveys to map lithological contacts, intrusions, and structural conduits.

Methods

Continuous acquisition at 1-second intervals using GEM Systems Overhauser magnetometers
Continuous base station for diurnal correction
TMI and derivative maps

Deliverables

Database with diurnally corrected magnetics, UTM coordinates, and data separated into lines for profile plots and gridding. Data is downloaded, despiked, and diurnally corrected nightly in camp. Standard map products include TMI, first vertical derivative, tilt derivative, and analytic signal, delivered as geoTIFF, KML/KMZ, and PDF.

VLF-EM collected at discrete stations along traverses, often conducted concurrently with magnetics to map near-surface conductive structural features.

Methods

Up to three transmitter stations for multiple orientations
Station spacings of 5, 10, 25, or 50m along lines

Deliverables

Data is Fraser-filtered and contoured nightly. Final database includes in-phase and out-of-phase values, UTM coordinates, and separated lines. Maps delivered as geoTIFF, KML/KMZ, and PDF.

Deep-penetrating 2D IP and resistivity surveys using Iris Instruments transmitter and receiver. Pseudosection data compiled nightly in the field to monitor data quality.

Methods

Time-domain IP/resistivity acquisition
Pole-dipole and dipole-dipole configurations, with pole-dipole preferred in BC for signal strength in rugged and conductive terrain

Deliverables

Pseudosections generated nightly to verify signal quality and electrode contact resistance. Final handover includes the raw instrument database, apparent chargeability/resistivity pseudosections, and inversion-ready data packages in formats compatible with standard 2D inversion software.

Field traverses with sampling and field observations. We evaluate historic occurrences, trace geophysical anomalies to source, break rocks, and sample targets. Prospecting is built into every program we run: while surveys are underway, we observe and document the surrounding geology.

Methods

Initial site visits, traverses, and lithological evaluation
Target follow-up from MINFILE showings
Rock sampling with detailed field descriptions
In-field pXRF screening (Niton XL3t) for preliminary geochemical assessment of rock and soil samples. Useful for rapid prioritization in the field, though not a substitute for laboratory analysis on subtle geochemical targets

Deliverables

Rock samples with descriptions and assays. GPS tracks, photo logs, sample location maps, pXRF data where applicable, and compiled field observation datasets.

Historical and current exploration data compiled into organized GIS databases, and assessment reports written for submission to ARIS. We write reports for programs we have conducted and for work completed by other operators.

Compilation

Georeferencing of historical maps and digitizing BC Assessment Reports (ARIS)
Digitization of sample locations, geology, and geophysical grids
Reconciliation of sample locations with assay values from certificates, tables, and maps

Sources

ARIS assessment reports, BC Property File, Ministry of Mines annual reports
BCGS and GSC publications, Geoscience BC releases, provincial RGS database

Deliverables

Organized GIS database with georeferenced maps, digitized tables, and a compilation report documenting sources and methods. Assessment reports prepared for ARIS submission with all required figures, tables, and cost statements.

Project Locations

Where we've worked.

Over 60 field programs completed across British Columbia since 2004. Select map points to view project details.

Browse the full project index

Every program below was completed by Petram, or by our crew before Petram was incorporated in 2022. Work types: geochemistry (MMI, SGH, B-horizon, soil, rock, bark), geophysics (IP, ground magnetics, VLF-EM, drone magnetics), prospecting, drilling support, and data compilation.

Beaton - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (IP Surveys)
Treadwell - Geophysics (IP Surveys)
Reliance - Geochemistry (MMI)
Corona - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (IP Surveys)
Ashton Copper - Geochemistry (MMI)
Surprise Lake - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (IP Surveys)
Tatsamenie Gold - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (IP Surveys, VLF-EM Surveys)
Julia / Feather Creek - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (Ground Magnetic Surveys)
Reiseter - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (IP Surveys)
Anyox - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (IP Surveys)
El Toro - Geochemistry (Bark Sampling), Geophysics (Ground Magnetic Surveys)
Chaco Bear - Geochemistry (MMI)
Otter Creek - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (IP Surveys)
Sidina - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (IP Surveys, SP), Direct Exploration (Drilling)
Palm Springs and E&L - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (IP Surveys, Ground Magnetic Surveys), Direct Exploration (Prospecting, Drilling)
Hot Bath - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (IP Surveys), Direct Exploration (Drilling)
Sunrise - Direct Exploration (Prospecting)
Crine - Direct Exploration (Prospecting)
Titan - Direct Exploration (Prospecting)
Lac La Hache - Geophysics (IP Surveys)
GSLT - Geochemistry (MMI)
Grizzly - Geochemistry (Soil Sampling, Rock Sampling)
Lincoln Creek - Geochemistry (MMI, SGH Soil Sampling)
Bralorne North - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (Drone Magnetics)
Bralorne South - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (Drone Magnetics)
Brett - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (Drone Magnetics)
Summers Fault - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (Drone Magnetics)
Princeton Copper - Geochemistry (SGH Soil Sampling), Geophysics (IP Surveys, Ground Magnetic Surveys, Drone Magnetics)
Bralorne East - Geochemistry (MMI)
Princeton East - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (Drone Magnetics)
Yellowhead East - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (Drone Magnetics)
Diadem - Geochemistry (MMI, Soil Sampling, Rock Sampling), Geophysics (Drone Magnetics)
Yellowhead West - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (Drone Magnetics)
Cabin Lake - Geochemistry (MMI, Soil Sampling, Rock Sampling), Geophysics (VLF-EM Surveys, Ground Magnetic Surveys)
Texada Island - Geochemistry (Soil Sampling, Rock Sampling)
Krona - Geochemistry (Soil Sampling), Geophysics (Ground Magnetic Surveys, Drone Magnetics)
Tora Tora - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (Drone Magnetics)
Big Creek - Geochemistry (Soil Sampling), Geophysics (Drone Magnetics)
Rodeo - Geochemistry (Soil Sampling, Rock Sampling), Geophysics (IP Surveys)
Bralorne West - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (Drone Magnetics)
Goldbelt - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (Drone Magnetics)
Granite Creek - Geophysics (Drone Magnetics), Direct Exploration (Prospecting)
Brenda West - Geochemistry (MMI)
Brenda North - Geochemistry (MMI)
Topley - Geochemistry (MMI, SGH Soil Sampling), Geophysics (Drone Magnetics)
Surprise Lake Pluton - Geochemistry (Soil Sampling, Rock Sampling), Direct Exploration (Prospecting)
Sparta - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (Drone Magnetics)
Chu Molybdenum - Geochemistry (MMI), Geophysics (Drone Magnetics)
Copper Crown - Geochemistry (MMI, Rock Sampling), Geophysics (Drone Magnetics)
Star - Geochemistry (Soil Sampling, Rock Sampling), Geophysics (IP Surveys), Direct Exploration (Drilling)
Sunrise (Atlin) - Geochemistry (MMI)
Engineer Gold Mine - Geochemistry (MMI)
Raft - Geochemistry (Soil Sampling), Geophysics (IP Surveys)
Hat - Camp management (drilling), Line cutting, Geochemical (Soil Sampling)
Red Lion - Geochemical (Prospecting, Soil Sampling)
Wann River - Geochemistry (MMI)
Three Guardsmen - Geochemistry (Soil Sampling, Rock Sampling), Geological Mapping
Nechako Molybdenum - Geochemistry (MMI)
Magno - Geochemistry (Soil Sampling, Rock Sampling), Data Compilation

Project Gallery

From the field.

Every photo below is from our own programs.

Common Questions

FAQ.

Mobile Metal Ion (MMI) sampling is a partial-extraction geochemical method designed to detect metal ions that have migrated vertically through deep overburden to the surface soil. It is particularly effective in glaciated terrain like British Columbia where conventional B-horizon sampling may only reflect transported material. MMI can detect copper, gold, zinc, and other pathfinder elements through tens of metres of glacial till, making it a primary tool for blind target evaluation beneath cover.

B-horizon sampling collects weathered mineral soil from the B-horizon (typically 20-50 cm depth) and analyzes for total or near-total metal content. It works best where soils are residual and developed in place over bedrock. MMI is a partial-extraction technique that targets loosely bound metal ions in the top few centimetres of soil that have migrated upward from depth. In BC's glaciated terrain, B-horizon samples often reflect transported glacial material rather than underlying bedrock, while MMI can detect signatures from mineralization buried beneath thick till.

An IP survey injects electrical current into the ground through steel electrodes and measures how the subsurface stores and releases that charge over time. Disseminated sulphide minerals (pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena) cause a measurable chargeability response because they temporarily store electrical charge at grain boundaries. The survey also measures apparent resistivity, which helps map lithological contacts and alteration zones. IP is one of the most effective ground geophysical methods for detecting porphyry copper-gold systems, VMS deposits, and other sulphide-bearing targets at depth.

We have completed over 60 field programs across British Columbia since 2004, including projects in the Golden Triangle (Eskay Creek, Anyox, Tatsamenie), the Toodoggone, the Nechako Plateau (Cabin Lake, Topley, Fraser Lake), the Quesnel Trough (Lac La Hache), the Bralorne Gold Camp, and throughout the BC Interior from Princeton to the Atlin district.

Deliverables depend on the program type. For geochemistry, we provide samples shipped to your chosen accredited laboratory, plus compiled databases with GPS coordinates, field notes, and element maps when assays are received. For geophysics (magnetics, VLF-EM, IP), we deliver diurnally corrected and processed databases, gridded maps in geoTIFF, KML/KMZ, and PDF formats, pseudosections for IP, and line-separated data ready for further processing. All data is processed nightly in the field with preliminary maps sent directly from camp.

There is no flat rate because cost is driven by the program design: total line-kilometres or sample count, line spacing, terrain and vegetation, access (truck, ATV, or helicopter-supported), crew size, camp requirements, and time of year. A road-accessible soil grid near a town prices very differently from a fly-in IP program in the Golden Triangle. Send us your property location and program goals and we will scope the logistics and provide a detailed quote.

The BC field season is short and schedules fill up early. For helicopter-supported or multi-week programs, reach out in winter or early spring for the upcoming season. That leaves time for permitting (Notice of Work where required), logistics, and scheduling. Smaller road-accessible programs can sometimes be slotted in mid-season. The earlier you contact us, the easier it is to secure dates.

Ground magnetic surveys run GEM Systems Overhauser magnetometers in continuous mode, recording at 1-second intervals while walking. IP surveys use an Iris Instruments transmitter and receiver. For prospecting and rock sampling we carry a Niton XL3t portable XRF analyzer for real-time readings in the field, backed by laboratory assays. All survey data is downloaded and processed nightly in camp.

Project Planning

2026 Field Season Availability.

Now booking geochemical and geophysical programs for the 2026 season.

Tell us about your property and program goals. We will review project logistics and discuss a scope of work.

Phone +1 (250) 917‑8380

Email matt@petram.ca

Headquarters

Burnaby, BC

Mineral exploration field contractors.

About Petram.

Field Services.

Geochemical Surveys

Ground Magnetic Surveys

VLF-EM Surveys

Induced Polarization (IP) Surveys

Prospecting & Rock Sampling

Data Compilation, GIS & Assessment Reports

Where we've worked.

From the field.

FAQ.

What is MMI soil sampling and when is it used?

What is the difference between MMI and B-horizon soil sampling?

How does an induced polarization (IP) survey work?

What areas of British Columbia does Petram work in?

What data do you deliver after a field program?

What does a geophysical or geochemical survey cost in BC?

How far in advance should a field program be booked?

What instruments does Petram use?

2026 Field Season Availability.