GSC geochemical wing at `critical crossroads’

The geochemical exploration arm of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) is at a “critical crossroads,” says a recent report by a Canadian Geoscience Council advisory committee.

Appointed in 1988, the committee found that although clients are generally pleased with the geochemical exploration sector’s output and performance, several problems regarding internal management, organization and morale need to be addressed.

Many of these problems stem from a restructuring in 1986, which resulted in changes in management and the transfer of certain activities within the exploration geochemistry group.

“Scientific and technical personnel have experienced, to different degrees, changes in working relationships, disruptions of communication, diminished morale and other anxieties,” the report noted in its conclusions. “The exploration geochemistry subdivision has lost considerable professional momentum, and there is a perceived de-emphasis on applied geochemical exploration research within the Geological Survey.”

The 75-page report cited no less than 38 conclusions and 34 recommendations for change.

In the GSC’s opinion, a recommendation that personnel with expertise in drift prospecting techniques be transferred from the Quaternary geology subdivision of the terrain sciences division to the exploration geochemistry subdivision of the mineral resources division is the most contentious of the proposals.