ABSTRACT
This chapter examines aspects surrounding one popular approach to modeling aggregate potential. Models have been extensively used in quantitatively assessing grades and tonnages of metal deposits and have recently been adapted to sand and gravel deposits. The chapter shows that aggregate potential can be qualitatively estimated through the application and interpretation of pre-existing geological information, and then quantified through the use of deposit models. As a ‘first approximation’ the methodology provides a guideline for land-use planners, producers and developers to manage aggregate resources. Mineral deposit models essentially consist of a cumulative distribution of data for a given deposit parameter where the values of certain percentiles such as the 10th, 50th and 90th, are given. The chapter presents the geological settings of sand and gravel deposits on Vancouver Island, British Columbia by identifying the geomorphic landform associated with each pit.
