The Alberta Geological Survey (AGS) is pleased to announce the release of exciting new resources developed to improve our collective understanding of the province’s mineral and deep geothermal potential.
Geothermal Atlas of Alberta
The Geothermal Atlas of Alberta, the first of its kind in Canada, is now publicly available. This online interactive mapping tool helps users evaluate deep geothermal favourability across key geological units in Alberta. This version includes maps of geological characteristics and features, allowing users to select specific areas of interest and receive geothermal summary statistics. This resource aims to identify favourable conditions for geothermal energy development and will be updated as new data and information becomes available.
High Quality Regional Airborne Geophysical Surveys in Alberta, Version 3
From 2021 to 2024, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) and AGS conducted the largest high-quality regional airborne magnetic and gravity survey in Canadian history, covering over 1.1 million line kilometres (lkm) of magnetic data and approximately 134,000 lkm of gravity data. The data is now available for free download and viewing. The update completes the publication of aeromagnetic data for all of Alberta outside the Rockies and foothills. This update includes processed and derivative data for central Alberta and raw data for the entire provincial survey area.
Airborne Geophysics Data Analysis and Interpretation, Northern Alberta
This special report provides insights into the mineral potential in Northern Alberta. The report is based on expert analysis of high-resolution airborne magnetic and gravity surveys conducted between 2021 and 2023 in Northern Alberta. This analysis aimed to refine geological boundaries, identify underground features like faults and intrusions, and link geophysical anomalies to kimberlite pipes. The final report includes new geological maps and data products. This publication is the third in a series, following similar reports for Southern Alberta and northeastern Alberta’s Canadian Shield.
I encourage you to explore these new resources to enhance your understanding of these emerging areas of resource development. And please feel free to share it with others that you think might also be interested in learning more about Alberta’s mineral and deep geothermal potential.
Background:
The AGS is a branch of the AER. Our work during our 100+ years of existence has helped map the geology of our province and supported data-driven decision-making as it relates to regulation.
As of August 2022, the AER became the lifecycle regulator of deep geothermal resource development, followed by brine-hosted minerals in 2023 and rock-hosted minerals in 2024.
To support this work, the Government of Alberta provided grants to the AGS to map the provinces’ mineral and deep geothermal potential and to enhance public geoscience related to these sectors.
To learn more, visit the AGS website. Additional information about regulating geothermal and mineral resource development can be found on aer.ca.
Regards,
Kelsey McCormack,
Director, Geology & Resources
Alberta Geological Survey