The geology of Timmins is unique in the world. Almost every year a new mine is found or an older one is being given a second look. Mining towns generally exist for a few decades. Timmins is approaching its centennial year of existence. The Canadian Shield was generous in its allocation of mineral wealth in the Porcupine. It has yielded over 19 million ounces of gold and many thousands of tonnes of copper, lead, zinc and other minerals to help Canada grow. The earthÕs crust near Timmins has had over 100 working mines in its 93-year history. The numerous waste piles that dot the landscape are a testament to the huge volume of rock which has been mined, milled and deposited on the surface. In spite of this huge exploitation of the earthÕs crust, Timmins remains an outdoor person's paradise.

To the north, sedimentary rock forms the bedrock of the Hudson Bay and Moose River basins. Further south, in the Timmins area, the ancient crust of the earth is a combination of greenstone, granite and greystone volcanic rock with many altered sedimentary combinations. These rocks are frequently seen in close proximity to each other often providing textbook examples for geology students. A few hundred million years ago pockets of mineral-rich rock intruded or flowed up into the cooling earth's crust bringing with it gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc and other valuable metals. Outcrops of pillow lava can be seen showing how lava was thrust up from the earth's crust below water in the ancient seas that covered this area.

From Timmins south, an overburden of sand and rock testifies to the presence of glacial activity. Sand and gravel eskers were used to build many of the roads beds in the area. Many people visiting the area are surprised by the amount of sand we have covering the areas between rocky outcrops. Follow Pine Street South or Tisdale Street in South Porcupine to experience the sand and gravel overburden. For years the mines in the area transported sand to backfill the stopes and drifts which penetrated the rock under the towns. Today, rising water levels in former underground workings where the sand has settled has led to the collapse of surface areas and even forced the closing of businesses built over old workings.

One of the best ways to learn about geology is to take the Timmins Gold Mine Tour led by experienced guides (often retired miners)who share their knowledge of mining technology and life in a mining community. Another opportunity to view a cross section of the bedrock is the visit to the vast Placer Dome open-pit gold mine in South Porcupine. The depth of the pit will eventually be in excess of 1100 ft.

Many geologists are convinced there are more mines to be found in the Porcupine. The romance of mining is no better illustrated than the discovery and proving of resources at the present Kidd Creek Mine. A movie showing how this huge copper, lead, zinc base metal mine was discovered and developed is a must-see at the Timmins Museum and Exhibition Centre in South Porcupine.