Field Course: Kamloops and Princeton

Join MDRU for a Porphyry Field Course from June 8 to 12, 2026
[Course begins and ends in Kamloops, BC]

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This mine-focused field program offers a rare opportunity to study three of the most productive porphyry copper systems in the Southern Quesnel Belt. Participants will visit Copper Mountain, Highland Valley Copper, and New Afton, each representing distinct deposit geometries, mineralization styles and alteration footprints. Through guided site visits, drill-core examinations, and expert-led discussions, the course emphasizes the integration of geology, geochemistry, and spectral mineralogy to build a robust understanding of porphyry system architecture. This field trip is ideal for professionals seeking practical insights they can directly apply to exploration and resource-modelling workflows.

WHY ATTEND

• Access World-Class Deposits: Study three major porphyry copper systems that collectively span a range of sizes, ore styles, and alteration profiles.

• Learn From Specialists: Gain insight from MDRU researchers and on-site technical experts.

• Hands-on Learning: Examine drill core with accompanying four-acid geochemical and SWIR spectral datasets to deepen your understanding of porphyry copper deposits.

• Build Professional Connections: Network with colleagues from academia, industry and graduate students in a focused, collaborative learning environment.

LOCATION

Kamloops and Princeton, BC

Itinerary Route Map  (click or scroll down to view)

COURSE LEADERS

Brian McNulty (MDRU), Matthew Manor (MDRU), Neal Mankins (Hudbay Minerals), John Ryan (Teck) and Devin Wade (New Gold).

TRANSPORTATION

Vehicles will leave Kamloops early in the afternoon on Monday June 8 (time and location TBD) and return to Kamloops on June 10 to continue the course. Daily transportation to all field sites is provided.

FLIGHTS and COURSE START

Travel to and from Kamloops—for the start and end of the field course—is not included in the course fee.

Course Begins and Ends in Kamloops: Participants are required to purchase their own flights to be in Kamloops by mid morning on Monday, June 8th for an early afternoon start of the course. Location and time TBD.

Due to the limited morning flights into Kamloops, participants may consider arriving on June 7th.

ACCOMMODATION

Four nights of single hotel accommodation are included.
Two nights in Princeton (June 8 & 9) and two nights in Kamloops (June 10 & 11).

FOOD

• Picnic-style lunches and snacks will be provided daily for site visits.

• Breakfast and dinner are the responsibility of the participants.

COURSE FEES

The following pricing includes the course, course materials, accommodation and transportation during the course, and daily picnic-style lunch as outlined above. Payment is accepted by credit card via the link below.

Prices are in Canadian dollars. 5% GST will be added to the amounts shown below.

GROUP REGISTRATIONS WELCOME

THIS COURSE IS SOLD OUT
Please be sure to register for the waitlist here.

PAYMENT AND REFUNDS

Payment: To ensure registration for any short course, it is mandatory to make the full payment in advance.

Refunds: Please note that given the logistics of field trip advanced bookings, refunds cannot be granted. Full refunds will be provided only if the minimum enrollment requirement is not met.

ITINERARY ROUTE MAP 

STUDENT APPLICATIONS

A limited number of spots are reserved for students at a discounted price. Students who wish to attend must submit a statement of interest letter—including why and how attending this trip is relevant to them—via email to Brian McNulty (bmcnulty@eoas.ubc.ca).

Application deadline: April 15, 2026.
Students will be informed of their application status by April 29th.

Eligibility Requirements & Application Details 

Students must provide:

1. Proof of current student enrollment
2. Program of study
3. Faculty or supervisor reference letter
4. Student statement of interest letter (as described above)
5. Commitment to attend the full duration of the trip