Ursula Mowat, Prospector, Professional Geologist

In 2015, Ursula Mowat, along with Peter Bradshaw and Ron Britten of FPX Nickel Inc was the recipient of the H.H. “Spud” Huestis Award for excellence in prospecting and mineral exploration in recognition of their efforts in identifying and commencing development of a new type of nickel deposit exemplified by the Decar project in central British Columbia. It is rare to identify a new deposit type and even more unusual to then become the first to significantly advance one.

Ms. Mowat, after graduating from the university of British Columbia with a B.Sc. in geology and then working for several mining companies, turned to prospecting in the Mount Sidney Williams area. She acquired claims in 1986, which she then option portions of the ground to junior companies exploring for gold over the next decade. Aware of the potential for chromite, nickel and platinum group elements, Ms. Mowat noted that petrographic PhD work from Peter Whittaker indicated the presence of natural occurring nickel-iron alloy called awaruite in several samples. By honoring her with this award it recognized her part in the discovery of an important and unique, bulk tonnage, low-grade nickel deposit.