It is a pleasure to acknowledge the many contributions of Mark C. Smyk to the understanding of the geology of the Lake Superior region at the 51st annual meeting of the Lake superior Institute on Lake Superior Geology. This is the 26th Goldich medal awarded by the Institute to individuals that have made significant contributions to Lake Superior geology.

Mark was born in Dryden, Ontario, in 1961 and received his Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Lakehead University in 1984 upon completion of a thesis titled “A comparative study of silver occurrences, Island Belt Silver Region, Thunder Bay District, Ontario”. From Lakehead University Mark entered Carleton University where he received his Masters of Science degree in geology upon completion of a thesis on silver veins in the Cobalt silver area in 1987. The thesis was titled “Geology of Archean Interflow Sedimentary Rocks and their relationship to Ag-Bi-Co-Ni-As Veins, Cobalt Silver Area, Ontario”.

Mark completed contract geological mapping in the Schreiber-Hemlo and Swayze greenstone belts in 1984. He has also completed contracts with David Bell Geological Services Inc. and Saarberg-Interplan Ltd. From 1998 to the present Mark has served as guest lecturer at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay. He has also lectured and prepared course curriculum in geology for the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, Iqalut, Northern Territory. Mark has long been active in the Institute on Lake Superior Geology and co-hosted the 41st and 51st annual meetings. He is a Registered Professional Geologist in the Province of Ontario, fellow in the Geological Association of Canada, member of the Northwest Prospectors Association and guest editor for “Exploration and Mining Geology”, Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Since 1987 Mark has worked with the Ontario Geological Survey. During this period he has authored or co-authored 7 reports, 14 abstracts and 7 guidebooks. The Ontario Geological Survey library lists 62 items as authored or co-authored by Mark.

Since working with the Ontario Geological Survey Mark has advanced to become Regional Resident Geologist, Thunder Bay North. His work entails geology related publications, land use planning and interaction with the public, prospectors and industry.

Submitted by Ron Sage
Awarded May 26, 2005
Nipigon, Ontario
51st Annual Institute on Lake Superior Geology