Bonanza Gulch Placer - Federal Mining Claim
Bonanza Gulch – Overview –
The Bonanza Gulch streambed is composed of repeating sequences of steps, cascading waterfalls, plunge pools formed by resistant bedrock, boulders and wood debris. The stream flows year-round down the steep gradient through confined channels directly coupled to hill slopes. The slopes support a relatively thick cover of timber.
Bedrock in this portion of the Bitterroot Mountains has been assigned by Ross (1963), Northwest quarter geologic map of the Belt Series to the Wallace Formation. The formation is composed of quartzite, argillite, limestone, dolomite, and a wide range of mixture of these rock types. The most diagnostic characteristic of the formation as a whole is the presence of calcite, ferro- dolomite, or low-iron ankerite, or a mixture of these minerals. A thickness of about 10,000 feet of Wallace Formation is exposed in the Dry Creek valley approximately 7 miles north of this site. Colors range from white to dark gray with shades of reddish to yellowish-brown; typical of weathered surfaces.”
Bonanza Gulch Placer Mining Claim
Legacy Serial No. MTMMC 221586
MLRS Serial No. MT101881903
S ½ of N ½ Section 2
T 15 N, R 28 W Correct legal
Mineral County, Montana
160 Acres
Geological Notes Re: Yellow Bucket - Bonanza Gulch
(The Yellow Bucket site is is located on a bench adjacent to the Miller's Bonanza Lode Mine shown on the map below as the Hartman - approx. 1904.)
Physiography and General Geology: On September 11, 1971, John B. Burleson, mining engineer, Regional Office, Missoula, Montana, accompanied by Geoffrey F. Wilson, resource assistant, USFS Superior Ranger District, conducted a mineral examination of the Yellow Bucket placer mining claim, noting in their report (No. 2810-May 15, 1972) “ The Yellow Bucket Placer Mining Claim is located in the vicinity of the confluence of Bonanza, Missoula, and Oregon Gulches; roughly 2 miles north of Oregon Peak. The area is mountainous with a maximum altitude of 6,863 feet at Mink Peak. The slopes support a relatively thick cover of timber. The area of the claim is generally sloping, however, the relief above is quite extreme.
Bedrock in this portion of the Bitterroot Mountains has been assigned by Ross (1963), Northwest quarter geologic map of the Belt Series to the Wallace Formation. The formation is composed of quartzite, argillite, limestone, dolomite, and a wide range of mixture of these rock types. The most diagnostic characteristic of the formation as a whole is the presence of calcite, ferro-dolomite, or low-iron ankerite, or a mixture of these minerals. A thickness of about 10,000 feet of Wallace Formation is exposed in the Dry Creek valley approximately 7 miles north of this site. Colors range from white to dark gray with shades of reddish to yellowish-brown; typical of weathered surfaces.”
The 1971 report references the mining developments at that time, stating, “Placer gravel is being washed from two, hand-dug pits located about 150 due east of the cabin and Oregon Gulch. Water is conveyed to these pits by approximately 400 feet of 2-inch plastic pipe which then moves the screened gravel 150 feet through 10-pipe to a sluice box at the water’s edge of Oregon Gulch.”
Mineral Values: In the 1971 evaluation of mineral values, the USFS report advises, “ Seven pans of gravel were washed. The material was taken from two, hand-dug pits as indicated by the claimants. Montana Laboratory Company, Philipsburg, Montana, reported 145.39 milligrams of free gold in the concentrated black sands saved from the seven pans of gravel. This gold calculates to a value of $11.71 per yard, assuming a fineness of 900 and a $49 gold value.”
Note: The current price of gold – ($2,550.00) is considerably higher than the 1971 value of $49 per ounce. Do the math and you will understand why we are so excited.
Owner financing available - 10 percent down, 10 years, No interest.
Serious inquiries only.
Sale Price: $223,000.00
Contact: Marlene Affeld
509-389-2606
