Montana Gold Claims

Finding Gold: A Guide for Prospectors

Finding gold can be an incredibly rewarding venture, offering both financial gains and the personal satisfaction of striking a valuable find. Whether you’re an experienced prospector or just beginning your journey, understanding the fundamentals of gold prospecting and best practices is key to increasing your chances of success. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the world of gold prospecting, with insights from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other expert sources.

Understanding Gold Deposits

Gold occurs in two primary types of deposits: lode (primary) deposits and placer (secondary) deposits. Recognizing the differences between these can significantly enhance your search efforts.

1.Lode Deposits: These are solid rock formations where gold is found within veins or mineralized zones, typically embedded in quartz or other host rocks. Lode mining requires a strong understanding of geology. Experienced prospectors often look for signs of mineralization, such as rust-colored outcrops, quartz veins, or even pyrite (“fool’s gold”) which often accompanies gold. Lode deposits tend to be deep beneath the surface, and extraction often involves tunneling or blasting.

2.Placer Deposits: These are secondary deposits formed when gold erodes from lode deposits and is transported by water. Over time, the gold settles in stream beds, beaches, and gravel bars. Placer gold is typically found as small particles or nuggets. Unlike lode deposits, placer deposits are much easier to mine using surface methods like panning and sluicing, making them more accessible to beginners.

Tools and Techniques

Gold prospecting has evolved over centuries, and today’s prospectors have an array of tools at their disposal to maximize efficiency and recovery. Here are some of the most effective methods:

1.Gold Panning: One of the simplest and most iconic methods of gold recovery, panning uses a shallow, wide pan to separate gold from gravel and sand. This method relies on gold’s high density—heavier than most surrounding materials—allowing the gold to settle at the bottom of the pan while lighter materials are washed away. Gold panning is especially useful in rivers and streams where placer gold accumulates.

2.Metal Detectors: Modern metal detectors can detect gold nuggets hidden just below the surface. Metal detecting is particularly effective in areas with shallow deposits of placer gold, often in dry washes or alluvial plains. It requires patience and knowledge of how to “tune” the detector to discriminate between gold and other metals.

3.Sluice Boxes: This long, narrow device channels water through a series of riffles or barriers, which trap gold particles as material is washed through. Sluice boxes are ideal for processing larger quantities of material quickly and can significantly increase recovery compared to hand-panning.

4.Dry Washing: In areas where water is scarce, prospectors use dry-washing methods. Machines agitate dry soil or gravel using air and vibration to separate lighter materials from heavier gold particles. This method is popular in arid regions such as the southwestern United States, where water is unavailable for traditional sluicing or panning.

5.Dredging: For more extensive operations, underwater dredges are used to vacuum up riverbed material. The material is then sorted through sluice systems on board the dredge, which capture the gold. Dredging is highly effective in large rivers or on previously worked areas.

Environmental and Legal Considerations

Before setting out to prospect for gold, it’s essential to be aware of the environmental and legal landscape of your target area. Failure to follow regulations can lead to fines or the loss of your mining rights.

1.Permits and Claims: In most gold-producing regions, mining activities are regulated by government agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the United States. If you plan to prospect on public land, you may need a permit. Additionally, prospecting on someone else’s mining claim requires the owner’s permission. Owning your own claim offers long-term access to the area but comes with annual maintenance fees and other legal responsibilities.

In Montana, mineral trespass laws protect gold mining claims from unauthorized extraction or damage. Both state and federal laws are in place to ensure claimholders’ rights and impose penalties on those who violate these protections.

Montana Law on Mineral Trespass:

The Montana Code Annotated (MCA) § 45-6-203 defines trespass as the unlawful entry or presence on someone’s property, which includes mining claims. This law extends to mineral trespass, where unauthorized individuals remove or disturb minerals without proper authorization.

Under MCA, civil and criminal penalties can apply for mineral trespass, depending on the severity of the infraction:

1. Civil Penalties:
   • Trespassers can be held liable for the market value of the extracted gold or other minerals, as well as any damages to the property. This can include compensation for the costs of restoring the site or lost profits.
2. 
   2. Criminal Penalties:
   • Intentional mineral trespass can lead to criminal charges. In more severe cases, mineral trespass may be prosecuted as a felony, which can result in fines and imprisonment.
   • For example, repeated or large-scale illegal extraction can lead to charges of theft or vandalism, with penalties ranging from thousands of dollars in fines to multiple years of incarceration.

Federal Law on Mineral Trespass:

On federal lands, which include much of Montana’s mining areas, the General Mining Law of 1872 governs mineral rights. Federal law grants claimholders exclusive rights to extract minerals within their claim boundaries.

Trespassers who violate federal law may face additional penalties:

1. Restitution: Trespassers may be required to repay the value of the stolen minerals to the federal government or the claimholder.
2. Fines and Imprisonment: In cases of deliberate theft or destruction, federal laws may impose hefty fines and prison time for violators.

2.Environmental Impact: Responsible mining practices are vital to preserving natural ecosystems. Avoid disturbing watercourses, wildlife habitats, and vegetation. If using chemical methods for recovery (like cyanidation), always ensure that proper containment measures are in place to prevent pollution.

Tips for Success

Gold prospecting requires a mix of knowledge, skill, patience, and persistence. Here are some essential tips to improve your chances of success:

1.Research: The best gold discoveries happen in areas with a history of mining activity. Use geological maps, historical records, and modern GPS tools to identify promising locations. Understanding the area’s geology is key to locating potential deposits. Gold is commonly found near old mining areas or places where geological conditions, such as fault lines and river bends, favor its accumulation.

2.Persistence: Prospecting is rarely easy, and many areas may not yield gold on the first try. Be prepared to work hard and face setbacks. Successful prospecting often requires trial and error, especially when learning how to read terrain or identify gold-bearing materials.

3.Join a Community: Many regions have local prospecting clubs or online forums where experienced prospectors share valuable information and insights. These communities can provide mentorship and support while helping you stay updated on regulatory changes or new discoveries.

4.Test Your Location: If you find a promising location, it’s wise to perform test sampling. Take small samples of material from different areas and pan them to see if gold is present. If the site proves worthwhile, you can move forward with larger-scale operations like sluicing or dredging.

5.Know Your Environment: Understanding the physical environment is crucial. Rivers, for example, concentrate gold in bends, eddies, and downstream of obstructions like boulders. Similarly, desert washes and gulches may trap gold in concentrated pockets, where careful metal detecting or dry washing can prove highly effective.

Conclusion

By combining traditional knowledge with modern tools, gold prospecting can be both an exciting adventure and a potentially profitable activity. Whether you’re panning for placer gold in a riverbed or searching for lode deposits deep in the mountains, the thrill of the hunt is universal. Armed with the right tools, knowledge, and a strong sense of persistence, you can improve your chances of success and enjoy the rewarding world of gold prospecting.

Wishing you "Good Luck, Happy Trails and Heavy Pans.!

.

Gold in Soil and Plants: How Nature Signals Hidden Gold Deposits

By: Marlene Affeld

Gold, a precious metal sought for millennia, is not always found in obvious forms like nuggets or veins. Instead, it often resides deep within the earth, bound to minerals in soils, rocks, and even plants. The discovery that certain plants and soil types can serve as indicators of gold deposits has transformed how prospectors and geologists search for this valuable metal. Through a process called “biogeochemical prospecting,” researchers have identified specific plants and soil characteristics that signal the presence of gold beneath the surface.

How Gold Becomes Part of Soil

Gold is rarely distributed evenly across the landscape. Instead, it is often found in trace amounts, scattered throughout soils or bound to quartz veins and other minerals. Over time, weathering processes break down rocks and transport tiny particles of gold into soils, often concentrating in streambeds or areas where erosion has occurred. This is how placer deposits form, where fine particles or small nuggets can be found.

In other cases, gold remains locked within the soil, bound to clay particles or minerals like iron oxides. These fine particles of gold are not easily visible to the naked eye but can accumulate over thousands of years, making certain soil types excellent indicators of larger gold deposits beneath.

Plants in Northwest Montana that Indicate Gold and Other Mineralization

Northwest Montana, with its rich geological history, is home to various plants that can serve as indicators of gold and other mineral deposits. This region is characterized by its diverse terrain, from mountain ranges to river valleys, making it a prime area for gold prospecting. Certain plants, due to their unique ability to tolerate high concentrations of metals, can be valuable in identifying areas of potential mineralization.

1. Alpine Pennycress (Noccaea caerulescens)

• Associated Minerals: Zinc, lead, gold
• Growing Conditions: Pennycress thrives in mountainous and rocky terrains, which are common in northwest Montana. This plant is known to accumulate metals like zinc and lead from the soil, indicating areas with heavy mineralization. Pennycress is found in areas with disturbed or metal-rich soils, making it useful in identifying areas with potential gold-bearing ores.
• Indicator Role: As a hyperaccumulator of metals, pennycress can absorb and tolerate high levels of heavy metals, including gold. Its presence in mineralized soils, particularly around old mining areas or naturally rich deposits, can be a signal of underlying gold or base metal ores.

2. Western Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

• Associated Minerals: Gold, copper
• Growing Conditions: Western yarrow is a hardy plant commonly found in dry, open areas in Montana. It can tolerate poor, mineralized soils, often growing where other plants struggle. Yarrow’s ability to thrive in mineral-rich soils makes it an indicator species for gold and copper.
• Indicator Role: In regions with historical mining activity, yarrow is often found in soils with higher concentrations of metals, including gold. Its resilience in harsh conditions makes it a useful marker for mineralized ground.

3. Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta)

• Associated Minerals: Gold, silver, copper
• Growing Conditions: Lodgepole pines are abundant in northwest Montana, thriving in a range of soil types from sandy, well-drained soils to more acidic, rocky areas. These trees are often found in regions with mineral deposits, as they can grow in soils rich in gold and other metals.
• Indicator Role: Lodgepole pines have deep root systems that can draw trace metals, including gold, from the soil. Researchers have used tree core sampling to study the metal content in lodgepole pines, finding that elevated gold concentrations in the tree’s tissues can indicate gold deposits in the soil below.

4. Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

• Associated Minerals: Gold, mercury
• Growing Conditions: Douglas fir trees are widespread in the forests of Montana, often growing on well-drained, rocky slopes where mineralization may be present. These trees can tolerate soil conditions that contain trace amounts of heavy metals, such as gold or mercury.
• Indicator Role: The presence of Douglas fir in areas with past or present mining activity can indicate mineralization. Like lodgepole pines, these trees can absorb metals through their root systems, allowing geologists to test for the presence of gold or other metals by analyzing the tree’s tissues.

5. Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)

• Associated Minerals: Gold, mercury
• Growing Conditions: Sagebrush is often found in drier regions and foothills of Montana, preferring well-drained soils with low organic content. It is a key indicator plant in mineralized areas due to its ability to survive in soils containing high levels of metals.
• Indicator Role: In northwest Montana, particularly in areas with historical mining, sagebrush can indicate the presence of gold and mercury. This plant is often found growing near gold-bearing deposits, especially in dry, mineral-rich soils, making it a valuable tool in prospecting for metals.

6. Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)

• Associated Minerals: Copper, silver, gold
• Growing Conditions: Serviceberry plants are commonly found in mountain valleys and open forest areas in Montana. They thrive in well-drained soils and can grow in locations with high mineral content.
• Indicator Role: In areas with metal-rich soils, serviceberry plants have been known to absorb trace metals. Their presence, particularly in regions near historical mining activity, can be an indicator of underlying copper, silver, or gold deposits.

7. Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja spp.)

• Associated Minerals: Selenium, gold
• Growing Conditions: Indian paintbrush grows in dry, open grasslands and rocky slopes across Montana. It prefers well-drained soils and can grow in regions with poor organic content, often near gold-bearing deposits.
• Indicator Role: Indian paintbrush is a hyperaccumulator of selenium, and its presence can also suggest soils with elevated gold concentrations. This plant is often associated with mineral-rich areas, making it a potential indicator of gold-bearing ground.

8. Viola calaminaria (Zinc Violet)

• Associated Minerals: Zinc, lead, cadmium
• Growing Conditions: The zinc violet is native to Europe and prefers calcareous or zinc-rich soils, often growing on mine tailings or in areas naturally rich in heavy metals. This small violet thrives in mineral-rich soils where other plants would struggle to survive.
• Mineral Indicator Role: Known as a hyperaccumulator of zinc and lead, this plant is often found in areas with significant metal deposits. Its ability to tolerate high levels of heavy metals makes it an important indicator in the search for mineralized soils.

Biogeochemical Prospecting in Montana

In Montana, biogeochemical prospecting—the use of plants to detect underlying minerals—has become an increasingly valuable tool. Due to the state’s rugged terrain, conventional prospecting can be challenging, and these natural indicators offer a low-cost, non-invasive way to identify potential mining areas. Plants like lodgepole pine, sagebrush, and Indian paintbrush are particularly useful in signaling mineralization, including gold and other precious metals.

Using the chemical composition of plant tissues (such as leaves, bark, or tree rings), researchers can analyze the concentration of metals like gold, copper, or silver in the plants growing in mineralized soils. This method allows geologists to pinpoint areas of interest before committing to more costly and invasive exploration techniques like drilling.

Conclusion

The unique flora of northwest Montana offers important clues for prospecting gold and other metals. Plants like sagebrush, lodgepole pine, and Douglas fir can serve as natural indicators of mineralized ground, drawing trace amounts of metals from the soil and concentrating them in their tissues. Understanding the relationship between these plants and the underlying geology can significantly aid in gold exploration efforts, particularly in remote and difficult-to-access regions.

Soil Characteristics That Indicate Gold

Apart from plants, certain soil types can also signal the presence of gold. Geologists often look for specific soil characteristics and mineral associations when prospecting for gold.

1. Iron Oxides and “Gossans”

One of the most important indicators of gold is the presence of iron oxides in the soil. These oxides, often reddish or yellowish in color, form when iron-bearing minerals weather and oxidize. In areas where gold-bearing sulfide minerals (such as pyrite) are present, these oxides can form a cap, known as a “gossan,” over the deposit. Gossans are highly visible on the surface and are often found in areas with rich gold deposits beneath.

2. Clay-Rich Soils

Clay soils can also signal the presence of gold, as fine particles of gold can become trapped in the clay. In areas with placer deposits, gold often concentrates in clay layers due to its high density. Prospectors sometimes dig through clay-rich soils to recover the gold particles mixed within.

3. Quartz Veins

While not technically soil, the presence of quartz veins in the ground is a strong indicator of gold. Gold is often found alongside quartz in hard rock deposits, and areas with abundant quartz veins are likely to contain gold. Quartz and gold form together under high pressure and temperature, and prospectors often search for quartz outcrops when hunting for gold deposits.

Biogeochemical Prospecting: Using Nature to Find Gold

Biogeochemical prospecting is the practice of using plants and soil indicators to locate valuable metals, including gold. This technique has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its non-invasive and cost-effective nature. Instead of drilling or digging, geologists analyze plant tissues, soil samples, and the chemical composition of surface minerals to detect trace amounts of gold.

This approach is particularly useful in remote or difficult-to-access areas where traditional exploration methods may be impractical. It allows researchers to narrow down areas of interest before committing to more intensive exploration techniques, such as drilling.

In mineral prospecting, certain plants, often referred to as geobotanical indicators, have evolved to tolerate high levels of metals in the soil, such as gold, copper, nickel, or zinc. These plants not only signal the presence of mineralized ground but can also thrive in harsh soil conditions that would be unsuitable for most other plant species. Below is a list of additional plants, alongside those mentioned earlier, that can indicate the presence of various minerals, as well as the specific conditions in which they grow.

The presence of gold in soil and plants has opened up new avenues for gold prospecting, transforming how we search for this precious metal. Certain plants,  alongside soil characteristics such as iron oxides and quartz veins, serve as natural indicators of hidden gold deposits. With ongoing research into biogeochemical prospecting, the use of nature to find gold is likely to become an even more valuable tool for future exploration.

Sampling For Gold And Silver

Busy planning for next season's exploration activities in Oregon Gulch. 

Samples - Bonanza Gulch 2020

 

Here is an article I saved, you may find informative.

Sampling 101 – Precious metals by ghart | Apr 3, 2013 | Exploration Techniques

So how do they sample rocks for gold and silver? Gold, silver and platinum are categorized as precious metals. This means they are highly valuable with a high demand. This translates into a high monetary value for relatively small amount of the metal (Gold/Platinum ~ $1500/ounce, Silver ~$25/ounce). In addition to the high monetary value, nature only supplies precious metals in small amounts (usually) which results in some difficulty in sampling at all stages.

Of particular problem to precious metals is called the nugget effect. This is where the tiny amount of precious metal may be rich in one part of a rock, and completely absence in another – it is never evenly distributed, Nature doesn’t like making things easy. Overcoming the nugget effect typically means larger sample sizes or targetted samples based on indicator minerals. Tiny gold in a core sample - nugget effect - Indicator minerals are a mineral associated with the precious metal but much more common in the rocks.

Typical indicator minerals are referred to as sulfides and include Pyrite (FeS2), arsenopyrite (FeAsS), Pyrrhotite (Fe1-xS), Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) amongst others. These are minerals which are of no to little economic value in small quantities however the do indicate the potential presence of a more valuable precious metal. A very useful property any iron sulfides (contain iron (Fe)) is that they rust, leaving a nice rusty stain to see. All samples are then assayed for the precious metal.

The sample is pulverized into a powder, mixed to distribute any precious metal evenly, then divided down to a small manageable size for assaying. A 1 kg sample will end up with only a 30g or 50g sample size. Without proper mixing, the nugget effect can be greatly enhanced leading to either very negative results to over reporting of the precious metal content. various techniques are used for assaying specific minerals, I wont go into that here.

The end result is a report on the amount of precious metal in your sample of rock from which you can extrapolate potential value to proceed or move your exploration elsewhere.

Stage one sampling

Stage one sampling occurs at the outcrop level, these are bedrock (not boulders) exposures accessible with no to minimal excavation. A quick way to see if a rock isn’t just a large boulder is to place your foot on it and hit it (not your foot) with a hammer. If it vibrates its likely a boulder, if not likely outcrop. Looking for a nice rusty rock, with the proper indicator mineral, hammer off a chunk a little larger than your fist. Do the same thing in another section of the rock, rinse repeat.

The more samples you take, the more representative it is. The more samples will also narrow down where the precious metal is depending on the amount, nature and ratios of indicator minerals which result in a positive gold showing when assayed. Molybdenum / pyrite rich hand sample

Stage two sampling  - 2 bladed saw cutting channel sample

Stage two sampling, in theory, provides a more reliable indication of precious metal value.

Channel sampling uses a rock saw to cut two deep cuts forming a channel approximately 2 inches apart and 4-5 inches deep. The channel is cut perpendicular to any structure (across the vein) if present. using chisels and hammers, the channel rock between the two cuts is then removed/broken from the rock. Length of samples are determined by rock type, mineralization and localized constraints to precious metal mineralization. Since these samples tend to be larger, and are cut from solid rock, the resulting sample tends to be “fresh” allowing for an easier indicator metal determination and lessen potential contamination from other rocks above them.

Stage three sampling

The most widely reported form of rock sampling comes from drill core. A diamond drill is use to produce a drill core of varying size. This cylindrical peice of rock from deeper in a deposit tends to be untouched by surface action and uncontaminated from materials above. Drill core is usually drilled at an angle through the deposit so length of a mineralized “zone” in core does not correspond to the actual width of the deposit. Core is examined for indicator minerals, mineralized zones, geological structures and whatever else can be learned from raw untouched rock. For sampling, the core is split, cut with a rock saw, in half – half stays with the core for future reference (43-101 compliance rules dictate this must happen). The other half is bagged and sent toan assay lab for processing like the other samples. Drill core - samples where core halved

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Montana Gold Claims - For Sale or Lease

If you own a gold claim, you own your own private bank. Gold is going to levels previously unimaginable.

Gold Price Hits Record High — Analysts Don't Expect It To Stop There!

Given today's economy, there is something very comforting about having real gold in ones' safe... security personified... beautiful, tangible gold, that you can actually hold in your hands.

Essentially, the best hedge against both wild inflation and deep depression is the time honored, inflation-proof, depression-proof, store of value...Gold.

Unlike paper money or stocks - gold requires no CEO or board of directors - it is self backed - valuable in itself - an actual wealth that can be found on/in the ground.

There couldn’t be a better time to invest in a real gold property.

Available For Sale, Lease or Joint Venture: a premium group of non-patented placer gold claims located in Cedar Creek Mining District, Mineral County, Montana.

The claims are located in the historically proven gold-bearing area of Oregon Creek known as the Big Flat: the location of one of the richest gold strikes in Mineral County, Montana. The gold from this district was notably fine; some gold that was 982 fine was recovered and it was not unusual for it to be as high as 960 to 970 fine  (22 Karat). (Lyden, 1948, p. 102).

All claims listed for sale have been sampled and researched. Only that ground meeting complete satisfaction and bearing realistic potential for gold were acquired. Several tenures comprise ground not before thoroughly or seriously worked for placer. Many of these locations comprise potential tertiary benches or buried channels, suitable for smaller-scale operations.

Whether a major commercial mining company, a serious junior mining concern, a recreational miner, the weekend prospector, or individuals simply wishing to enjoy the out-of-doors while trying their hand at unearthing lustrous treasures, whether using a pan, sluice, searching with a detector or employing other recovery methods, properties hereunder listed, hold excellent potential. The claims may be purchased individually or as a group. Group prices may apply.

The price of gold has increased by approximately 550% over the past 20 years, from 2004 to 2024.

LOOKING FOR NEW GROUND? 

1,200 ACRES OF PLACER GOLD CLAIMS

20 to 160 Acres Each

For Sale or Lease

NW MONTANA

Based on information documented by state and federal agencies, geologists, historians, and our own prospecting experience, we believe the Oregon Gulch Project represents a unique opportunity for recovering substantial quantities of gold within a proven gold-bearing trend that boasts impressive records of past gold production. We invite you to consider the mining properties offered for sale or lease in the Big Flat area of Oregon Gulch, Mineral County, Montana. 

Owner financing available 

10% Down – Balance over 10 years

No Credit Check, No Banks, No Interest

Non-Patented

Serious Inquiries Only

509-389-2606

[email protected]

Is an unpatented mining claim considered real property?

Answer: Yes.

The discovery of a valuable mineral deposit within the limits of a mining claim located on public lands in conformance with state and Federal statutes validates the claim; and the locator acquires an exclusive possessory interest in the mineral deposits within the claim. Further, the claim is property in the fullest sense of that term; and may be sold, transferred, mortgaged, and inherited without infringing any right or title of the United States...so long as he complies with the provisions of the mining laws. United States Supreme Court case of Wilbur v. U.S. ex rel Krushnic, 280 US 306 (1930).

The owner of an unpatented claim is entitled to mine, remove and sell all valuable mineral deposits within his claim boundaries provided he follows the regulations for Surface Management under 43 CFR 3809, and is entitled to such surface rights necessary for mining operations.

You may own a claim if you are a citizen of the United States, a minor who has reached the age of discretion, a corporation, and non-citizens (aliens) who have declared their intention to become a citizen. (43 CFR 3832.1)

Mining claims are a tangible asset and show your rights to all interests in minerals in the claim boundary. A mining claim can be sold, traded, leased, gifted, willed, used as collateral, or transferred in part or in its entirety, just like any other real property. Ownership will be transfered by a quit claim deed and recorded with the State Office County Recorder and the Bureau of Land Managment (BLM) using a quitclaim deed which is a recordable conveyance.

If you have been following the price of gold, you know it is on the move. 

The Big Flat Project comprises multiple unpatented mining claims (1200 = or - acres) located in Mineral County, Montana. The claims collectively encompass the potential lode sources for the placer workings. The property is located within a historically productive gold district. The aim of the project is to locate, define, and exploit these prolific placer deposits.

Placer Gold:

• A placer deposit is a concentration of a natural material that has accumulated in unconsolidated sediments of a stream bed, beach, or residual deposit. Gold derived by weathering or other processes from lode deposits is likely to accumulate in placer deposits because of its weight and resistance to corrosion. In addition, its characteristically sun-yellow color makes it easily and quickly recognizable even in very small quantities.

Oregon Creek, which cascades through the claims, is a primary tributary of Cedar Creek. Oregon Creek has been a significant proven producer. On one section of the creek (part of the Big Flat Project) history records report that on several claims, men equipped each with only a gold pan and shovel were pulling out an ounce or more to the pan.

The Big Flat Project spans over 10.3 miles of Oregon Creek and its tributaries. Oregon Creek ranges from 6 to 10 ft. wide, but in some areas can reach up to 20 ft. The depth of the creek ranges from 8-10 inches in the shallow areas, and up to 3-to-20 feet or more in-depth. There are lots of benches, gravel bars, river rocks, waterfalls, and exposed bedrock in the creek: all of which trap gold.

The gold pan or miner's pan of old was a shallow sheet-iron vessel with sloping sides and flat bottom used to wash gold-bearing gravel or other material containing heavy minerals. The process of washing material in a pan referred to as "panning," is the simplest, most commonly used, and least expensive method for a prospector to separate gold from the silt, sand, and gravel of the stream deposits. It is a tedious, back-breaking job, and only with practice does one become proficient in the operation. Thankfully, technology finally caught up with our gold fever and brought us modern methods and equipment! 

The gold previously produced from Oregon Creek was mined with very little mechanized equipment: the miners of yesterday did not have access to sophisticated methods of gold detection and recovery. Geologists suggest that the early prospectors recovered less than ten percent of the available gold. Oregon Creek remains relatively unworked for almost 150 years.

Gold is recovered from stream and bench gravels located along the three creeks and their tributaries. The gold originates from veins associated with igneous dikes crosscutting the northward extension of the Bitterroots. 

Location and access is a concern for any mining operation. A valuable asset of the Big Flat Project is the existence of an established network of maintained roads and trails. Located in the Lolo National Forest on United States Forest Service land, the claims are easily accessible via USFS roads. Easy access is a key feature of the Big Flat Project and one that not only enhances the value of the property, but increases the ability to remove minerals with a higher profit margin.

Gold is present at a grade sufficient to have a strong effect on the economics of an excavation project. These claims could contain world-class mineral deposits. Further study, sampling and drilling will likely prove major gold reserves.

Offered For Lease or Joint-Venture - Investor Inquiries Invited.

With the price of gold holding at a strong high, participation in the Big Flat Project presents a unique investment opportunity for a visionary entrepreneur.

Historical Notes 

This map, courtesy of the Mineral County Historical Society, dates to about the time the USFS took over forest management (1906) -  It is interesting to note, that as early as 1906, there were several established mines within the area known today as the "Big Flat."

“The best place to find a new mine is in the shadow of an old mine”

Strike On Cedar Creek Draws Miners To The Area

On December 10, 1869, the news hit the major papers across Montana and Idaho, and the New Northwest paper out of Deer Lodge City, MT read:

"Big Mines Reported Struck! Such a time! We are living on excitement here entirely—Missoula has been wild for the last week—stampedes, charivari’s [sic] and I scarcely know what else. First a noise for four nights—and such a noise, thirteen boiler shops and a thousand gongs would be as nothing compared to it. Louis Barrette, one of the discoverers was in town to-day and had some of the gold with him, and it looks much like the gold from old Kootenai, coarse and well washed, and of a dark yellow color."

Cedar Creek Stampede

The Cedar Creek Chinese Report on Excavations at 24MN249 & 24MN262

The Montana Department Of Environmental Quality, reports. “The Cedar Creek Mining District, known primarily for its placer deposits, encompasses Cedar, Quartz, and Trout Creeks, rising near the crest of the northward extension of the Bitterroot Mountain range. The creeks flow northeastward to enter the Clark Fork River above Superior (Sahinen 1935).

The placers were first claimed in 1869 by French Canadian, Louis A. Barrette, and have seen continuous production since then. By 1935 the district had yielded at least $2,000,000 in gold and perhaps as much as $10,000,000. Annual output between 1869 and 1935 ranges from $1,000 to $50,000: with recovery primarily through sluicing and hydraulic methods.

Cedar Creek's history and gold production insights are especially intriguing. Many miners, prospectors, and geologists have long speculated: the gold recovered from Cedar Creek originates in Oregon Gulch.

Gold Production In Mineral County, Montana

The US Geological Survey ranks Montana as number 7 in gold production in the US and reports the state contains 31 gold mining districts, including the Cedar Creek Mining District, located in Mineral County. Total state gold production from the 19th century to 1968 was 17.8 million ounces, but considerable amounts of gold have been mined since (Bergendahl and Koshmann, 1968).

Situated in the western section of Montana, Mineral County is bounded by Missoula and Sanders counties and the state of Idaho. Most of the county topography is quite rugged with elevations ranging from 2500 to 8000 feet above sea level.

Located along the Idaho border, Mineral County was formed in 1914 by a partition of Missoula County. The county derives its name from the diverse array of minerals including lead, copper, zinc, silver, and gold located in its mountainous terrain. The county has a rich historical heritage of mineral discoveries in the late 1800s. Gold and silver were commercially produced from mines located in Mineral County. All gold mined before 1914 from the area now included in Mineral County is credited to Missoula County.

Almost all of the entire gold output in Mineral County came from placer deposits along the creeks that drain the east side of the Bitterroot Mountains and that flow into Clark Fork River between Tarkio and Superior. The most productive placers, and the only ones that produced more than 10,000 ounces of gold, were those along Cedar and Trout Creeks and their tributaries.

Estimates by Lyden (1948, p. 98-103) suggest that placer production before 1904 may have exceeded 120,000 ounces. From 1904 through 1956 the county produced placer gold valued at about $665,000 (32,175 ounces), most of which were produced before 1942.

The gold recovered from the placers was considered to be exceptionally rich, ranging from $19.75 to $20.45 with a standard price of $20.67 per ounce.

In 1875 it was reported that the various drifts were yielding as high as $300 to $600 to a set of timbers, and that about $50,000 in gold was recovered each year from 1871 to 1873. The fineness was reported as ranging from .950 to .982 (Sahinen 1935; Lyden 1948).

Surface Geology

The surficial geology of the area was created by Glacial Lake Missoula about 15,000 years ago. The entire flow of the Clark Fork River backed up behind an ice dam, and the glacial lake reached an elevation of about 4350 feet. When the ice dam failed, Glacial Lake Missoula emptied through the Clark Fork Valley in just a few days, releasing the greatest flood of known geologic record. This process occurred repeatedly, each time resulting in colossal floods. Exposed bedrock and sedimentary deposits provide evidence of the lake in the Missoula Valley, as do layers of lakebed deposits alternating with river sediments exposed just west of Missoula (Alt and Hyndman 1986).

Climate and Vegetation

Winters last from four to six months in this very mountain-ous region, and snow depths range from three teet to fourteen feet. Summer months provide only comfor,tablywarm weather, and the sum-mer nights are cold. Rainfall in this region is higher than inany other part of Montana, ranging fourteen to thirty inches per year.

Conifers cover all of the area, even growing in groves on the valley floor. White pine, yellow pine, Ponderosa, tamarack, fir, spruce, with aspen and cottonwood on the creek bottoms, are dominant. Grass is not abundant, being confined to stream bottoms and open meadowss. Since almost all of the region has been scourged by forest fires in the last fifty years, brush, saplings, and deadfalls prevail everywhere. Thousands of acres of lush huckleberry bushes are found 0n the slopes and ridgetops.

Local Resources: 

• The claims are located 25 miles up the mountain via Cedar Creek Road from the town of Superior, MT.
• Superior is situated on I-90 for immediate access to airports Spokane, WA and Missoula, Mt. Missoula is an excellent resource for equipment, parts and service.
• Local heavy equipment service is available in Superior, MT as is secure storage for winter repairs and staging.
• Superior, MT is a small rural community with a hospital, post office, grocery, lumber yard, and hardware store. There is a local airport for small aircraft.

This group of claims lends itself to a commercial mining operation. There is excellent road access – In 2018, Cedar Creek Road (USFS 320) was resurfaced and rerouted in and is in prime condition for easy access. The above claims are a stellar mineral prospect with the Hard Times No. 1 as the heart of the exploration area. 

Mineral County continues to be a site of active gold exploration. Based on geology, it is predictable that several large undeveloped and undiscovered gold deposits will be found, identified and developed in the future.

For Further Information, Contact:

Marlene A. Affeld

Oregon Gulch Gold

PO Box 70 

Saint Regis, Montana 59866

509-389-2606

[email protected]

The description information provided above is as accurate and complete as possible and presented in good faith. While I have made every effort to provide as complete historical notes as possible, various records are subject to interpretation. Therefore, I make no warranty, implied or expressed, as to the completeness or accuracy of the furnished information. As with any non-patented mining transaction, the lessee or purchaser is advised to perform research and their own due diligence.

Locality information is for reference purposes only. Please do not attempt to visit any sites listed without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holder for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary. 

• Please be aware that mining claims are federally protected.
  
• Anyone found prospecting a mining claim without express consent from the owner can be charged with criminal trespass and theft.
  
• Our properties are closely monitored.
  
• Please contact us in advance before visiting any of our gold properties. 509-389-2606

Important Notice: Properties offered for sale hereunder, are for mining purposes only and do not include ownership of surface rights or the right to use the surface for residential or recreational purposes.

All claims are “Unpatented” mining claims, which means you will own the mineral rights to the property but not the actual land. The land belongs to the federal government (i.e.; the American People) and is administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and/or the United States Forest Service (USFS). According to the BLM, a mining claim is “a parcel of land for which the claimant has asserted a right of possession and the right to develop and extract a discovered, valuable, mineral deposit. This right does not include exclusive surface rights.”

Barber Gulch - Placer Gold Claim - History Revisited

 

Barber Gulch Placer Mining Claim
Serial No. MT101881902
Legacy Serial No. MMC221585
SE 1/4 Section 25, T16N, R28 W, and SW ¼ of PB 67, T16N, R27W
Mineral County, Montana
160 Acres

Oregon Gulch Historical Notes:

Oregon Gulch Research Notes: Updated March 6th, 2024

Mineral County Historical Society and the Mineral County County Library.

• Gold was first discovered on Cedar Creek in 1869 - however it was not until 1910 that production began in earnest in Oregon Gulch in the area known as the Big Flat. 
• In 1910, both the Big Flat Mining Company and the Kansas City Commercial Company were operating in Oregon Gulch. The amount of gold they were recovering was impressive. 
• Big Flat Mining Company (Also known as the Oregon Gulch Big Flat Mining Company - Incorporated October 2, 1903

The average price of gold in 1910 was $18.97. The gold recovered from the Oregon Gulch placers was considered to be exceptionally rich, ranging from $19.75 to $20.45 with a standard price of $20.67 per ounce.

Using an average extraction exceeding $1,000.00 in gold per day, as reported by the Missoula newspaper, equals to gold recovery of more than 45 ounces per day.

Do the math! An average production of 50 ounces per day, at todays price of $2,680.00 equals #120,600.00 per day in gold production gross income. 

Non-Patented  

Cedar Creek Mining District

Historical records note, "The gold recovered from the placers was considered to be exceptionally rich, ranging from $19.75 to $20.45 with a standard price of $20.67 per ounce. In 1875 it was reported that the various drifts were yielding as high as $300 to a set of timber, and that about $50,000 in gold was recovered each year from 1871 to 1873. The fineness was reported as ranging from .950 to .982 (Sahinen 1935; Lyden 1948).

Each of the creeks has several notable tributaries for which some information is available.

Oregon Gulch and Snowshoe Gulch have both been significant producers along Cedar Creek. In 1875, one company on Snowshoe Gulch grossed $9,200 in 10 weeks with nine men. The net profit for the owners was $4,600, with an additional two to three thousand dollars stolen from the sluices. Windfall Creek, a tributary of Trout Creek, is considered to be the largest producer of placer gold in the district. The "Miller Ground" claim on Windfall Creek was reported to have yielded gold valued at $150,000 by 1919. Tucker Gulch is an important tributary of Quartz Creek, although production along Quartz Creek probably did not exceed $100,000 (Lyden 1948)."

The initial rush on Cedar Creek, especially on Oregon Gulch was so great that a hundred miners staked out 200 claims within six months of the initial discoveries in 1869. Mining camps arose and were abandoned quickly as the focus of placering shifted around the district. The population of the district rose upwards of 10,000 by some estimates. In 1870, Forest City, on Cedar Creek itself, reached a population of 7,000 and was a wholesale commercial center for many towns in the area including Missoula. The success of the district prompted publication for three years of "The Missoula and Cedar Creek Pioneer" newspaper. The paper was then moved to Missoula and its name changed to the Missoulian (Smith 1899; Rowe 1911b; Lyden 1948; Wolle 1963).

The gold is recovered from stream and bench gravels located along the three creeks and their tributaries. The gold originates from veins associated with igneous dykes crosscutting the northward extension of the Bitterroots. Chalcopyrite is the principal ore material, and also carries copper and silver in small amounts (Sahinen 1935).

BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICT

Sahinen (1935) locates the district as encompassing Cedar, Quartz and Trout Creeks and their tributaries, which originate near the crest of the northwestward extension of the Bitterroot Range. The creeks flow northeastward to the Clark Fork River.

HISTORIES OF SELECTED MINES

Although Sahinen (1935) and Lyden (1948) both note that some lode mining has been conducted in the district, no mention of specific mines occurs in the literature. Lode mining appears to have been generally confined to the period between 1915 and 1919, inclusive. Lode production at this time is estimated at less than $500,000 and included copper, silver and gold (Sahinen 1935; Lyden 1948).

The Barber Gulch Claim is located approximately 25 miles from Superior, Montana in a pristine wilderness environment. Majestic beauty, abundant wildlife, and great gold; what more could one ask for?

There are enormous tailing piles, evidence from all the work done in the gulch by the early miners. Every season's snow and major melt over the past hundreds of years has carried rich new material into the canyon, creating the potential for rich streambed deposits. Massive boulders and extensive exposed bedrock in shallow water make the Barber Gulch Gold Placer Claim a dredger's dream.

 

Gold is recovered from the stream bed and bench gravels located along the entire length of the claim. The gold originates from veins associated with igneous dikes that crosscut the northward extension of the Bitterroot Mountains. Chalcopyrite is the predominant ore material, quartz is plentiful. Copper and silver, in lesser amounts have also been found.

There is no way to find out how many miners actually worked in Oregon Gulch as all buildings burned in the fires. One report noted 28 miners were in the Big Flat Mining camp at the onset of the fire. We have only these snippets from old publications to look to for information: little physical evidence remains of the miners who lived and lost their lives in America's Worst Wildfire - The Big Burn of 1910.  

There is, however evidence of parts and pieces of old mining equipment, etc. but one has to assume that anything that did not burn, and could be hauled off, was salvaged years ago. References to the Kansas City Commercial Company are sparse throughout historical records. In 1910 records indicate the Kansas City Commercial Company held 537 acres under claim. Records indicate the Kansas City Commercial Company was actively mining the Big Flat until their dredge operations were consumed by the 1910 firestorm.

During the 2023 mining season, hidden by decades of brush and vegetation, we found the original bucket from the dredge operation.

No references can be found of their operations after that date. The fire came over the mountains from Idaho and into Cedar Creek basin, the paper reported. It continued: "The fire is coming down Cedar gulch and is reinforced by a huge blaze from Oregon gulch. "The Cedar... fire has already destroyed the Amador mining property and the Kansas City Commercial company's dredging plant with the exception of the dredge itself. Two charred bodies were found on the summit by firefighters returning to Iron Mountain from Oregon gulch. "If a heavy wind should arise in the direction of Iron Mountain, the fire from Cedar... may become... bad... It has reduced the Amador mine to a smoldering heap and consumed... the Big Flat Mining Company’s plant in Oregon gulch..." W.S. Clifford and Joe Shinnick had passed through the fiery Cedar area and shared their experiences with the newspaper: "They were members of a pack outfit which was composed of eight men and 27 horses. They went through Oregon gulch on their way into Idaho and at the summit met a courier who warned them back. "The fires came quickly. Before the party could get out, the horses had been lost in the fire and the two boys cut off from their comrades. They don't know what became of the six men who were with them. Clifford and Shinnick got out through Oregon gulch into Cedar.

There they stayed at the Kansas City Commercial company plant until they were routed out to help fight fire there. "When the fire had passed, they came down the creek to Iron Mountain..." In another article about the Cedar fire, the paper noted that "... the Amador and Kansas City companies used electric speeders (on the Amador track) as an avenue for escape... (others)"

Color photograph of old buildings including the combination cook and bunk house on Oregon Creek. Constructed by Big Flat Mining Company prior to 1910 in Superior Ranger District. Lolo National Forest, Montana. Historical; Buildings. WO# R1-

523301.

Buildings constructed prior to 1910 by the Big Flat Mining Company for placer mining operations on Oregon Creek. These buildings were used again when mining operations were reopened in 1930-35 by G. L. Covington. Lolo National Forest, Montana. Historical; Buildings. WO# R1-1096.

Building below on the right was constructed between 1930 and 1935 by G.L. Covington when he operated Big Flat Mining Company. Lumber was cut at sawmill 1/4 mile upstream from the main mining camp. Superior Ranger District. Lolo National Forest, Montana. Historical; Buildings. WO#

Gorge on Oregon Creek below the mining camp on Big Flat, Superior Ranger District, Montana. Flume along the right bank was used to detour the creek from its channel while the channel was placer mined to bedrock. Lolo National Forest, Montana. National Forest Influences; Historical; Mining. WO# 523310. Library Note: The Big Flat Mining Company had mining operations on Oregon Creek in Mineral County, Montana from from 1903-1923.

Tailing piles left over from early 1900s and 1930-1935 mining when the channel was dredged in search of placer gold. Oregon Creek above Barber Gulch. Lolo National Forest, Montana. National Forest Influences; Mining. WO# 523307. Library Note: The Big Flat Mining Company had mining operations on Oregon Creek in Mineral County, Montana from from 1903-1923.

Cedar Creek Mining District

Notes:

Barite chunks are scattered across the across Oregon Creek adjacent to mouth of Barber Gulch, with a seam visible. Dowsing readings are intriguing. 

• Barite is a mineral composed of barium sulfate (BaSO4). It receives its name from the Greek word "barys" which means "heavy." This name is in response to barite's high specific gravity of 4.5, which is exceptional for a nonmetallic mineral.

The goal of the exploration planned in the Big Flat is to discover and develop a productive and profitable mine. In addition to determining the quantity, location, and value of pay gravels in the placer deposit. Initial exploration will provide valuable information regarding surface drainage patterns, stream flows, and bedrock depth.

• Stream banks are firm and stable, composed of:
• Sand - less than 1⁄4 inch Gravel - 1/4 inch to 3 inches
• Small cobbles - 3 inches to 6 inches
• Large Cobbles - 6 inches to 12 inches
• Rocks - 12 inches to 24 inches
• Boulders - greater than 24 inches Bank heights vary from 2-to-12 feet or more.

Bank vegetation includes native grasses, wildflowers, native brush, shrubs, and trees. Many of the northward-facing slopes have a thick stand of pines, firs, and other conifers, whereas the southward-facing slopes are commonly grass and brush covered and more sparsely timbered. Timber includes litter and understory with brush from two to five feet. The area contains subalpine fir and mixed conifer with significant standing dead and downed trees. depths and types of soils.

Historical Notes:

Childress notes, LNFHP; Mineral County Press August 27,1914; The Mining Journal October 15, 1933,14; April 15,1935, 21; May 15, 1936, 23; May 15,1937, 26.

 

A Prospector's Paradise, the claim is suited for most types of gold mining activities from panning, sluicing, and high-banking to metal detecting, and dredging. For those miners seeking to run large volumes of yardage, there are several stream adjacent meadows condusive to the operation of heavy equipment. 

 

Mineral County is located in the vast "big sky country" of Montana. The crest of the Bitterroot Mountains divides Montana from Idaho and serves as the county’s western boundary. The topography varies from remote, high alpine lakes to whitewater streams and from heavily forested ridges to smooth rolling meadows. 

Oregon Creek Research Notes

A connected-bucket dredge was reported to have operated in the early 1900's. Historical records and physical evidence of placer, shaft, drift and limite lode mining mark the immediate area of the Oregon Gulch Project. The gold extracted was transported from Superior, a station on the Northern Pacific and the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroads (Rowe 1911; Sahinen 1935)

Historical Evidence Of Placer Activity – Barber Gulch Area (Barber Gulch and Southern Cross Claims)

There is no way to find out how many miners actually worked along the creek as all buildings burned in the fires and we have only these snippets from old publications to look to for information. Little physical evidence remains indicating there were ever this many men in camp. There is, however evidence of parts and pieces of old mining equipment, etc. but one has to assume that anything that did not burn was salvaged years ago.

References to the Kansas City Commercial Company are sparse throughout historical records. This mining company operated in the Big Flat. The notes found, indicate the Kansas City Commercial Company was actively mining the Big Flat until their dredge operations were consumed by the 1910 firestorm. No references can be found of their operations after that date.

The fire came over the mountains from Idaho and into Cedar Creek basin, the paper reported. It continued: "The fire is coming down Cedar gulch and is reinforced by a huge blaze from Oregon gulch. "The Cedar... fire has already destroyed the Amador mining property and the Kansas City Commercial company's dredging plant with the exception of the dredge itself. Two charred bodies were found on the summit by fire fighters returning to Iron Mountain from Oregon gulch. "If a heavy wind should arise in the direction of Iron Mountain, the fire from Cedar... may become... bad... It has reduced the Amador mine to a smoldering heap and consumed... the Big Flat Mining company's plant in Oregon gulch..."

W.S. Clifford and Joe Shinnick had passed through the firey Cedar area and shared their experiences with the newspaper: "They were members of a pack outfit which was composed of eight men and 27 horses. They went through Oregon gulch on their way into Idaho and at the summit met a courier who warned them back.

"The fires came quickly. Before the party could get out, the horses had been lost in the fire and the two boys cut off from their comrades. They don't know what became of the six men who were with them. Clifford and Shinnick got out through Oregon gulch into Cedar. There they stayed at the Kansas City Commercial company plant until they were routed out to help fight fire there.

"When the fire had passed, they came down the creek to Iron Mountain..."

In another article about the Cedar fire, the paper noted that "... the Amador and Kansas City companies used electric speeders (on the Amador track) as an avenue for escape... (others)

Big Flat Mining Company

Around the turn of the century, the Big Flat Mining Company began hydraulic mining of the Big Flat area of Oregon Creek. Because no roads led into Big Flat, the company built a mining camp consisting of a bunkhouse, cookhouse, and office building to house its personnel. The Big Flat Mining Company remained active through August 1910, when smoke from the great 1910 forest fires forced a temporary shutdown.

Little work was done at Big Flat over the next three years, but in August 1914 the placer was reopened for an unknown period of time. When mining again was suspended at Big Flat, the Company reportedly employed A1 Wade (for whom Wade Peak is named) as a watchman at the camp until 1930. That year Montana Dredge & Engineering Company acquired the Big Flat claims.

The firm's president and general manager, Guy L. Covington of Seattle, renovated the old camp and erected several new buildings closer to the creek. He also activated a small sawmill just upstream that may have been part of the earlier Big Flat operation.

The lumber produced was used in construction of a flume and dam in 1931-1932. The flume carried water from Missoula Gulch along the hill to the west of the present-day Big Flat road, supplying water for camp use and for hydraulic giants. The sawmill also furnished lumber for building construction and the repair of a large flume on Oregon Gulch.

In 1935, Covington (who had designed power excavation equipment used by many Northwest mines) installed a two-cubic-yard capacity Covington dry-land dredge at Big Flat and it was in operation by 1936. Covington also built the first road connecting Big Flat to the main Cedar Creek road.

LNFHP; Mineral County Press August 27,1914; The Mining Journal October 15, 1933,14; April 15,1935, 21; May 15,1936, 23; May 15,1937, 26.

Covington Mineral Assay Report from drill testing four holes in the Big Flat.

Note dates: Four tests above were assayed in September 1933 - The four test holes below were drilled in December 1034. We continue to search historical archives for additional information. 

Sometime prior to 1931, Charlie Miller had extended the Cedar Creek road from La Casse's camp as far as Miller Saddle. In 1931, Covington built the road from Miller's Saddle down into the Big Flat camp.

The Barber Gulch claim follows Oregon Creek and includes the mouth of Barber Creek.  

In addition to the exciting outdoor adventure of gold mining, the Bitterroot Mountains of Mineral County provide many opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and photography. Within Mineral County there are 87 miles of river, 650 miles of streams, and over 50 high mountain lakes. In addition, there are over 400 miles of hiking trails and more than 1,000 miles of off-highway roads. 

160 Acres 

Non-Patented 

 

Access is available from mid-May to mid-October and provides an excellent opportunity for the recreational panner or seasoned miner. The Barber Gulch Placer Claim is part of a claim block slated for commercial gold exploration and production.

 

Gold is present at a grade sufficient to have a strong effect on the economics of an excavation project. The package is available for sale/lease or joint-venture. 

 

Sale Price: $136,000.00

For more information please contact:

Marlene Affeld

[email protected]

509-389-2606

Disclaimer: This locality information is for reference purposes only. Please do not attempt to visit any sites listed without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary. 

 

Food For Thought -

Unlocking Value in Montana’s Historic Mining Camps

The old adage “the best place to find a new mine is in the shadow of an old mine” is more than just a quaint saying. The phrase, well known to many in the world of resource exploration, is actually based on scientific principles that have led to recent significant discoveries.

Today, hitting pay dirt by using only surface exploration techniques is becoming a much harder and costlier prospect for junior explorers, even those in possession of development-stage projects with advanced exploration potential. Instead, forward-thinking geological teams are setting their sights on historic mining camps in the hopes that where there was once fire, the potential for another spark remains.

Blue Sky Country: Modern exploration techniques unlock potential value

“Exploration for new mineral deposits using surface techniques has resulted in fewer discoveries because most of the easy-to-find, near-surface deposits have been found,” explains Stanley Korzeb, economic geologist for the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG), and a research professor at Montana Tech. “Future mineral exploration is now focusing on deep deposits that have no surface expression, but are related to ore deposits exploited by past mining efforts. Most historic mines were developed on epithermal vein systems, and geologic studies have shown a relationship between epithermal vein systems and porphyry systems.”

Korzeb says that based on these studies, historic mining districts are being reexamined for deep mineral resources using advanced deep-drilling techniques and new geophysical techniques, such as short-wave infrared spectroscopy, lithogeochemical analysis and isotope geochemistry.

In the state of Montana, where Korzeb’s research is focused, some mining districts have not been studied since the 1930s, while others were last explored more recently in the 1980s.

Through his research work at the MBMG, Korzeb is currently focused on the reexamination of historic mining districts for potential exploration targets. To understand the future exploration potential and genesis of mineral resources in historic mining districts, he is using the latest methods for fluid inclusion, lithogeochemistry, isotope geochemistry, age dating and mineralogical techniques, in conjunction with geologic data generated by past mining and exploration efforts.

In essence, Korzeb’s work is proving the scientific basis behind the maxim that “the best place to find a new mine is in the shadow of an old mine.” If you can locate the metal and fluid source that developed the mineral resources exploited by past mining efforts, you may discover a deep porphyry system or another type of deposit with future mining potential."

 

 

 

The Rising Price of Gold: Why Now is the Time to Invest in a Gold Claim

Gold has long been a symbol of wealth and a safe-haven investment, particularly during times of economic uncertainty. Over the past 30 years, the price of gold has seen a significant increase, making it an attractive option for investors seeking stability and growth. Here’s a closer look at the trends in gold prices and why investing in a gold claim could be a smart move.

Historical Gold Price Trends

• 1990: Gold was priced at approximately $400 per ounce.
• 2000: Gold saw modest growth, reaching around $300 per ounce.
• 2010: The price of gold surged to over $1,200 per ounce, driven by the financial crisis and economic uncertainty.
• 2020: Gold reached new highs, surpassing $2,000 per ounce amid the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic disruptions.
• 2024: Gold is currently priced at around $2,680 per ounce, maintaining its value as a reliable investment.

Reasons for the Increase in Gold Prices

Economic Uncertainty: Gold is often seen as a safe haven during economic downturns, inflation, and geopolitical instability. Investors flock to gold to protect their wealth from market volatility.

• Inflation Hedge: As fiat currencies lose value due to inflation, gold retains its purchasing power. This makes it an effective hedge against rising prices.
• Supply and Demand: Limited supply and increasing demand from investors, central banks, and industries contribute to the rising price of gold.
• Currency Depreciation: When currencies depreciate, gold becomes relatively more valuable, driving up its price.
• Global Events: Political instability, natural disasters, and pandemics can disrupt markets, leading investors to seek the stability of gold.

Why Invest in a Gold Claim?

Direct Access to Gold: Owning a gold claim gives you direct access to gold deposits. Unlike buying gold bullion or coins, mining a gold claim can yield a continuous supply of gold.

2. Potential for High Returns: Gold claims, especially in historically productive areas, offer significant potential for high returns. The value of the gold extracted can far exceed the initial investment.

3. Tangible Asset: A gold claim is a tangible asset that you can hold, develop, and sell. It provides a sense of security compared to other investments that might be more volatile.

4. Diversification: Investing in a gold claim diversifies your portfolio, reducing risk by not relying solely on traditional stocks and bonds.

5. Tax Benefits: In some regions, mining operations can offer tax advantages, including deductions for exploration and development expenses.

6. Legacy Investment: Gold claims can be passed down to future generations, providing long-term wealth and security for your family.

Oregon Gulch Project: An Investment Opportunity

The Oregon Gulch Project, located in Mineral County, Montana, offers a unique opportunity to invest in gold claims in one of the most historically productive gold districts in the state. The project includes several unpatented mining claims covering approximately 1,200 acres. These claims have a history of high gold purity and substantial production, making them an attractive investment for both novice and experienced miners.

These claims are known for their rich gold deposits, high purity levels, and excellent mining potential. Historical data from the area indicate that gold from this district was notably fine, with some samples being as high as 960 to 970 fine (22 Karat).

Leasing and Financing Options

Oregon Gulch Gold offers attractive leasing and financing options to make it easier for you to start mining:

• Flexible Leasing Terms: Whether you’re looking for short-term or long-term leases, we have options to suit your needs.
• Owner Financing Available: Take advantage of our no-interest financing plan. With just 10% down, you can finance the balance over 10 years. No credit check, no banks involved.
• Non-Patented Claims: Serious inquiries only. Contact us for more details on leasing opportunities.

Own a Piece of Montana

Imagine owning a piece of Montana’s majestic landscape, where you can mine for gold under the big sky, surrounded by cool mountain breezes and abundant wildlife. These claims offer he chance to experience the tranquility and beauty of Montana while pursuing your mining ambitions.

• Scenic Beauty and Outdoor Activities: The area is surrounded by stunning mountain vistas, dense forests, and diverse wildlife, including deer, elk, and various bird species.
• Fishing: Oregon Creek and nearby rivers are teeming with trout and other fish, making it a prime location for anglers.
• Camping and Hunting: The expansive wilderness provides excellent camping spots and hunting grounds, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Rockhounding: The region is rich in minerals and gemstones, making it a perfect destination for rockhounding and geological exploration.

Ideal for Joint Ventures

Whether you’re looking to lease or enter a joint venture, the Big Flat Mining Claims offer flexible opportunities to suit your needs. With multiple claims available, you can find the perfect spot to start or expand your mining operations.

Contact Us

Ready to explore the opportunities at Big Flat? Contact us at [email protected] for more information on leasing or joint venture options. Don’t miss your chance to strike it rich in one of Montana’s most productive gold mining districts.

Call Marlene Affeld

      [email protected] - 509-389-2606

Embark on your mining adventure at Big Flat and be part of a legacy that dates back over a century. The gold is waiting—are you ready to find it?

Visuals and Maps

For more information, photos, and maps of the Big Flat Mining Claims, visit Wildlil.com. The site offers a comprehensive collection of historical data, maps, and current images showcasing the beauty and potential of the area.

A Dredger's Dream - Missoula Gulch Gold Placer Mining Claim

Gold prospecting is a fun family activity and with the price of gold on the rise, it can also be financially rewarding. 

Go for it. Take a little time for yourself. Enjoy the great outdoors. Get some peace of mind in the mountains. Go prospecting, fish, camp, hunt, hike, and explore. Meet friends. Find gold on your new mining claim.

160 Acres - Non-patented - The claim follows the stream bed which includes over a mile of deep pools and cascading waterfalls.

Missoula Gulch is an impressive drainage, resplendent with numerous waterfalls, deep pools and massive bedrock outcrops. Missoula Gulch is a year-around tributary of Oregon Creek. 

Overview of Missoula Lake, Mineral County, MT

Missoula Gulch Placer Mining Claim

Legal Description:

Missoula Gulch Placer Mining Claim 

Legacy Serial No. MTMMC 2367

MLRS Serial No. MT101643676 

Southwest ¼ of Section 2 and the NW ¼ of Section 11, T15N, R28W

Mineral County, Montana

160 Acres

Sale Price: $109,500.00

The Missoula Gulch Placer Claim is part of a group of claims composed of approximately 1200 acres slated for commercial gold exploration and production. Gold is present at a grade sufficient to have a strong effect on the economics of an excavation project. The package is available for sale/lease or joint-venture. 

For more information, please contact:

Marlene Affeld

509-389-2606

[email protected]

Rainbow's End Gold Placer Mining Claim: For Sale/Lease/Joint Venture

Rainbow’s End Placer Mining Claim

BLM No. MTMMC 236830

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160 Acres

E ½ of s        /. ≥/   W ½ of Section 13, T15N, R28W, Mineral County, Montana

Sale Price: $77,300.00  - Owner Financing Available

For more information, please contact:

Marlene Affeld

509-389-2606

[email protected]

 

 

 

Dowsing For Gold

 

Are you fascinated by the art of dowings and wonder if this is a skill that one can develop or is it a gift only some obtain?

 

Scientific evidence shows that dowsing is no more effective than random chance. It is therefore regarded as a pseudoscience. 

 

No matter! Dowsing works!

 

 

This is a republish of an article from 4 years ago - I am now a confirmed believer in the art of dowsing - I trust my instincts - the rods do not lie. If you have not tried dowsing yourself, check it out. It is an awesome feeling when the rods dance, totally on their own. I spent an enjoyable and informative time at the claims last summer. Jimmy B, a mining friend from Idaho came over and dowsed a few spots. Jimmy B has years of experience and teaches classes on prospecting techniques.  

 

Jimmy says there is nothing magic in the rods he uses. He has built several sets of both brass and copper rod, in various thicknesses and lengths. He is still experimenting. He said he has not tried willow or cherry branches as yet. I was amazed; for Jimmy, the rods dance. He kindly gave me a lot of helpful advice and very useful information on the way to hold the rods and how they responded. He said to hold waist level or higher (shoulder level is best, but tiring) when looking for gold; when searching for water the rods should be held lower, closer to knee level. 

 

I tried the rods for myself. Dowsing works! We then tested Jimmy B.'s abilities by hiding a vial of gold on the forest floor. His rods led him right to the spot! 

 

He then became a bit more serious and focused as he walked a grid on the Southern Cross claim. I am excited; he had two very strong readings. 

 

The ancient art of dowsing is quite remarkable.  It is accomplished through an intuitive search process leading the dowser to find water or precious minerals. In our case, we were looking for gold. 

 

Throughout history, there have also been numerous documented occasions where dowsers have located water, minerals, missing objects or missing persons. Dowsing has been referenced in history since 1518. Martin Luther mentions its use throughout Europe and condemned the practice.

 

Often a dowsing rod or a bent metal wand is used to facilitate the discovery process. 

 

During the Victorian era dowsers and their abilities were sometimes considered to be practitioners of witchcraft or magic, the wand or rod they used was called a “divining rod " or “witching wand.”  The wand was crafted from the wood of witch hazel, willow or apple trees. Modern-day wands are often formed from metal. Brass, copper or stainless steel rods, or in some cases, wire coat hangers have been used.

 

The process is quite simple. When the dowser walks with the device in his or her hands, they feel a vibrating tingle, tug, pull or other sensation when the item they are seeking is nearby. In a search for gold, once the dowser has a response from the rods, he will approach the location from different angles to isolate the area from which he is receiving a "signal". I found this similar to the approach that is used in metal detecting. 

 

A crystal pendant or a weighted pendulum can also be employed in a somewhat different manner such as positioning it over a map, to bring about the same result of the discovery. I have some old treasure maps I would like an accomplished dowser to review.

 

I have had the privilege of meeting several dowsers. Some, like Jimmy, were very accurate. Over the years I have developed faith and a belief in dowsing. Prospecting for gold is hard work! I will take all the help I can get.

 

Have you tried dowsing for gold? Will you share your secrets? Please post comments and your experiences.

 

 

 

 

 

Hard Times No. 1 Placer Gold Claim

Hard Times No. I Placer Mining Claim
Hard Times No. 1
Legacy Serial No. MMC200416
MLRS Serial No. MT101338269
NW ¼ of PB37
T15N, R28W
Mineral County, Montana

The Hard Times No. 1 Gold Claim offers an impressive mining opportunity. An extensive amount of exposed bedrock as well as the natural stream bed support productive gold recovery.The claim is suited for most types of gold mining activites from panning, to sluicing, sniping, high-banking, metal detecting, dowsing and dredging.  

Cedar Creek Mining District

Mineral County, Montana

Mineral County is located in the vast "Big Sky Country" of Montana. The crest of the Bitterroot Mountains divides Montana from Idaho and serves as the county’s western boundary. The topography varies from remote, high alpine lakes to whitewater streams and from heavily forested ridges to smooth rolling meadows. 

 

Hard Times No. 1

40 Acres

Non-Patented 

Test results have been most encouraging when panning, sluicing, and test dredging. Other than testing and accessment work, the Hard Times Mine No 1 has not been actively mined since the great Cedar Creek Gold Rush. The claim has not been worked beyond routine sampling and assessment work.

The Hard Times No.1 Placer Gold Claim offers impressive mining opportunities. An extensive amount of exposed bedrock as well as the natural streambed support productive gold recovery. 

The Hard Times No. 1 Placer Claims is part of a contiguous block of approximately 1200 acres slated for commercial gold exploration and production. Gold is present at a grade sufficient to have a strong effect on the economics of an excavation project. The package is available for sale/lease or joint-venture.

Sale Price: $63.000.00

For More Information on the Hard Times Mine No. 1 Placer Gold Claim

For More Information, please contact:

Marlene A. Affeld

PO Box 70

Saint Regis, Montana 59866

509-389-2606

[email protected]

Bonanza Gulch Placer Gold Claim For Sale Or Lease

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

[email protected]

509-389-2606