Remote Prospecting?

[Geowizard]

Hi Guys and Gals,

How about Remote Prospecting?

This has been a topic of great interest for Many years on this and other GOLD Forums!

Remote Prospecting is an oxymoron. The two terms are mutually EXCLUSIVE...

Here's why;

Prospecting is loosely defined as "Exploration". Prospectors seek fortune in areas of the world where a valuable discovery may be developed into a mining operation. There ARE remote places on EARTH that fit the phrase;

"You can't get there from here!"

Let's drill down a little deeper on this topic!

- Geowizard

[Jim_Alaska]

Like beauty, remote is in the eye of the beholder. It all depends on you personally, your idea of remote, your experiences, where you live, your resources, your physical ability, or lack of it. The list goes on and on.

Glen would be a good one to weigh in on this subject. He mines in Alaska which is very remote from where he lives. I have lived in Alaska and there was not much there that I considered remote, maybe hard to get to, but not remote.

[Geowizard]

The challenge;

After venturing 60 miles over land, water, more land, more water, into a Bear infested, roadless, frozen rock pile featuring the highest mountains in the Northern hemispere...

How do we develop a mining project?

How do we transport the commodity to the marketplace?

- Geowizard

[Jim_Alaska]

The challenge;

After venturing 60 miles over land, water, more land, more water, into a Bear infested, roadless, frozen rock pile featuring the highest mountains in the Northern hemispere...

How do we develop a mining project?

How do we transport the commodity to the marketplace?

- Geowizard

OK, now you did it. My simple mind makes a vast distinction between prospecting and developing a mine.

But to try an answer of my own, I would have to admit that I would seriously consider "on site refining" under the conditions you list.

[Geowizard]

Jim,

I agree.

Of course, there must be a plan that takes into account the "trail". With NO trail and the issues related to making a trail crossing Native Corporation "surface", this becomes an interesting project.

- Geowizard

[Jim_Alaska]

Jim,

I agree.

Of course, there must be a plan that takes into account the "trail". With NO trail and the issues related to making a trail crossing Native Corporation "surface", this becomes an interesting project.

- Geowizard

Many native corporations will allow access with a proper permit from the Native corporation. Building trails may involve negotiating skills on the part of the miner, as well as assurances of a "good neighbor" policy.

I would submit that it all depends on the Native land in question, as well as topography. There may be access by other means, for instance, is there a decent size river nearby? If so access could be by boat and/or barge.

Is there room on the claim for an airstrip, planes are wonderful devices for remote access. Depending on topography there may even be consideration for access and freight by Hovercraft. remember they float on a cushion of air, they do not touch the actual Native ground. If your operation will allow for it financially a helicopter is not out of the question. There are many people that access remote land by helicopter. Buying one is not generally an option, but they can be rented.

[Geowizard]

Jim,

I agree.

Of course, there must be a plan that takes into account the "trail". With NO trail and the issues related to making a trail crossing Native Corporation "surface", this becomes an interesting project.

- Geowizard

Many native corporations will allow access with a proper permit from the Native corporation. Building trails may involve negotiating skills on the part of the miner, as well as assurances of a "good neighbor" policy.

I would submit that it all depends on the Native land in question, as well as topography. There may be access by other means, for instance, is there a decent size river nearby? If so access could be by boat and/or barge.

Is there room on the claim for an airstrip, planes are wonderful devices for remote access. Depending on topography there may even be consideration for access and freight by Hovercraft. remember they float on a cushion of air, they do not touch the actual Native ground. If your operation will allow for it financially a helicopter is not out of the question. There are many people that access remote land by helicopter. Buying one is not generally an option, but they can be rented.

Jim,

Yes to all of the above!

You covered most of the bases. There is a large river, but sadly the River is reaching it's headwaters as might be expected in higher terrain. There is a landing strip near the proposed workings - a mixed blessing. The strip provides access for friend and foe ( foe being those that might have interests in relieving one of his lighter assets).

- Geowizard

[Micropedes1]

I have spend many years dredging in Alaska. Access is always a problem, not just for your person, but getting food, equipment, and fuel into location. I have walked enough of the terrain not to be too bothered by the wildlife. The topography is what challenges me. The mountains make my knees hurt as the years accumulate. And I absolutely hate tundra. Miss one little tussock and when you bottom out, you will too.

I enjoyed the 40 Mile district. Drive right up to the river on the road system to launch your boat, then drive right up to your dredge location. It was almost like California, but without all the oversight and limitations. Dredging in jeans and tee shirt was OK after everything turned blue.

[Micropedes1]

I got a chance to visit Geowizard's mining operation a few years back. He actually has a road, albeit a rugged one between his cabin and town. Alas, that is the entire length of the road that I saw. And his cabin is at the end of the airstrip. I think that you could probably hit the Cessnas with a rock when they took off; they were that low when loaded.

I really do need to get a handle on the access situation. I have been relying on charter operations for access as it has been too expensive to fly mine up north and leave it there over the winter. But I guess that that needs to happen this season. Permits from DNR and the tribes was fairly simple for overland transport of fuel, but BLM is dragging their feet. I wonder if there is any way to speed up the process.

I just brought in a Thiokol 3700 snow cat for the eventual approval of all the trail permits, but may need to lease a fenced storage yard to work out of. I am uncertain that even a fence will keep the local vandals at bay

[Micropedes1]

Chuck's prospecting is equally remote in that he travels from Arizona to chase gold.

But I suspect that what he was referring to as "remote prospecting" is all of the data analysis that is available from the DGGS electrophysical surveys of Alaska. He is using every tool at hand to locate a lode, just as I am. I use different algorithms to help me identify deposits. I use this along with geologic information on faulting, foliation and folding of strata, ARDF sampling and analysis of known visible mineral outcrops, and soil/sediment chemical analysis within my selected area. By the time that I put boots on the ground to perform my own sampling, I will have developed an extensive profile on every anamoly that bears investigation and possible confirmation. That and a set of map coordinates. It might as well have a sign that says "Dig Here"!