The Western Gold Claims Group is located in the prolific Oatman Mining District in Mohave County, Arizona. Gold was first discovered in the Oatman District in 1863. Between 1897 and 1942, the Oatman District produced 2.2 million ounces of gold and 800,000 ounces of silver at an average grade of .58 oz/t gold and .17 oz/t silver. From 1979 to 1982, Hecla Mining Company and Canadian Natural Resources conducted extensive exploration, including geological mapping and diamond drilling on the Tom Reed Vein System before the project was terminated in 1982 due to low mineral prices.
Mine Highlights
• 240 Total Acres | 97.12 Hectares
Claims Geology
The Oatman District lies on the western flank of the Black Mountains, a fault-bounded tertiary volcanic series. Gold deposition appears to be a late feature associated with the Moss porphyry intrusion. The gold-bearing ore bodies of the Oatman District are located along northwest trending veins and faults. The main mineralized structures within the property are the United and Middle Veins. These veins were mined at the United Western and United Eastern Mines.
• 240 Total Acres | 97.12 Hectares
Claims Geology
The Oatman District lies on the western flank of the Black Mountains, a fault-bounded tertiary volcanic series. Gold deposition appears to be a late feature associated with the Moss porphyry intrusion. The gold-bearing ore bodies of the Oatman District are located along northwest trending veins and faults. The main mineralized structures within the property are the United and Middle Veins. These veins were mined at the United Western and United Eastern Mines.
Electrum is the predominant ore mineral. Gangue minerals include quartz, calcite, adularia, minor fluorite, and trace amounts of pyrite, marcasite and chalcopyrite.