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Overview
 

Featuring 872 feet of linear stream length flowing thru the claim the Hopewell 003 placer covers the well documented and gold bearing Placer Creek.  

 

A great placer claim that is easily accessible whether you are coming up from albuquerque or down from Colorado.  Enjoy miner friendly mining regulations and a long mining season.

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Covering over 872 feet of alluvial streambed on Placer Creek, this claim has a mix of fine alluvial materials, large boulders, large portions of exposed bedrock, all intermixed within a tight and twisting canyon. 

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This claim is best suited for a wet recirculation sluice system and decent metal detector for checking bedrock crevices and old oversized tailings piles.

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  The claim does have walk in access only.  The length of the walk in access is approximately 409 feet from the closest road/camping area.  There is an old miners trail (foot path) that can be utilized.  

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The benefit to mining is New Mexico is of course the mining friendly regulations and relatively cool summer mining season.  Add in the monsoon season which usually deposits fresh gold into the washes and alters the stream course you have a new challenge and opportunity every year on this claim.

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Geology

Gold recovered was very pure at 900 to 950 fine. Depth of gravel ranges from a few feet thick to as much as 30 feet.

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Minerals

Gold, Limonite, Hematite, Malachite, Azurite, Rutile, Calcite, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite, Galena, Sphalerite, with the chief gangue material being Quartz with some Chlorite.

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Rock Types

Mafic metamorphic rocks, lower proterozoic

Sedimentary units, Paleogene

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Additionally, conglomerate containing coarse alluvial materials, angular host rocks, quartz, that has been cemented by a brown clay like material is prevalent in the area often overlaid by sedimentary formations.  This conglomerate was stated to run between 2-3 USD per ton back in the 1900's and proved profitable for a few small time miners in the area.

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Numerous hard rock mines have operated in close proximity to this placer claim including the  and many other unlisted mine shafts and adits. 

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Permits are easy to acquire and generally only necessary if you use mechanized equipment, or need to camp in one spot more than 14 days per month.  New Mexico is a very mining friendly state for both lode and placer miners alike. 

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Camping

Dispersed Camping is allowed for up to 14 continuous days.  There is no dispersed camping located directly on this claim.  The closest dispersed camping is 409 feet away from the claim.  Additionally, close by the Hopewell Lake Campground provides an established location to camp with more amenities than dispersed camping.  The campground is located just South of Hopewell lake with a beautiful view of the lake.

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Claim Map

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Access

High clearance 4WD or UTV/ATV is absolutely mandatory to access the claim.  The rock is extremely sharp, two spare tires and a tire repair kit is highly recommended.

 

The road only becomes extremely rocky and rough approximately the last 2-3 miles after leaving the Hopewell camping area.  

 

Recommended Gold Recovery Methods

Wet Sluicing, Dry Washing, Metal Detecting, Crevicing 
 

Land Ownership Status

Forest Service

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Carson National Forest General Area Info

 

The deposit was originally discovered in 1880

Gold recovered during the first 3 years of production totaled and estimated 175,000 USD and total production to 1910 is estimated to be 300,000 USD

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The gold is found within quartz bearing gold veins. and gold bearing sulfide replacement veins. 

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The host rock consists of precambrian gneisses and schists. 

The fairview placer formed during the early tertiary period and was exhumed by placer creek. 

 

The gravels found along placer creek are of recent alluvial original, although some gold may be derived from the fairview placer located upstream. 

 

Nuggets of up to 4 ounces have historically been found in the hopewell area. Re: Wells and Wooton 1932.

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Operated bu the King William Co. in 1910.  This claim is a transition claim between the lower flat placer (often referred to as the Gill Placer) and the headstone placer area.

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What Is Included In The Purchase

1. Quit Claim Deed

2. Google Earth Map

3. Waterproof 24X36 hardcopy 1:24,000 Map

4. Corner & Discovery Point GPS Coordinates

5. 2 Hours of Free Complimentary Consulting

6. Certificate of Location Copy

 

Prospecting Disclaimer

The Hopewell Gold 003 Unpatented Placer Claim NM# 106377493 is an Unpatented Federal Mining Claim.  Any form of mining or prospecting is barred without prior approval from Gunnison Gold Prospecting Company.  This website listing does not constitute or convey approval from Gunnison Gold Prospecting Company to mine or prospect the claim in any capacity.  Mineral theft is a Federal offense and is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law as listed in the 1872 Federal Mining Laws. 

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Next Steps

• Contact Me

• Setup A Prospecting Day if you would like to test the claim before purchase (Optional)

• Buy Outright or Finance In House

Contact Information

 

Tyler Long

Lead Prospector

Gunnison Gold Prospecting Company

Direct Line:  970-901-9043

tyler@gunnisongoldprospecting.com 

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