Alaska Resource Data File, Valdez 

quadrangle, Alaska 

By Travis L. Hudson1

Open-File Report 03–30 

2003 

This report is preliminary and has not been reviewed for conformity with U.S. Geological 

Survey editorial standards or with the North American Stratigraphic Code. Any use of trade, 

firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the 

U.S. Government. 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

 

1

 Sequim, Washington 
Alaska Resource Data File 

This report is preliminary and has not been reviewed for conformity with U.S. Geological Survey editorial standards or with the North American Stratigraphic code. Any use 

of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply 

endorsement by the U.S. Government. 

OPEN-FILE REPORT 03-30 

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

Distribution of mineral occurrences in the Valdez

1:250,000-scale quadrangle, Alaska

 This and related reports are accessible through the USGS World Wide Web site 

http://ardf.wr.usgs.gov. Comments or information regarding corrections or missing 

data, or requests for digital retrievals should be directed to: Frederic Wilson, USGS, 4200 

University Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508-4667, e-mail fwilson@usgs.gov, telephone (907) 

786-7448. This compilation is authored by:

 Travis L. Hudson

 Sequim, WA

 

Valdez quadrangle

 Descriptions of the mineral occurrences shown on the accompanying figure follow. 

See U.S. Geological Survey (1996) for a description of the information content of each field 

in the records. The data presented here are maintained as part of a statewide database 

on mines, prospects and mineral occurrences throughout Alaska.
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 2 

Site name(s): Unnamed (on Heavenly Ridge) 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA001 

Latitude: 61.8802 Quadrangle: VA D-8 

Longitude: 146.8892 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located on the southwest end of Heavenly Ridge at an elevation of 

about 4,200 feet; it is about eight-tenths of a mile southwest of VABM Shale in the 

SW1/4 section 9, T. 1 N., R. 9 W., of the Copper River Meridian. It is approximately located, perhaps to within one-half mile. This prospect is locality 84 of Winkler and others 

(1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu, Mo, Zn 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite?, molybdenite?, sphalerite? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]) reported that mafic volcanic breccia of the 

Jurassic Talkeetna Formation contains stringers and pods of sulfide-impregnated quartz 

here. The volcanic rocks are cut by a dacite plug. 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Post-Jurassic (?); the host rocks are in the Jurassic Talkeetna Formation (Winkler and 

others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Deposit model:

Veins and disseminations in mafic volcanic rocks 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

VA001 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 3 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Probably only reconnaissance surface examinations. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA001 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 4 

Site name(s): Mendeltna Creek 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA002 

Latitude: 61.9683 Quadrangle: VA D-7 

Longitude: 146.4147 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located at the mouth of Mendeltna Creek on the northwest shore of 

Tazlina Lake. It is in the SE1/4 of section 12, T. 2 N., R. 7 W., of the Copper River Meridian and is probably accurately located. This prospect is locality 116 of Winkler and 

others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au? 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Placer claims were staked at this locality and current from 1971 to 1974 (U.S. Bureau of 

Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). They are assumed to have 

been staked for placer gold. 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

VA002 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 5 

Workings/exploration:

 Probably only prospected. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA002 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 6 

Site name(s): Unnamed (west of Kaina Lake) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA003 

Latitude: 61.8355 Quadrangle: VA D-6 

Longitude: 146.2221 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located about 2,100 feet west of Kaina Lake; it is at about 3,200 feet 

elevation in the SW1/4 section 30, T. 1 N., R. 5 W., of the Copper River Meridian. It is 

approximately located, perhaps within one-half mile. This prospect is localiy 115 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Lode claims were staked for gold deposits at this locality in 1968 (U.S. Bureau of 

Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). No other information is available. The location is near the contact between Jurassic (?) intrusive rocks and volcanic 

rocks of the Jurassic Talkeetna Formation (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; host rocks are probably Jurassic (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-

A]). 

Deposit model:

 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

VA003 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 7 

Workings/exploration:

 Probably only reconnaissance surface examinations have taken place. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA003 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 8 

Site name(s): Willow Mountain 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA004 

Latitude: 61.7745 Quadrangle: VA D-4 

Longitude: 145.1920 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located on the east flank of Willow Mountain, about one-half mile west 

of the Richardson Highway; it is at an elevation of about 3,000 feet in the northeast corner 

of section 22, T. 1 S., R. 1 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps within one-quarter mile. It is locality 53 of Cobb and Matson 

(1972) and locality 44 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu, Zn 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite, hydrozincite, malchite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Hydrozincite and smaller amounts of chalcopyrite and malachite are sparsely but widely 

disrtibuted in limestone of the Jurassic Talkeetna Formation (Berg and Cobb, 1967, p. 52; 

Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 Oxidation; hyrdozincite is a secondary, hydrous carbonate of zinc. 

Age of mineralization:

 Jurassic or younger; the host rocks have been assigned to the Jurassic Talkeetna Formation (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]. 

Deposit model:

Disseminations or replacements in limestone 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

VA004 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 9 

Site Status: Undetermined 

Workings/exploration:

 Only reconnaissance work has been carried out. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Berg and Cobb, 1967; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Berg and Cobb, 1967 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA004 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 10 

Site name(s): Unnamed (east of Willow Creek) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA005 

Latitude: 61.7598 Quadrangle: VA D-3 

Longitude: 145.0657 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is about 1.7 miles west of the Old Edgerton Highway and seven-tenths of 

a mile southeast of the junction of Willow and Rock Creeks. It is in the NW1/4 section 

28, T. 1 S., R. 2 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps within one-half mile. It is locality 101B of Winkler and others (1981 

[OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au? 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Lode claims were staked at this locality in 1969 and 1970 but no other information is 

available (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Outcrops are limited in this area. Nearby bedrock includes Jurassic mafic intrusive rocks and 

andesitic volcanic rocks and limestone of to the Jurassic Talkeetna Formation (Winkler 

and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; nearby bedrock includes Jurassic mafic intrusive rocks and andesitic volcanic rocks and limestone assigned to the Jurassic Talkeetna Formation (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Deposit model:

 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

VA005 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 11 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 There is no record of exploration. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA005 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 12 

Site name(s): Willow Creek 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA006 

Latitude: 61.7766 Quadrangle: VA D-3 

Longitude: 145.0514 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is one-half mile west of triangulation station Kenny along the Old Edgerton Highway. It is at an elevation of about 130 feet in the SE1/4 section 16, T. 1 S., R. 2 

E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps within 

one-half mile. It is locality 101A of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au? 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Lode claims were staked at this locality in 1969 and 1970 but no other information is 

available (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Outcrops are limited in this area; nearby bedrock includes Jurassic mafic intrusive rocks and 

andesitic volcanic rocks and limestone of the Jurassic Talkeetna Formation (Winkler and 

others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; nearby bedrock includes Jurassic mafic intrusive rocks and andesitic volcanic rocks and limestone of the Jurassic Talkeetna Formation (Winkler and others, 1981 

[OFR 80-892-A]). 

Deposit model:

 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

VA006 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 13 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 No record of exploration. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA006 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 14 

Site name(s): Unnamed (near Chetaslina River) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA007 

Latitude: 61.9016 Quadrangle: VA D-1 

Longitude: 144.5141 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the west side of the canyon of the Chichokna River, about one-half 

mile upstream of its mouth on the Chitaslina River. The map site is in the NW1/4 section 

4, T. 1 N., R. 5 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, 

perhaps to within one-half mile. It is locality 112 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-

892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Ag, Ba, Cu? 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite?, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Barite 

Geologic description:

 Iron-stained greenschist and calc-schist rocks, tentatively correlated with the Paleozoic 

Skolai Group (Winkler and others, 1981[OFR 80-892-B]; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 

80-892-A]), have been prospected with dozer trenches (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; 

Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Pyrite, barite, and possibly chalcopyrite are 

reported. The age and type of deposit are not known. 

Alteration:

 Oxidation. 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; host metamorphic rocks are probably Paleozoic or older in age. 

Deposit model:

 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

VA007 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 15 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Dozer trenches have been used to prospect at this locality. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Preserve. 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B). 

Primary reference: Winklerand others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA007 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 16 

Site name(s): Unnamed (near Cheshnina River) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA008 

Latitude: 61.8298 Quadrangle: VA D-1 

Longitude: 144.2230 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the east slope of the valley of a small north tributary of the Cheshnina River. The map site is at an elevation of about 4,500 feet near the northeast boundary 

of section 36, T. 1 N., R. 6 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within a half-mile. It is locality 111 of Winkler and others 

(1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu? 

 Other: Ag?, Au? 

Ore minerals: Native copper? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 This prospect is near the basal contact of the Triassic Nikolai Greenstone, which unconformably overlies carbonate rocks of the Skolai Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 

80-892-B]; Winkler and others,1981 [OFR 80-892-A). Native copper has been observed 

in Nikolai Greenstone nearby; it partly to completely fills amygdules and other open 

spaces in the host basalt. This copper may have been mobilized and deposited as part of 

the main copper mineralizing event in the region. This event is interpreted to be related 

to Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others 1997, p. 88). 

Alteration:

 Oxidation. 

Age of mineralization:

 Native copper in Nikolai Greenstone may have been mobilized and deposited as part of 

the main copper mineralizing event in the region. This event is interpreted to be related 

to Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others 1997, p. 88). 

VA008 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 17 

Deposit model:

Native copper filling amygdules and other open spaces in basalt? 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 There are three patented mining claims at this location (Winkler and others, 1981[OFR 

80-892-B]). At least some surface prospecting has probably taken place here. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Preserve. 

References:

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); 

MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA008 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 18 

Site name(s): Unnamed (on upper Barnette Creek) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA009 

Latitude: 61.7299 Quadrangle: VA C-8 

Longitude: 146.8474 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the ridge crest on the north side of upper Barnette Creek. It is on a 

saddle at an elevation of about 6,000 feet very close to the northwest corner of section 3, 

T. 2 S., R. 9 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to 

within one-quarter mile. It is locality 83 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cr 

 Other: Ni, Pt? 

Ore minerals: 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]) reported that test pits have been dug in serpentinized ultramafic rocks at this locality. The ultramafic rocks are blocks in a melange 

that is structurally below the Border Ranges fault (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-

892-A]). 

Alteration:

 Serpentinization. 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; the ultramafic rocks were incorporated in melange which is intruded by undeformed hornblende andesite and dacite dikes of inferred Tertiary age (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Deposit model:

Podifrom chromite? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 8a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

8a? 

VA009 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 19 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Surface test pits have been dug at this locality (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-

B]). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA009 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 20 

Site name(s): Marshall Mountain 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA010 

Latitude: 61.6906 Quadrangle: VA C-6 

Longitude: 145.9047 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is about one-third mile northwest of the north peak of Marshall Mountain. 

It is at an elevation of about 4,200 feet near the center of the SW1/4 section 14, T. 2 S., R. 

4 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within onequarter mile. It is locality 82 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]) reported that sheared pillow basalt and 

massive greenstone contains pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite. Old cabins are present at 

this prospect, below it at timberline, and nearby on Klutina Lake. The metavolcanic rocks 

are part of the McHugh Complex melange (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; the host metavolcanic rocks were probably incorporated in the McHugh 

Complex in the Late Cretaceous (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Deposit model:

Cyprus massive sulfide? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 24a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

24a? 

Production Status: None 

VA010 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 21 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Only some exploration pits. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA010 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 22 

Site name(s): Manker Creek 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA011 

Latitude: 61.6005 Quadrangle: VA C-5 

Longitude: 145.6387 

Location description and accuracy:

 About 6 miles of upper Manker Creek were shown by Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 

80-892-B], locality 113) as a placer gold prospect. The map coordinates are the approximate midpoint of the placer prospect. in the NW1/4 section 20, T. 3 S., R. 2 W., of the 

Copper River Meridian. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 About 6 miles of upper Manker Creek were shown by Winkler, Miller, and others (1981 

[OFR 80-892-B], locality 113) as a placer gold prospect. Gold was reported to be present 

on Manker Creek as early as 1900 (Schrader, 1900, p. 422) and placer claims have been 

staked in this area (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980). Bedrock in the Manker Creek drainage 

includes metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks of the McHugh Complex and metasedimentary rocks of the Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

The Valdez Group hosts many gold-bearing quartz veins in the southern Valdez quadrangle. 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

VA011 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 23 

39a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Undetermined 

Workings/exploration:

 Probably has been at least some prospecting for gold along 6 miles of Manker Creek. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Schrader, 1900; U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA011 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 24 

Site name(s): Mahlo River 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA012 

Latitude: 61.6505 Quadrangle: VA C-5 

Longitude: 145.7590 

Location description and accuracy:

 More than 10 miles of the Mahlo River between about 1,950 and 3,600 feet elevation 

are shown by Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B], locality 114) as a placer prospect. The map coordinates are the approximate midpoint of the placer prospect in the 

SW1/4 section 34, T. 3 S., R. 3 W., of the Copper River Meridian. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 More than 10 miles of the Mahlo River were shown by Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 

80-892-B], locality 114) as a placer gold prospect. Gold was reported to be present on 

Mahlo River as early as 1900 (Schrader, 1900, p. 422; Moffit, 1935, p. 36), and placer 

claims have been staked in this area (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980). Bedrock in the Mahlo 

River drainage includes metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks of the McHugh Complex and metasedimentary rocks of the Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 

80-892-A]). The Valdez Group hosts many gold-bearing quartz veins in the southern 

Valdez quadrangle. 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

VA012 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 25 

39a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Undetermined 

Workings/exploration:

 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Schrader, 1900; Moffit, 1935; U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 

(OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA012 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 26 

Site name(s): Bernard Mountain (Red Mountain) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA013 

Latitude: 61.5725 Quadrangle: VA C-4 

Longitude: 145.1411 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located near VABM Bernard on the northern-most high divide between 

Bernard Creek and the Little Tonsina River. It is about 3 miles east of the Richardson 

Highway. The prospect is near the middle of the south boundary of section 25, T. 3 S., R. 

1 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to 

within a mile. It is locality 42 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Cobb and 

Matson (1972, locality 51) erroneously show this prospect to be located about 3 miles to 

the southwest of the location used by Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cr 

 Other: Ni, PGE 

Ore minerals: Chromite, PGE minerals 

Gangue minerals: Olivine, pyroxene 

Geologic description:

 Dunite, pyroxenite, and peridotite in the Tonsina ultramafic complex (Winkler and others, 1981[OFR 80-892-B]; Burns, 1985; Foley and others, 1988) contain disseminated 

chromite, some podiform chromite, and local anomalous concentrations of nickel and 

platinum-group metals. At Bernard Mountain, seven low-grade deposits of banded and 

disseminated chromite in dunite are estimated to contain 343,000 tons of Cr2O3 (Berg 

and Cobb, 1967; Hoffman, 1972; Foley and Barker, 1985; Foley and others, 1986; Dahlin 

and others, 1985). High-grade samples contain 36.0 to 57.7 percent chromite with a 

chrome to iron ratio of 1.20 to 3.06. The maximum nickel concentration is 5,000 ppm 

(Hoffman, 1972). Two chromite-rich table concentrate samples contained 823 and 1,749 

ppb palladium, but PGEs were not detected in other samples from Bernard Mountain 

(Foley and others, 1988; 1989). The Tonsina ultramafic complex may be a deep part of 

large gabbroic plutons in the root zones of the Jurassic Talkeetna arc (Winkler and others, 

1981 [OFR 80-892-A]; Burns, 1985). Because the Tonsina ultramafic complex contains 

granulites and tectonized harzburgite and dunite, it may have some mantle components 

and in part be older than Jurassic mafic and ultramafic intrusives of the region (Burns, 

VA013 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 27 

1985). 

Alteration:

 Serpentinization is widespread in the ultramafic rocks. 

Age of mineralization:

 The Tonsina ultramafic complex may be a deep part of large gabbroic plutons in the 

root zones of the Jurassic Talkeetna arc (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]; 

Burns, 1985). Because the Tonsina ultramafic complex contains granulites and tectonized harzburgite and dunite, it may have some mantle components and in part be older 

than Jurassic mafic and ultramafic intrusives of the region (Burns, 1985). 

Deposit model:

Podifrom chromite (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 8a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

8a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Undetermined 

Workings/exploration:

 Considerable reconnaissance surface oberservations and sampling have been carried 

out. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 At Bernard Mountain, seven low-grade deposits of banded and disseminated chromite 

in dunite are estimated to contain 343,000 tons of Cr2O3 (Berg and Cobb, 1967; 

Hoffman, 1972; Foley and Barker, 1985; Foley and others, 1986; Dahlin and others, 

1985). 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Berg and Cobb, 1967; Hoffman, 1972; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 

(OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Burns, 1985; Dahlin and 

others, 1985; Foley and Barker, 1985; Foley and others, 1986; Foley and others, 1988; 

Foley and others, 1989. 

Primary reference: Foley and others, 1988 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

VA013 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 28 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA013 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 29 

Site name(s): Little Tonsina River 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA014 

Latitude: 61.5809 Quadrangle: VA C-4 

Longitude: 145.2193 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is on the east side of the Richardson Highway about 1.1 miles south of 

VABM Brown; it is at an elevation of about 1,800 feet in the SE1/4 section 28, T. 3 S., R. 

1 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to 

within one-quarter mile. It is locality 90 of Cobb and Matson (1972). 

Commodities: 

 Main: W 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Scheelite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Jasper (1967) found small amounts of scheelite in heavy mineral concentrate from 

stream gravels at this locality. Streams in this area drain uplands where both footwall and 

hanging wall metamorphic and igneous rocks of the Border Ranges fault are present 

(Winklerand others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Modern placer occurrence of scheelite 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

VA014 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 30 

Workings/exploration:

 Only reconnaissance surface sampling has taken place in this area. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Jasper, 1967; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Jasper, 1967 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA014 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 31 

Site name(s): Sheep Hill; Dust Mountain (west) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA015 

Latitude: 61.5818 Quadrangle: VA C-3 

Longitude: 144.9887 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is near the summit of hill 5,140, on the divide between Bernard and Dust 

Creeks. It is in the NE1/4 section 26, T. 3 S., R. 2 E., of the Copper River Meridian. 

This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within one-half mile. It is locality 43B 

of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cr 

 Other: Ni, PGE 

Ore minerals: Chromite, chromium spinel, PGE minerals 

Gangue minerals: Olivine, pyroxene 

Geologic description:

 Dunite, pryoxenite, and peridotite of the Tonsina ultramafic complex (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]; Burns, 1985; Foley and others, 1988) contain disseminated 

chromite, some podiform chromite, and local anomalous concentrations of nickel and 

platinum-group metals. At Sheep Hill, two low-grade, high-iron deposits with 5 percent 

chromite contain some PGE values (Foley and Barker, 1985; Foley and others, 1986; 

Dahlin and others, 1985; Foley and others, 1988, 1989). Samples from a 210- by 300-

foot area contain as much as 927 ppb PGEs, including 515 ppb platinum (Pt) and 412 ppb 

palladium (Pd); Pt/Pt+Pd ratios range from 0.57 to 0.75. The PGEs are commonly associated with chromium spinel (Foley and others, 1988). The Tonsina ultramafic complex 

may be a deep part of large gabbroic plutons in the root zones of the Jurassic Talkeetna 

arc (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]; Burns, 1985). Because the Tonsina ultramafic complex contains granulites and tectonized harzburgite and dunite, it may have 

some mantle components and may in part be older than Jurassic mafic and ultramafic intrusives of the region (Burns, 1985). 

Alteration:

 Minor serpentinization is probably present. 

VA015 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 32 

Age of mineralization:

 The Tonsina ultramafic complex may be deep parts of large gabbroic plutons in the root 

zones of the Jurassic Talkeetna arc (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]; Burns, 

1985). Because the Tonsina ultramafic complex contains granulites and tectonized harzburgite and dunite, it may have some mantle components and may in part be older than 

Jurassic mafic and ultramafic intrusives of the region (Burns, 1985). 

Deposit model:

Podifrom chromite (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 8a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

8a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Undetermined 

Workings/exploration:

 Considerable reconnaissance surface oberservations and sampling have been carried 

out. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Burns, 1985; Dahlin and others, 1985; Foley and Barker, 1985; 

Foley and others, 1986; Foley and others, 1988; Foley and others, 1989. 

Primary reference: Foley and others, 1988 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA015 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 33 

Site name(s): Dust Mountain 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA016 

Latitude: 61.6025 Quadrangle: VA C-3 

Longitude: 144.9436 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is one-half mile northwest hill 5,210 (which is informally but commonly 

referred to as 'Dust Mountain') and 1.2 mile due east of Dust Creek. It is at an elevation 

of about 4,700 feet near the southwest corner of section 18, T. 3 S., R. 3 E., of the Copper 

River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to wtithin one-ha;f mile. 

It is locality 52 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and 43A of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 

80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cr 

 Other: Ni, PGE 

Ore minerals: Chromite, chromium spinel, PGE minerals 

Gangue minerals: Olivine, pyroxene 

Geologic description:

 Dunite, pyroxenite, and peridotite of the Tonsina ultramafic complex (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]; Burns, 1985; Foley and others, 1988) contain disseminated 

chromite, some podiform chromite, and local anomalous concentrations of nickel and 

platinum-group metals. At Dust Mountain, a 190-foot by 3,600-foot area was estimated 

to contain 2.6 to 5.3 million tons of chromic oxide (Berg and Cobb, 1967; Foley and 

Barker, 1985; Foley and others, 1986; Dahlin and others, 1985). High-grade samples 

contained 36.0 to 57.7 percent chromite, with a chrome to iron ratio of 1.20 to 3.06. Samples of chromatite contained as much as 11,936 ppb palladium (Pd), 8,918 ppb platinum 

(Pt), 330 ppb iridium, 87 ppb osmium, 550 ppb rhenium, and 140 ppb ruthenium (Foley 

and others, 1988, 1989). Pt/Pt+Pd ratios ranged from 0.44 to 0.87. Identified PGE minerals include PGE-amalgams, arsenides, alloys, and sulfides (Foley and others, 1988). 

The PGE-bearing minerals are concentrated along fractures and grain boundaries in serpentinized, metasomatically altered, high chromium spinel. Maximum PGE concentrations are in malchite- and native copper-bearing magnetic chromatites associated with 

dunite and coarse-grained clinopyroxenite. The Tonsina ultramafic complex may be deep 

parts of large gabbroic plutons in the root zones of the Jurassic Talkeetna arc (Winkler 

VA016 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 34 

and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]; Burns, 1985). Because the Tonsina ultramafic complex contains granulites and tectonized harzburgite and dunite, it may have some mantle 

components and in may part be older than Jurassic mafic and ultramafic intrusives of the 

region (Burns, 1985). 

Alteration:

 Sepentinization. 

Age of mineralization:

 The Tonsina ultramafic complex may be deep parts of large gabbroic plutons in the root 

zones of the Jurassic Talkeetna arc (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]; Burns, 

1985). Because the Tonsina ultramafic complex contains granulites and tectonized harzburgite and dunite, it may have some mantle components and in may part be older than 

Jurassic mafic and ultramafic intrusives of the region (Burns, 1985). 

Deposit model:

Podifrom chromite (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 8a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

8a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Undetermined 

Workings/exploration:

 Considerable reconnaissance surface oberservations and sampling have been completed. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 At Dust Mountain, a 190-foot by 3,600-foot area was estimated to contain 2.6 to 5.3 

million tons of chromic oxide (Berg and Cobb, 1967; Foley and Barker, 1985; Foley and 

others, 1986; Dahlin and others, 1985). 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Berg and Cobb, 1967; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-

B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Burns, 1985; Dahlin and others, 1985; 

Foley and Barker, 1985; Foley and others, 1986; Foley and others, 1988; Foley and others, 1989. 

Primary reference: Foley and others, 1988 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

VA016 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 35 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA016 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 36 

Site name(s): Tonsina River 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA017 

Latitude: 61.7035 Quadrangle: VA C-3 

Longitude: 145.0510 

Location description and accuracy:

 This placer gold occurrence is on the Tonsina River at the mouth of Dust Creek inthe 

SE1/4 section 9, T. 2 S., R. 2 E., of the Copper River Meridian. It is locality 100 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Placer gold claims were staked and kept active from 1973 to 1978 (U.S. Bureau of 

Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981[OFR 80-892-B]). Bedrock in the valley of Dust 

Creek includes the Tonsina ultramafic complex (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-

A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

VA017 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 37 

Workings/exploration:

 Some surface exploration has occurred here. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA017 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 38 

Site name(s): Unnamed (east of Kimball Pass) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA018 

Latitude: 61.5179 Quadrangle: VA C-3 

Longitude: 144.9634 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located on the ridge crest between the east and west headwater tributaries of Bernard Creek near elevation (peak) 5108. It is in the SW1/4 section 13, T. 4 S., R. 

2 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to 

within one-quarter mile. It is locality 99 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Lode claims were staked on gold-bearing veins in schist near the fault contact between 

the Haley Creek and Fox Creek terranes (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Schist of the Haley Creek and Fox Creek terranes was probably metamorphosed in the 

mid-Cretaceous (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). Veins that cross cut this 

schist are probably Late Cretaceous or Tertiary in age. 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a? 

Production Status: None 

VA018 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 39 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA018 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 40 

Site name(s): Kimball Pass (west) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA019 

Latitude: 61.5095 Quadrangle: VA C-3 

Longitude: 145.0808 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located about 1.2 miles west-southwest of the lake in Kimball Pass and 

six-tenths of a mile northeast of elevation (peak) 4706. The location is close to the center 

of section 20, T. 4 S., R. 2 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately lcoated, perhaps to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 96 of Winkler and others 

(1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Lode claims were staked on gold-bearing veins in schist of the Haley Creek terrane at 

this locality (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B] 

Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Schist of the Haley Creek terrane was probably metamorphosed in the mid-Cretaceous 

(Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). Veins that cross cut this schist are probably 

Late Cretaceous or Tertiary in age. 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a? 

VA019 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 41 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA019 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 42 

Site name(s): Kimball Pass (east) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA020 

Latitude: 61.5260 Quadrangle: VA C-3 

Longitude: 145.0271 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is about 1.2 miles northeast of Kimball Pass on the east side of the valley 

of the upper west fork of Bernard Creek. It is at an elevation of about 3,300 feet in the 

NE1/4 section 15, T. 4 S., R. 2 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within one-half mile. It is locality 97 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au? 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 A lode claim was staked in 1956 schist of the Haley Creek terrane at this locality (U.S. 

Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B] ; Winkler, Silberman, 

and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Schist of the Haley Creek terrane was probably metamorphosed in the mid-Cretaceous 

(Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). Veins that cross cut this schist are probably 

Late Cretaceous or Tertiary in age. 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a? 

VA020 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 43 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 A claim was staked in 1956 (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981

[OFR 80-892-B]). The nature of workings or exploration at this prospect is not known. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA020 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 44 

Site name(s): Opal; Tiger Mining Co. 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA021 

Latitude: 61.5371 Quadrangle: VA C-2 

Longitude: 144.6462 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located in the cirque at the southwest head of Liberty Creek. It is in the 

southeast headwall of this cirque, about nine-tenths of a mile north of elevation 5,285. It 

is at an elevation of 4,400 feet in the NW1/4 section 11, T. 4 S, R. 4 E., of the Copper 

River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within one-half mile. 

It is locality 54 of of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 45 of Winkler and others 

(1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). The location used in this report is that shown by Winkler and 

others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]); it is nine-tenths of a mile north of the location shown by 

Cobb and Matson (1972). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Ag, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Quartz 

Geologic description:

 Widely spaced quartz veins as much as 1 meter wide cut the schist of both the Liberty 

Creek terrane and Eocene tonalite (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]; Winkler 

and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). The veins contain arsenopyrite, pyrite, galena, and 

sphalerite. 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Tertiary; the quartz veins cut tonalite with a K/Ar age of 52.4 +/- 2.6 m. y. (Winkler and 

others 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Deposit model:

Polymetallic veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 22c) 

VA021 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 45 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

22c 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Active? 

Workings/exploration:

 The type of workings have not been reported. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA021 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 46 

Site name(s): Unnamed (near Liberty Falls) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA022 

Latitude: 61.6133 Quadrangle: VA C-2 

Longitude: 144.5624 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located on the west side of Liberty Creek valley about 3,700 feet southwest of the Edgerton Highway. It is at an elvation of 1,700 feet in the northeast corner of 

section 17, T. 3 S., R. 5 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately 

located, probably to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 56 of of Cobb and Matson 

(1972) and locality 47 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Mn 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Manganite 

Gangue minerals: Quartz 

Geologic description:

 Chloritic schists of the Liberty Creek terrane (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-

B]) contain discontinuous, lenses, veins, and veinlets that contain quartz and manganite 

(Jasper, 1967; Berg and Cobb, 1967). Individual lenses are 1 to 5 feet thick and as much 

as 40 feet long; veins are as much as 3 inches wide. Veins occur irregularly over a strike 

lenth of about a mile in the schist. Selected specimens assayed as much as 58.7 percent 

manganese (Berg and Cobb, 1967, p. 49). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; the schist in the Liberty Creek terrane was probably metamorphosed during the mid-Cretaceous (Winkler, Silberman, and others, 1981). 

Deposit model:

Quartz-manganite veins 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

VA022 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 47 

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The Liberty Creek prospect was explored with a few shallow trenches in 1959 (Berg 

and Cobb, 1967). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Berg and Cobb, 1967; Jasper, 1967; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 

(OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Berg and Cobb, 1967 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA022 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 48 

Site name(s): Unnamed (Hundell Creek) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA023 

Latitude: 61.6219 Quadrangle: VA C-2 

Longitude: 144.6856 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is in the Hundell Creek valley about 2.3 miles south of its mouth on the 

Tonsina River and one-third mile east of elevation (peak) 4430. It is at an elevation of 

3,200 feet in the SE1/4 section 9, T. 3 S., R. 4 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This 

prospect is approximately located, probably to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 102 

of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 A lode claim was staked at this locality (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Bedrock is mafic metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks 

of the polydeformed Liberty Creek terrane (Metz, 1975; Winkler and others, 1981 [OPFR 

80-892-A]). The nature of the mineralization here is not known. 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 

Deposit model:

 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Inactive 

VA023 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 49 

Workings/exploration:

 A lode claim has been staked at this locality, but there is no other information available. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Metz, 1975; U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA023 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 50 

Site name(s): Unnamed (near head of Fox Creek) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA024 

Latitude: 61.5280 Quadrangle: VA C-2 

Longitude: 144.6166 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located on the southwest side of the plateau at the headwaters of Liberty, Fivemile, and Fox Creeks. It is about one-half mile southwest of elevation (peak) 

5561; it is at an elevation of 5,400 feet near the southwest corner of section 12, T. 4 S., R. 

4 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to 

within one-quarter mile. It is locality 103 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ba, Mn 

Ore minerals: 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 The U.S. Bureau of Mines (1980) reported that lode claims were staked and maintained 

at this locality from 1971 to 1979. The commodities associated with these claims are copper, barium (barite?), and manganese (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). The 

mineralization is within schist of the Liberty Creek terrane (Winkler and others, 1981 

[OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; the Fox Creek terrane was probably deformed and metamorphosed in the 

mid-Cretaceous ( Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Deposit model:

 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

VA024 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 51 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The nature of workings or exploration at this prospect is not known. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA024 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 52 

Site name(s): Fivemile Creek 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA025 

Latitude: 61.5353 Quadrangle: VA C-2 

Longitude: 144.5621 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located in the western cirque at the headwaters of Fivemile Creek; it is 

about 1.3 miles east of elevation (peak) 5561 at an elevation of 4,300 feet in the SE1/4 

section 7, T. 4 S., R. 5 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately 

located, perhaps to within one-half mile. It is locality 55 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and 

locality 46 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Ag, Au, Pb 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Galena 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Berg and Cobb (1967) reported that this lode prospect contains gold and silver. A 

specimen supposedly from this prospect was rich in galena. Bedrock in the area is schist 

of the Liberty Creek terrane (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; schist in the Liberty Creek terrane was probably metamorphosed during 

the mid-Cretaceous (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Deposit model:

 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

VA025 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 53 

Workings/exploration:

 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Berg and Cobb, 1967; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Berg and Cobb, 1967 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA025 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 54 

Site name(s): Canning 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA026 

Latitude: 61.6173 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.1440 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located near lower Benito Creek; it is at an elevation of 2,600 feet in 

the SE1/4 section 9, T. 3 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within 1 mile. It is locality 74 of Cobb and Matson 

(1972) and locality 59 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Cobb (1979 [OFR 

79-1241]) included this prospect under the name 'Elliot Cr.'. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Ag, Au, Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, quartz 

Geologic description:

 Quartz-calcite veins in mafic intrusive and metavolcanic rocks of the Paleozoic Skolai 

Group contain bornite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, pyrite, and free gold. Secondary minerals include local malachite and azurite stains. The principal vein is 2 to 3 feet wide, 

strikes northwest, and dips steeply to the southeast (Moffit, 1921; Moffit and Mertie, 

1923, p. 142-143). This vein has been traced over a distance of about 600 feet by five 

shallow holes and several open cuts produced by sluicing. It is extensively oxidized and 

gossanous at the surface. Other veins are present nearby, one of which may contain 

specular hematite. The Skolai Group is locally intruded by mafic to intermediate Jurassic 

plutons in this area. The veins postdate the Paleozoic Skolai Group and appear to postdate the Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism in the region 

(Winkler and others, 1981[OFR 80-892-A; MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 Oxidized; extensive development of iron oxides near the surface. 

Age of mineralization:

 The veins postdate the Paleozoic Skolai Group and appear to postdate the Late Jurassic 

VA026 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 55 

or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism in the region (Winkler and others, 

1981[OFR 80-892-B]; MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Deposit model:

Polymetallic veins? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 22c) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

22c? 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The principal vein at this prospect has been traced over a distance of about 600 feet by 

five shallow holes and several open cuts produced by sluicing. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit, 1921; Moffit and Mertie, 1923; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-

1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-

892-A); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit and Mertie, 1923 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA026 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 56 

Site name(s): Copper King; Swazie 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA027 

Latitude: 61.6385 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0511 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is near Queens Creek on the north side of the valley of upper Elliott Creek 

(Moffit and Mertie, 1923, locality 23, plate 3). The map site is at an elevation of 4,500 in 

the NE1/4 section 1, T. 3 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. These prospects are 

approximately located, perhaps to within one-half mile. They are included in locality 69 

of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 56 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-

B]). Cobb (1979 [OFR 79-1241]) incuded these prospects under the name 'Elliot Cr.'. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag, Au 

Ore minerals: Azuite, bornite, chalcanthite, chalcocite, malachite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, epidote, quartz 

Geologic description:

 Mineralized shear zones, as much as 10 feet thick, that contain thin veins, films, and 

disseminations of bornite, chalcocite, and pyrite cut Triassic Nikolai Greenstone (Moffit 

and Maddren, 1909; Moffit and Mertie, 1923) . Locally present gangue minerals are commonly quartz, calcite, and epidote associated with the secondary copper minerals malachite, azurite, and some chalcanthite (Berg and Cobb, 1967, p. 43). Some mineralization 

occurs as irregular pods in greenstone. Similar copper-bearing mineralization is present 

in Triassic Chitistone Limestone at the Swazi prospect. The Nikolai Greenstone and 

overlying Chitistone Limestone are deformed into a large, asymmetric anticline with its 

axis approximately parallel to Elliot Creek. The mineralized shear zone at the Copper 

King prospect trends parallel to the deformed greenstone-limestone contact. The copper 

mineralization is believed to be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced 

the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 

1997). 

Alteration:

 

VA027 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 57 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 

88). 

Deposit model:

Thin veins, impregnations, and fracture fillings in sheared limestone and greenstone; 

probably related to Kennecott-type copper deposits (Mackevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Prospects in the Elliot Creek area were mostly explored with small open cuts. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit and Maddren, 1909; Moffit and Mertie, 1923; Berg and Cobb, 1967; Cobb and 

Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit and Mertie, 1923 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA027 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 58 

Site name(s): Mineral King 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA028 

Latitude: 61.6385 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0511 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is near Queens Creek on the north side of upper Elliott Creek valley. It is 

immediately east of the Copper King prospect (VA027; Moffit and Maddren, 1909, p. 

64) at an elevation of of about 4,500 in the NE1/4 section 1, T. 3 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within one-half 

mile. It is lincluded in locality 69 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 56 of Winkler 

and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Bornite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite 

Gangue minerals: Quartz 

Geologic description:

 Triassic Nikolai Greenstone is cut by a shear zone that contains two, 4- to 6-foot-thick 

zones containing local concentrations of bornite, chalcocite, and some chalcopyrite 

(Moffit and Mertie, 1923). In places the bornite and chalcocite replace the greenstone. A 

selected sample contained 10.85 percent copper (Mendenhall and Schrader, 1903, p. 24). 

The shear trends N35E and dips 30 degrees south. The Nikolai Greenstone and overlying 

Chitistone Limestone are deformed into a large, asymmetric anticline with its axis approximately parallel to Elliot Creek. The copper mineralization is believed to be related to 

the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the 

McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late JurasVA028 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 59 

sic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 

88). 

Deposit model:

Veins, disseminations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecotttype copper deposits (MacKevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Open cuts were probably used to explore this prospect. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Mendenhall and Schrader, 1903; Moffit and Maddren, 1909; Moffit and Mertie, 1923; 

Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit and Mertie, 1923 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA028 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 60 

Site name(s): Mary Ellen 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA029 

Latitude: 61.6467 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.1001 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is near Rainbow Creek on the north side of Elliott Creek valley (Moffit 

and Mertie, 1923, locality 22, plate 3); it is at an elevation of about 4,100 feet in the 

SW1/4 section 35, T. 2 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within one-half mile. It is included in locality 65 Cobb 

and Matson (1972) and locality 55 of Winkler and others (1981[OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au, Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Triassic Nikolai Greenstone is shattered and mineralized with pyrite and chalcopyrite at 

this prospect; gold was reported to be present in weathered surface material (Moffit, 

1915). The Nikolai Greenstone and overlying Chitistone Limestone are deformed into a 

large, asymmetric anticline with its axis approximately parallel to Elliott Creek. The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and 

others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 

88). 

VA029 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 61 

Deposit model:

Veins, disseminations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecotttype copper deposits (MacKevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This prospect was explored with an adit and open cuts. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit, 1915; Moffit and Mertie, 1923; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA029 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 62 

Site name(s): Goodyear 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA030 

Latitude: 61.6471 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.1001 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is near Rainbow Creek on the north side of Elliott Creek valley (Moffit 

and Mertie, 1923, locality 21, plate 3); it is at an elevation of about 4,100 feet in the 

SW1/4 section 35, T. 2 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within one-half mile. It is included in locality 65 Cobb 

and Matson (1972) and locality 55 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag 

Ore minerals: Bornite, chalcopyrite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, quartz 

Geologic description:

 A shear zone in Triassic Nikolai Greenstone contains a 4-foot-thick, 8-foot-long, tabular, fault-bounded body with bornite, chalcopyrite,and pyrite (Mendenhall and Schrader, 

1903; Moffit and Mertie, 1923). Bornite and chalcopyrite also occur in sheeted calcite 

veins and associated with quartz and calcite in fracture zones. The lenticular mineralization at the Goodyear prospect may be a faulted segment of the sulfide-bearing body at the 

Henry Prather prospect (VA032). The Goodyear prospect was explored by a 300-footlong adit and at least one open cut by 1923 (Moffit and Mertie, 1923). The Nikolai Greenstone and overlying Chitistone Limestone are deformed into a large, asymmetric anticline 

with its axis approximately parallel to Elliott Creek. The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott 

copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

VA030 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 63 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 

88). 

Deposit model:

Veins, disseminations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecotttype copper deposits (MacKevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The Goodyear prospect was explored by a 300-foot-long adit and at least one open cut 

by 1923 (Moffit and Mertie, 1923). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Mendenhall and Schrader, 1903; Moffit and Maddren, 1908; Moffit and Maddren, 1909; 

Moffit and Mertie, 1923; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-

892-B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit and Mertie, 1923 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA030 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 64 

Site name(s): Louise 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA031 

Latitude: 61.6471 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.1001 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is near Rainbow Creek on the north side of Elliott Creek valley (Moffit 

and Maddren, 1909, p. 64); it is at an elevation of about 4,100 feet in the SW1/4 section 

35, T. 2 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within one-half mile. It is included in locality 65 Cobb and Matson 

(1972) and locality 55 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag 

Ore minerals: Bornite, chalcopyrite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite 

Geologic description:

 Bornite and chalcopyrite occur in calcite veins as much as 2 inches thick in irregularly 

fractured Triassic Nikolai Greenstone (Mendenhall and Schrader, 1903; Moffit and Mertie, 1923). A composite high-grade sample was reported to contain 25 percent copper 

(Mendenhall and Schrader, 1903). The Nikolai Greenstone and overlying Chitistone 

Limestone are deformed into a large, asymmetric anticline with its axis approximately 

parallel to Elliott Creek. The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 

88). 

VA031 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 65 

Deposit model:

Veins, disseminations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecotttype copper deposits (MacKevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This prospect was explored with open cuts, some as early as 1902 (Mendenhall and 

Schrader, 1903). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Mendenhall and Schrader, 1903; Moffit and Maddren, 1909; Moffit and Mertie, 1923; 

Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit and Mertie, 1923 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA031 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 66 

Site name(s): Henry Prather 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA032 

Latitude: 61.6477 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0998 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is near Rainbow Creek on the north side of Elliott Creek valley (Moffit 

and Maddren, 1909, p. 64); it is at an elevation of about 4,100 feet in the SW1/4 section 

35, T. 2 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within one-half mile. It is included in locality 65 Cobb and Matson 

(1972) and locality 55 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Bornite, chalcopyrite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, quartz 

Geologic description:

 Triassic Nikolai Greenstone hosts lenticular, fault-bounded bodies that contain bornite 

and chalcopyrite (Mendenhall and Schrader, 1903; Moffit and Mertie, 1923). Individual 

sulfide-bearing bodies can be 5 feet wide and 30 feet long. At this site, a later crosscutting calcite vein, 8 to 12 inches wide, also contains bornite and chalcopyrite. The lenticular mineralization at the Henry Prather prospect may be a faulted segment of the sulfide-bearing body at the Goodyear prospect (VA030). The Nikolai Greenstone and overlying Chitistone Limestone are deformed into a large, asymmetric anticline with its axis approximately parallel to Elliott Creek. The copper mineralization is believed to be related 

to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the 

McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late JurasVA032 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 67 

sic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 

88). 

Deposit model:

Veins, disseminations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecotttype copper deposits (MacKevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Open cuts were used to explore this prospect. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Mendenhall and Schrader, 1903; Moffit and Maddren, 1909; Moffit and Mertie, 1923; 

Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit and Mertie, 1923 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA032 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 68 

Site name(s): Elizabeth 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA033 

Latitude: 61.6476 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0999 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is near Rainbow Creek on the north side of Elliott Creek (Moffit and 

Mertie, 1923, locality 20, plate 3); it is at an elevation of about 4,100 feet in the SW1/4 

section 35, T. 2 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately 

located, perhaps to within one-half mile. It is included in locality 65 of Cobb and Matson 

(1972) and locality 55 of Winklerand others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Cobb (1979 [OFR 

79-1241]) incuded this prospect under the name 'Elliot Cr.'. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag 

Ore minerals: Azurite, bornite, chalcopyrite, malachite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, quartz 

Geologic description:

 Small veins, lenses, and impregnations of bornite and chalcocite occur in fractured Triassic Nikolai Greenstone (Moffit and Maddren, 1908, 1909; Moffit and Mertie, 1923) . 

Locally present gangue minerals are commonly quartz and calcite; secondary copper minerals include malachite and azurite. A grab sample of ore from this prospect contained 

21.69 percent copper and 1.87 ounces of silver per ton (Mendenhall and Schrader, 1903, 

p. 26). Post-mineralization faulting has fractured the deposits. The Nikolai Greenstone 

and overlying Chitistone Limestone are deformed into a large, asymmetric anticline with 

its axis approximately parallel to Elliot Creek. The copper mineralization is believed to be 

related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

VA033 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 69 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others 1997, p. 

88). 

Deposit model:

Thin veins, impregnations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecott-type copper deposits (Mackevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This prospect has been explored by a combination of open cuts, an adit ,and drifts. 

About 475 feet of underground workings were in place in 1908 (Moffit, 1909). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Mendenhall and Schrader, 1903; Moffit and Maddren, 1908; Moffit and Maddren, 1909; 

Moffit, 1909; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit and Maddren, 1908 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA033 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 70 

Site name(s): Albert Johnson 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA034 

Latitude: 61.6532 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.1263 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located east of Deception Creek on the north side of Elliott Creek; it is 

at an elevation of about 4,100 feet in the NW1/4 section 34, T. 2 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within one-half 

mile. It is included in locality 64 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 54 of Winkler 

and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Moffit and Mertie (1923) show this prospect as locality 19 on their plate 3. Cobb (1979 [OFR 79-1241]) incuded it under the name 'Elliot Cr.'. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag 

Ore minerals: Bornite, chalcopyrite, native copper 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, epidote, quartz 

Geologic description:

 Bornite, chalcopyrite, and some native copper occur in small, sheeted veins and replacement deposits in fractured Triassic Nikolai Greenstone (Moffit, 1918, p. 156-157). By 

1916, the deposit had been explored by two adits, one 1,076 feet long, and smaller cross 

cuts. The gangue minerals are commonly quartz, calcite and epidote. The Nikolai Greenstone and overlying Chitistone Limestone are deformed into a large, asymmetric anticline 

with its axis approximately parallel to Elliot Creek. The copper mineralization is believed 

to be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper 

deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is probably related to the mineralizing event that produced 

the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east (MacKevett 

and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early 

Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others 1997, p. 88). 

VA034 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 71 

Deposit model:

Thin veins, impregnations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecott-type copper deposits (Mackevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 By 1916, the deposit had been explored by two adits, one 1,076 feet long, and smaller 

cross cuts (Moffit, 1918). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit, 1918; Moffit and Mertie, 1923; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-

1241); Winkler and others, 1981(OFR 80-892-B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit, 1918 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA034 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 72 

Site name(s): Guthrie 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA035 

Latitude: 61.6531 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.1263 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located east of Deception Creek and north of Elliott Creek; it is at an 

elevation of about 4,100 feet in the NW1/4 section 34, T. 2 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper 

River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within one-half mile. 

It is included in locality 64 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 54 of Winkler and 

others (1981). It is immediately northeast and adjacent to the Albert Johnson claim 

(VA034). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Bornite, chalcopyite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, epidote, quartz 

Geologic description:

 Triassic Nikolai Greenstone is shattered and cut by small veinlets containing bornite 

and chalcopyrite (Moffit and Mertie, 1923). At the adjacent Albert Johnson prospect 

(VA034), bornite, chalcopyrite, and some native copper occur in small sheeted veins and 

replacement deposits in fractured Triassic Nikolai Greenstone (Moffit, 1918, p. 156-157). 

Gangue minerals in the veins are commonly calcite, epidote, and quartz. The Nikolai 

Greenstone and overlying Chitistone Limestone are deformed into a large, asymmetric anticline with its axis approximately parallel to Elliott Creek. The copper mineralization is 

believed to be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott 

copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late JurasVA035 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 73 

sic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 

88). 

Deposit model:

Veins, disseminations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecotttype copper deposits (MacKevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This prospect was explored with an adit and probably some open cuts. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit and Mertie, 1923; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-

892-B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit and Mertie, 1923 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA035 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 74 

Site name(s): Mountain Boy; Montana Boy 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA036 

Latitude: 61.6590 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0246 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located on the west side of the upper valley of East Fork Copper Creek 

(Van Alstine and Black, 1946, plate 30); it is at an elevation of 4,700 feet in the SE1/4 

section 30, T. 2 S., R. 8 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately 

located, probably to within one-quarter mile. It is included in locality 72 of Cobb and 

Matson (1972) and locality 58 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag?, Au? 

Ore minerals: Bornite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, gold? 

Gangue minerals: Quartz? 

Geologic description:

 Vertical veins, the largest a few inches thick, and irregular pods of bornite and chalcopyrite occur in Triassic Nikolai Greenstone at this locality (Van Alstine and Black, 

1946, p. 131). Malachite coatings are present in nearby fractures. Moffit and Mertie 

(1923, p. 103) noted that free gold was reported to have been panned from an iron-stained 

quartz vein in this area. A 10-foot-long adit and several open cuts explored the prospect, 

which is about 150 feet below the base of overlying Triassic Chitistone Limestone. The 

copper mineralization is believed to be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and 

others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others 1997, p. 

VA036 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 75 

88). 

Deposit model:

Thin veins, impregnations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecott-type copper deposits (Mackevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 A 10-foot-long adit and several open cuts explored the prospect (Van Alstine and 

Black, 1946). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit and Mertie, 1923; Van Alstine and Black, 1946; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler 

and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Van Alstine and Black, 1946 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA036 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 76 

Site name(s): Forget-Me-Not 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA037 

Latitude: 61.6617 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0394 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the east side of the upper valley of the Middle Fork Copper Creek 

(Val Alstine and Black, 1946, plate 30); it is at an elevation of about 4,700 feet in the 

SW1/4 section 30, T. 2 S., R. 8 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, probably to within one-quarter mile. It is included in locality 72 of 

Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 58 of Winkler and others (1981[OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Bornite, malchite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 An open cut in Triassic Nikolai Greenstone exposed an irregular fractured zone that 

contains dessiminated pyrite and some bornite (Moffit and Mertie, 1923; Van Alstine and 

Black, 1946). Malachite coats fractures in the zone. The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott 

copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 

88). 

Deposit model:

Veins, disseminations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to KennecottVA037 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 77 

type copper deposits (MacKevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This prospect was explored with at least one open cut (Van Alstine and Black, 1946). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit and Mertie, 1923; Van Alstine and Black, 1946; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 

1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); MacKevett and others, 

1997. 

Primary reference: Van Alstine and Black, 1946 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA037 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 78 

Site name(s): Blue Bird 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA038 

Latitude: 61.6617 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0308 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the crest of the divide between the upper Middle Fork and East Fork 

Copper Creek (Val Alstine and Black, 1946, plate 30); it is at an elevation of about 5,300 

feet nearly in the center of the S1/2 section 30, T. 2 S., R. 8 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, probably to within one-quarter mile. It is 

included in locality 72 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 58 of Winkler and others 

(1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au, Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Bornite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, covellite, enargite, malachite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, epidote 

Geologic description:

 Triassic Nikolai Greenstone is cut by shear zones that contain calcite-epidote veinlets 

and small amounts of pyrite, bornite, and enargite. These sulfides are also disseminated in 

small grains (Van Alstine and Black, 1946). This prospect was explored by two open cuts, 

and about 100 pounds of hand-sorted bornite and enargite were left near each cut. A polished section of this material showed covellite inclusions in enargite. Chalcocite occurs 

on the borders of bornite grains, as veinlets in bornite, and as irregular patches replacing 

bornite (Van Alstine and Black, 1946). The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits 

in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late JurasVA038 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 79 

sic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 

88). 

Deposit model:

Veins, disseminations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecotttype copper deposits (MacKevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Van Alstine and Black (1946) reported that two open cuts explored this prospect. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Van Alstine and Black, 1946; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Van Alstine and Black, 1946 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA038 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 80 

Site name(s): Leland; Lawton; Hubbard and Elliotts 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA039 

Latitude: 61.6652 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.1248 

Location description and accuracy:

 These prospects are on the saddle between the heads of Five Sheep and Deception 

Creeks (Moffit and Maddren, 1909, p. 64); it is at an elevation of about 5,000 feet in the 

SW1/4 section 27, T. 2 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. These prospects are 

approximately located, probably to within one-quarter mile. They are included in locality 

63 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and included in locality 54 of Winkler and others (1981 

[OFR 80-892-B]). Cobb (1979 [OFR 79-1241]) incuded these prospects under the name 

'Elliot Cr.'. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag 

Ore minerals: Azurite, bornite, chalcanthite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, malachite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, epidote, quartz 

Geologic description:

 Thin veins, films, and disseminations of bornite, chalcocite, and pyrite cut Triassic 

Nikolai Greenstone in this area (Moffit and Maddren, 1908, 1909; Moffit and Mertie, 

1923). The gangue minerals are commonly quartz, calcite and epidote; secondary copper 

minerals include malachite, azurite, and some chalcanthite. Some mineralization occurs 

as irregular pods in greenstone. The Nikolai Greenstone and overlying Chitistone Limestone are deformed into a large, asymmetric anticline with its axis approximately parallel 

to Elliot Creek. The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

VA039 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 81 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others 1997, p. 

88). 

Deposit model:

Thin veins, impregnations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecott-type copper deposits (Mackevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Some small open cuts are probably present. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit and Maddren, 1908; Moffit and Maddren, 1909; Moffit and Mertie, 1923; Cobb 

and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-

B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit and Mertie, 1923 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA039 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 82 

Site name(s): Mountain Sheep 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA040 

Latitude: 61.6666 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0573 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located near the crest of the divide between upper Copper Creek and 

Middle Fork Copper Creek (Van Alstine and Black, 1946, plate 30). It is at an elevation 

of 5,000 feet in the NE1/4 section 25, T. 2 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. 

This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 

71 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 57 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-

B]). Cobb (1979 [OFR 79-1241]) includes this prospect under the name Mountain Sheep. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Azurite, bornite, chalcopyrite, limonite, malachite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 The Mountain Sheep prospect is in Triassic Nikolai Greenstone about 60 feet below its 

contact with the overlying Triassic Chitistone Limestone (Van Alstine and Black, 1946, p. 

130). Disseminated pyrite, bornite, and a little chalcopyrite occur in shattered greenstone. 

About 1 percent bornite occurs in fractured zones as much as one inch thick. Limonite, 

malachite, and some azurite locally stain the greenstone. The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott 

copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 Oxidation. 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others 1997, p. 

VA040 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 83 

88). 

Deposit model:

Vein and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecott-type copper deposits (MacKevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The prospect was explored before 1923 by small open cuts and a 20-foot adit driven before 1923. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Van Alstine and Black, 1946; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Van Alstine and Black, 1946 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA040 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 84 

Site name(s): Bunker Hill 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA041 

Latitude: 61.6638 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0184 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the east side of the upper valley of East Fork Copper Creek; it is at 

an elevation of 5,000 feet on the east boundary of section 30, T. 2 S., R. 8 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to about one-quarter 

mile. It is locality 73 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and is included in locality 58 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Azurite, bornite, chalcopyrite, covellite, malachite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, epidote, quartz 

Geologic description:

 A 25-foot-thick section of Triassic Chitistone Limestone overthrust by Triassic Nikolai 

Greenstone is locally cut by thin veins and veinlets containing quartz, calcite, and copperbearing minerals (Van Alstine and Black, 1946, p. 131-132). A veinlet as much as 1 inch 

thick in limestone contains malchite, azurite, some bornite, chalcopyrite, calcite, and epidote. A 15-foot adit was driven along the thin veinlet in limestone. About 100 feet above 

the adit, a fractured zone in greenstone that structurally overlies the limestone contains 

several veinlets of quartz, calcite, malachite, azurite, epidote, some chalcopyrite, bornite, 

and covellite. This fractured zone is 6 inches to 3 feet thick, trends S30E, and dips 75 degrees southwest; it may be continuous with the mineralized zone exposed in the adit below it. The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the regional mineralizing 

event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 Oxidation. 

Age of mineralization:

VA041 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 85 

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 

88). 

Deposit model:

Thin veins, impregnations, and fracture fillings in limestone and greenstone; probably related to Kennecott-type copper deposits (MacKevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 A 15-foot-long adit was driven on a thin vein in limestone. A small open cut exposed 

the mineralized shear zone in overlying greenstone (Van Alstine and Black , 1946). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Van Alstine and Black, 1946; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 

80-892-B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Van Alstine and Black, 1946 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA041 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 86 

Site name(s): Peacock 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA042 

Latitude: 61.6705 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0629 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the east side of upper Copper Creek (Van Alstine and Black, 1946, 

plate 30); it is at an elevation of about 4,100 feet in the NW1/4 section 25, T. 2 S., R. 7 

E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to 

within one-quarter mile. It is included in locality 70 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 57 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Cobb (1979 [OFR 79-1241]) 

includes this prospect under the name 'Peacock'. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Azurite, bornite, chalcocite, malachite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, epidote 

Geologic description:

 Triassic Nikolai Greenstone contains small, scattered grains and veinlets of bornite, 

chalcocite, and pyrite; secondary minerals include azurite and malachite (Van Alstine and 

Black, 1946, p. 130). The veinlets are as much as one inch thick in a 40-foot-long adit. 

Brecciated greenstone on the surface above the adit is cemented with calcite, epidote, and 

bornite. Individual calcite-bornite seams in the breccia are as much as 2 inches thick. The 

copper mineralization is believed to be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and 

others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 Calcite and epidote veining and breccia-filling in greenstone. 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late JurasVA042 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 87 

sic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 

88). 

Deposit model:

Vein and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecott-type copper deposits (MacKevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This prospect was explored with an adit that was caved 40 feet from the portal in 1943 

(Van Alstine and Black, 1946). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Van Alstine and Black, 1946; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Van Alstine and Black, 1946 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA042 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 88 

Site name(s): Cave 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA043 

Latitude: 61.6716 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0688 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the west side of upper Copper Creek (Van Alstine and Black, 1946, 

plate 30); it is at an elevation of about 4,100 feet in the NW1/4 section 25, T. 2 S., R. 7 

E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to 

within one-quarter mile. It is included in locality 70 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 57 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Cobb (1979 [OFR 79-1241]) 

includes this prospect under the name 'Cave'. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Azurite, bornite, chalcopyrite, malachite 

Gangue minerals: Quartz 

Geologic description:

 A 223-foot-long adit explores this copper prospect in Triassic Nikolai Greenstone (Van 

Alstine and Black, 1946, p. 129-130). The only mineralization exposed in the adit is a 2- 

to 12-inch-thick shear zone that contains quartz, bornite, malachite, and some chalcopyrite. The shear zone is located 23 feet in from the portal, trends N 14 W, and dips 7 degrees west. Other shear zones with quatz and calcite were exposed in the adit, but they did 

not contain copper mineralization. The prospect is only about 30 feet below the contact 

with overlying Triassic Chitistone Limestone; azurite and malchite films coat some fractures in the nearby limestone. The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the 

regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the 

McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

VA043 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 89 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 

88). 

Deposit model:

Vein and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecott-type copper deposits (MacKevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 A 223-foot-long adit explores this copper prospect in Triassic Nikolai Greenstone (Van 

Alstine and Black, 1946, p. 129-130). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Van Alstine and Black, 1946; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Van Alstine and Black, 1946 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA043 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 90 

Site name(s): Mullen 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA044 

Latitude: 61.6783 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0671 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is adjacent to or very near the Ammann prospect (VA045), which is on 

the divide between upper Copper Creek and an unnamed (unmapped) west tributary (Van 

Alstine and Black, 1946, plate 30). The prospect is at an elevation of about 3,800 feet in 

the SW1/4 section 24, T. 2 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within one-quarter mile. It is included in locality 70 of 

Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 57 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Cobb (1979 [OFR 79-1241]) includes this prospect under the name 'Mullen'. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag, Au 

Ore minerals: Azurite, bornite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, covellite, limonite, malachite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, quartz 

Geologic description:

 Mineralized northeast-trending fault zones cut Triassic Nikolai Greenstone and Chitistone Limestone at the Mullen prospect (Van Alstine and Black, 1946). Mineralization 

consists of calcite or quartz-calcite veins with copper-bearing minerals. The mineralized 

veins contain various amounts of bornite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, covellite, and pyrite; 

secondary minerals include azurite, malachite, and limonite. In places, the copper-bearing 

minerals form small irrgeular pods in the fault zones. The veins range from 1 to 12 inches 

in thickness and have been traced in underground workings for as much as a few tens of 

feet of strike length. A 5-foot channel sample contained 1.55 percent copper, and a 4-foot 

channel sample contained 5.82 percent copper, 0.28 ounces of silver per ton, and a trace 

of gold. The underground workings at the Mullen prospect consisted of two adits, short 

cross cuts and drifts, and two declines that have a total length of at least 800 feet (Van Alstine and Black, 1946). Small, altered diorite intrusive bodies are present at the contact 

between Nikolai Greenstone and Chitistone Limestone. The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott 

VA044 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 91 

copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 The diorite bodies are altered to a combination of chlorite, calcite, talc, leucoxene, 

quartz and pyrite (Van Alstine and Black, 1946). 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 

88). 

Deposit model:

Vein and fracture fillings in greenstone and limestone; probably related to Kennecott-type 

copper deposits (MacKevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The Mullen prospect was explored by three open cuts, two adits, short cross cuts and 

drifts, and two declines that have a total length of at least 800 feet (Van Alstine and 

Black, 1946). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Van Alstine and Black, 1946; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Van Alstine and Black, 1946 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA044 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 92 

Site name(s): Ammann 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA045 

Latitude: 61.6782 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0671 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the divide between upper Copper Creek and an unnamed west tributary (not mapped on the C-1 quadrangle). The map site is at an elevation of 3,800 feet in 

the SW1/4 section 24, T. 2 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian; it is accurately located. This prospect is adjacent to or very near the Mullen prospect (VA044) (Van Alstine and Black, 1946, plate 30). It is locality 70 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and Cobb 

(1979 [OFR 79-1241]) and locality 57 of Winkler and others (1981[OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Azurite, bornite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, covellite, malachite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, quartz 

Geologic description:

 This copper prospect is in Triassic Chitistone limestone. This prospect was explored by 

two adits. The upper adit was driven S5E for 25 feet. The lower adit was driven S32W 

for 473 feet from the portal; there it turned and was driven 111 feet S17E (Van Alstine 

and Black, 1946, p. 125). At the portal and at the face of the lower adit, the limestone is 

cut by a few irregular veinlets less than one-quarter inch thick of malachite, azurite, and 

calcite (Van Alstine and Black, 1946, p. 125-126). No copper minerals are present in the 

upper, 25-foot-long adit, but a small, discontinuous breccia zone, 2 to 6 inches thick and 

25 feet above the upper adit, contains quartz, pyrite, bornite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, 

covellite, malachite, and azurite. The breccia zone strikes east-west and dips about 45 degrees south. This prospect is near the contact between Chitistone Limestone and Triassic 

Nikolai Greenstone. The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the regional 

mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy 

quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

VA045 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 93 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to be related to Late Jurassic or 

Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others 1997, p. 88). 

Deposit model:

Vein and fracture fillings in limestone; Kennecott-type copper deposit (MacKevett and 

others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This prospect was explored by two adits. The upper adit was driven S5E for 25 feet. 

The lower adit was driven S32W for 473 feet from the portal, where it turned and was 

driven 111 feet S17E (Van Alstine and Black, 1946, p. 125). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Van Alstine and Black, 1946; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981(OFR 80-892-B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Van Alstine and Black, 1946 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA045 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 94 

Site name(s): Copper Creek 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA046 

Latitude: 61.7013 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0631 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located on lower Copper Creek, about 2,000 feet upstream of its mouth 

on the Kotsina River. The map site is at an elevation of about 2,250 feet in the S1/2 section 12, T. 2 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. The prospect is approximately located, to about one-half mile. It is locality 110 of Winkler, Miller, and others (1981[OFR 

80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au? 

 Other: Cu? 

Ore minerals: Gold? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Placer and lode claims are reported along Copper Creek (U.S. Bureau of Mines 1980; 

Winkler, Miller, and others, 1981[OFR 80-892-B]). Several prospects (for example, 

VA040, VA042, VA043, VA044, and VA045) in the headwaters of Copper Creek are located in proximity to the contact between Triassic Nikolai Greenstone and overlying carbonate rocks (Winkler and others, 1981[OFR 80-892-A]). The nature of the placers or 

lodes in lower Copper Creek is not known. 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene placers. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a? 

VA046 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 95 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Surface prospecting has probably taken place along Copper Creek. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA046 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 96 

Site name(s): Marmot 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA047 

Latitude: 61.6453 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0779 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is between Castle and Pouch Creeks on the north side of Elliott Creek; it 

is at an elevation of about 4,500 feet in the SE1/4 section 35, T. 2 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within onequarter mile. It is locality 67 of of Cobb and Matson (1972). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag 

Ore minerals: Azurite, bornite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, malachite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, epidote, quartz 

Geologic description:

 Thin veins, films, and disseminations of bornite, chalcocite, and pyrite cut Triassic 

Nikolai Greenstone in this area (Moffit and Maddren, 1908, 1909; Moffit and Mertie, 

1923). Gangue minerals are commonly quartz, calcite, and epidote; secondary copper 

minerals include malachite and azurite. Some mineralization occurs as irregular pods in 

greenstone. The Nikolai Greenstone and overlying Chitistone Limestone are deformed 

into a large, asymmetric anticline with its axis approximately parallel to Elliott Creek. 

The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the regional mineralizing event that 

produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and 

others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others 1997, p. 

88). 

VA047 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 97 

Deposit model:

Thin veins, impregnations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecott-type copper deposits (Mackevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This prospect was probably explored by small open cuts. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit and Maddren, 1908; Moffit and Maddren, 1909; Moffit and Mertie, 1923; Cobb 

and Matson, 1972; MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit and Mertie, 1923 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA047 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 98 

Site name(s): Copper Queen 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA048 

Latitude: 61.6407 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0669 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located between Pouch and Kings Creeks on the north side of Elliott 

Creek; it is at an elevation of 4,400 feet in the NW1/4 section 1, T. 3 S., R. 7 E., of the 

Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, probably to within about 

one-half mile. It is locality 68 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and included in locality 56 of 

Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Cobb (1979 [OFR 79-1241]) incuded this 

prospect under the name 'Elliot Cr.'. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag, Au 

Ore minerals: Azuite, bornite, chalcanthite, chalcocite, malachite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, epidote, quartz 

Geologic description:

 Thin veins, films, and disseminations of bornite, chalcocite, and pyrite cut Triassic 

Nikolai Greenstone in this area (Moffit and Maddren, 1908, 1909; Moffit and Mertie, 

1923). Gangue minerals are commonly quartz, calcite, and epidote; secondary copper 

minerals include malachite, azurite, and some chalcanthite. Some mineralization occurs 

as irregular pods in greenstone. The Nikolai Greenstone and overlying Chitistone Limestone are deformed into a large, asymmetric anticline with its axis approximately parallel 

to Elliot Creek. The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late JurasVA048 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 99 

sic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others 1997, p. 

88). 

Deposit model:

Thin veins, impregnations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecott-type copper deposits (Mackevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Prospects in the Elliot Creek area were mostly explored with small open cuts (Moffit 

and Mertie, 1923). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit and Maddren, 1908; Moffit and Maddren, 1909; Moffit and Mertie, 1923; Cobb 

and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-

B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit and Mertie, 1923 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA048 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 100 

Site name(s): Unnamed (south of Elliott Creek) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA049 

Latitude: 61.6397 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.0921 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located on the south side of Elliott Creek (Moffit and Mertie, 1923, p. 

146); it is at an elevation of 4,400 feet in the NW1/4 section 2, T. 3 S., R. 7 E., of the 

Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, probably to within onehalf mile. It is locality 66 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and included under the name 

'Elliot Cr.' by Cobb (1979 [OFR 79-1241]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, quartz 

Geologic description:

 This prospect is on a small quartz-calcite vein along a fault in Triassic Nikolai Greenstone (Moffit and Mertie, 1923, p. 146). A little gold is reported to be present. 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Quartz-calcite veining in this area is probably related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east. This 

event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation 

and metamorphism (MacKevett and others 1997, p. 88). 

Deposit model:

Quatz-calcite vein in greenstone 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

VA049 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 101 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Some small open cuts are probably present. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit and Mertie, 1923; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); 

MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit and Mertie, 1923 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA049 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 102 

Site name(s): Chance 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA050 

Latitude: 61.6712 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.1628 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the divide between Five Sheep and Magpie Creeks on the north side 

of the valley of Elliott Creek; it is at an elevation of 4,500 feet near the northwest corner 

of section 28, T. 2 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within one-half mile. It is locality 62 of Cobb and Matson 

(1972) and locality 53 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Cobb (1979 [OFR 

79-1241]) incuded this prospect under the name 'Elliot Cr.'. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag 

Ore minerals: Azurite, bornite, chalcopyrite, malachite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, quartz 

Geologic description:

 Thin veins, films, and disseminations of bornite, chalcocite, and pyrite cut Triassic 

Nikolai Greenstone in this area (Moffit and Maddren, 1908 and 1909; Moffit and Mertie, 

1923). The gangue minerals are commonly quartz, calcite, and epidote; secondary copper 

minerals include malachite, azurite, and some chalcanthite. Some mineralization occurs 

as irregular pods in greenstone. The Nikolai Greenstone and overlying Chitistone Limestone are deformed into a large, asymmetric anticline with its axis approximately parallel 

to Elliot Creek. The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits to the east in the McCarthy 

quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late JurasVA050 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 103 

sic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others 1997, p. 

88). 

Deposit model:

Thin veins, impregnations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecott-type copper deposits (Mackevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Some small open cuts are probably present. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit and Maddren, 1908; Moffit and Maddren, 1909; Moffit and Mertie, 1923; Cobb 

and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-

B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit and Mertie, 1923 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA050 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 104 

Site name(s): Unnamed (near Iron Creek) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA051 

Latitude: 61.5999 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.1272 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located about a quarter of a mile northeast of a small elongate lake on 

the west side of an unnamed north tributary to Iron Creek; it is 3.4 miles southwest of the 

summit of Iron Mountain at an elevation of 2,100 feet in the NW1/4 section 22, T. 3 S., 

R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, probably 

to within one-half mile. It is locality 108 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Lode claims were patented in 1916 (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 

1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Country rocks are metamorphic rocks of the Paleozoic Skolai 

Group; the prospect may be gold-bearing veins similar to those at the Canning prospect 

(VA026). The Skolai Group is locally intruded by mafic to intermediate Jurassic plutons 

in this area. The mineralization probably postdates the Paleozoic Skolai Group and may 

postdate the Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism in the region (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]; MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The mineralization probably postdates the Paleozoic Skolai Group and may postdate the 

Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism in the region (Winkler 

and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]; MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Deposit model:

Polymetallic veins? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 22c) 

VA051 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 105 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

22c? 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Some small open cuts are probably present. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA051 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 106 

Site name(s): Unnamed (near Benito Creek and Lorraine Creek) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA052 

Latitude: 61.6256 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.1266 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located on the divide between upper Benito Creek and an unamed 

drainage to the east; it is at an elevation of about 4,000 feet in the NW1/4 section 10, T. 3 

S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, probably to within one-half mile. It is locality 109 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-

B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Lode claims were staked in this area in 1913 and 1979 (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; 

Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Country rocks at this locality are metamorphic rocks of the Paleozoic Skolai Group, and the deposit may be gold-bearing veins 

similar to those at the Canning prospect (VA026). The Skolai Group is locally intruded 

by mafic to intermediate Jurassic plutons in this area. The mineralization probably postdates the Paleozoic Skolai Group and may postdate the Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous 

deformation and metamorphism in the region (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-

A]; MacKevett and others 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The mineralization probably postdates the Paleozoic Skolai Group and may postdate the 

Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism in the region (Winkler 

and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]; MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Deposit model:

VA052 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 107 

Polymetallic veins? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 22c) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

22c? 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This prospect was probably explored by open cuts. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA052 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 108 

Site name(s): Cliff; Fog 

Site type: Prospects 

ARDF no.: VA053 

Latitude: 61.6532 Quadrangle: VA C-1 

Longitude: 144.1263 

Location description and accuracy:

 These prospects are located east of Deception Creek on the north side of Elliott Creek 

valley; they are at an elevation of about 4,100 feet in the NW1/4 section 34, T. 2 S., R. 7 

E., of the Copper River Meridian. The prospects are approximately located, perhaps to 

within one-half mile. They are incuded in locality 64 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 54 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag 

Ore minerals: Azurite, bornite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, malachite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, epidote, quartz 

Geologic description:

 These prospects are near the Albert Johnson prospect (VA034) north of the headwaters 

of Elliott Creek. At the Albert Johnson prospect, bornite, chalcopyrite, and some native 

copper occur in small sheeted veins and replacement deposits in fractured Triassic Nikolai Greenstone (Mendenhall and Schrader, 1903; Moffit, 1918, p. 156-157). In general, 

thin veins, films and disseminations of bornite, chalcocite, and pyrite cut Triassic Nikolai 

Greenstone in this area (Moffit and Maddren, 1908 ,1909; Moffit and Mertie, 1923). 

Gangue minerals are commonly quartz, calcite, and epidote; secondary copper minerals 

include malachite, azurite and some chalcanthite. Some mineralization occurs as irregular 

pods in greenstone. The Nikolai Greenstone and overlying Chitistone Limestone are deformed into a large, asymmetric anticline with its axis approximately parallel to Elliott 

Creek. The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the regional mineralizing 

event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

VA053 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 109 

 The copper mineralization is believed to be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others 1997, p. 

88). 

Deposit model:

Veins, disseminations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; probably related to Kennecotttype copper deposits (MacKevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 These prospects were mostly explored with open cuts (Moffit and Mertie, 1923). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Mendenhall and Schrader, 1903; Moffit and Maddren, 1908; Moffit and Maddren, 1909; 

Moffit, 1918; Moffit and Mertie, 1923; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-B); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit and Mertie, 1923 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA053 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 110 

Site name(s): Quitsch 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA054 

Latitude: 61.2676 Quadrangle: VA B-7 

Longitude: 146.3103 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the steep, southeast-facing bedrock slope on the south side of Mineral Creek Glacier; it is at an elevation of about 3,300 feet near the north boundary of section 16, T. 7 S., R. 6 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located 

to within one-half mile. It is locality 21 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 18 of 

Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Pb 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 A quartz vein containing pyrite, galena, and free gold cuts metagraywacke of the Valdez 

Group at this prospect (Johnson, 1915). This vein is probably similar to other goldbearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz 

veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, 

chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent 

CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities 

were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees 

centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming 

fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when 

deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and 

partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

VA054 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 111 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This prospect was explored with a 12-foot-long adit in 1914 (Johnson, 1915). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA054 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 112 

Site name(s): Unnamed (near foot of Tsina Glacier) 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA055 

Latitude: 61.2544 Quadrangle: VA B-5 

Longitude: 145.8026 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is on the south side of the foot of Tsina Glacier. It is near the center of 

the south border of section 17, T. 7 S., R. 3 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This occurrence is probably located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 79 of Winkler and 

others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite, galena, pyrite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Quartz 

Geologic description:

 Iron-stained lenses and quartz veins in mafic metavolcanic rocks of the Late Cretaceous 

Valdez Group contain pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, and sphalerite (Winkler and others, 

1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). The sulfide minerals are disseminated in the mafic metavolcanic 

rocks and in the quartz veins. The metavolcanic rocks probably represent ocean floor basalts that were accreted with the flysch of the Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981

[OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 Oxidation; mineralized zones are iron stained. 

Age of mineralization:

 Late Cretaceous; the host metavolcanic rocks probably represent ocean floor basalts that 

were accreted with the flysch of the Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-

892-A]). 

Deposit model:

Cyprus massive sulfide (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 24a) 

VA055 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 113 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

24a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Only reconnaissance surface examination. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA055 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 114 

Site name(s): Unnamed 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA056 

Latitude: 61.4322 Quadrangle: VA B-5 

Longitude: 145.5076 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the south side of lower Hurtle Creek, about 1 mile southeast of the 

mouth of Hurtle Creek on Tonsina Lake. It is at an elevation of about 2,400 feet in the 

SW1/4 section 13, T. 5 S., R. 2 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 95 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 

80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Lode gold claims were staked here and were active from 1953 to 1972 (U.S. Bureau of 

Mines, 1980; Winklerand others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). These deposits are probably 

gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch of the Valdez Group and similar to others 

that are widespread in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb 

and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly 

contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed 

from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, 

N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation 

temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied 

from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-froming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma 

(Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch 

underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

VA056 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 115 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 At least some surface prospecting has occurred at this prospect. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 

80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA056 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 116 

Site name(s): Reis 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA057 

Latitude: 61.2783 Quadrangle: VA B-4 

Longitude: 145.2806 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the west side of the Tiekel River about 1.4 miles north of the mouth 

of Stuart Creek. It is at an elevation of about 1,250 feet in the NW1/4 section 8, T. 7 S., 

R. 1 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within onehalf mile. It is locality 47 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 39 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Small, gold-bearing quartz veins cut metaflysch of the Valdez Group at this prospect; 

the metaflysch is locally cut by felsic dikes (Moffit, 1918). These veins are probably similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by 

Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and 

formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of 

CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths 

varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic 

devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 

49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group 

flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

VA057 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 117 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Only small-scale surface prospecting. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Moffit, 1918; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: This report 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA057 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 118 

Site name(s): Portland 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA058 

Latitude: 61.2980 Quadrangle: VA B-4 

Longitude: 145.3121 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the west side of Tiekel River valley, about 1.1 mile southeast of 

Mount Tiekel. The map site is near the southeast corner of section 36, T. 6 S., R. 1 W., of 

the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within 1 

mile. It is locality 46 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 38 of Winkler, Miller, and 

others (1981). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Small, gold-bearing quartz veins cut metaflysch of the Valdez Group at this prospect; 

the metaflysch is locally cut by felsic dikes (Moffit, 1918). These veins are probably 

similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized 

by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and 

formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of 

CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths 

varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic 

devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 

49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group 

flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

VA058 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 119 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Only small-scale surface prospecting. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Moffit, 1918; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981(OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: This report 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA058 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 120 

Site name(s): Knowles; Knowles and Backman Property 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA059 

Latitude: 61.3108 Quadrangle: VA B-4 

Longitude: 145.4392 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the north side of upper Mill Creek; the claims extended over the 

ridge to the north into the headwaters of Glacier Creek (Moffit, 1935, plate 1). It is at an 

elevation of about 4,800 feet in the NE1/4 section 32, T. 6 S., R. 1 W., of the Copper 

River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 

43 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 35 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-

B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Pb 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena, gold, limonite?, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Gold-bearing, partly oxidized, lenticular quartz veins with arsenopyrite and galena cut 

metaflysch of the Valdez Group at this prospect; the metaflysch is locally cut by felsic 

dikes (Moffit, 1935). The veins are as much as 14 inches wide and dip 85 degrees east; 

they trend northerly, but other sheared quartz masses and veins along faults have different 

orientations. These veins are probably similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that goldbearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 

mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid 

salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 

degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The veinforming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) 

when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

VA059 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 121 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This prospect was explored with open cuts. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Moffit, 1935; Cobb and Matson, 1972. 

Primary reference: Moffit, 1935 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA059 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 122 

Site name(s): Eagle; Ellis; American Eagle 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA060 

Latitude: 61.3157 Quadrangle: VA B-4 

Longitude: 145.4047 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is on the east side of the cirque at the head of Boulder Creek (Moffit, 1935, 

plate 1). The map site is 2.1 miles northwest of Mount Tiekel at an elevation of about 

4,500 feet in the SE1/4 section 28, T. 6 S., R. 1 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This 

mine is probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 44 of Cobb and Matson 

(1972) and locality 36 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Pb 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena, gold, limonite?, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Oxidized, gold-bearing quartz veins with arsenopyrite and galena cut metaflysch of the 

Valdez Group at this mine; the metaflysch is locally cut by felsic dikes (Moffit, 1918). 

The veins, varying from 1 to 6 feet thick, and felsic dikes trend N20W parallel to a prominent joint set. An open cut and adit with about 125 feet of underground workings developed this mine. A small mill was installed in 1918; oxidized ore was amalgamated in an 

arrastre on site or shipped to the Cliff mine (VA107) for milling. Moffit (1935) estimated 

that $10,000 to $20,000 worth of gold (500 to 1,000 ounces) were produced. 

 These veins are probably similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez 

quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing 

quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees 

centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming 

fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when 

deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and 

VA060 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 123 

partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 An open cut and adit with about 125 feet of underground workings developed this mine. 

A small mill was installed in 1918; oxidized ore was amalgamated in an arrastre on site or 

shipped to the Cliff mine (VA107) for milling. 

Production notes:

 Moffit (1935) estimated that $10,000 to $20,000 worth of gold (500 to 1,000 ounces) 

were produced. 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Moffit, 1918; Moffit, 1935; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-

892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 

1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit, 1935 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA060 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 124 

Site name(s): Ross 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA061 

Latitude: 61.3190 Quadrangle: VA B-4 

Longitude: 145.3516 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is one mile north of Mount Tiekel on the ridge between the south fork of 

Boulder Creek and the Tiekel River. It is at an elvation of about 4,850 feet in the SE1/4 

section 26, T. 6 S., R. 1 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 45 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 37 

of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Pb 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Gold-bearing quartz veins with arsenopyrite and galena cut metaflysch of the Valdez 

Group at this prospect; the metaflysch is locally cut by felsic dikes (Moffit, 1918). These 

veins are probably similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins 

in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, 

and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 

percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced 

by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

VA061 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 125 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 A 200-foot adit was driven on this prospect (Moffit, 1918). 

Production notes:

 It is not known if gold was produced from this deposit. It is possible that a small 

amount of gold was recovered because some small high-grade zones were reported 

(Moffit, 1918). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Moffit, 1918; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit, 1918 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA061 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 126 

Site name(s): Unnamed (near mouth of Stuart Creek) 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA062 

Latitude: 61.2617 Quadrangle: VA B-4 

Longitude: 145.2883 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is on Stuart Creek near its mouth on the Tsina River. The map site is 

about one-quarter mile upstream from the mouth at an elevation of about 1,200 feet. It is 

in the center of the east half of section 18, T. 7 S., R. 1 E., of the Copper River Meridian. 

This occurrence is probably located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 84 of Cobb 

and Matson (1972). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au, W 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold, scheelite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Gold and scheelite have been identified in stream gravels at this location (Jasper, 1967). 

Bedrock in the area is greenschist-facies metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group 

(Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). Gold-bearing quartz veins are widespread 

through the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle (Cobb and Matson, 1972). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Gold and scheelite in stream gravels (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

Production Status: None 

VA062 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 127 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Only reconnaissance sampling. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Jasper, 1967; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Jasper, 1967 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA062 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 128 

Site name(s): Boulder Creek 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA063 

Latitude: 61.3332 Quadrangle: VA B-4 

Longitude: 145.3496 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is on Boulder Creek, about 1.4 miles upstream from its mouth on the 

Tiekel River. It is on the creek at an elevation of about 2,400 feet in the SE1/4 section 23, 

T. 6 S., R. 1 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This occurrence is approximately located, perhaps to within one-half mile. It is locality 85 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and 

locality 66 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Old placer gold workings are present on this creek (Mulligan, 1974). Earlier references 

to Boulder Creek mostly referred to lode prospecting in the general area (Cobb, 1979 

[OFR 79-1241]). Bedrock in the general area is greenschist-facies metaflysch of the Late 

Cretaceous Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). Gold-bearing 

quartz veins are widespread through the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle 

(Cobb and Matson, 1972). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

VA063 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 129 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Small-scale surface placer gold mining has occurred on this creek (Mulligan, 1974). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Mulligan, 1974; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Mulligan, 1974 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA063
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 130 

Site name(s): Unnamed (north of Tiekel) 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA064 

Latitude: 61.3337 Quadrangle: VA B-4 

Longitude: 145.2968 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is on the east side of Tiekel River valley, about six-tenths of a mile 

northeast of Tiekel. It is an an elevation of about 1,500 feet near the center of section 19, 

T. 6 S., R. 1 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This occurrence is probably located to 

within one-half mile. It is locality 60 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Ag, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena?, gold, limonite?, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]) reported that quartz veins in metaflysch of 

the Valdez Group contain gold, silver and zinc at this prospect. These veins are probably 

similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez 

Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white 

mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant 

amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced 

by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

VA064 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 131 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Small-scale surface prospecting has probably occurred at this locality. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); 

Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: This report 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA064 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 132 

Site name(s): Telluride 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA065 

Latitude: 61.3677 Quadrangle: VA B-4 

Longitude: 145.4396 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the east side of a souht tributary to Hurtle Creek; it is 1.7 miles 

southwest of elevation about 5,640 at an elevation of 4,000 feet in the NE1/4 section 8, T. 

6 S., R. 1 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within 

1 mile. It is locality 48 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and included in locality 40 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Nine lode claims were staked near Tertiary felsic dikes on narrow, gold-bearing quartz 

veins in metaflysch of the Valdez Group (Moffit, 1918; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 

80-892-B]). The quartz veins contain arsenopyrite, gold, galena, chalcopyrite, and 

sphalerite. These veins are probably similar to others that are widespread in the southern 

Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that goldbearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 

mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid 

salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 

degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The veinforming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) 

when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

VA065 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 133 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Some development took place in 1916 (Moffit, 1918). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Moffit, 1918; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 

80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: This report 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA065 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 134 

Site name(s): Wetzier; Quail Group 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA066 

Latitude: 61.3794 Quadrangle: VA B-4 

Longitude: 145.4380 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is on the east side of an unnamed south tributary to Hurtle Creek (Moffit, 

1935, plate 1) 1.2 miles southwest of elevation (peak) 5640. It is at an elevation of about 

3,900 feet in the NE1/4 section 5, T. 6 S., R. 1 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This 

mine is probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 49 of Cobb and Matson 

(1972) and included in locality 40 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Cu, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 En echelon quartz veins as much as 1.5 feet thick that cut metaflysch of the Valdez 

Group contain gold, galena, arsenopyrite, spahlerite, and chalcopyrite (Moffit, 1918; 

1935). Tertiary felsic dikes locally cross-cut the veins and metaflysch. The veins strike 

northerly and dip 60 degrees east. They have been traced on the surface in open cuts for 

about 300 feet and explored underground by a short shaft and about 200 feet of adit and 

short drifts (Moffit, 1918, 1935). These veins are probably similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others 

(1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from waterrich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. 

The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures 

ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 

kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb 

and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent 

high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

VA066 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 135 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Veins at this prospect have been traced on the surface in open cuts for about 300 feet 

and explored underground by a short shaft and about 200 feet of adit and short drifts 

(Moffit, 1918, 1935). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Moffit, 1918; Moffit, 1935; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-

892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 

1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit, 1935 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA066 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 136 

Site name(s): Fourth of July Creek 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA067 

Latitude: 61.4780 Quadrangle: VA B-4 

Longitude: 145.2140 

Location description and accuracy:

 This small placer mine is on Fourth of July Creek, about 1.2 miles upstream from its 

mouth on Slate Creek. It is at an elevation of about 2,150 feet in the SW1/4 section 34, T. 

4 S., R. 1 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This is locality 88 of Cobb and Matson 

(1972) and locality 68 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 A small amount of placer gold was recovered from Fourth of July Creek during exploration work in 1929 and 1930 (Smith, 1932, 1933). Bedrock in the area is greenschistfacies metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 

80-892-A]). Gold-bearing quartz veins are widespread through the Valdez Group in the 

southern Valdez quadrangle (Cobb and Matson, 1972). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

VA067 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 137 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Small-scale surface prospecting and mining occurred on Fourth of July Creek in 1929 

and 1930 (Smith, 1932, 1933). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Smith, 1932; Smith, 1933; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-

892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: This report 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA067 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 138 

Site name(s): Quartz Creek 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA068 

Latitude: 61.4967 Quadrangle: VA B-4 

Longitude: 145.4039 

Location description and accuracy:

 Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]) show placer mining or prospecting on 

about 3 miles of Quartz Creek between the elevations of about 2,300 feet and 2,950 feet. 

The map site is on Quartz Creek at the mouth of Bear Creek, in the NE1/4 section 28, T. 

4 S., R. 1 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This is locality 89 of Cobb and Matson 

(1972) and locality 69 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Shallow placer gold deposits were prospected and mined at scattered locations along 

Quartz Creek in 1898 and 1899 (Schrader and Spencer, 1901). Most of the mining was 

near the mouth of Bear Creek (Moffit, 1918). Bedrock in the general area is greenschistfacies metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 

80-892-A]). Gold-bearing quartz veins are widespread through the Valdez Group in the 

southern Valdez quadrangle (Cobb and Matson, 1972). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

VA068 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 139 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Small-scale surface prospecting and mining occurred as early as 1898 and 1899 on 

Quartz Creek (Schrader and Spencer, 1901). 

Production notes:

 Only about 50 to 60 ounces of gold were produced during early mining and the deposits 

were supposedly mined out (Schrader and Spencer, 1901; Moffit, 1918). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Schrader and Spencer, 1901; Moffit, 1918; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Schrader and Spencer, 1901 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA068
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 140 

Site name(s): Hurtle Creek 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA069 

Latitude: 61.4103 Quadrangle: VA B-4 

Longitude: 145.4496 

Location description and accuracy:

 This placer gold prospect is at the juncture of Hurtle Creek and an unnamed south tributary. The prospect is at about 3,200 feet elevation in the NW1/4 section 29, T. 5 S., R. 1 

W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-half 

mile. It is locality 73 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Placer gold prospects were reported on Hurtle Creek by Moxham and Nelson (1952) 

and Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Bedrock in the general area is greenschist-facies metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981

[OFR 80-892-A]). Gold-bearing quartz veins are widespread through the Valdez Group 

in the southern Valdez quadrangle (Cobb and Matson, 1972). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

Production Status: None 

VA069
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 141 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Probably only prospecting has occurred along Hurtle Creek. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Moxham and Nelson, 1952; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-

892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Moxham and Nelson, 1952 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA069
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 142 

Site name(s): Unnamed (near mouth of Fall Creek) 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA070 

Latitude: 61.4226 Quadrangle: VA B-4 

Longitude: 145.1534 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is along the north side of the Richardson Highway about 1,000 feet 

northeast of the mouth of Fall Creek. It is in the NW1/4 section 24, T. 5 S., R. 1 E., of 

the Copper River Meridian. It is locality 86 of Cobb and Matson (1972). 

Commodities: 

 Main: W 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Scheelite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Scheelite has been identified in stream gravels (Jasper, 1967). Bedrock in the area is 

greenschist-facies metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 

1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer scheelite 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

VA070 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 143 

 Only reconnaissance sampling. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Jasper, 1967; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Jasper, 1967 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA070 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 144 

Site name(s): Unnamed (near Squaw Creek) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA071 

Latitude: 61.3753 Quadrangle: VA B-4 

Longitude: 145.3003 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is near Squaw Creek on the west side of Tiekel River. It is about 1.1 

miles northwest of the Richardson Highway and about 2,100 feet southeast of VABM 

Rice. It is at an elevation of about 2,800 feet in the SW1/4 section 6, T. 6 S., R. 1 E., of 

the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within 

one-half mile. It is locality 94 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Ag, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena?, gold, limonite?, pyrite, sphalerite? 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Lode claims were staked and were active from 1972 to 1979 on sulfide-impregnated 

quartz veins cutting metaflysch of the Valdez Group (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Several felsic dikes also cut the Valdez Group in 

this area. These veins are probably similar to others that are widespread in the southern 

Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that goldbearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 

mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid 

salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 

degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The veinforming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) 

when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

VA071 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 145 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Small-scale surface prospecting has probably occurred at this locality. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: This report 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA071
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 146 

Site name(s): Unnamed (head of Glacier Creek) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA072 

Latitude: 61.3244 Quadrangle: VA B-4 

Longitude: 145.4350 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the divide between upper Boulder and Glacier Creeks at an elevation of about 5,600 feet in the NE1/4 section 29, T. 6 S., R. 1 W., of the Copper River 

Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 93 of 

Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena?, gold, limonite?, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Lode claims were staked and active from 1923 to 1926 on gold-bearing, sulfideimpregnated quartz veins in metaflysch of the Valdez Group at this (U.S. Bureau of 

Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981[OFR 80-892-B]). Felsic dikes are common in the 

area. These veins are probably similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing 

quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees 

centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming 

fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when 

deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and 

partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

VA072 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 147 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Small-scale surface prospecting has probably occurred at this locality. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: This report 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA072 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 148 

Site name(s): Fall Creek 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA073 

Latitude: 61.4047 Quadrangle: VA B-3 

Longitude: 145.1259 

Location description and accuracy:

 Placer prospecting and some mining occurred along several miles of Fall Creek 

(including portions in the Valdez B-3 quadrangle). The map coordinates are about the 

midpoint of mining in the NW1/4 section 30, T. 5 S., R. 2 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This is locality 87 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 67 of Winkler and others 

(1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Placer gold, much of which is rounded and coarse, occurs on and in bedrock along Fall 

Creek and adjacent low benches (Schrader and Spencer, 1901; Moffit, 1918; Mulligan, 

1974). About 6 miles of Fall Creek have been prospected, and small amounts of gold 

were recovered between 1899 and 1916. Bedrock in Fall Creek is greenschist-facies 

metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-

892-A]). Gold-bearing quartz veins are widespread through the Valdez Group in the 

southern Valdez quadrangle (Cobb and Matson, 1972). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

VA073 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 149 

39a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Small-scale surface mining and prospecting occurred along Fall Creek between 1898 

and 1916 (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Schrader and Spencer, 1901; Moffit, 1918; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Mulligan, 1974; 

Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA073 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 150 

Site name(s): Quartz Creek; Quartz Creek Gold Mining Co. 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA074 

Latitude: 61.4125 Quadrangle: VA B-3 

Longitude: 145.3568 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on a ridge on the west side of upper Quartz Creek. It is about seventenths of a mile west of Quartz Creek and eight-tenths of a mile north-northeast of elevation (peak) 5360. It is at an elevation of about 4,800 feet near the center of the north side 

of section 26, T. 5 S., R. 1 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within a mile. This is locality 50 of Cobb and Matson (1972) 

and locality 41 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Cu, Pb 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Many mineralized, northwest-trending quartz veins with a steep east dip cut metaflysch 

of the Valdez Group at this prospect (Moffit, 1918). One quartz vein is 1 to 2 feet wide 

and has been traced on the surface for 400 feet along strike. The veins have been prospected with open cuts and at least two adits, one 65 feet long and the other 175 feet long. 

Tertiary felsic dikes locally intrude metaflysch in this area. 

 These veins are probably similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez 

quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing 

quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees 

centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-froming 

fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when 

deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and 

partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

VA074 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 151 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The veins at this prospect have been explored with open cuts and at least two adits, one 

65 feet long and the other 175 feet long. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Moffit, 1918; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit, 1918 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA074 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 152 

Site name(s): Unnamed (near the head of the Uranatina River) 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA075 

Latitude: 61.4288 Quadrangle: VA B-3 

Longitude: 144.9706 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is on the ridge on the north side of the upper Uranatina River about 

1,000 feet west of elevation (peak) 5740. It is at an elevation of about 5,900 feet in the 

SW1/4 section 13, T. 5 S., R. 2 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This occurrence is 

probably located to within one-quarter mile; it is locality 80 of Winkler and others (1981 

[OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Ag, Pb, Zn 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Galena?, pyrite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Stratiform, iron-stained zones extend for as much as several hundred meters in quartzmica schist of the Haley Creek terrane (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). These zones contain disseminated pyrite, 

sphalerite, and galena (?). These may be epigenetic replacement deposits and younger 

than the enclosing schist (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Schist of the Haley Creek terrane was probably metamorphosed in the mid-Cretaceous 

(Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). If the deposits are epigenetic, they are 

probably Late Cretaceous or Tertiary. 

Deposit model:

Disseminated replacement deposits (?) in quartz-mica schist 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

VA075 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 153 

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Surface examination and possibly sampling have taken place at this occurrence. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA075 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 154 

Site name(s): Unnamed (southeast of Kimball Pass) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA076 

Latitude: 61.4906 Quadrangle: VA B-3 

Longitude: 144.9886 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the north side of the uplands west of upper Bernard Creek. It is 

about 2 miles southeast of Kimball Pass and 0.4 mile northeast of elevation (peak) 5644 

at an elevation of about 4,600 feet in the SE1/4 section 26, T. 4 S., R. 2 E., of the Copper 

River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 

98 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au? 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Lode claims have been staked at this location but no other information is available (U.S. 

Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). The prospect is the 

southern part of the Haley Creek terrane where metaplutonic rocks, ranging from gabbro 

to trondjhemite in compostion, predominate (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-

A]). The protolith ages are not known, but much deformation and recrystallization of the 

Haley Creek terrane probably occurred in the mid-Cretaceous or later. 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; the prospect is the southern part of the Haley Creek terrane where metaplutonic rocks ranging from gabbro to trondjhemite predominate (Winkler and others, 1981 

[OFR 80-892-A]). The protolith ages are not known, but much deformation and recrystallization of the Haley Creek terrane probably occurred in the mid-Cretaceous or later. 

Deposit model:

 

VA076 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 155 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Probably only reconnaissance surface examinations have been done. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA076 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 156 

Site name(s): Ernestine Creek 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA077 

Latitude: 61.4165 Quadrangle: VA B-3 

Longitude: 145.0846 

Location description and accuracy:

 Winkler and others (1981, locality 72 [OFR 80-892-B]) indicated placer prospecting for 

about 1.8 miles of lower Ernestine Creek between the elevations of 1,750 and 2,000 feet. 

The map site is the approximate midpoint of this placer prospect. It is in the SE1/4 section 

20, T. 5 S., R. 2 E., of the Copper River Meridian. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Placer gold occurs in shallow gravels of Ernestine Creek (Rohn, 1900; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). The deposits are probably on bedrock and similar to those 

on Fall Creek (VA073). Bedrock in vicinity of Ernestine Creek is greenschist-facies 

metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-

892-B]). Gold-bearing quartz veins are widespread through the Valdez Group in the 

southern Valdez quadrangle (Cobb and Matson, 1972). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

VA077 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 157 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Surface prospecting occurred along Fall Creek in about 1900 (Rohn, 1900). 

Production notes:

 Possilby some minor production. 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Rohn, 1900; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 

80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Rohn, 1900 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA077 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 158 

Site name(s): Unnamed (near Taral) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA078 

Latitude: 61.4826 Quadrangle: VA B-2 

Longitude: 144.4571 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is about one-quarter mile southwest of the the mouth of O'Brien Creek 

and 4,200 feet northwest of the site of Taral on the Copper River. It is at an elevation of 

about 1,000 feet in the NW1/4 of section 35, T. 4 S., R. 5 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 104 of 

Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Lode claims were staked for copper deposits and kept current from 1971 to 1978 (U.S. 

Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). No other information is not available. Bedrock in this area is schist of the Haley Creek terrane (Winkler 

and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; schist of the Haley Creek terrane was probably metamorphosed in the midCretaceous (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Deposit model:

 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

VA078 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 159 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Probably only reconnaissance surface examinations. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA078 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 160 

Site name(s): Unnamed (near Canyon Creek) 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA079 

Latitude: 61.2762 Quadrangle: VA B-1 

Longitude: 144.3880 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is about one-half mile southwest of the pass at the head of Canyon 

Creek near the foot of two active glaciers. It is at an elevation of about 4,300 feet in the 

NE1/4 section 7, T. 7 S., R. 6 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This occurrence is 

probably located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 81of Winkler and others (1981 

[OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu, Zn? 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite?, limonite, pyrite, sphalerite? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Diffuse, widespread iron-stained zones in mylonitic metavolcanic rocks of the Haley 

Creek terrane contain disseminated pyrite and possibly chalcopyrite and sphalerite 

(Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). The polydeformed Haley Creek terrane 

consists of metasedimentary rocks, including marble and metaplutonic rocks that range 

from peridotite to trondjhemite (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). The protolith ages are not known, but much deformation and recrystallization of the Haley Creek 

terrane probably occurred in the mid-Cretaceous or later (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 

80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 Oxidation; diffuse iron-stained zones are present. 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; the protolith ages of metasedimentary and metaplutonic rocks in the Haley 

Creek terrane are not known, but much deformation and recrystallization probably occurred in the mid-Cretaceous or later (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

VA079 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 161 

Deposit model:

Submarine volcanogenic (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Surface reconnaissance only. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This occurrence is in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA079 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 162 

Site name(s): Spirit Mountain 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA080 

Latitude: 61.3056 Quadrangle: VA B-1 

Longitude: 144.2645 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the west side of upper Canyon Creek valley about 1.8 miles southwest of the west end of summit Lake and nine-tenths of a mile southeast of elevation 

5,990. It is at an elevation of 4,000 feet near center of the east boundary of section 35, T. 

6 S., R. 6 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within 

one-quarter mile. It is locality 61 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 52 of Winkler 

and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu, Ni 

 Other: Ag, Co, PGE, Zn 

Ore minerals: Bravoite, chalcopyrite, limonite, magnetite, pentlandite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, 

sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Antigorite, chlorite, epidote, hornblende, serpentine, talc, tremolite 

Geologic description:

 Mafic and ultramafic sill-like bodies that intrude metasedimentary rocks of the Haley 

Creek terrane contain disseminations and segregations of bravoite, chalcopyrite, pentlandite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and sphalerite (Kingston and Miller, 1945; Herried, 1970; Winkler 

and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). The principal mineralization is in altered peridotite and a nearby hornblendite dike (Herreid, 

1970). The peridotite has been altered to antigorite, chlorite, epidote, hornblende, limonite, magnetite, serpentine, tremolite, and talc. One mineralized body is 200 feet long, 1 

inch to 22 feet wide, and exposed over 150 feet vertically. Another mineralized body is 

45 feet long, 3 feet thick at the surface, but it pinches down to a thickness of 6 inches 

within 10 feet of the surface (Kingston and Miller, 1946). The resource estimate for these 

two bodies is 6,500 tons of material that contain 0.22 to 7.61 percent nickel and 0.12 to 

1.56 percent copper (Kingston and Miller, 1945, p. 56). The highest values reported for 

other samples are 1.70 percent nickel and 2.95 percent copper (Pierce, 1945). Heads from 

a metallurgical sample contained 1.16 percent nickel, 0.76 percent copper, 0.04 percent 

cobalt, 0.02 percent zinc, 0.007 ounce of gold per ton, 0.077 ounce of silver per ton, 0.006 

VA080 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 163 

ounce of platinum per ton, and 0.005 ounce of palladium per ton (Foley and others, 1989). 

This prospect was explored by a large open cut, numerous test pits, and a 50-foot-long 

adit (Moffit, 1914; Pierce, 1946). The polydeformed host rocks of the Haley Creek terrane consist of metasedimentary rocks, including marble, and metaplutonic rocks that 

range from peridotite to trondjhemite (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). The 

protolith ages are not known, but much deformation and recrystallization of the Haley 

Creek terrane probably occurred in the mid-Cretaceous or later. 

Alteration:

 The ultramafic host rocks are extensively altered to various assemblages of antigorite, 

chlorite, epidote, hornblende, limonite, magnetite, serpentine, tremolite, and talc. 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; the protolith ages of metasedimentary and metaplutonic rocks in the Haley 

Creek terrane are not known but much deformation and recrystallization probably occurred in the mid-Cretaceous or younger (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Deposit model:

Duluth Cu-Ni-PGE? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 5a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

5a? 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This prospect was explored by a large open cut, numerous test pits, and a 50-foot long 

adit (Moffit, 1914; Pierce, 1946). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 One mineralized body is 200 feet long, 1 inch to 22 feet thick, and exposed over 150 

feet vertically. Another mineralized body is 45 feet long; it is 3 feet thick at the surface, 

but it pinches down to a 6-inch thickness within 10 feet of the surface (Kingston and 

Miller, 1945). The resource in these two bodies is 6,500 tons of material that contains 

0.22 to 7.61 percent nickel and 0.12 to 1.56 percent copper (Kingston and Miller, 1945, p. 

56). 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit, 1914; Pierce, 1946; Kingston and Miller, 1945; Herreid, 1970; Cobb and Matson, 

VA080 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 164 

1972; Winkler and others, 1981(OFR 80-892-B); Foley and others, 1989. 

Primary reference: Kingston and Miller, 1945 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA080 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 165 

Site name(s): Unnamed (on Falls Creek) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA081 

Latitude: 61.3536 Quadrangle: VA B-1 

Longitude: 144.2577 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is in the headwaters of Falls Creek. It is on the south side of Falls Creek, 

at an elevation of 4,900 feet and about one-quarter mile northwest of elevation (peak) 

5589. It is in the NW1/4 section 13, T. 6 S., R. 6 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This 

prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within a mile. It is locality 60 of Cobb and 

Matson (1972) and locality 51 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Bornite, chalcopyrite, covellite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Moffit (1914, p. 52) reported disseminated bornite, covellite, and chalcopyrite in fractured greenstone. This prospect was explored with two adits, 105 and 150 feet long and 

approximately 400 feet apart, on the south side of Falls Creek. The greenstone is in the 

Paleozoic Skolai Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). The copper mineralization may be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization may be related to the mineralizing event that produced the 

rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east (MacKevett and 

others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 88). 

Deposit model:

Thin veins, impregnations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; may be related to KenneVA081 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 166 

cott-type copper deposits (Mackevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This prospect was explored with two adits, 105 and 150 feet long and approximately 

400 feet apart, on the south side of Falls Creek (Moffit, 1914, p. 52). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit, 1914; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit, 1914 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA081 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 167 

Site name(s): Unnamed (on Divide Creek) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA082 

Latitude: 61.3669 Quadrangle: VA B-1 

Longitude: 144.2846 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is in the valley of Divide Creek (Moffit, 1914) at an elevation of about 

4,200 feet in the NW1/4 section 11, T. 6 S., R. 6 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This 

prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within a mile. It is locality 59 of Cobb and 

Matson (1972) and locality 50 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Bornite, chalcopyrite, covellite, malachite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Moffit (1914, p. 52) reported veins and disseminations of chalcopyrite and bornite in 

fractured greenstone; covellite and malchite are present in small amounts. The greenstone 

at this locality is in the Paleozoic Skolai Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-

A]). The copper mineralization may be related to the regional mineralizing event that 

produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and 

others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization may be related to the mineralizing event that produced the 

rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east (MacKevett and 

others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 88). 

Deposit model:

Thin veins, impregnations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; may be related to Kennecott-type copper deposits (Mackevett and others, 1997) 

VA082 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 168 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 One small open cut (Moffit, 1914). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit, 1914; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit, 1914 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA082 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 169 

Site name(s): Unnamed (on Surprise Creek) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA083 

Latitude: 61.4018 Quadrangle: VA B-1 

Longitude: 144.2522 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on Surprise Creek, a south tributary to Nerelna Creek. It is at an elevation of about 3,200 feet, in the SW1/4 section 25, T. 5 S., R. 6 E., of the Copper River 

Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within a mile or more. It is 

locality 58 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 49 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 

80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag? 

Ore minerals: Bornite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, chrysocolla, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Epidote, quartz 

Geologic description:

 Fractures in shattered greenstone contain quartz and epidote (Moffit, 1914, p. 52). Bornite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, chrysocolla, and pyrite are in the quartz and are locally disseminated in the host greenstone. A short adit was driven. The mineralization is similar 

to that in the Nikolai Greenstone of the northeast Valdez quadrangle, but this geologic 

unit has not been mapped in this area. Uplands in the headwaters of Surprise Creek are 

metamorphic rocks of the Paleozoic Skolai Group; a Jurassic intermediate-composition 

pluton is present to the west (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). However, exposures are limited on lower Surprise Creek, and this prospect may be in unrecognized 

Nikolai Greenstone. The copper mineralization may be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle 

(MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 The copper mineralization may be related to the mineralizing event that produced the 

rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east (MacKevett and 

VA083 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 170 

others, 1997). This event is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 88). 

Deposit model:

Thin veins, impregnations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; may be related to Kennecott-type copper deposits (Mackevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 A short adit was driven before 1912 (Moffit, 1914). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit, 1914; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit, 1914 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA083 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 171 

Site name(s): Blackney; Blakney 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA084 

Latitude: 61.4513 Quadrangle: VA B-1 

Longitude: 144.3310 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on an unnamed east tributary to Taral Creek about 1.1 miles north of 

the pass at the head of Taral Creek. It is at an elevation of about 3,500 feet and about 

1,000 feet east of the center of section 9, T. 5 S., R. 6 E., of the Copper River Meridian, 

where a cabin is shown on the topographic map. This prospect is probably accurately located. It is locality 57 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 48 of Winkler and others 

(1981[OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 A 3-foot-wide shear zone in Triassic Nikolai Greenstone contains sheeted from 0.5 to 

18 inches thick veins with pyrite and chalcopyrite (Moffit, 1914; Winkler and others, 

1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). The shear zone, which trends N75W and dips 45S, was traced 

on the surface for a distance of 200 feet. A decline was sunk on the shear zone. The mafic 

metavolcanic rocks were originally thought to be part of the Paleozoic Skolai Group 

(Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]), but Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-

A]) indicated the area consists of Triassic Nikolai Greenstone intruded to the east by Jurassic intermediate plutonic rocks. The copper mineralization may be related to the regional mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deposits in the McCarthy quadrangle (MacKevett and others, 1997). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Post -Triassic; the host rocks are Triassic mafic volcanic rocks. The copper mineralization may be related to the mineralizing event that produced the rich Kennecott copper deVA084 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 172 

posits in the McCarthy quadrangle to the east (MacKevett and others, 1997). This event 

is interpreted to have accompanied Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous deformation and 

metamorphism (MacKevett and others, 1997, p. 88). 

Deposit model:

Thin veins, impregnations, and fracture fillings in greenstone; may be related to Kennecott-type copper deposits (Mackevett and others, 1997) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 A decline was sunk on the shear zone, which was traced for a distance of 200 feet on 

the surface (Moffit, 1914). Lode claims were patented in 1911 or earlier. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This prospect is in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit, 1914; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); MacKevett and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit, 1914 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA084 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 173 

Site name(s): Unnamed (west of Chitina River) 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA085 

Latitude: 61.4950 Quadrangle: VA B-1 

Longitude: 144.2590 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is located on a low ridge along the west side of the Chitina River, about 

500 feet south of the north boundary of the Valdez B-1 topographic map. It is in the 

NE1/4 section 26, T. 4 S., R. 6 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-quarter mile; it is locality 61 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 

80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu, Mo 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite, molybdenite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Sparse chalcopyrite and molydenite are disseminated in Jurassic (?) biotite granodiorite 

(Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

The pluton is in metamorphic rocks that include mafic metavolcanic rocks of the Paleozoic Skolai Group. 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Jurassic?; the probable age of the granodiorite host rock (Winkler and others, 1981 

[OFR 80-892-A]). 

Deposit model:

Porphyry Cu-Mo (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 21a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

21a 

VA085 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 174 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Probably only reconnaissance surface examination. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This occurrence is in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA085 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 175 

Site name(s): Unnamed (on the Kuskulana River) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA086 

Latitude: 61.4795 Quadrangle: VA B-1 

Longitude: 144.1662 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the north side of the Kuskulana River about eight-tenths of a mile 

northeast of its mouth on the Chitina River. It is at an elevation of about 800 feet near the 

center of the east boundary of section 32, T. 4 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. 

This prospect is probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 107 of Winkler 

and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Ag, Pb 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Galena? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Lode claims were staked and kept active from 1969 to 1979 on lead and silver deposits 

at this location (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

The prospect is in metavolcanic rocks of the Paleozoic Skolai Group (Winkler and others, 

1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Paleozoic or younger; the prospect is in metavolcanic rocks of the Paleozoic Skolai 

Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Deposit model:

 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

VA086 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 176 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Probably only reconnaissance surface examinations. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This occurrence is in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA086 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 177 

Site name(s): Unnamed (north of Summit Lake) 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA087 

Latitude: 61.3408 Quadrangle: VA B-1 

Longitude: 144.1777 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is on a unnamed north tributary to Bridge Creek at an elevation of 

about 4,500 feet. It is about 2.4 miles north-northwest of the east end of Summit Lake in 

the NE1/4 section 20, T. 6 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This occurrence is 

probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 106A of Winkler and others (1981 

[OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu, Ni 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite?, pentlandite? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]) report that copper and nickel sulfides are 

disseminated in mafic rocks of the Haley Creek terrane (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 

80-892-A]). The polydeformed Haley Creek terrane consists of metasedimentary rocks, 

including marble and metaplutonic rocks that range from peridotite to trondjhemite 

(Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). The protolith ages are not known but much 

deformation and recrystallization of the Haley Creek terrane probably occurred in the 

mid-Cretaceous or later. 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; the protolith ages of metasedimentary and metaplutonic rocks in the Haley 

Creek terrane are not known, but much deformation and recrystallization probably occurred in the mid-Cretaceous or later (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Deposit model:

Magmatic disseminations and segregations of copper and nickel sulfides in mafic rocks 

VA087 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 178 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Only surface reconnaissance. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This occurrence is in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA087 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 179 

Site name(s): Unnamed (northeast of Summit Lake) 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA088 

Latitude: 61.3302 Quadrangle: VA B-1 

Longitude: 144.1639 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is on the north side of the ridge between Summit Lake and an unnamed 

north tributary to Bridge Creek at an elevation of about 5,000 feet. It is in SW1/4 section 

21, T. 6 S., R. 7 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This occurrence is probably located to 

within one-half mile. It is locality 106B of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu, Ni 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite?, pentlandite? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]) reported that copper and nickel sulfides are 

disseminated in mafic rocks of the Haley Creek terrane (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 

80-892-A]). The polydeformed Haley Creek terrane consists of metasedimentary rocks, 

including marble and metaplutonic rocks that range from peridotite to trondjhemite 

(Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). The protolith ages are not known, but much 

deformation and recrystallization of the Haley Creek terrane probably occurred in the 

mid-Cretaceous or later. 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; the protolith ages of metasedimentary and metaplutonic rocks in the Haley 

Creek terrane are not known, but much deformation and recrystallization probably occurred in the mid-Cretaceous or later (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Deposit model:

Magmatic disseminations and segregations of copper and nickel sulfides in mafic rocks 

VA088 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 180 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Surface reconnaissance only. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This occurrence is in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA088 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 181 

Site name(s): Summit Lake 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA089 

Latitude: 61.3286 Quadrangle: VA B-1 

Longitude: 144.3290 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is in the headwaters of a small unnamed south tributary to Canyon 

Creek. It is at an elevation of about 4,100 feet about 2.9 miles west-northwest of the west 

end of Summit Lake in the center of the boundary between section 22 and section 27, T. 6 

S., R. 6 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This occurrence is probably located to within 

one-half mile. It is locality 106C of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu, Ni 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite?, pentlandite? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]) report that copper and nickel sulfides are 

disseminated in mafic rocks of the Haley Creek terrane at this locality (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). The polydeformed Haley Creek terrane consists of metasedimentary rocks, including marble and metaplutonic rocks that range from peridotite to 

trondjhemite (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). The protolith ages are not 

known, but much deformation and recrystallization of the Haley Creek terrane probably 

occurred in the mid-Cretaceous or later. 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; the protolith ages of metasedimentary and metaplutonic rocks in the Haley 

Creek terrane are not known, but much deformation and recrystallization probably occurred in the mid-Cretaceous or later (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A). 

Deposit model:

Magmatic disseminations and segregations of copper and nickel sulfides in mafic rocks 

VA089 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 182 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Surface reconnaissance only. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This occurrence is in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA089 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 183 

Site name(s): Unnamed (south of Summit Lake) 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA090 

Latitude: 61.2770 Quadrangle: VA B-1 

Longitude: 144.2577 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is about one-quarter mile northeast of peak 7163 on the divide between 

Tebay River and the headwaters of Canyon Creek. The map site is on the divide at an 

elevation of about 6,000 feet in the NE1/4 section 12, T. 7 S., R. 6 E., of the Copper River 

Meridian. This occurrence is probably located to within a half mile. It is locality 106D of 

Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu, Ni 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite?, pentlandite? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]) reported that copper and nickel sulfides are 

disseminated in mafic rocks of the Haley Creek terrane (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 

80-892-A]). The polydeformed Haley Creek terrane consists of metasedimentary rocks, 

including marble and metaplutonic rocks that range from peridotite to trondjhemite in 

composition (Winkler and others, 1981[OFR 80-892-A]). The protolith ages are not 

known, but much deformation and recrystallization of the Haley Creek terrane probably 

occurred in the mid-Cretaceous or later. 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Not known; the protolith ages of metasedimentary and metaplutonic rocks in the Haley 

Creek terrane are not known, but much deformation and recrystallization probably occurred in the mid-Cretaceous or later (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-BA). 

Deposit model:

Magmatic disseminations and segregations of copper and nickel sulfides in mafic rocks 

VA090 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 184 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Surface reconnaissance only. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This occurrence is in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA090 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 185 

Site name(s): Hecla 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA091 

Latitude: 61.1339 Quadrangle: VA A-8 

Longitude: 146.6652 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the ridge crest at the head of McAllister Creek; it is at an elevation 

of 1,900 feet just northeast of the center of section 33, T. 8 S., R. 8 W., of the Copper 

River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 9 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 6 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-

892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Ag, Pb 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 Shear zones as much as 8 feet thick with irregularly distributed gold-bearing quartz 

lenses cut metaflysch of the Valdez Group (Brooks, 1912). The quartz lenses also contain 

arsenopyrite, pyrite, and galena. These mineralized zones are probably similar to other 

gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez 

quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing 

quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees 

centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming 

fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when 

deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and 

partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

VA091 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 186 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 At least surface exploration has taken place on this prospect; two claims were staked. 

and the shear zone was reported to have been traced for about one-half mile (Brooks, 

1912). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Brooks, 1912; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Brooks, 1912 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA091 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 187 

Site name(s): Palmer 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA092 

Latitude: 61.1410 Quadrangle: VA A-8 

Longitude: 146.6384 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is in the headwaters of Palmer Creek, 1,000 feet south of Shoup Glacier; 

it is at an elevation of about 900 feet near the center of the south side of section 27, T. 8 

S., R. 8 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within 

one-quarter mile. It is locality 10 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 7 of Winkler 

and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 A shear zone, 2.5 to 4.5 feet wide, cuts metaflysch of the Valdez Group and contains 

pyritiferous quartz stringers with free gold (Brooks, 1912). The shear zone that strikes 

northwest and is approximately vertical is marked by crushed country rock and a slickensided and gouge-lined hanging wall. At least one 100-foot-long adit explored this deposit, which is thought to be a continuation of the I.X.L. shear zone (VA113). 

 This deposit is probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch of 

the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and 

others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain 

pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from waterrich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. 

The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures 

ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 

kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb 

and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent 

high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

VA092 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 188 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 At least one 100-foot-long adit explored this deposit, which is thought to be a continuation of the I.X.L. shear zone (VA113). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Brooks, 1912; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Brooks, 1912 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA092 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 189 

Site name(s): Bessie Williams 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA093 

Latitude: 61.1516 Quadrangle: VA A-8 

Longitude: 146.7737 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is about one-half mile northwest of the east end of Lake No. 1 and 1.2 

miles northwest of Anderson Pass; it is at an elevation of about 3,000 feet on the boundary between sections 25 and 26, T. 8 S., R. 9 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This 

prospect is probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 8 of Cobb and Matson 

(1972) and locality 5 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 A 3-foot-thick shear zone with quartz veins as much as 1 foot thick cuts metaflysch of 

the Valdez Group at this prospect (Jansons and other, 1984). It was explored by a 25-

foot-long adit. A chip sample collected by the U.S. Bureau of Mines contained 0.42 ppm 

gold and 0.3 ppm silver (Jansons and others, 1984). This deposit is probably similar to 

other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch of the Valdez Group in the southern 

Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that goldbearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 

mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid 

salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 

degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The veinforming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), 

when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

VA093 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 190 

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This prospect was explored by a 25-foot-long adit (Jansons and others, 1984). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Pickthorn, 1982; Jansons and others, 1984; Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Jansons and others, 1984 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA093 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 191 

Site name(s): National 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA094 

Latitude: 61.1590 Quadrangle: VA A-8 

Longitude: 146.8499 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is seven-tenths of a mile northwest of the northwest end of Lake No. 1, on 

the east side of Columbia Glacier; it is at an elevation of about 2,500 feet in the SE1/4 

section 21, T. 8 S., R. 9 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within one-half mile. It is locality 6 of Cobb and Matson 

(1972). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Pb 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 A 5-foot-wide vuggy, gold-bearing quartz vein cuts metaflysch of the Valdez Group at 

this locality (Jansons and others, 1984). Johnson (1916) reported that some gold was 

mortared from this deposit in 1915. The U.S. Bureau of Mines collected a chip sample 

that contained 0.13 ppm gold and 4.9 ppm silver; a grab sample contained 0.08 ppm gold 

and 14.1 ppm silver (Jansons and others, 1984). This prospect was explored by an open 

cut. 

 This deposit is probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch of 

the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and 

others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain 

pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from waterrich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. 

The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures 

ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 

kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb 

and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent 

high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

VA094 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 192 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 An open cut explored this deposit (Jansons and others, 1984). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1916; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 1984; Hudson, 1994; 

Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Jansons and others, 1984 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA094 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 193 

Site name(s): Mayfield; Alaska Mayfield 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA095 

Latitude: 61.1591 Quadrangle: VA A-8 

Longitude: 146.8304 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is one-half mile northwest of the northwest end of Lake No. 1 along the east 

side of Columbia Glacier. It is at an elevation of about 3,000 feet in the SW1/4 section 

22, T. 8 S., R. 9 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This mine is probably located to 

within one-quarter mile. It is locality 7 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 4 of 

Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Cu, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 Discontinuous gold-bearing quartz veins and lenses occur along a northwest-trending 

zone that cuts metaflysch of the Valdez Group (Johnson, 1915). The zone dips to the 

north and can be traced on the surface for several hundred feet. The quartz veins contain 

gold, pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, and arsenopyrite. One of the larger veins 

was from 1 to 10 feet wide and 200 feet long (Jansons and others, 1984). These veins 

were explored and developed by at least two adits and more than 600 feet of underground 

workings (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]; Jansons and others, 1984). The veins were located 

in 1911, and development work and/or production was reported intermittently to 1938 

(Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]), but the total production is only 13 ounces of gold and 2 

ounces of silver (Jansons and others, 1984). The U.S. Bureau of Mines collected nine chip 

samples from the area that contained 0.03 to 70 ppm gold and 0.1 to 25.2 ppm silver; a 

grab sample contained 52 ppm gold and 22.5 ppm silver. Jansons and others (1984) identified inferred reserves of 600 tons of material that contain 9.54 ppm gold and 3.4 ppm 

silver. 

 These veins are probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch 

of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb 

and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly 

VA095 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 194 

contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed 

from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, 

N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation 

temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied 

from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma 

(Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch 

underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 These veins were explored and developed by at least two adits and more than 600 feet 

of underground workings (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]; Jansons and others, 1984). 

Production notes:

 These deposits were located in 1911 and development work and/or production wre reported intermittently to 1938 (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]), but total reported production 

is only 13 ounces of gold and 2 ounces of silver (Jansons and others, 1984). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 

1984; Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

VA095 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 195 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA095 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 196 

Site name(s): Minnie; Olson; Bald Mountain Group 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA096 

Latitude: 61.2007 Quadrangle: VA A-8 

Longitude: 146.6469 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is eight-tenths of a mile southeast of Mount Cameron at an elevation of about 

3,000 feet in the SW1/4 section 3, T. 8 S., R. 8 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This 

mine is located to within one-half mile. It is locality 4 of Cobb and Matson (1972). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 Gold-bearing quartz veins as much as 2 feet wide cut metaflysch of the Valdez Group 

(Johnson, 1915). The veins strike northwest and dip steeply to both the north and south. 

The quartz veins also contain pyrite, sphalerite, galena, and a brown-weathering carbonate 

mineral. The Minnie deposit was explored by three or four short adits, and the Olson deposit was explored by an adit and drifts that totaled about 250 feet in length (Johnson, 

1915). Open cuts explored the deposits on the surface. A few tons of ore were processed 

from each deposit. The U.S. Bureau of Mines collected three chip samples from the Minnie deposit that contained as much as 12.0 ppm gold and 7.0 ppm silver; a grab sample 

contained 45 ppm gold and 12.5 ppm silver (Jansons and others, 1984). 

 These deposits are probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting 

metaflysch of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by 

Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and 

formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of 

CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths 

varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic 

devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 

49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez 

VA096 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 197 

Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The Minnie deposit was explored by three or four short adits, and the Olson deposit was 

explored by an adit and drifts that totaled about 250 feet in length (Johnson, 1915). Open 

cuts explored the deposits on the surface. 

Production notes:

 A few tons of ore were processed from each deposit (Johnson, 1915). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 1984; Hudson, 1994; 

Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA096 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 198 

Site name(s): Rough and Tough; Reeve and Thompson; Ruff and Tuff 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA097 

Latitude: 61.2078 Quadrangle: VA A-8 

Longitude: 146.7926 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is 3.6 miles west of Mount Cameron on the southwest side of a nunatak in 

the eastern part of Columbia Glacier (Pickthorn, 1982, sheet 1); it is at an elevation of 

about 2,300 feet in the NW1/4 section 2, T. 8 S., R. 9 W., of the Copper River Meridian. 

This mine is located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 1 of Cobb and Matson 

(1972) and locality 1 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Ag 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 Gold-bearing quartz veins cut metaflysch of the Valdez Group and a Tertiary granitic 

plug at this locality (Smith, 1937, 1939). The quartz fills gashes in the granitic rock and 

surrounding hornfelsed metagraywacke. The veins contain sulfide minerals common to 

other gold-bearing quartz veins in the area; arsenopyrite and pyrite (Smith, 1937). Open 

cuts and at least 372 feet of underground workings explored the deposit (Jansons and others, 1984). Several tons of ore were recovered from open cuts and processed. The total 

production is 76 ounces of gold and 20 ounces of silver (Jansons and others, 1984). The 

U.S. Bureau of Mines collected seven chip samples from this area that contained 0.18 

ppm to 2.52 ounces of gold per ton and 0.3 ppm to 0.89 ounce of silver per ton; a grab 

sample contained 14 ppm gold and 3.3 ppm silver. Eight other samples from this area 

contained up to 9.0 ppm gold (Pickthorn, 1982). 

 These veins are probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch 

of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb 

and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly 

contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed 

from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, 

N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation 

VA097 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 199 

temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied 

from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma 

(Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch 

underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Open cuts and at least 372 feet of underground workings explored the deposit (Jansons 

and others, 1984). 

Production notes:

 Several tons of ore were recovered from open cuts and processed. The total reported 

production is 76 ounces of gold and 20 ounces of silver (Jansons and others, 1984). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Smith, 1937; Smith, 1939; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-

892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Pickthorn, 1982; Jansons and others, 

1984; Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Jansons and others, 1984 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

VA097 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 200 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA097 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 201 

Site name(s): Cameron-Johnson; Valdez Gold Mining Co 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA098 

Latitude: 61.2052 Quadrangle: VA A-8 

Longitude: 146.6668 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is one-third of a mile south of the summit of Mount Cameron; it is at an elevation of about 5,100 feet on the ridge crest near the center of section 4, T. 8 S., R. 8 W., 

of the Copper River Meridian. This mine is located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 3 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 3 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-

892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Ag, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 Several gold-bearing quartz-carbonate veins as much as 11.5 feet thick, cut metaflysch 

of the Valdez Group (Johnson, 1915). The veins strike northwest and dip steeply to the 

north. The largest veins were traceable for as much as 300 feet. The veins carry about 3 

percent sulfide minerals that include pyrite, galena, sphalerite, and arsenopyrite. The deposits are exposed from about 2,400 to 4,500 feet in elevation and were explored with 

eight adits and about 2,000 feet of underground workings (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]; 

Jansons and others, 1984). A mill was installed on the property, and some ore was processed most years from 1913 to 1921. Total reported production from these veins was 585 

ounces of gold and 18 ounces of silver (Jansons and others, 1984). The U.S. Bureau of 

Mines collected 25 chip samples that contained 0.06 to 21.0 ppm gold and 0.1 to 8.5 ppm 

silver; 12 grab samples contained as much as 15.3 ounces of gold and 4.3 ounces of silver 

per ton (Jansons and others, 1984). 

 These veins are probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch 

of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb 

and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly 

contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed 

from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, 

VA098 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 202 

N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation 

temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied 

from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma 

(Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch 

underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The deposits are exposed from about 2,400 to 4,500 feet in elevation and were explored 

with eight adits and about 2,000 feet of underground workings (Cobb, 1979, OFR 79-

1241; Jansons and others, 1984). 

Production notes:

 A mill was installed on the property, and some ore was processed most years from 1913 

to 1921. Total reported production from these veins was 585 ounces of gold and 18 

ounces of silver (Jansons and others, 1984). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 

1984; Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

VA098 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 203 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA098 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 204 

Site name(s): Columbia Glacier (west) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA099 

Latitude: 61.0986 Quadrangle: VA A-8 

Longitude: 146.9978 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is nine-tenths of a mile south-southwest of the summit of the Great Nunatak and about one-half mile west of the east lobe of Columbia Glacier. It is at about 1,500 

feet elevation in the SE1/4 section 9, T. 9 S., R. 10 W., of the Copper River Meridian. 

This prospect is probably located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 85 of Winkler 

and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 A lode claim was staked in 1916 for gold (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and 

others, 1981[OFR 80-892-B]). Bedrock in this area is siliciclastic rocks of the Tertiary 

Orca Group; the Contact fault that separates the Orca and Valdez Group is about 2 miles 

to the northeast (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Tertiary; deposit is assumed to be epigenetic and to cross cut Lower Tertiary rocks of 

the Orca Group. 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a? 

VA099 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 205 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 At least surface prospecting has occurred at this locality. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA099 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 206 

Site name(s): Columbia Glacier (east) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA100 

Latitude: 61.0861 Quadrangle: VA A-8 

Longitude: 146.9402 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is 2,100 feet west of peak 3780 and 2.3 miles southeast of the summit of 

the Great Nunatak; it is at an elevation of about 2,000 feet in the SE1/4 section 14, T. 9 

S., R. 10 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within 

one-quarter mile. It is locality 86 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold? 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 A lode claim was staked in 1968 for gold deposits (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Bedrock in this area is siliciclastic rocks of the 

Tertiary Orca Group; the Contact fault that separates the Orca and Valdez Group is about 

1.5 miles to the northeast (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Tertiary; deposit is assumed to be epigenetic and to cross cut Lower Tertiary rocks of 

the Orca Group. 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a? 

Production Status: None 

VA100 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 207 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 At least surface prospecting has occurred at this locality. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and 

others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA100 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 208 

Site name(s): Gold King 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA101 

Latitude: 61.2071 Quadrangle: VA A-8 

Longitude: 146.7329 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is 1.7 miles west of Mount Cameron on the east end of a nunatak in the eastern part of Columbia Glacier; it is at an elelvation of about 3,600 feet in the NW1/4 of 

section 6, T. 8 S., R. 8 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This mine is located to within 

one-quarter mile. It is locality 2 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 2 of Winkler 

and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite, sphalerite, stibnite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 The Gold King mine consists of gold-bearing quartz veins that cut metaflysch of the 

Valdez Group (Johnson, 1915). The principal vein strikes northwest and dips 50 to 60 

degrees south; it is as much as a few feet thick but averages about one foot in thickness. 

Gouge is developed along one wall and merges into quartz stringer zones in shattered 

metagraywacke. The quartz veins contain calcite, a cream-colored carbonate mineral, and 

about 3 per cent sulfides including pyrite, galena, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and stibnite 

(Johnson, 1915). The veins were developed by three adits and more than 2,000 feet of 

underground workings (Johnson, 1915; Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]; Jansons and others, 

1984). A mill was installed on site. and total reported production between 1911 and 1922 

was 1,997 ounces of gold and 187 ounces of silver from 1,560 tons of ore (Hoekzema and 

others, 1986). The average grade indicated by this production is about 1.3 ounces of gold 

per ton. The U.S. Bureau of Mines collected five chip samples from the area of these deposits that contained 0.09 to 3.4 ppm gold and 0.1 to 1.3 ppm silver; two grab samples 

contained 4.85 and 45.62 ounces of gold and 1.0 to 1.7 ounces of silver per ton. Six other 

samples contained as much as 9 ppm gold (Pickthorn, 1982). 

 These deposits are probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting 

metaflysch of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by 

VA101 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 209 

Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and 

formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of 

CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths 

varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic 

devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 

49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez 

Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The veins were developed by three adits and more than 2,000 feet of underground workings (Johnson, 1915; Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]; Jansons and others, 1984). 

Production notes:

 A mill was installed on site, and the total reported production between 1911 and 1922, 

was 1,997 ounces of gold and 187 ounces of silver, from 1,560 tons of ore (Hoekzema 

and others, 1986). The average grade indicated by this production is about 1.3 ounces of 

gold per ton. 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 

VA101 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 210 

1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Pickthorn, 1982; Jansons and others, 1984; Hoekzema and others, 1986; Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 

1997. 

Primary reference: Hoekzema and others, 1986 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA101 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 211 

Site name(s): Curly Kidney 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA102 

Latitude: 61.0092 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.6014 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the crest of a north-northwest trending ridge, about 1 mile southeast 

of a small bay on the south side of Jack Bay. It is at an elevation of 1,500 feet in the 

NW1/4 section 14, T. 10 S., R. 8 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is 

probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 39 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and 

locality 31 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Gold-bearing quartz veins occur in shear zones that cut metaflysch of the Valdez Group 

at this locality (Johnson, 1919; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). The shear 

zones are as much as 10 feet wide and include as much as 3 feet of quartz stringers and 

lenses. The quartz contains pyrite and arsenopyrite. One shear was explored with at 25-

foot-long adit (Johnson, 1919). The quartz veins are probably similar to other goldbearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz 

veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, 

chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent 

CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities 

were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees 

centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming 

fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when 

deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and 

partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

VA102 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 212 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 One shear was explored with at 25-foot-long adit (Johnson, 1919). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1919; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1919 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA102 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 213 

Site name(s): Midas; Granby Consolidated Mining, Smelting, And Power 

Co. 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA103 

Latitude: 61.0132 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.2798 

Location description and accuracy:

 The Midas mine is on the west side of Solomon Gulch, about 1.3 miles south of Solomon Lake. The location of this mine by name is shown on the USGS Valdez A-7 topographic map (1996). This is also the location of the Jumbo Lode claim. The All American 

Lode claim is shown on this map as a shaft, one-half mile southeast of the Midas mine 

adit. This is locality 40 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 32 of Winkler and others 

(1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag, Au, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite, galena, pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Quartz, calcite 

Geologic description:

 Crudely stratiform massive vein and disseminated replacement deposits containing pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite occur in slate and metagraywacke of the Upper Cretaceous Valdez Group (Johnson, 1915; 1919; Rose, 1965). The mineralized zones 

are rich in quartz and pyrite. They are locally remobilized along fractures to form crosscutting, polymetallic sulfide-bearing, quartz-calcite veins and fracture fillings. The deposits are generally restricted to shear zones that strike N76W to S62W and dip 40 to 70 degrees north. The Jumbo lode ranged from a few inches to 20 feet in thickness and averaged 3 to 4 feet of ore width in a shear zone about 1000 feet long. The All-American lode 

is wider but of lower grade. Production from this mine was from the Jumbo lode and totaled more than 3,000,000 pounds of copper (Rose, 1965). In 1917, 21,000 tons of ore 

averaged 4.15 percent copper, 0.42 ounce of silver per ton, and 0.062 ounce of gold per 

ton. In 1918, 25,350 tons of shipped ore averaged 3.24 percent copper, 0.25 ounce of silver per ton,and 0.05 ounce of gold per ton. U.S. Bureau of Mines chip samples contained 

0.11 to 6.3 percent copper, 0.26 to 3.1 percent zinc, less than 0.005 to 0.66 ounce of gold 

per ton, and less than 0.2 to 0.6 ounce of silver per ton (Jansons and others, 1984). 

VA103 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 214 

 The All American lode was discovered in 1901 and the Jumbo lode in 1906. Most production occurred from 1911 to 1919. The Jumbo lode was developed on four levels 

through at least 650 feet of vertical extent; the underground workings aggregated about 

4,000 feet in length. Only the 600-foot-long third-level adit was not caved in 1964 (Rose, 

1965). The All-American lode was explored with a shallow shaft and open cuts. More recent exploration has occurred and may have included drilling (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-

1241]). 

 The country rocks are mostly slate and metagraywacke but some mafic greenstone bodies are locally present and some felsic dikes cut the metamorphic rocks (Johnson, 1915). 

The mafic rocks have been described as intrusive into the metasedimentary rocks. The 

rocks include siliceous schist (Grant, 1906) and quartzite (Johnson, 1919); sedimentary 

features are well developed in ore from this deposit (Crowe and others, 1992). The deposits are considered to be submarine volcanogenic in origin (Winkler and others, 1981 

[OFR 80-892-B]; Crowe and others, 1992). 

Alteration:

 Silicification, the mineralized zones are rich in quartz and pyrite. 

Age of mineralization:

 Late Cretaceous, the age of the enclosing sedimentary rocks of the Valdez Group. 

Deposit model:

Besshi massive sulfide deposit (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 24b) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

24b 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The All American lode was discovered in 1901 and the Jumbo lode in 1906. Most production occurred from 1911 to 1919. The Jumbo lode was developed on four levels 

through at least 650 feet of vertical extent; the underground workings aggregated about 

4,000 feet in length. Only the 600-foot-long third-level adit was not caved in 1964 (Rose, 

1965). The All-American lode was explored with a shallow shaft and open cuts. More 

recent exploration has occurred and may have included drilling (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-

1241]). 

Production notes:

 Between 1911 and 1919, the Jumbo lode produced 3,385,000 pounds of copper, 2,569 

ounces of gold, and 15,157 ounces of silver (Rose, 1965). This production was from 

49,350 tons of ore. In 1917, 1,000 tons of ore averaged 4.15 percent copper, 0.42 ounce 

of silver per ton, and 0.062 ounce of gold per ton. In 1918, 25,350 tons of ore averaged 

3.24 percent copper, 0.25 ounce of silver per ton,and 0.05 ounce of gold per ton. 

VA103 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 215 

Reserves:

 Rose (1965) estimated that the reserves at the Midas mine are about 60,000 tons of material that contains 1.6 percent copper. 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Grant, 1906; Johnson, 1915; Johnson, 1919; Rose, 1965; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 

1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 1984; Crowe and others, 1992. 

Primary reference: Rose, 1965 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA103 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 216 

Site name(s): Unnamed (near Jack Bay) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA104 

Latitude: 61.0279 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.5533 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is within Jack Bay State Marine Park; it is on the west-facing slope of the 

ridge in the center of the east side of the park. It is at an elevation of about 400 feet in the 

SE1/4 section 1, T. 10 S., R. 8 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 38 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and 

locality 30 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu, Zn 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Quartz 

Geologic description:

 Slate inclusions in greenstone of the Valdez Group contain pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and sphalerite (Johnson, 1919). The deposit was explored by a 25-foot adit. It may be 

a submarine volcanogenic deposit, similar to the deposit at the Midas mine (VA103). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Late Cretaceous, the age of the Valdez Group host rocks (Winkler and others, 1981 

[OFR 80-892-A]). 

Deposit model:

Besshi massive sulfide deposit? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 24b) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

24b? 

Production Status: None 

VA104 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 217 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The deposit was explored by a 25-foot adit. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1919; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1919 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA104 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 218 

Site name(s): Unnamed (north of Jack Bay) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA105 

Latitude: 61.0489 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.5845 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the south side of the ridge between Jack Bay and Port Valdez. It is 

near a small cirque lake about 1,500 feet above Jack Bay at an elevation of about 1,700 

feet in the NE1/4 section 35, T. 9 S., R. 8 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 37of Cobb and Matson 

(1972) and locality 29 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Pb, Zn 

 Other: Cu 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena, pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, quartz 

Geologic description:

 A mineralized shear zone in metagraywacke of the Valdez Group contains disseminated 

arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite, and galena (Johnson, 1919; Winkle, 

Miller, and others, 1981; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). Quartz and calcite 

accompany the sulfide minerals in the shear zone, which is 2 to 4 feet wide, trends N 10 

E, and dips 70 degrees west. A 40-foot-long adit explored this deposit. Four grab samples 

from the prospect area contained 10 to 190 ppm copper, 810 ppm to 0.15 percent zinc, 

and 0.13 to 0.18 percent lead (Jansons and others, 1984). 

Alteration:

 Silicification?; the sulfide minerals are accompanied by quartz and calcite. 

Age of mineralization:

 Late Cretaceous or Tertiary; the mineralized shear zone cuts Upper Cretaceous rocks of 

the Valdez Group. 

Deposit model:

Mineralized shear zone in metaflysch 

VA105 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 219 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This prospect was explored with a 40-foot long adit (Johnson, 1919). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1919; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 1984. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1919 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA105 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 220 

Site name(s): Patten Mining Co.; Golden; Happy Days 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA106 

Latitude: 61.0734 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.4035 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the west side of lower Sawmill Creek valley, about eight-tenths of a 

mile south of the shoreline near the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline terminal. It is at an elevation of about 1,200 feet in the SW1/4 section 24, T. 9 S., R. 7 W., of the Copper River 

Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, perhaps to within one-quarter mile. 

This is locality 77 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 A 160-foot adit was driven in 1917 on gold-bearing quartz veins that cut metaflysch of 

the Valdez Group at this locality (Johnson, 1919). These veins are probably similar to 

other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch of the Valdez Group in the southern 

Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that goldbearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 

mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid 

salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 

degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The veinforming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), 

when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

VA106 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 221 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 A 160-foot adit was reported to have been driven in 1917 on gold-bearing quartz veins 

that cut metaflysch of the Valdez Group at this locality (Johnson, 1919). These deposits 

may have been restaked as the Golden and Happy Sys claims in 1954 (Mulligan, 1974). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1919; Mulligan, 1974; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 

80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1919 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA106 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 222 

Site name(s): Cliff 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA107 

Latitude: 61.1245 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.5545 

Location description and accuracy:

 The Cliff mine is on the north shore of Port Valdez, just east of the spit on the east side 

of the mouth of Shoup Bay. The mine is located on the USGS Valdez A-7 topographic 

map (1996). It is locality 18 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 15 of Winkler and 

others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Ag, Au 

 Other: Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, galena, pyrite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Albite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 The Cliff is one of the major mines in the Valdez area. A system of linked gold-bearing 

veins cut metaflysch of the Valdez Group here. Individual veins are an inch to 5 feet in 

thickness and occur in faulted zones with gouge and slickensides, particularly along the 

footwall (Grant and Higgins, 1910; Johnson, 1915). The veins enclose lenticular masses 

of country rock and have offshoots of quartz stringers into the hanging wall. The quartz 

is bluish and banded in places; other gangue minerals include calcite, albite, chlorite, and 

an unidentified carbonate mineral. Ore commonly contained 3 to 5 percent sulfide minerals, including pyrite, galena, sphalerite, arsenopyrite, and stibnite. The vein system strikes 

northwest and dips moderately both north and south. It can be traced for more than 1,700 

feet along strike and more than 700 feet of vertically, from 442 feet above sea level to 332 

feet below sea level (Johnson, 1915; Moffit, 1954). The Cliff mine was developed by 

more than 8,000 feet of underground workings on 10 levels. The veins were worked over 

about 775 feet of dip length (Jansons and others, 1984). Deeper levels were commonly 

flooded during non-operating periods. Production was principally between 1910 and 

1918 and between 1936 to 1942, when it closed in response to Public Law 208 

(Hoekzema and others, 1986). Total production at the Cliff mine was 51,740 ounces of 

gold and 8,153 ounces of silver from 29, 695 tons of ore (Hoekzema and others, 1986). 

The average grade indicated by this production was about 1.7 ounces of gold per ton, conVA107 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 223 

sistent with early reports (Grant and Higgins, 1910). 

 These deposits are probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting 

metaflysch of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by 

Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and 

formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of 

CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths 

varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic 

devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 

49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez 

Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 The deposit is variably oxidized to a depth of 100 feet. Country rocks to gold-bearing 

quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably silicified, carbonitized, and 

sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; medium 

Site Status: Undetermined 

Workings/exploration:

 The Cliff mine vein system was traced for over 1,700 feet along strike land over 700 

feet vertically, from 442 feet above sea level to 332 feet below sea level (Johnson, 1915; 

Moffit, 1954). It was developed by more than 8,000 feet of underground workings on 10 

levels. Deeper levels were commonly flooded during non-operating periods. The facilities of the Cliff mine were obliterated by the tsunami that accompanied the Good Friday 

earthquake of March 27, 1964; the runup of this wave reached an elevation of 170 feet at 

the site of the Clff mine (Coulter and Migliaccio (1966). 

Production notes:

 Production was principally between 1910 and 1918 and between 1936 to 1942 when it 

closed in response to Public Law 208 (Hoekzema and others, 1986). Total production at 

VA107 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 224 

the Cliff mine was 51,740 ounces of gold and 8,153 ounces of silver from 29, 695 tons of 

ore (Hoekzema and others, 1986). The average grade indicated by this production was 

about 1.7 ounces of gold per ton, consistent with early reports (Grant and Higgins, 1910). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Grant and Higgins, 1910; Johnson, 1915; Moffit, 1954; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler 

and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons 

and others, 1984; Hoekzema and others, 1986; Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Hoekzema and others, 1986 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA107 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 225 

Site name(s): Bluebird; Whistler 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA108 

Latitude: 61.1260 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.6160 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the southwest flank of the ridge west of the mouth of Shoup Bay; it 

is at an elevation of about 600 feet below the center of S1/2 section 35, T. 8 S., R. 8 W., 

of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-quarter 

mile. It is locality 15 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 9 of Winkler and others 

(1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Cu, Pb 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite, pyrrhotite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 A 4- to 10-foot-thick shear zone with lenticular, shattered mafic dike fragments is cemented with an irregular network of mineralized quartz at the Bluebird prospect 

(Johnson, 1915). On the Whistler claim, a quartz vein and with fragments of silicified 

slate contain pyrite and free gold (Brooks, 1912). The shear zone is in metaflysch of the 

Valdez Group. In the shear zone the quartz is accompanied by calcite, chlorite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, galena, and pyrite (Johnson, 1915); Brooks (1912) reported that gold 

is present. Two adits, one 10 and one 100 feet long, and a short drift explored the Bluebird prospect by 1914; total underground workings were more than 125 feet long. These 

deposits are probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch of the 

Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain 

pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from waterrich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. 

The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures 

ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 

kilometers. The vein-froming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb 

VA108 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 226 

and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent 

high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Two adits, one 10 and one 100 feet long, and a short drift explored the Bluebird prospect by 1914; the total underground workings were more than 125 feet long (Johnson, 

1915). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Brooks, 1912; Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 

80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA108 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 227 

Site name(s): Alaska Gold Hill; Black Diamond 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA109 

Latitude: 61.1300 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.5173 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on a bench along the north side of Port Valdez about eight-tenths of a 

mile west of Camp Bowie; it is at an elevation of about 450 feet in the SE1/4 of section 

32, T. 8 S., R. 7 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to 

within one-quarter mile. It is locality 20 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 17 of 

Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 Two shear zones, 0.5 inch to 4 feet thick, contain crushed country rock and quartz veinlets in metaflysch of the Valdez Group (Jansons and others, 1984). The mineralized 

zones are assumed to be gold-bearing (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]; Winkler, Miller, and 

others, 1981). Three adits, one 50 feet long with a 75-foot-long crosscut and 55-foot-long 

drift, one 120feet long, and one 605 feet long, were present (Johnson, 1919). This deposit 

is probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch of the Valdez 

Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others 

(1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from waterrich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. 

The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures 

ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 

kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb 

and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent 

high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

VA109 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 228 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Three adits were driven to explore this deposit: one 50 feet long with a 75-foot-long 

crosscut and 55-foot-long drift, one 120 feet long, and one 605 feet long (Johnson, 1919). 

Production notes:

 There is no reported production from this deposit (Jansons and others, 1984). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1919; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 

1984; Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Jansons and others, 1984 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA109 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 229 

Site name(s): Sealy-Davis; Gold Bluff 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA110 

Latitude: 61.1277 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.5713 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is about 500 feet east of Shoup Bay and one-third mile northwest of the 

Cliff mine (VA107); it is at an elevation of about 300 feet in the SE1/4 section 36, T. 8 

S., R. 8 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within 

one-quarter mile. It is locality 15 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 12 of Winkler 

and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Cu, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 A gold-bearing quartz vein cuts metaflysch of the Valdez Group. The vein is 2 to 3.5 

feet thick, strikes northwest, and dips from 60 to 85 degrees south (Johnson, 1915; Smith, 

1917). It contains gold, pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, and pyrrhotite. On the Gold Bluff claim, a shear zone with 4-inch-wide quartz lenses and thinner 

quartz stringers contains calcite, chlorite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite (Johnson, 

1915). The Gold Bluff deposit was explored by 200-foot adit by 1914. The Sealy-Davis 

deposit was explored and developed by open cuts and over 1,500 feet of underground 

workings on four levels. Smith (1917) indicated the workings included adits, raises, winzes, drifts, and stopes over a vertical extent of as much as 450 feet. At least two ore shipments were made by 1915, but the total reported production is only 38 ounces of gold 

(Jansons and others, 1984). The U.S. Bureau of Mines collected 15 chip samples from 

three adits that contained 0.1 to 7.9 ppm gold and less than 0.1 to 1.6 ppm silver; one selected grab sample contained 17 ppm gold and 2.8 ppm silver (Jansons and others, 1984). 

 These deposits are probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting 

metaflysch of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by 

Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and 

VA110 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 230 

formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of 

CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths 

varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic 

devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 

49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez 

Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The Gold Bluff deposit was explored by 200-foot adit by 1914. The Sealy-Davis deposit was explored and developed by open cuts and more than 1,500 feet of underground 

workings on four levels. Smith (1917) indicated that the workings included adits, raises, 

winzes, drifts, and stopes over a vertical extent of 450 feet. 

Production notes:

 The total reported production from the Sealy-Davis mine is 38 ounces of gold (Jansons 

and others, 1984). 

Reserves:

 Janson and others (1984) estimate inferred reserves at the Sealy-Davis mine of 50 tons 

of material containing 7.9 ppm of gold and 1.6 ppm of silver. 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1915; Smith, 1917; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 

VA110 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 231 

80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA110 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 232 

Site name(s): Cube; Three-In-One 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA111 

Latitude: 61.1360 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.5523 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is about one-half mile east of Shoup Bay and one-third mile southwest of 

peak 2733; it is at an elevation of about 1,500 feet in the NW1/4 section 31, T. 8 S., R. 7 

W., of the Copper River Meridian. This mine is probably located to within one-quarter 

mile. It is locality 17 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 14 of Winkler and others 

(1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Cu, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, galena, pyrite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 A gold-bearing quartz vein cuts metaflysch of the Valdez Group at the Cube mine 

(Johnson, 1915). The mineralized zone trends northwest, dips from 50 degrees south to 

vertical, and is reported to have been traced for a few thousand of feet of strike length. 

The quartz vein varies from 3 to 10 feet thick, averages about 2 feet in thickness, and contains gold, arsenopyrite, galena, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite (Johnson, 1915). This deposit 

was developed by two adits, one 900 feet long and one 400 feet long, that were connected 

by a 160-foot raise. The Cube mine produced 73 ounces of gold (Jansons and others, 

1984). A U.S. Bureau of Mines grab sample from this area contained 0.031 ounce of gold 

per ton and 2.1 ounces of silver per ton (Jansons and others, 1984). 

 The Cube vein is probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch 

of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb 

and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly 

contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed 

from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, 

N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation 

temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied 

from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolaVA111 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 233 

tization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma 

(Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch 

underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This deposit was developed by two adits, one 900 feet long and one 400 feet long, that 

were connected by a 160-foot raise. 

Production notes:

 The Cube mine produced 73 ounces of gold (Jansons and others, 1984). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 1984; Hudson, 1994; 

Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA111 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 234 

Site name(s): Alice 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA112 

Latitude: 61.1359 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.6085 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is near the mouth of McAllister Creek on Shoup Bay (Pickthorn, 1982, sheet 

2); it is at an elevation of about 100 feet in the NE1/4 section 35, T. 8 S., R. 8 W., of the 

Copper River Meridian. This mine is located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 13 

of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 10 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-

B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, gold, limonite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, 

sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 A shear zone, commonly about 0.5 to 2 feet thick but locally as much as 6 feet thick, 

cuts metaflysch of the Valdez Group; the zone contains quartz-chlorite-calcite veinlets 

with gold, pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, and galena (Johnson, 1915). 

Brecciated country rocks in the shear zone are silicified and cemented with pyritiferous 

quartz (Brooks, 1912). The mineralized zone, which strikes about N60W and dips 70S, is 

traceable on the surface for as much as 1,100 feet. By 1916, a 250-foot adit with a raise 

and a 170-foot shaft with two 50-foot drifts at the bottom explored the deposit. A few 

small ore shipments, including 30 tons in 1912, were made from this mine. U.S. Bureau 

of Mines sampling included four chip samples that contained from 0.2 ppm to 0.109 

ounce of gold per ton and from 0.2 ppm to 0.18 ounce of silver per ton, and two grab 

samples that contained 0.005 and 0.257 ounce of gold per ton and less than 0.2 and 0.2 

ounce of silver per ton. Eleven other samples from this area contained 0.4 to 16 ppm gold 

(Pickthorn, 1982). 

 This deposit is probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch of 

the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and 

others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain 

VA112 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 235 

pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from waterrich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. 

The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures 

ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 

kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb 

and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent 

high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The mineralized zone was reported to be traceable on the surface for as much as 1,100 

feet. By 1916, a 250-foot adit with raise and a 170-foot shaft with two 50-foot drifts at 

the bottom explored the deposit. 

Production notes:

 A few small ore shipments, including 30 tons in 1912, were made from this mine. 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Brooks, 1912; Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 

80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

VA112 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 236 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA112 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 237 

Site name(s): Silver Gem; I.X.L.; Shoup Bay Mining Co.; Spanish 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA113 

Latitude: 61.1382 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.6232 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is on the ridge between McAllister and Palmer Creeks, on the west side of 

Shoup Bay; it is at an elevation of about 600 feet on the northeast side of the ridge in the 

NW1/4 section 35, T. 8 S., R. 8 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This mine is probably 

located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 11 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 8 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Ag, Pb, Sb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite, stibnite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 Shear zones that contain crushed and brecciated country rock and gold-bearing quartz 

bodies from a few inches to a few feet wide cut metaflysch of the Valdez Group on these 

claims (Brooks, 1912). In places the breccia is cemented by quartz and pyrite. At least 

locally, the shear zones include galena, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, and stibnite. There is at 

least a 500-foot-long adit on the Silver Gem deposit (Johnson, 1915). 

 These mineralized zones are probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting 

metaflysch of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by 

Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and 

formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of 

CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths 

varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic 

devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 

49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez 

Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

VA113 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 238 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 There was at least a 500-foot-long adit on the Silver Gem deposit (Johnson, 1915). 

Production notes:

 Ore shipments are reported from the Silver Gem deposit to a custom mill in Valdez 

(Johnson, 1915). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA113 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 239 

Site name(s): Gold Creek 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA114 

Latitude: 61.1415 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.4745 

Location description and accuracy:

 Placer mining took place locally on Gold Creek, probably at least one-half mile upstream from its mouth on Port Valdez. The site is plotted on the creek at an elevation of 

750 feet on the boundary between sections 27 and 28, T. 8 S., R. 7 W., of the Copper 

River Meridian. This mine is probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 75 of 

Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 62 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 The stream gravels of Gold Creek, which were reported to be as much as 50 feet thick 

in places, contain small amounts of placer gold (Brooks, 1914). Small-scale placer mining, including attempts at hydraulic operations, occurred at several locations along this 

creek from about 1906 to 1915 (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]). Bedrock in the area is 

greenschist-facies metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 

1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). Gold-bearing quartz veins are widespread through the Valdez 

Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle (Cobb and Matson, 1972). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

VA114 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 240 

39a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Small-scale placer mining, including attempts at hydraulic operations, occurred at several locations along this creek from about 1906 to 1915 (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Brooks, 1914; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA114 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 241 

Site name(s): Guthrie and Belloli 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA115 

Latitude: 61.1470 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.5545 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the southwest side of Uno Basin, about seven-tenths of a mile northwest of peak 2733; it is at an elevation of about 1,800 feet in the NW1/4 section 30, T. 8 

S., R. 7 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within 

one-quarter mile. It is locality 16 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 13 of Winkler 

and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Cu, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 A gold-bearing quartz vein from 1 to 10 feet thick cuts sheared metaflysch of the Valdez Group (Johnson, 1915). The quartz vein contains calcite, chlorite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, and galena. The vein was traced on the surface for about 

100 feet and explored by a 140-foot-long adit, a 90-foot-long crosscut, and 50 feet of 

drifts (Johnson, 1915; Jansons and others, 1984). Four U.S. Bureau of Mines grab samples from this area contained as much as 1.5 ppm gold and 19 ppm silver (Jansons and 

others, 1984). This vein is probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting 

metaflysch of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by 

Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and 

formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of 

CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths 

varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic 

devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 

49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez 

Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

VA115 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 242 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The vein was traced on the surface for about 100 feet and explored by a 140-foot-long 

adit, a 90-foot-long crosscut, and 50 feet of drifts (Johnson, 1915; Jansons and others, 

1984). 

Production notes:

 Production has not been reported from this deposit (Jansons and others, 1984). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 1984; Hudson, 1994; 

Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA115 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 243 

Site name(s): Thompson-Ford; Owl 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA116 

Latitude: 61.1473 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.5205 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is in the upper Uno Basin about 1.5 miles southeast of Mount Shasta 

(Pickthorn, 1982, sheet 2); it is at an elevation of about 2,700 feet in the NW1/4 section 

29, T. 8 S., R. 7 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This mine is probably located to 

within one-quarter mile. It is locality 19 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 16 of 

Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Cu, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, gold, limonite, malachite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 The Thompson-Ford deposit is a shear zone in metaflysch of the Valdez Group that 

contains gold-bearing quartz veins as mush as 1.5 feet thick (Johnson, 1915). The quartz 

veins contain calcite, pyrite, galena, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite. This mineralized zone 

strikes northwest and dips vertically. It was traced for 115 feet on the surface and developed by about 735 feet of underground workings, including a shaft, adit, crosscuts, and 

drifts (Johnson, 1915; Jansons and others, 1984). The Owl deposit consists of a shear 

zone with quartz stringers and lenses as much as 1.5 feet thick that strikes northwest and 

dips 30 degrees north in metaflysch of the Valdez Group (Johnson, 1915). The quartz 

also contains calcite, chlorite, limonite, malachite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, and 

sphalerite. This deposit was explored by about 190 feet of underground workings by 

1914 (Johnson, 1915). Ore shipments were made to the Tacoma smelter from the 

Thompson-Ford deposit, but the production has not been reported (Johnson, 1915; Jansons and others, 1984). Three U.S. Bureau of Mines chip samples from this area contained 0.4 to 0.59 ppm gold and 0.2 ppm silver; five grab samples contained as much as 

5.02 ppm gold and as much as 3.1 ppm silver (Jansons and others, 1984). 

 These deposits are probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting 

metaflysch of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by 

VA116 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 244 

Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and 

formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of 

CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths 

varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic 

devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 

49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez 

Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The Owl deposit was explored with about 190 feet of underground workings by 1914 

(Johnson, 1915). The Thompson-Ford deposit was traced for a length of 115 feet on the 

surface and developed by about 735 feet of underground workings, including a shaft, adit, 

crosscuts, and drifts (Johnson, 1915; Jansons and others, 1984). 

Production notes:

 Ore shipments were made to the Tacoma smelter from the Thompson-Ford deposit but 

the production has not been reported (Johnson, 1915; Jansons and others, 1984). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

VA116 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 245 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 1984; Hudson, 1994; 

Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA116 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 246 

Site name(s): Seacoast; Bunker Hill 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA117 

Latitude: 61.1568 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.5762 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is eight-tenths of a mile south-southwest of Mount Shasta and about onequarter mile north of lower Uno Creek; it is at an elevation of about 2,000 feet in the 

SE1/4 section 24, T. 8 S., R. 8 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 14 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and 

locality 11 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Cu, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, gold, limonite, malachite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 The Seacoast deposit consists of several gold-bearing quartz veins and lenses that cut 

metaflysch of the Valdez Group (Johnson, 1915). The quartz bodies range from an inch 

to 11 feet thick, but most are thin. They contain 

pyrite, galena, free gold, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, carbonate, chlorite, limonite, 

and malachite. Two adits, raises, winzes, and drifts totaling about 725 feet of length explored the Seacoast deposit ,although only one test shipment of ore has been reported 

(Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]). The Bunker Hill deposit is a 4- to 25-inch-thick quartz 

vein in Valdez Group metaflysch that has been explored with a 100-foot-long adit 

(Johnson, 1915). This vein is reported to contain arsenopyrite, galena, pyrite, sphalerite, 

and limonite in a gangue of quartz, calcite, and chlorite. The U.S. Bureau of Mines collected four chip samples in this area that contained as much as 1.29 ppm gold and 2.0 

ppm silver (Jansons and others, 1984). 

 These veins are probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch 

of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb 

and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly 

contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed 

from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, 

VA117 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 247 

N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation 

temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied 

from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma 

(Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch 

underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The Seacoast vein was explored by two adits, raises, winzes, and drifts totaling about 

725 feet of length (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]), although only one test shipment of ore 

has been reported. The Bunker Hill deposit has been explored with a 100-foot-long adit 

(Johnson, 1915). 

Production notes:

 There is no reported production from these deposits (Jansons and others, 1984). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 1984; Hudson, 1994; 

Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1984 

VA117 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 248 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA117 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 249 

Site name(s): Alaskan 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA118 

Latitude: 61.1805 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.3127 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is one-quarter mile west of upper Wood Creek at an elevation of 2,500 

feet. The location is shown of the USGS Valdez A-7 topographic map with a shaft symbol. It is in about the center of the N1/2 section 16, T. 8 S., R. 6 W., of the Copper River 

Meridian. It is locality 27 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 22 of Winkler and 

others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Cu, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, gold, limonite, pyrite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 A gold-bearing quartz vein, 6 inches to 5 feet thick, that can be traced for 150 feet in 

outcrop cuts metaflysch of the Valdez Group (Johnson, 1916). The vein contains pyrite, 

galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite and free gold. A short shaft and adit explored this deposit. Another vein 200 feet from the main vein may be another vein or a continuation of 

the main vein. These veins are probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting 

metaflysch of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by 

Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and 

formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of 

CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths 

varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic 

devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 

49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez 

Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

VA118 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 250 

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 A short shaft and adit explored this deposit. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1916; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1916 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA118 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 251 

Site name(s): Mineral Creeks 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA119 

Latitude: 61.1417 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.3609 

Location description and accuracy:

 Placer mining has taken place at various locations on Mineral Creek upstream from the 

town of Valdez for at least 4.5 miles (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B], locality 

63). The coordinate location used here are on the north side of Valdez at the placer locality shown by Cobb and Matson (1972, locality 77). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Low-grade placer gold deposits have been mined intermittently on Mineral Creek at 

various locations upstream from Valdez from before 1898 to at least 1914 (Cobb, 1972 

[OFR 79-1241]). Bedrock in the area is greenschist-facies metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). Gold-bearing quartz 

veins that may contribute to this placer are widespread through the Valdez Group in the 

southern Valdez quadrangle (Cobb and Matson, 1972). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

VA119 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 252 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Small-scale placer gold mining and perhaps more extensive prospecting has occurred 

along Mineral Creek for about 4.5 miles upstream from Valdez. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-

892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA119 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 253 

Site name(s): High Grade; Golden Sunlight 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA120 

Latitude: 61.1940 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.3404 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect, locality 26 of Cobb and Matson (1972), is near Mineral Creek about onethird mile north of the mouth of Wood Creek in section 8, T. 8 S., R. 6 W., of the Copper 

River Meridian. It is approximately located, perhaps within 1 mile. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Pb 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena, gold, limonite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Iron-stained and gold-bearing quartz veins in shear zones cut metaflysch of the Valdez 

Group (Brooks, 1912; Johnson, 1915). The 2- to 3-foot-thick shear zones contain quartzcarbonate veins that are less than 3 inches thick. The veins contain pyrite and galena 

(Johnson, 1915). Two adits, one 60 feet long and the other 140 feet long in 1914, explored these veins (Johnson, 1915). These veins are probably similar to other goldbearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz 

veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, 

chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent 

CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities 

were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees 

centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming 

fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when 

deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and 

partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Oxidation; the quartz veins are iron-stained. Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins 

VA120 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 254 

in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized 

(Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Two adits, one 60 feet long and the other 140 feet long in 1914, explored these deposits 

(Johnson, 1915). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Brooks, 1912; Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 

80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA120 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 255 

Site name(s): 45 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA121 

Latitude: 61.2086 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.3473 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the north side of the ridge between Brevier and Mineral Creeks at an 

elevation of about 2,400 feet in the NW1/4 section 5, T. 8 S., R. 6 W., of the Copper 

River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 

25 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 21 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-

B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Cu, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Thin gold-bearing quartz veins cut metaflysch of the Valdez group at this locality 

(Johnson, 1916). Fracture-filling veins in metagraywacke strike northwest and dip 70 degrees north. The veins are 1 to 6 inches thick and contain free gold, galena, sphalerite, 

and chalcopyrite. A 20-foot adit and an open cut explored this deposit in 1913 (Johnson, 

1916). These veins are probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting 

metaflysch of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by 

Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and 

formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of 

CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths 

varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic 

devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 

49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez 

Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

VA121 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 256 

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 A 20-foot adit and an open cut explored this deposit in 1913 (Johnson, 1916). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1916; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1916 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA121 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 257 

Site name(s): Blue Ribbon 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA122 

Latitude: 61.2084 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.2645 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located on the south side of a west-trending glacier lobe, about onequarter mile east of elevation 4030; it is at an elevation of about 3,800 feet in the NW1/4 

section 2, T. 8 S., R. 6 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 31 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 

24 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 A gold-bearing quartz vein, from a few inches to 8 inches thick and that locally including ribbon quartz zones as much as 8 inches thick, cuts metaflysch of the Valdez Group at 

this prospect (Brooks, 1912). The vein strikes east-west, parallel to the foliation in the 

host rocks. It has been traced over a distance of 1,000 feet along strike, an exceptionally 

long distance for quartz veins in the area. This vein is probably similar to others that are 

widespread in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others 

(1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from waterrich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. 

The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures 

ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 

kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb 

and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent 

high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

VA122 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 258 

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This vein was probably explored with small trenches and open cuts. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Brooks, 1912; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Brooks, 1912 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA122 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 259 

Site name(s): Rambler; Rambler Gold Mining Co. 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA123 

Latitude: 61.2074 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.6222 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is about 1.3 miles southeast of Mount Cameron. It is at an elevation of 

about 3,400 feet in the center of W1/2 section 2, T. 8 S., R. 8 W., of the Copper River 

Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 5 of 

Cobb and Matson (1972). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, sericite 

Geologic description:

 A gold-bearing, mineralized fault zone that averages about 1.5 feet in width cuts 

metaflysch of the Valdez Group (Jansons and others, 1984). The deposit was explored by 

two short shafts, a 227-foot long adit, and five trenches. At least one test shipment of ore 

was made in 1916 (Johnson, 1918). The U.S. Bureau of Mines collected three chip samples that contained as much as 0.64 ppm gold and 0.3 ppm of silver. This deposit is 

probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch of the Valdez 

Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others 

(1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from waterrich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. 

The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures 

ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 

kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb 

and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent 

high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

VA123 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 260 

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The deposit was explored by two short shafts, a 227-foot long adit, and five trenches; 

the total length of underground workings is about 400 feet (Cobb, 1979 OFR 79-1241]). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1918; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 1984; Hudson, 1994; 

Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Jansons and others, 1984 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA123 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 261 

Site name(s): Williams Gentzler; Ethel Mining Co.; Cash 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA124 

Latitude: 61.2170 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.2681 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is on the south side of the glacier at the head of Glacier Creek. It is identified 

on the USGS Valdez A-7 topographic map (1996) as the Cash mine with an adit symbol. 

It is locality 30 of Cobb and Matson (1972). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Pb 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite, pyrrhotite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 A gold-bearing quartz vein, 18 to 24 inches thick, cuts metaflysch of the Valdez Group 

(Brooks, 1912; Johnson, 1915) at this site. Sulfide minerals include pyrrhotite, pyrite, and 

galena (Johnson, 1915). One grab sample contained 0.24 ounce of gold per ton and and 

6.8 ounces of silver per ton (Jansons and others, 1984). By 1915, the mine was developed 

by about 100 feet of underground workings, including a 30-foot drift along the vein that 

exposed a 25- to 30-foot-long ore shoot (Johnson, 1915). An arrastre was constructed, and 

some concentrate was recovered from riffles. Some efforts to redevelop this mine occurred in the late 1920's (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]); the total length of underground 

workings is about 245 feet (Jonsons and others, 1984). This vein is probably similar to 

others that are widespread in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and 

formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of 

CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths 

varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic 

devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 

49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez 

Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

VA124 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 262 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 By 1915, the mine was developed by about 100 feet of underground workings, including a 30-foot drift along the vein that exposed a 25- to 30-foot-long ore shoot (Johnson, 

1915). An arrastre was constructed, and some concentrate was recovered from riffles. 

Some efforts to redevelop this mine occurred in the late 1920's (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-

1241]); the total length of underground workings is about 245 feet (Jansons and others, 

1984). 

Production notes:

 An arrastre was constructed, and some concentrates were recovered from the riffles. 

Some efforts to redevelop this mine occurred in the late 1920's (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-

1241]). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Brooks, 1912; Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 

80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 1984; Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

VA124 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 263 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA124 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 264 

Site name(s): Little Giant; Mountain King; Rose; July; Star; H.L. Jaynes 

Group; Poys; Giant 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA125 

Latitude: 61.2166 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.2944 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is on the south side of Glacier Creek. It is marked as the Giant mine on the 

USGS Valdez A-7 topographic map (1996) and located with an adit symbol. It is locality 

29 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 23 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-

B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Cu, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, gold, limonite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, 

sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Gold-bearing quartz veins cut metaflysch of the Valdez Group at this locality. The 

veins, which are from an inch to 4 feet in thickness, are semi-parallel to the foliation in 

the country rock (Johnson, 1915). They contain free gold, carbonate, chalcopyrite, pyrite, 

galena, sphalerite, and pyrrhotite (Johnson, 1915; Smith, 1937). Two grab samples contained 0.364 and 1.35 ounces of gold per ton and 1.4 and 5.8 ounces of silver per ton 

(Jansons and others, 1984). About 120 feet of underground workings and some surface 

stripping had been completed by 1914; several tons of ore gathered from outcrop were 

milled in 1914 (Johnson, 1915). Work on these deposits continued intermittently to 1937 

(Cobb, 197 [OFR 79-1241]), and workings eventually included a vertical shaft, three inclined shafts, an underground mill, and a 165-foot-long adit (Smith, 1937; Jansons and 

others, 1984). 

 These veins are probably similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez 

quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing 

quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid saliniVA125 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 265 

ties were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees 

centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming 

fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when 

deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and 

partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 About 120 feet of underground workings and some surface stripping had been completed by 1914; several tons of ore gathered from outcrop were milled in 1914 (Johnson, 

1915). Work on these deposits continued intermittently to 1937 (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-

1241]); the workings eventually included a vertical shaft, three inclined shafts, an underground mill, and a 165-foot-long adit (Smith, 1937; Jonsons and others, 1984). 

Production notes:

 The reported production from this property is 367 ounces of gold and 152 ounces of silver (Jansons and others, 1984). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1915; Smith, 1937; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 1984; Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

VA125 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 266 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA125 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 267 

Site name(s): Mountain View; Hickey Property 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA126 

Latitude: 61.2199 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.3138 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is one-quarter mile east of Smith Mill on Mineral Creek. Its location is 

shown on the USGS Valdez A-7 topographic map (1996) with an adit symbol. It is locality 28 of Cobb and Matson (1972). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Pb 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena, gold, limonite, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 An iron-stained, gold-bearing quartz vein with wall quartz stringers in the hanging wall, 

cuts metaflysch of the Valdez Group. The vein, striking about east-west and dips steeply 

north; it is as much as 3 feet thick but pinches down to a few inches in some places 

(Brooks, 1912; Johnson, 1915). Sulfides are not common but do occur in local concentrations; pyrite and some galena have been identified. The workings include a short adit and 

open cuts, one of which exposed the vein for 30 feet of length. This vein is probably similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by 

Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and 

formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of 

CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths 

varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic 

devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 

49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez 

Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Oxidation; the quartz vein is iron-stained. Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins 

VA126 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 268 

in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized 

(Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The workings include a short adit and open cuts, one of which exposed the vein for 30 

feet of length (Johnson, 1915). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Brooks, 1912; Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 

80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA126 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 269 

Site name(s): Hercules; Millionaire 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA127 

Latitude: 61.2240 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.3419 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is southeast of and below Johnson Glacier; it is at an elevation of about 

2,900 feet seven-tenths of a mile northwest of Smith Mill on Mineral Creek. The USGS 

Valdez A-7 topographic map (1996) shows this mine marked by adit symbols. However, 

this map shows the Hercules mine to be located about 2,100 feet farther west, where the 

Big Four mine (VA128) is actually belived to be located. This record follows Cobb and 

Matson (1972, locality 22) in placing the Hercules mine at this location. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Cu, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite?, galena, gold, pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Gold-bearing quartz veins cut metaflysch of the Valdez Group at this locality. On the 

Hercules claim, a quartz vein, from18 to 30 inches thick, trends N 80 E and dips 70 degrees north, approximately parallel to schistosity (Brooks, 1912). This vein was traced on 

the surface for about 70 feet and subsequently developed with about 500 feet of underground workings by 1916 (Johnson, 1915; 1918). Minerals identified in this vein include 

quartz, carbonate, chlorite, gold, pyrite, pyrrhotite, galena, sphalerite, and possibly chalcopyrite (Johnson, 1915). On the Millionaire claim, a quartz vein from 6 to 20 inches 

thick strikes N 60 W and dips 70 degrees north (Johnson, 1915). This vein was explored 

with at least two adits; the upper extended 130 feet and included some stoping and the 

lower extended 450 feet on a weakly mineralized shear zone (Johnson, 1915). Two U.S. 

Bureau of Mines chip samples from this area contained 11.8 ppm and 1.6 ounces of gold 

per ton and 4.2 ppm and 0.7 ounce of silver per ton (Jansons and others, 1984). Twentyfive other samples collected in this area contained from less than 0.05 to 1.5 ppm gold 

(Pickthorn, 1982). 

 These veins are probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch 

of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb 

VA127 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 270 

and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly 

contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed 

from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, 

N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation 

temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied 

from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma 

(Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch 

underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The Hercules vein was traced on the surface for about 70 feet and subsequently developed with about 500 feet of underground workings by 1916 (Johnson, 1915, 1918). The 

vein on the Millionaire claim was explored with at least two adits; the upper extended 

130 feet and included some stoping, the lower extended 450 feet on a weakly mineralized 

shear zone (Johnson, 1915). 

Production notes:

 The reported production from this area was 269 ounces of gold and 44 ounces of silver 

(Jansons and others, 1984). 

Reserves:

 Jansons and others (1984) gave inferred reserves for this area of 450 tons of material 

that contains 22.5 ppm of gold and 9.1 ppm of silver. 

Additional comments:

VA127 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 271 

 

References:

Brooks, 1912; Johnson, 1915; Johnson, 1918; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Pickthorn, 1982; 

Jansons and others, 1984; Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA127 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 272 

Site name(s): Big Four 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA128 

Latitude: 61.2213 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.3615 

Location description and accuracy:

 The Big Four mine is locality 22 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 19 of Winkler 

and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). It is south of and below Johnson Glacier at an elevation of 3,200 feet, 1.1 miles west-northwest of Smith Mill on Mineral Creek. However, 

the USGS Valdez A-7 topographic map (1996) shows this location, marked by adit symbols, to be the Hercules mine. This record follows Cobb and Matson (1972). See also the 

Hercules mine (VA127). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena, gold, limonite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 An iron-stained, gold-bearing quartz vein cuts metaflysch of the Valdez Group at this 

locality (Brooks, 1912). The vein is as much as 5 feet thick, trends northeast, dips steeply 

north, and is locally offset by northerly trending faults. It contains free gold, pyrite, galena, and sphalerite (Johnson, 1915). This vein was traced for at least 200 feet; it was developed by at least two adits with a total length of 200 feet by 1914 when a mill was installed at the mine. Additional work continued intermittently to 1939 (Cobb, 1972 [OFR 

79-1241]); the reported production was 846 ounces of gold and 371 ounces of silver 

(Jansons and others, 1984). Four U.S. Bureau of Mines grab samples contained from less 

than 0.03 ppm gold to 3.98 ounces of gold per ton and a trace to 1.0 ounce silver per ton 

(Jansons and others, 1984). 

 This vein is probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch of 

the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and 

others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain 

pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from waterrich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. 

The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures 

VA128 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 273 

ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 

kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb 

and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent 

high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Oxidation; the quartz vein is iron-stained. Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins 

in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized 

(Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This vein was traced for at least 200 feet; it was developed by at least two adits with a 

total length of 200 feet by 1914 when a mill was installed at the mine. Additional work 

continued intermittently to 1939 (Cobb, 1972 [OFR 79-1241]). 

Production notes:

 The reported production from this deposit was 846 ounces of gold and 371 ounces of 

silver (Jansons and others, 1984). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Brooks, 1912; Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 

80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 1984; Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

VA128 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 274 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA128 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 275 

Site name(s): Monte Carlo; Chesna; Sunshine 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA129 

Latitude: 61.2288 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.3453 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is east of the Johnson Glacier and west of Mineral Creek. It is about ninetenths of a mile northwest of the Smith Mill on Mineral Creek. The USGS Valdez A-7 

topographic map (1996) shows this location with adit symbols and identifies it as the Big 

Four mine. However, this record follows Cobb and Matson (1972, locality 24), who 

showed this location to be the group of mines named above. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Pb 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 An irregular body of quartz and an offshoot vein to it (the Monte Carlo claim) and 

quartz veins and stockworks (the Chesna claim) cut metaflysch of the Valdez Group 

(Johnson, 1915). The Monte Carlo quartz vein is as much as 5 feet thick and contains 

free gold, pyrite, and galena. This deposit was developed by two adits, and 4 tons of ore 

were mined in 1913. The lower adit was driven 145 feet and did not find the quartz vein. 

The upper adit intersected the vein about 36 feet in from the portal (Johnson, 1915). The 

quartz vein on the Chesna claim is 3 to 4 feet thick on the surface but narrows underground where it merges into a stockwork zone of quartz stringers (Johnson, 1915). The 

Chesna deposits were developed on three levels by adits that totaled about 750 feet in 

length. A thin quartz vein was explored by a 25-foot adit on the Sunshine claim (Brooks, 

1912). 

 These veins are probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting metaflysch 

of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb 

and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly 

contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed 

from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, 

N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation 

VA129 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 276 

temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied 

from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma 

(Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch 

underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The Monte Carlo deposit was developed by two adits, and 4 tons of ore were mined in 

1913. The lower adit was driven 145 feet and did not find the quartz vein. The upper adit 

intersected the vein about 36 feet from the portal (Johnson, 1915). The Chesna deposits 

were developed on three levels by adits that totaled about 750 feet in length. A 25-foot 

adit was driven on a thin vein on the Sunshine claim (Brooks, 1912). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Brooks, 1912; Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 

80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

VA129 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 277 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA129 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 278 

Site name(s): Solomon Gulch 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA130 

Latitude: 61.0303 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.2847 

Location description and accuracy:

 The lower part of Solomon Gulch, now partly covered by Solomon Lake, was the site of 

some placer mining. The map site is the approximate midpoint of a 1-mile segment of 

Solomon Gulch above Solomon Lake, in section 3, T. 9 S., R. 6 W., of the Copper River 

Meridian. This is locality 78 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 64 of Winkler and 

others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Some placer gold probably occurs in Solomon Gulch but early attempts at mining were 

unsuccessful (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]). Bedrock in the area is greenschist-facies 

metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-

892-A]). Gold-bearing quartz veins are widespread through the Valdez Group in the 

southern Valdez quadrangle (Cobb and Matson, 1972). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

VA130 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 279 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Small-scale surface prospecting and some mining attempts took place on Solomon 

Gulch about 1900 (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-

892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA130 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 280 

Site name(s): Mineral Creek 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA131 

Latitude: 61.2036 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.3173 

Location description and accuracy:

 This placer mine location (locality 76 of Cobb and Matson, 1972), is on Mineral Creek 

near the mouth of East Fork. It is approximately located, perhaps to within 1 mile. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Low-grade placer gold deposits have been intermittently mined at various locations on 

Mineral Creek from before 1898 to at least 1914 (Cobb, 1972, OFR 79-1241). Bedrock 

in the area is greenschist-facies metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group (Winkler 

and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). Gold-bearing quartz veins that may have contributed 

to Mineral Creek placers are widespread in the Valdez Group (Cobb and Matson, 1972). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

VA131 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 281 

Workings/exploration:

 Small-scale placer gold mining and perhaps more extensive prospecting has occurred at 

various locations along Mineral Creek. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-

892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA131 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 282 

Site name(s): Fort Liscum 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA132 

Latitude: 61.0820 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.3702 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located near old Fort Liscum, directly south of Valdez; it is now the site 

of the oil terminal at the south end of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline. This is locality 87 of 

Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Placer gold claims were staked in this area in 1971 and were active at least to 1973 (U.

S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). This locality is 

now part of the terminus facilities of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline. 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Inactive 

VA132 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 283 

Workings/exploration:

 Some placer exploration may have been conducted here. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA132 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 284 

Site name(s): Orion 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA133 

Latitude: 61.0026 Quadrangle: VA A-7 

Longitude: 146.5119 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the south shore of Jack Bay about one-quarter mile from its head. It 

is on the shoreline and very near the center of section 17, T. 10 S., R. 7 W., of the Copper 

River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 76 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au? 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 A 1- to 10-inch-wide quartz vein, assumed to be gold-bearing, cuts metaflysch of the 

Valdez Group at this locality (Johnson, 1919). The vein contains arsenopyrite and pyrrohotite; it was explored by a 75-foot-long adit that is now caved (Johnson, 1919; Jansons 

and others, 1984). This vein is probably similar to other gold-bearing quartz veins cutting 

metaflysch of the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by 

Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and 

formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of 

CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths 

varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic 

devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 

49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez 

Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

VA133 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 285 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This deposit was explored by a 75-foot-long adit that is now caved (Johnson, 1919; Jansons and others, 1984). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1919; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 1984; Hudson, 1994; 

Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1919 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA133 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 286 

Site name(s): Addison Powell 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA134 

Latitude: 61.0126 Quadrangle: VA A-6 

Longitude: 146.0978 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on the north side of the valley of an unnamed south tributary to the 

lower Lowe River. The mouth of this tributary is 3.3 miles upstream from Canyon 

Slough. The prospect is at an elevation of about 1,500 feet in the center of the S1/2 section 10, T. 10 S., R. 5 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 41 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 

33A of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag, Au, Zn 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite, gold, malachite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Stratiform lenses and disseminations of sulfide minerals occur in mafic metavolcanic 

rocks and metasedimentary rocks of the Valdez Group; the sulfide minerals include chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and sphalerite (Winkler, Miller, and others, 1981). Early work 

on this prospect described it as a large but low-grade deposit with chalcopyrite, some 

malachite, and a little gold. It was explored by about 150 feet of open cuts and a 100-footlong adit (Johnson, 1916). The metavolcanic rocks probably represent ocean-floor basalts 

that were accreted with the flysch of the Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 

80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 Oxidation; the deposits are iron-stained (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Age of mineralization:

 Late Cretaceous; the host metavolcanic rocks probably represent ocean-floor basalts 

that were accreted along the enclosing flysch of the Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 

1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

VA134 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 287 

Deposit model:

Cyprus massive sulfide (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 24a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

24a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Early work on this prospect included about 150 feet of open cuts and a 100-foot-long 

adit (Johnson, 1916). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1916; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA134 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 288 

Site name(s): Sulphide Gulch 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA135 

Latitude: 61.0170 Quadrangle: VA A-6 

Longitude: 146.0624 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is apparently on an unnamed south tributary to the lower Lowe River. 

The mouth of this tributary is 3.3 miles upstream from Canyon Slough. Cobb and Matson 

(1972, locality 79) call this occurrence 'Sulphide Gulch' , but USGS topographic maps 

show Sulphide Gulch about a mile west of Canyon Slough. The location shown by Cobb 

and Matson (1972, locality 79) is used here; it is at the center of section 11, T. 10 S., R. 5 

W., of the Copper River Meridian. The accuracy of this location is uncertain. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Cu, W 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite, gold, limonite, pyrite, scheelite 

Gangue minerals: Garnet, pyroxene, zircon 

Geologic description:

 Heavy mineral concentrate from stream gravels at this occurrence contained gold, 

scheelite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, limonite, pyroxene, garnet, and zircon (Rose, 1965). Bedrock in the area is greenschist-facies metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group 

(Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). Gold-bearing quartz veins are widespread 

through the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle (Cobb and Matson, 1972). 

Two massive sulfide prospects in mafic metavolcanic rocks of the Valdez Group (VA134 

and VA143) are located upstream from this occurrence (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 

80-892-B]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

VA135 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 289 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Only reconnaissance sampling has been done. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Rose, 1965; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Rose, 1965 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA135 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 290 

Site name(s): Lowe River 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA136 

Latitude: 61.0640 Quadrangle: VA A-6 

Longitude: 146.0104 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is along the north side of the Richardson Highway about 2 miles southeast of VABM Sponge; it is at an elevation of about 200 feet in the NW1/4 section 30, T. 

9 S., R. 4 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This occurence is probably located to within 

one-quarter mile. It is localities 80 and 81 of Cobb and Matson (1972). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: W 

Ore minerals: Gold, scheelite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Jasper (1967) identified scheelite in heavy mineral concentrate from stream gravels at 

this locality. Bedrock in the general area is greenschist-facies metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). Gold-bearing quartz 

veins are widespread through the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle (Cobb 

and Matson, 1972). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer scheelite deposits 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

VA136 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 291 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Only reconnaissance sampling. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Jasper, 1967; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Jasper, 1967 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA136 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 292 

Site name(s): Rose Johnson 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA137 

Latitude: 61.1837 Quadrangle: VA A-6 

Longitude: 146.1632 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is along the east side of Valdez Glacier at an elevation of about 1,300 

feet; it is near the center of the south boundary of section 8, T. 8 S., R. 5 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 34 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 26 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-

892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Cu, Pb, Zn? 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite, sphalerite? 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Gold-bearing quartz veins from a few inches to a few feet thick cut metaflysch of the 

Valdez Group at this locality (Johnson, 1915). A small mill was installed in 1914 but was 

only operated for a short time. About 50 ounces of gold were reported to have been produced (Jansons and others, 1984). The vein observed by Johnson (1915) was a few inches 

wide; it trended east-west and was vertical. Specimens said to have come from this property contained gold, pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, and sphalerite(?). The gold-bearing veins 

at this locality are probably similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez 

quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing 

quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees 

centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming 

fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when 

deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and 

partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

VA137 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 293 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Open cuts, short adits, and a 20-foot shaft explored this property by 1915 (Johnson, 

1915). 

Production notes:

 About 50 ounces of gold were reported to have been produced from this property 

(Jansons and others, 1984). 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Jansons and others, 1984; Hudson, 1994; 

Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA137 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 294 

Site name(s): Valdez Bonanza 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA138 

Latitude: 61.1901 Quadrangle: VA A-6 

Longitude: 146.2302 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on a saddle on the ridge west of the Second Bench of Valdez Glacier; it 

is at an elevation of about 4,000 feet in the center of the W1/2 section 12, T. 8 S., R. 6 

W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within onequarter mile. It is locality 32 of Cobb and Matson (1972). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 A gold-bearing quartz vein, 2 to 5 feet thick in outcrop, cuts metaflysch of the Valdez 

Group (Brooks, 1912) at this prospect. This vein can be traced on the surface for 50 feet, 

but it pinches out in a 100-foot-long adit. The vein is semi-parallel to cleavage in the 

metaflysch; the footwall is marked by slickensides that continue after the vein pinches 

out. 

 This vein is probably similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz 

veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, 

chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent 

CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities 

were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees 

centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming 

fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when 

deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and 

partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

VA138 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 295 

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 This vein is exposed in a cliff and can be traced on the surface for 50 feet; it pinches out 

in a 100-foot-long adit (Brooks, 1912). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Brooks, 1912; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Brooks, 1912 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA138 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 296 

Site name(s): Ramsey-Rutherford 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA139 

Latitude: 61.2043 Quadrangle: VA A-6 

Longitude: 146.1032 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is in a cirque valley, 1.5 miles west northwest of Prospector Peak. The mine 

location is shown on the USGS Valdez A-6 topographic map (1951; limited revisions, 

1980). It is accurately located. This is locality 36 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 28 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, gold, pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Calcite, chlorite, quartz, siderite, white mica 

Geologic description:

 The Ramsey-Rutherford mine is one of the major mines in the Valdez area; it had a recorded production of 5,375 ounces of gold (Jansons and others, 1984). Two or more goldbearing quartz veins cut metaflysch of the Valdez Group (Brooks, 1913; Johnson, 1915) 

at the mine. The main vein is steeply dipping and trends north-northwest. It varied in 

thickness from a few inches to about 6 feet; it averaged 2 to 3 feet in thickness over about 

450 feet of strike length (Johnson, 1915; Jansons, 1984). The second vein, about 90 feet 

north of the main vein, varies from a few inches to a few feet in thickness; other small or 

cross-linked veins are present in the area (Hoekzema and others, 1986). Sulfide minerals 

are generally absent to sparsely distributed in the veins, but they also occur locally in 

semi-massive pods and lenses. The sulfide minerals reported at the mine include pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, galena, and sphalerite. In addition to quartz, 

calcite and siderite occur as gangue minerals (Hoekzema and others, 1986). The mine operated intermittently from 1912 to 1939 (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]; Hoekzema and others, 1986). It was developed by at least 1,400 feet of underground workings by 1915; a 

162-foot shaft was sunk in addition to adits, cross cuts, and drifts on four levels (Johnson, 

1915; Hoekzema and others, 1986). Production began in 1914 after a mill was installed 

on site. The total recorded production of 5,375 ounces of gold and 1,194 ounces of silver 

was recovered from about 6,000 tons of ore (Hoekzema and others, 1986). The average 

VA139 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 297 

grade of the produced ore is about 1 ounce of gold per ton. Selected grab samples from 

the area contained from 0.05 to 37.5 ppm gold (Hoekzema and others, 1986; Pickthorn, 

1982). 

 The gold-bearing veins at the Ramsey-Rutherford mine are probably similar to others 

that are widespread in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb 

and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly 

contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed 

from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, 

N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation 

temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied 

from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma 

(Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch 

underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 The mine operated intermittently from 1912 to 1939 (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]; 

Hoekzema and others, 1986). It was developed by at least 1,400 feet of underground 

workings by 1915; a 162-foot shaft was sunk in addition to adits, cross cuts, and drifts on 

four levels (Johnson, 1915; Hoekzema and others, 1986). 

Production notes:

 The total recorded production of 5,375 ounces of gold and 1,194 ounces of silver was 

recovered from about 6,000 tons of ore (Hoekzema and others, 1986). The average grade 

of the produced ore is about 1 ounce of gold per ton. Selected grab samples from the area 

contained from 0.05 to 37.5 ppm gold (Hoekzema and others, 1986; Pickthorn, 1982). 

VA139 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 298 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Brooks, 1913; Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); 

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); 

Pickthorn, 1982; Jansons and others, 1984; Hoekzema and others, 1986; Hudson, 1994; 

Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Hoekzema and others, 1986 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA139 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 299 

Site name(s): Ibex; Valdez; Valdez Mining Co.; Donahue 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA140 

Latitude: 61.2054 Quadrangle: VA A-6 

Longitude: 146.1988 

Location description and accuracy:

 These mines are on the west side of Valdez Glacier valley, at an elevation of about 

2,500 feet in section 6, T. 8 S., R. 5 W., of the Copper River Meridian. The Ibex mine is 

shown on the USGS Valdez A-6 topographic map (1951; limited revisions, 1980). It is 

accurately located. This is locality 33 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 25 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Gold-bearing quartz veins cut metaflysch of the Valdez Group at this mine. The principal vein on the Valdez claims strikes N 60 W, dips 75 degrees south, and is 5 to 6 feet 

thick in outcrop (Brooks, 1912). The vein is commonly 2 to 6 feet thick in underground 

workings, where it includes as much as 4 feet of ribbon quartz. At one location underground where the main vein was intersected by another, the vein thickness expanded to 

10.5 feet (Johnson, 1916). A continuation of the main vein appears to be present on the 

Ibex claim about one-quarter mile northwest of the Valdez claims. At least 800 feet of 

workings had been driven in the Valdez adit by 1920 (Brooks, 1922). The 200-foot adit 

on the Ibex claim lost the vein after the first 100 feet (Brooks, 1912). A 470-foot adit, a 

shorter adit ,and 50-foot winze explore a quartz vein at the Donahue prospect nearby 

(Hoekzema and others, 1986). Grab and chip samples from the 3- to 10.5-foot-thick 

Donahue vein contained from less than 0.003 to 0.413 ounce of gold per ton and 0.01 to 

0.1 ounce of silver per ton (Hoekzema and others, 1986). 

 These veins are probably similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez 

quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing 

quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole perVA140 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 300 

cent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees 

centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming 

fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when 

deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and 

partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 At least 800 feet of workings had been driven in the Valdez adit by 1920 (Brooks, 

1922). The 200-foot adit on the Ibex claim lost the vein after the first 100 feet (Brooks, 

1912). A 470-foot adit, a shorter adit, and 50-foot winze explore a quartz vein at the 

Donahue prospect nearby (Hoekzema and others, 1986). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Brooks, 1912; Johnson, 1916; Brooks, 1922; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hoekzema and 

others, 1986; Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Brooks, 1912 

VA140 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 301 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA140 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 302 

Site name(s): Pinochle 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA141 

Latitude: 61.2010 Quadrangle: VA A-6 

Longitude: 146.1355 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is about nine-tenths of a mile west of the Ramsey-Rutherford Camp; it is 

at an elevation of about 3,300 feet in the S1/2 section 4, T. 8 S., R. 5 W., of the Copper 

River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 35 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 27 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-

892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 A quartz vein, assumed to be gold-bearing, cuts metaflysch of the Valdez Group at this 

prospect. This vertical vein, which trends N 30-60 W, can be traced on the surface for 110 

feet, but it pinches and swells such that the width varies from very thin to 3 feet 

(Johnson, 1915). About 200 feet of underground workings, a shaft, and several open cuts 

explored this prospect (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]). 

 This vein is probably similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz 

veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, 

chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent 

CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities 

were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees 

centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming 

fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when 

deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and 

partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

VA141 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 303 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171), when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 About 200 feet of underground workings, a shaft, and several open cuts explored this 

prospect (Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1915; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Johnson, 1915 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA141 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 304 

Site name(s): Unnamed (near Prospectors Peak) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA142 

Latitude: 61.2119 Quadrangle: VA A-6 

Longitude: 146.1019 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is located about 0.6 mile north of the Ramsey-Rutherford Camp in section 

3, T. 8 S., R. 5 W., of the Copper River Meridian. It is probably located to within onequarter mile and is locality 88 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 This prospect consists of three patented lode claims (U. S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler, Miller, and others, 1981). These claims are assumed to have been staked on goldbearing quartz veins that cut metaflysch of the Valdez Group. These veins are probably 

similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez 

Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white 

mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant 

amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced 

by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

VA142 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 305 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a? 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 At least surface prospecting has occured at this locality. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-

892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 

1997. 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA142 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 306 

Site name(s): Sulphide Gulch 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA143 

Latitude: 61.0026 Quadrangle: VA A-6 

Longitude: 146.0973 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is in the upper valley of an unnamed south tributary to the lower Lowe 

River. The mouth of this tributary is 3.3 miles upstream from Canyon Slough. This prospect is on this creek in the NW1/4 section 15, T. 10 S., R. 5 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 33B of 

Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag, Au, Zn 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Stratiform lenses and disseminations of sulfide minerals occur in mafic metavolcanic 

rocks and metasedimentary rocks of the Valdez Group; sulfide minerals include chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and sphalerite (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). The 

metavolcanic rocks probably represent ocean floor basalts that were accreted with the enclosing flysch of the Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]. 

Alteration:

 Oxidation; the deposits are iron stained (Winkler and others, 1980 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Age of mineralization:

 Late Cretaceous; the host metavolcanic rocks probably represent ocean floor basalts that 

were accreted with the enclosing flysch of the Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 

[OFR 80-892-A]). 

Deposit model:

Cyprus massive sulfide (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 24a) 

VA143 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 307 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

24a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Only reconnaissance surface examinations have been carried out. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA143 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 308 

Site name(s): Wortmanns Glacier 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA144 

Latitude: 61.0154 Quadrangle: VA A-5 

Longitude: 145.7481 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is at an elevation of about 1,600 feet along the west side of lower Wortmanns Glacier; it is in the SW1/4 section 10, T. 10 S., R. 3 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This occurrence is probably located to within one-quarter mile. It is locality 78 of 

Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: Ag, Pb, Zn 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite, galena, pyrite, sphalerite 

Gangue minerals: Quartz 

Geologic description:

 Iron-stained lenses and quartz veins in mafic metavolcanic rocks of the Late Cretaceous 

Valdez Group contain pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, and sphalerite at this occurrence 

(Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). The sulfide minerals are disseminated in the 

mafic metavolcanic rocks and in the quartz veins. The metavolcanic rocks probably represent ocean floor basalts that were accreted with the flysch of the Valdez Group (Winkler 

and others, 1981[OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 Oxidation; mineralized zones are iron-stained. 

Age of mineralization:

 Late Cretaceous; the host metavolcanic rocks probably represent ocean floor basalts that 

were accreted with the flysch of the Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-

892-A]). 

Deposit model:

Cyprus massive sulfide (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 24a) 

VA144 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 309 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

24a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Only reconnaissance surface examinations. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA144 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 310 

Site name(s): Lowe River 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA145 

Latitude: 61.1050 Quadrangle: VA A-5 

Longitude: 145.7508 

Location description and accuracy:

 This mine is near the mouth of Bench Creek on the south side of the Lowe River; it is 

about 4,200 feet south of the Richardson Highway on lower Bench Creek near the east 

boundary of section 9, T. 9 S., R. 3 W., of the Copper River Meridian. The mine workings are probably located to within one-quarter mile. This is locality 74 of Winkler and 

others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Old placer gold workings are reported near the mouth of Bench Creek (Winkler and 

others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Bedrock in this area is greenschist-facies metaflysch of 

the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). Goldbearing quartz veins are widespread through the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez 

quadrangle (Cobb and Matson, 1972). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

VA145 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 311 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Small-scale placer gold mining occurred at this localty (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 

80-892-B]). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA145 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 312 

Site name(s): Ptarmigan 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA146 

Latitude: 61.1834 Quadrangle: VA A-5 

Longitude: 145.6139 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is on a small south tributary to the Tsina River; it is about one-third 

mile southeast of Ptarmigan and is at an elevation of about 2,000 feet in the SE1/4 section 

8, T. 8 S., R. 3 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This occurrence is probably located to 

within one-quarter mile. It is locality 83 of Cobb and Matson (1972). 

Commodities: 

 Main: W 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Scheelite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Scheelite has been identified in stream gravels at this location (Jasper, 1967). Bedrock 

in the general area is greenschist-facies metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group 

(Winkler and others, 1981[OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Scheelite in stream gravel 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

VA146 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 313 

Workings/exploration:

 Only reconnaissance sampling. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Jasper, 1967; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Jasper, 1967 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA146 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 314 

Site name(s): Unnamed (at foot of Worthington Glacier) 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA147 

Latitude: 61.1717 Quadrangle: VA A-5 

Longitude: 145.7097 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is on the outwash plain of Worthington Glacier, about four-tenths of a 

mile northwest of the Richardson Highway. It is at an elevation of about 2,200 feet in the 

SE1/4 section 14, T. 8 S., R. 3 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This occurrence is 

probably located to within one-quarter mile. This is locality 82 of Cobb and Matson 

(1972) and locality 92 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: W 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Scheelite 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Scheelite has been identified in stream gravels at this location (Jasper, 1967). Bedrock 

in the area is greenschist-facies metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group (Winkler 

and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Scheelite in stream gravels 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Inactive 

VA147 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 315 

Workings/exploration:

 Only reconnaissance sampling. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Jasper, 1967; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Jasper, 1967 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA147 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 316 

Site name(s): Unnamed (north of Thompson Pass) 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA148 

Latitude: 61.1472 Quadrangle: VA A-5 

Longitude: 145.7508 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is about 1.9 miles north of Thompson Pass and about one-quarter of a 

mile northwest of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline. It is at an elevation of about 2,500 feet in 

the SE1/4 section 22, T. 8 S., R. 3 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is 

probably located to within one-half mile. It is locality 91 of Winkler and others (1981 

[OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Lode claims were staked and active from 1953 to 1955 on gold deposits at this locality 

(U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). These deposits are probably gold-bearing quartz veins similar to others that are widespread in the 

southern Valdez quadrangle. Data summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that 

gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, 

carbonate minerals, chlorite, and white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 

15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming 

fluid salinities were less than 8 percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 

375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The 

vein-forming fluids were produced by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, 

p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting (Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

VA148 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 317 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Small-scale surface prospecting. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 

80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA148 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 318 

Site name(s): Wortmanns 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA149 

Latitude: 61.1042 Quadrangle: VA A-5 

Longitude: 145.8653 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on lower Bear Creek about 1.5 miles southwest from Wortmanns on 

the Richardson Highway in the W1/2 section 12, T. 9 S., R. 3 W., of the Copper River 

Meridian. This is locality 89 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Placer gold claims were staked on lower Bear Creek as early as 1900 (U.S. Bureau of 

Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). The entire valley of the Lowe 

River between Keystone Canyon and Heiden Canyon was drilled and staked for placer 

gold deposits in 1915 (Johnson, 1916), but the mining was not successful (Moffit, 1954). 

Bedrock in this area is greenschist-facies metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group 

(Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). Gold-bearing quartz veins are widespread 

through the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle (Cobb and Matson, 1972). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

VA149 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 319 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Small-scale placer gold mining or prospecting occurred at this localty prior to WWI 

(Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Johnson, 1916; Moffit, 1954; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 

80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA149 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 320 

Site name(s): Sheep Creek 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA150 

Latitude: 61.1267 Quadrangle: VA A-5 

Longitude: 145.8261 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on Sheep Creek, about 2,400 feet upstream from the Richardson Highway; it is on the creek and on the south boundary of section 31, T. 8 S., R. 3 W., of the 

Copper River Meridian. This prospect is probably located to within one-quarter mile. It 

is locality 90 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Placer gold claims were staked on Sheep Creek in 1971 and were active until at least to 

1973 (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). Bedrock 

in this area is greenschist-facies metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group 

(Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). Gold-bearing quartz veins are widespread 

through the Valdez Group in the southern Valdez quadrangle (Cobb and Matson, 1972). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

Production Status: Undetermined. 

VA150 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 321 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Placer gold claims were staked on Sheep Creek in 1971 and were active until at least to 

1973 (U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980; Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B) 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA150 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 322 

Site name(s): Marshall Glacier 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA151 

Latitude: 61.0810 Quadrangle: VA A-5 

Longitude: 145.5099 

Location description and accuracy:

 This occurrence is about eight-tenths of a mile northeast of the toe of Marshall Glacier 

on an unnamed stream; it is approximately on the north boundary of section 24, T. 9 S., 

R. 2 W., of the Copper River Meridian. This occurrence is approximately located, perhaps within a mile or more. 

Commodities: 

 Main: Cu 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite 

Gangue minerals: Quartz 

Geologic description:

 Float of massive and semimassive sulfide cobbles and boulders have been found in the 

drainage of Marshall Glacier (Kodosky and Teller, 1989). Minerals identified in these 

cobbles include chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and quartz. The source and setting of this 

mineralization has not been identified. It is tentatively considered to be similar to other 

sulfide-rich occurrences in mafic metavolcanic rocks of the Valdez Group (for example, 

VA055 and VA144). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Late Cretaceous?; the host metavolcanic rocks may be ocean-floor basalts that were accreted with the enclosing flysch of the Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-

892-A]). 

Deposit model:

Cyprus massive sulfide? (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 24a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

VA151 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 323 

24a? 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Only reconnaissance surface examinations and sampling have taken place. 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Kodosky and Teller, 1989. 

Primary reference: Kodosky and Teller, 1989 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA151 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 324 

Site name(s): Townsend and Holland 

Site type: Prospect 

ARDF no.: VA152 

Latitude: 61.2084 Quadrangle: VA A-4 

Longitude: 145.4349 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is immediately below the Richardson Highway, about one-half mile west 

of mile 40. It is at benchmark Elbow (elevation of 1,656 feet) in the NW1/4 section 4, T. 

8 S., R.1 W., of the Copper River Meridian. It is locality 42 of Cobb and Matson (1972) 

and locality 34 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Arsenopyrite, gold, pyrite 

Gangue minerals: Carbonate minerals, chlorite, quartz, white mica 

Geologic description:

 Gold-bearing quartz veins from 3 to 5 feet thick cut metaflysch of the Valdez Group at 

this prospect (Moffit, 1935). One vein strikes N 40 E and was followed in an adit for 300 

feet. Open cuts and a 150-foot long adit were also used to explore the veins. These veins 

are probably similar to others that are widespread in the southern Valdez quadrangle. Data 

summarized by Goldfarb and others (1997) show that gold-bearing quartz veins in the 

Valdez Group commonly contain pyrite, arsenopyrite, carbonate minerals, chlorite, and 

white mica and formed from water-rich fluids with 5 to 15 mole percent CO2 and significant amounts of CH4, N2, and H2S. The vein-forming fluid salinities were less than 8 

percent, vein formation temperatures ranged from 225 to 375 degrees centigrade, and emplacement depths varied from 3 to 10 kilometers. The vein-forming fluids were produced 

by metamorphic devolatization reactions. Radiometric dating indicates that the veins 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Alteration:

 Country rocks to gold-bearing quartz veins in Valdez Group metaflysch can be variably 

silicified, carbonitized, and sericitized (Goldfarb and others, 1997). 

VA152 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 325 

Age of mineralization:

 Radiometric dating indicates that the gold-bearing quartz veins in the Valdez Group 

formed from 57 to 49 Ma (Goldfarb and others, 1997, p. 171) when deep parts of the accreted Valdez Group flysch underwent high-grade metamorphism and partial melting 

(Hudson, 1994). 

Deposit model:

Low-sulfide Au-quartz veins (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 36a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

36a 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 One vein strikes N 40 E and was followed in an adit for 300 feet. Open cuts and a150-

foot long adit were also used to explore the veins (Moffit, 1935). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Moffit, 1935; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A); Hudson, 1994; Goldfarb and others, 1997. 

Primary reference: Moffit, 1935 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA152 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 326 

Site name(s): Tiekel River 

Site type: Occurrence 

ARDF no.: VA153 

Latitude: 61.2337 Quadrangle: VA A-3 

Longitude: 144.9347 

Location description and accuracy:

 This prospect is on a bench along the south side of the Tiekel River, about 3 miles upstream from its mouth on the Copper River. It is at an elevation of about 700 feet in the 

NE1/4 section 30, T. 7 S., R. 3 E., of the Copper River Meridian. This prospect is approximately located, probably to within one-half mile. It is locality 91 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and locality 70 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Brooks (1914, p. 62) reported that placer gold was discovered on a bench along the 

right (south) side of Tiekel River. Enough gold was supposedly present to warrant installing a hydraulic plant in 1914, but there is no record of this or of subsequent mining 

(Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]). The bedrock of the Tiekel River is greenschist-facies 

flysch of the Late Creatceous Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 [OFR 80-892-A]). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

VA153 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 327 

Production Status: None 

Site Status: Probably inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 At least surface prospecting occurred in this area. Enough gold was supposedly present 

to warrant installing a hydraulic plant in 1914, but there is no record of this or of subsequent mining (Brooks, 1914; Cobb, 1979 [OFR 79-1241]). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 

References:

Brooks, 1914; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Cobb, 1979 (OFR 79-1241); Winkler and others, 

1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Brooks, 1914 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA153 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 328 

Site name(s): Little Bremner River 

Site type: Mine 

ARDF no.: VA154 

Latitude: 61.1510 Quadrangle: VA A-2 

Longitude: 144.4208 

Location description and accuracy:

 Some placer gold mining and prospecting took place locally near the mouth of Falls 

Creek on Little Bremner River along active outwash of the glacier at the head of the river 

(Moffit, 1914). The mine is on the river at an elevation of about 1,325 feet in the NE1/4 

section 25, T. 8 S., R. 5 E., of the Copper River Meridian. The location of mining is approximate, perhaps within 1 or 2 miles. It is locality 92 of Cobb and Matson (1972) and 

locality 71 of Winkler and others (1981 [OFR 80-892-B]). 

Commodities: 

 Main: Au 

 Other: 

Ore minerals: Gold 

Gangue minerals: 

Geologic description:

 Placer gold was discovered on Little Bremner River in 1901, and a little mining took 

place, mostly at the lower end of the active outwash plain of the glacier at the head of the 

river (Moffit, 1914). Drilling in 1911 showed that generally coarse gold was present in 7 

feet of gravel above at least 40 feet of glacial mud. Bedrock in the general area is greenschist-facies metaflysch of the Late Cretaceous Valdez Group (Winkler and others, 1981 

[OFR 80-892-A]). Gold-bearing quartz veins are widespread through the Valdez Group in 

the southern Valdez quadrangle (Cobb and Matson, 1972). 

Alteration:

 

Age of mineralization:

 Holocene. 

Deposit model:

Placer Au (Cox and Singer, 1986; model 39a) 

VA154 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 329 

Deposit model number (After Cox and Singer, 1986 or Bliss, 1992):

39a 

Production Status: Yes; small 

Site Status: Inactive 

Workings/exploration:

 Some drilling and small-scale mining occurred in this area between 1901 and 1911 

(Moffit,1914). 

Production notes:

 

Reserves:

 

Additional comments:

 This mine and prospect area are within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 

References:

Moffit, 1914; Cobb and Matson, 1972; Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-B); Winkler and others, 1981 (OFR 80-892-A). 

Primary reference: Moffit, 1914 

Reporter(s): Travis L. Hudson 

Last report date: 12/14/01 

VA154 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 330 

 References 

Berg, H.C., and Cobb, E.H., 1967, Metalliferous lode deposits of Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1246, 

254 p. 

Brooks, A.H., 1912, Gold deposits near Valdez: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 520, p. 108-130. 

Brooks, A.H., 1913, Mineral resources of Alaska, report on progress of investigations in 1912: U.S. Geological 

Survey Bulletin 542, 308 p. 

Brooks, A.H., 1914, The Alaska mining industry in 1913: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 592-A, p. 45-74. 

Brooks, A.H., 1922, The Alaska mining industry in 1920: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 722-A, p. 7-74. 

Burns, L.E., 1985, The Border Ranges ultramafic and mafic complex, south-central Alaska: cumulate fractionates 

of island-arc volcanics: Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, v. 22, p. 1020-1038. 

Cobb, E.H., 1979, Summary of references to mineral occurrences (other than mineral fuels and construction materials) in the Valdez quadrangle, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 79-1241, 167 p. 

Cobb, E.H., and Matson, N.A., Jr., 1972, Metallic mineral resources map of the Valdez quadrangle, Alaska: U.S. 

Geological Survey Miscellaneous Field Studies Map MF-438, scale 1:250,000. 

Coulter, H.W., and Migliaccio, R.R., 1996, Effects of the earthquake of March 27, 1994, at Valdez, Alaska: U.S. 

Geological Survey Professional Paper 542-C, p C1-C36. 

Crowe, D.E., Nelson, S.W., Brown, P.E., Shanks, W.C., III, and Valley, J.W., 1992, Geology and geochemistry 

of volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits and related igneous rocks, Prince William Sound, south-central 

Alaska: Economic Geology, v. 87, no. 7, p. 1722-1746. 

Dahlin, D.C., Kirby, D.E., and Brown, L.L., 1985, Chromite deposits along the Border Ranges fault, southern 

Alaska, Part II -- Mineralogy and results of beneficiation tests: U.S. Bureau of Mines Information Circular 8991, 37 p. 

Foley, J.Y, and Barker, J.C., 1985, Chromite deposits along the Border Ranges deposit, southern Alaska, Part 1 -- 

Field investigations and descriptions of chromite deposits: U.S. Bureau of Mines Information Circular 

8990, 57 p. 

Foley, J.Y., Barker, J.C., and Brown, L.L., 1986, Chromite resources in Alaska, IN Daellenbach, C.B., compiler, 

Chromium-chromite; U.S. Bureau of Mines assessment and research: U.S. Bureau of Mines Information 

Circular 9087, p. 23-29. 

Foley, J.Y., Burns, L.E., Schneider, C.L., and Forbes, R.B., 1989, Preliminary report of platinum-group element 

occurrences in Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys Public-Data File 89-20, 

33 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:2,500,000. 

Foley, J.Y., Mardock, C.L., and Dahlin, D.C., 1988, Platinum-group metals in the Tonsina ultramafic complex, 

southern Alaska, , p. 165-195, IN Vassiliou, A.H., Hausen, D.M., and Carson, D.J.T., Process Mineralogy VII: The Metallurgical Society. 

Goldfarb, R.J., Miller, L.D., Leach, D.L., and Snee, L.W., 1997, Gold deposits in metamorphic rocks of Alaska, 

p. 151-190, IN Goldfarb, R.J., and Miller, L.D., eds., Mineral deposits of Alaska: Economic Geology 

Monograph 9. 

References 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 331 

Grant, U.S., 1906, Copper and other mineral resources of Prince William Sound, IN A.H. 

Brooks and others, Report on progress of investigations of mineral resources in Alaska in 1905: U.S, 

Geological Survey Bulletin 284, p. 78-87. 

Grant, U.S., and Higgins, D.F., Jr., 1910, Reconnaissance of the geology and mineral resources of Prince William 

Sound, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 443, 89 p. 

Herreid, Gordon, 1970, Geology of the Spirit Mountain nickel-copper prospect and surrounding area: Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys Geologic Report 40, 19 p., 2 sheets, scale 1:31,680. 

Hoekzema, R.B., Fechner, S.A., and Kurtak, J.M., 1986, Evaluation of selected lode gold deposits in the Chugach 

National Forest, Alaska: U.S. Bureau of Mines Information Circular 9113, 62 p. 

Hoffman, B., 1972, Geology of the Bernard Mountain area: University of Alaska, Fairbanks, M. S. thesis, 68 p. 

Hudson, T.L., 1994; Crustal melting events in Alaska, p. 657-669 , IN Plafker, George, and Berg, H. C., eds., The 

Geology of Alaska: Geological Society of America DNAG, The Geology of North America, v. G-1. 

Jansons, Uldis, Hoekzema, R.B., Kurtak, J.M., and Fechner, S.A., 1984, Mineral occurrences in the Chugach National Forest, southcentral Alaska: U.S. Bureau of Mines MLA 5-84, 43 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:250,000. 

Jasper, M.W., 1967, Geochemical investigations along the Valdez to Chitina highway, south-central Alaska: 

Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys Geochemical Report 15, 33 p. 

Johnson, B.L., 1915, Mining on Prince William Sound: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 622-E, p. 131-139. 

Johnson, B.L., 1916, Mining on Prince William Sound: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 642-D, p. 137-145. 

Johnson, B.L., 1918, Mining on Prince William Sound: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 662-C, p. 183-192. 

Johnson, B.L., 1919, Mineral resources of the Jack Bay district and vicinity, Prince William Sound: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 692-C, p. 143-151. 

Kingston, Jack, and Miller, J.D., 1945, Nickel-copper prospect near Spirit Mountain, Copper Reiver region, 

Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 943-C, p. 47-57. 

Kodosky, L, and Teller, S., 1989, Economic mineral assessment of Chugach Alaska Corporation properties and 

selected land in the Copper, Bremner, and Tasnuna River area: Unpublished report, Chugach Alaska 

Corporation, Anchorage, 116 p. 

MacKevett, E.M., Jr., Cox, D.P., Potter, R.W., II, and Silberman, M.L., 1997, Kennecott-type deposits in the 

Wrangell Mountains, Alaska -- High-grade copper ores near a basalt-limestone contact, p. 66-89, IN 

Goldfarb, R.J., and Miller, L.D., eds., Mineral deposits of Alaska: Economic Geology Monograph 9. 

Mendenhall, W.C., and Schrader, F.C., 1903, The mineral resources of the Mount Wrangell district, Alaska: U.S. 

Geological Survey Professional Paper 15, 71 p. 

Metz, P.A., 1975, Occurrences of sodic amphibole-bearing rocks in the Valdez C-2 quadrangle, IN Short Notes 

on Alaska Geology, 1976: Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys Geologic Report 51, 

p. 27-28. 

Moffit, F.H., 1909, Mining in the Kotsina-Chitina, Chistochina, and Valdez Creek regions: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 379-D, p. 153-160. 

Moffit, F.H., 1914, Geology of the Hanagita-Bremner region, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 576, 56 p. 

References 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 332 

Moffit, F.H., 1915, Mineral deposits of the Kotsina-Kuskulana district, with notes on mining 

in the Chitina Valley: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 622-D, p. 103-117. 

Moffit, F.H., 1918, Mining in the lower Copper River basin: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 662-C, p. 155-182. 

Moffit, F.H., 1921, Mining in the Chitina valley: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 714-C, p. 189-196. 

Moffit, F.H., 1935, Geology of the Tonsina district, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 866, 38 p. 

Moffit, F.H., 1954, Geology of the Prince William Sound region, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 989-E, 

p. 225-310. 

Moffit, F.H., and Maddren, A.G., 1908, The mineral resources of the Kotsina and Chitina valleys, Copper River 

region: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 345-C, p. 127-175. 

Moffit, F.H., and Maddren, A.G., 1909, Mineral resources of the Kotsina-Chitina region, Alaska: U.S. Geological 

Survey Bulletin 374, 103 p. 

Moffit, F.H., and Mertie, J.B., Jr., 1923, The Kotsina-Kuskulana district, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 

745, 149 p. 

Moxham, R.M., and Nelson, A.E., 1952, Reconnaissance for radioactive deposits in south-central Alaska, 1947-

49: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 184, 14 p. 

Mulligan, J.J., 1974, Mineral resources of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline corridor: U.S. Bureau of Mines Information 

Circular 8626, 24 p. 

Pickthorn, W.J., 1982, Stable isotope and fluid inclusion study of the Port Valdez district, southern Alaska: University of California at Los Angeles, M.S. thesis, 66 p. 

Pierce, H.C., 1946, Exploration of Spirit Mountain nickel prospect, Canyon Creek, lower Copper River region, 

Alaska: U.S. Bureau of Mines Report of Investigations 3913, 8 p. 

Rohn, Oscar, 1900, A reconnaissance of the Chitina River and the Skolai Mountains, Alaska: U.S. Geological 

Survey 21st Annual Report, Part 7, p. 393-440. 

Rose, A.W., 1965, Geology and mineralization of the Midas mine and Sulphide Gulch areas near Valdez, Alaska: 

Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys Geologic Report 15, 21 p. 

Schrader, F.C. 1900, A reconnaissance of a part of Prince William Sound and the Copper River district, Alaska, 

in 1898: U.S. Geological Survey 20th Annual Report, Part 7, p. 341-423. 

Schrader, F.C., and Spencer, A.C., 1901, Geology and mineral resources of a portion of the Copper River district, 

Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Special Publication, 94 p. 

Smith, S.S., 1917, The mining industry in the Territory of Alaska during the calendar year 1916: U.S. Bureau of 

Mines Bulletin 153, 89 p. 

Smith, P.S., 1932, Mineral industry of Alaska in 1929: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 824-A, p. 1-81. 

Smith, P.S., 1933, Mineral industry of Alaska in 1930: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 836-A, p. 1-83. 

Smith, P.S., 1937, Mineral industry of Alaska in 1935: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 880-A, p. 1-95. 

Smith, P.S., 1939, Mineral industry of Alaska in 1937: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 910-A, p. 1-113. 

References 
Alaska Resource Data File 

Page 333 

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1980, Valdez 1:250,000 quadrangle map overlay showing mineral 

deposit locations, principal minerals, and number and type of claims: U.S. Bureau of Mines Open-File 

Report, August, 1980. 

Van Alstine, R.E., and Black, R.F., 1946, Copper deposits of the Kotsina-Kuskulana district, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 947-G, p. 121-141. 

Winkler, G.R., Miller, R.J., MacKevett, E.M., Jr., and Holloway, C.D., 1981, Map and summary table describing 

mineral deposits in the Valdez quadrangle, southern Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

80-892-B, 2 sheets, scale 1:250,00. 

Winkler, G.R., Silberman, M.L., Grantz, Arthur, Miller, R.J., and MacKevett, E.M., Jr., 1981, Geologic map and 

summary geochronology of the Valdez quadrangle, southern Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 80-892-A, 2 sheets, scale 1:250,000. 

References