EASTERN OREGON
MINING ASSOCIATION
MAY 2020
Volume 368
THE MAY EASTERN OREGON MINING ASSOCIATION MEETING
HAS BEEN CANCELLED
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE-
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
(CISA) exempts a long list of Americans from “sheltering in place”, including those that are necessary for mining and production of critical minerals, materials and associated essential supply chains…”.According to the Northern Miner, Canada also has made the decision that mining should be added to the list of priority activities and services permitted during the pandemic.
There was room for some optimism in Europe, too, as Germany – a leader among Western nations in combating the virus – said it would begin easing some restrictions on movement and allow a handful of businesses to re-open. Chancellor Angela Merkel has shown the world what early and widespread testing, sufficient numbers of beds in intensive care units, and well-observed social distancing policies can achieve, and the country has already begun testing people for immunity to the virus.
Many of us have had the virus and testing for immunity should be a priority. But, in the meantime, the sun is shining, the snow is melting and it’s time to get back to mining.
MSHA CLASSES ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
MSHA has issued the following: “The Mine Safety and Health Administration will work with mine operators when it comes to the following recertifications:
Surface and underground annual refresher training certification (30 CFR Part 48). Exemptions to recertifications will not be granted; however, their due dates will be extended by at least the time the government is operating under the President’s emergency declaration.
Ed Sinner has been working to help us find a new instructor. There is an instructor from California and another from Western Oregon who may come here to give our classes. Ed was funded by a grant, so his fee was very low. We will expect to pay more with a new instructor. If anyone knows of other instructors in the area, please give me a call at 541-446-3413.
PRICE OF GOLD FORCASTED AT $3,000/OUNCE-Bank of America
Bank of America has hiked its 18-month target for gold from US$2,000 to US$3,000 per ounce.
“As economic output contracts sharply, fiscal outlays surge, and central bank balance sheets double, fiat currencies could come under pressure and investors will aim for gold,” the bank says in a research note today.
“True, a strong US dollar backdrop, reduced financial market volatility, and lower jewelry demand in India and China could remain headwinds for gold,” it states. “But beyond traditional gold supply and demand fundamentals, financial repression is back on an extraordinary scale.”
Lower GDP growth rates around the world will continue to fuel massive monetary easing, the bank says.
“One of the most intriguing developments ahead is that U.S. GDP could drop by 30% year on year in the second quarter of 2020, the steepest collapse ever in modern history,” the report states. “Other countries like Japan will likely experience a 21.8% decline in output, while China just reported a contraction of 6.8% in 1Q20. As central banks rush to expand their balance sheets and backstop the economy, a lot of risks could effectively be socialized, boosting the appeal of gold.”
“In aggregate, major central bank balance sheets have been stable at around 25% of GDP for the last decade or so. But clearly COVID-19 has started a race to increase balance sheets and save domestic asset values.”
” The bank, which describes itself as “long-term gold bulls,” forecasts gold will average US$1,800 per oz. in the fourth quarter of this year and hit US$2,250 per oz. in the third quarter of 2021.
OPPORTUNITY TO BUY AN M7 WAVE TABLE IS RUNNING OUT!
As we said in the last newsletter, EOMA members are getting a first shot at purchasing this table before we advertise it further. There has been some limited interest in the Wave Table, at $3,500, but no one has come up with the cash. Thus, we will probably advertise in the IMCJ and see if we can make some money for EOMA.
We appreciate so much that Bill and Sandy Johnson have donated this Action Mining M7 Micron Wave Table to EOMA. This table is in good shape, and would work for any operation, large or small. Action Mining sells tables similar to this one new for over $9,000. We will be selling the table to make money for EOMA.
I have recently bought one of these M7- wave table (1998 model) and this used table works great. I have been using mine for clean-up, since it will concentrate extremely fine gold that my Blue Bowl misses. The Wave Table can recover gold particles from 10 mesh down to microscopic. My table works well on 30 mesh material and I plan to screen to 100 mesh and see how that works. For a production setup, some miners use two to three or more of these tables in sequence.
The unit we are selling has two adjustable water spray bars, and requires approximately 5-12 gpm of water. The adjustable table top and hopper are constructed of fiberglass, and this table was used inside their shop. The finish is vacuum-sealed and gel-coated in blue finish. The motor is a ½ HP electric motor drive, 110V AC, 60 Hz. It has a steel frame with yellow powder coated epoxy paint. The dimensions, (L x W x H) are 61 in. x 32 in. x 39 in. The weight is 409 lbs. EOMA members are getting a first shot at purchasing this table before we advertise it further. If interested call Ken or Jan Alexander at 541 446 3413, or e-mail to alxk@ortelco.net
DOGAMI PERMITS-Jan Alexander
A lot of companies are looking for “fully permitted” properties in Oregon. This includes an approved Plan of Operation on federal lands, and a DOGAMI permit on either State or Federal lands. Duel permitting is both a pain and a reality in Oregon.
The process of obtaining a DOGAMI permit (5,000 cubic yards or more excavated or one acre in a year’s time) has become quite a nightmare. DOGAMI employees are currently working from home, and everything just takes longer. They operate on a “consensus” basis. and no one-person seems able to make a decision. Start early on transfers of ownership, amendments or new permits. Be prepared to wait.
FIRST COBALT OF IDAHO HAS COBALT-COPPER PROJECT-Northern Miner
First Cobalt has staked 43 new claims covering an area of over 3.5 sq. km – increasing the project’s total size to 10.5 square kilometers.
First Cobalt’s president and CEO, said in an interview. “However, our interpretation of the geological results from the area suggested that several targets to the west of the property might provide further opportunities for high-grade pods of cobalt as well as copper as a by-product.”
Geological models of the Iron Creek deposit indicate that the strata bound mineralization is open along its 900-metre strike length and downdip to over 650 metres. Bedrock mapping has also revealed the continuity of the host rocks beyond Iron Creek and within the new claim area.
“We spent the second half of 2019 putting together resource estimates for Iron Creek as well as spending time in the field to gain a better understanding of the regional geology,” Frank Santaguida, the company’s vice president of exploration, told The Northern Miner. “This gave us the confidence to step outside our current property to explore possible targets on what may end up being even better ground.”
The Iron Creek deposit contains 2.2 million indicated tonnes grading 0.32% cobalt equivalent (0.26% cobalt and 0.61% copper) for 12.3 million lb. contained cobalt. Inferred resources add 2.7 million tonnes grading 0.28% cobalt equivalent (0.22% cobalt and 0.68% copper) for 12.7 million lb. cobalt. The project is located within the Idaho Cobalt Belt, which is considered to be a strategically important source of cobalt for use in rechargeable batteries in the North American electric vehicles market. “Identifying new sources of cobalt is essential for the development of a future low-carbon economy,” said Mell. “Therefore, the belt, which has historically been seen as an area for copper exploration, is now attracting attention as a new jurisdiction for cobalt. So, by looking beyond our Iron Creek property, we may be able to identify new zones of cobalt mineralization.”
UPPER NORTH FORK JOHN DAY MINING PROJECTS-SOPA USFS
The latest Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA) states the following:
This project has been cancelled due to a change in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest program of work priorities.
Miners like Ed Hardt, Dave Scott, Ken Anderson and Chuck Chase submitted their Plans of Operation as far back as 1998. Approval of mining Plans of Operation is a non-discretionary action. In other words, the Forest Service cannot say no. But it appears that the Forest Service can simply “change their priorities” and do nothing. They are just so broken.
EOMA ADVERTISING AND SALE LISTINGS
EOMA SILVER MEDALLIONS FOR SALE
As most of you know, EOMA did not mint 2019 medallions, nor will we mint 2020 medallions. However, we still have 2018 medallions available, as well as some medallions from previous years. They are currently selling for $50.00 apiece plus $5.00 shipping, handling, and insurance. (Prices are subject to change).
You can order your medallion from the EOMA website and pay by pay-pal. Or, you can send $50 plus $5.00 shipping and handling to EOMA, Medallions, PO Box 932, Baker City, OR 97814, or call 541-523-3285. Also, you can buy them at our EOMA meetings whenever we can have them again.
PRICE REDUCED-BLUE SKY PLACER MINE NOW $3,500
Due to my health, I will no longer be mining. This is an opportunity for someone younger than me to buy three mining claims, two on Bull Run Creek, and one on Swamp Creek, a tributary of Bull Run Creek. The mine has an approved Plan of Operation with the Forest Service, and is set up for a trommel and backhoe operation. Can assume the plan and the $1,400 Bond. Six off channel ponds. Number six pond is the fresh water pond and number five you can discharge into. Can pan gold out of the tailings. Quite a bit of testing done and assay work; has all of the 17 Rare Earth Minerals. Call (541-310-8510)
SUCTION DREDGE MINERS-RARE OPPORTUNITY FOR MINING-PRICE REDUCED TO $9, 000
The Sue is located on the North Fork Burnt River, which is open for suction dredging, and is accessed by a good county road. The North Fork has a long dredging season-July 1-October 31 each year. I am selling the 20-acre Sue claim, where the river runs the length of the claim, along with two dredges (a 4” and a 6”), two trailers for them and accessories, two wet suits with weight belts, one repair kit and a few other items.
There is also an approved Plan of Operation with the Forest Service for using a trommel and mechanized equipment beside the river. The dredging equipment alone is worth over what you will be paying for the total package, it's like getting the claim for free. For information call Stan Baker 541-938-8353 HM 509-386-7465 CELL swbrockett@msn.com.
GOLDEN ANGEL PLACER CLAIMS FOR SALE
Located on Pine Creek, adjacent to the High Bar (Gold Rush) claims, the four 20-acre Golden Angels have an approved Plan of Operation in place. Good County road access, water for processing, WPCF permit goes with the sale. For information, call John at 541-620-1177.
GOLD CLAIMS FOR SALE (3)
6 unpatented placer claims (180 acres) located on Elk Creek near Baker City.
Sale includes all equipment (2 excavators, dump truck, trommel, pumps, generators, etc).
Site was featured on the cover of ICMJ’s Prospecting and Mining Journal (August 2014).
Approved Plan of Operation with US Forest Service in place and can be transferred (expires 2021). DEQ process permit goes with the sale of the claims. For price, pictures and details, call Don Enright, 509-860-1145 or email: donaldenright25@gmail.com
NATIVE SPIRIT 60 ACRE CLAIM FOR SALE
This claim is located on McCully Creek on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest just west of the town of Sumpter. Good access, off-channel water is available for processing. DEQ process permit goes with the sale of the claim. Plan of Operation is scheduled to be approved in the fall of 2020. Call Charles Stewart at 541-910-5435 for more information. I will look at any reasonable offers.
WANTED-GOLD
Gold Specimens and Gold nuggets, mostly from Oregon mines. Fair prices paid. Also selling Gold nugget jewelry, specimens, nuggets and more. For an interesting and informative experience explore www.northernnevadagold.com. Call Robert 775-455-6470.
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ACTION MINING SERVICES, INC.
AMS is selling out all assay supplies, screens, chemicals and labware! Call for quote and mention this ad for 35% off! Assay supplies, concentrators, impact mills, technical books (for the beginner to the advanced mill man), & more!
Call for our free catalog or visit us online! Check out their website for information on wave tables. PO Box 1913, Sandy OR 97055 Phone: 503 826-9330 • 800 624-1511 sales@actionmining.com • www.actionmining.com
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