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Writer's picturewitan nook

A Closer look at Austin Gold Corp.’s Stockade Mountain and Lone Mountain Projects

5 minute read - Published 09:20 AM EST, Wednesday September 4, 2024

This article was authored by witan nook. for Austin Gold Corp.


Austin Gold is setting its sights on unlocking significant mineral wealth with its two priority projects: Lone Mountain and Stockade Mountain. While both hold promise, Lone Mountain may emerge as a top priority throughout coming exploration activities as it is strategically positioned to follow in the footsteps of renowned nearby gold mines in the heart of Nevada’s prolific Carlin Trend.


Lone Mountain Project in Elko County, Nevada

Lone Mountain Project in Elko County, Nevada  | Austin Gold


The Lone Mountain Project: Pioneering Potential in Nevada’s Gold Belt

Nestled just 22 miles (35 km) northeast of Nevada’s renowned Carlin Trend, which is one of the richest gold mining districts globally, having produced over 100 million ounces of gold by 2024, and 19 miles (30 km) south of the Jerritt Canyon deposits, Austin Gold’s Lone Mountain project is a rising star in the company’s portfolio. Spanning 802 lode mining claims across approximately 22.2 square miles (57.5 square km), this project is strategically located at the southern end of the Independence Mountains, within one of the most significant gold mining districts in the world. The proximity of Lone Mountain to major historical gold deposits and established mining infrastructure enhances its potential to become a substantial contributor to Nevada’s gold production.


The Lone Mountain project is currently in the exploration stage, and while no mineral resources or reserves have been identified yet, the project’s geology is highly promising. The area is characterized by a complex geologic setting that includes a broadly folded sequence of Paleozoic lithologies, geological “windows” through the Roberts Mountains Thrust, and a multi-phase intrusive complex from the Tertiary age. This structural setup is particularly significant because it mirrors other productive gold mining windows in Nevada, such as those hosting the Gold Quarry (Newmont and Barrick), Carlin (Newmont and Barrick), and Gold Strike (Barrick) mines. These analogies suggest that Lone Mountain could potentially harbour similar Carlin-Type gold mineralization, which has been responsible for some of the largest gold discoveries in the state.


The geological history of Lone Mountain is deeply intertwined with the Antler Orogeny, a mid-Paleozoic mountain-building event that shaped much of Nevada’s substantial mineral wealth. During this period, thrust faults were formed, emplacing deeper water siliciclastic rocks over nearer-shore Devonian and Silurian carbonates, creating a favourable environment for gold mineralization. The erosion and block faulting that followed have exposed these lower plate carbonate rocks, creating what is known as the “Lone Mountain window.” This geologic window is similar to other gold-bearing windows in the Carlin Trend, where significant gold deposits have been discovered and mined over the past several decades.


Viewing Lone Mountain Project Surveys

Viewing Lone Mountain Project Surveys | Austin Gold


Historical exploration at Lone Mountain has been extensive, albeit sporadic. Mining activities began as early as 1939 at the Rip Van Winkle Mine, located in the northwestern part of the property. This mine produced substantial amounts of silver, lead, and zinc before operations ceased in 1949. Modern exploration began in the 1960s, with companies like Newmont and Freeport-McMoRan conducting drilling programs targeting Carlin-Type gold deposits. Despite the considerable effort, these early explorations were largely focused on small target areas, and many of the deeper, potentially more lucrative zones remain under-explored.


In recent years, Austin Gold has taken a more comprehensive approach, conducting an extensive review of historical data and planning a multi-faceted exploration program. This includes geologic mapping, soil and rock-chip sampling, and possibly additional geophysical surveys. The ultimate goal is to identify drill targets that could unlock the significant gold potential that Lone Mountain holds. Given its geological similarities to other highly productive regions in the Carlin Trend, Lone Mountain is poised to become a key focus for Austin Gold as it seeks to create a discovery and advance this project toward development.

Furthermore, the strategic location of Lone Mountain near the town of Elko, a major mining hub in Nevada, provides the project with access to a local workforce, infrastructure, and contractor support. This logistical advantage reduces operational challenges and positions the project favourably for future development. 


In summary, the Lone Mountain project represents a significant opportunity for Austin Gold to expand its footprint in one of the world’s most prolific gold mining regions. With a strategic location, promising geology, and a well-planned exploration program, Lone Mountain may well become the cornerstone of Austin Gold’s future growth, potentially unlocking substantial value for the company and its shareholders. 


Stockade Mountain project: Tapping into Oregon’s Gold-Silver Potential

In southeastern Oregon’s Malheur County, Austin Gold holds a promising position with its Stockade Mountain Project. Covering 10.6 square miles (27.5 square km) of BLM-administered land, Stockade Mountain sits amidst a significant gold-silver hydrothermal system. This system, characterised by rhyolite intrusions and widespread hydrothermal alteration, mirrors successful deposits in the region.


Previous exploration efforts by industry giants like BHP and Phelps Dodge (now Freeport-McMoRan) identified shallow, bulk-tonnage potential, low-grade gold and silver mineralization near the surface. Recent drilling by Austin Gold confirmed the presence of high-grade gold-silver mineralization in stockworks veins at moderate depth, reaffirming the project’s exploration potential for high grade gold/silver deposits that could be mined underground. Accessed through a network of state and county roads from Burns, Oregon, Stockade Mountain benefits from its proximity to established rural communities, providing essential logistical support for ongoing exploration activities. Additional logistical support comes from established infrastructure, including roads and power lines, which could facilitate future development. This accessibility, combined with the project's geological potential, positions Stockade Mountain as a highly strategic asset within Austin Gold’s portfolio. 


Recent exploration efforts by Austin Gold and previous project operators have focused on conducting detailed geological and geophysical surveys of the Stockade Mountain area. This work has included airborne magnetic surveys, soil geochemistry, and rock chip sampling, all aimed at identifying potential drill targets. The company’s exploration program is designed to test beneath the known high-level gold/silver-bearing stockworks mineralization for high-grade vein deposits formed deeper in the hydrothermal system. A limited drilling program consisting of three exploration holes in late 2023 - early 2024 confirmed that the mineralizing system at Stockade Mountain is robust and contains significant gold grades, with the strongest gold intercepts of 8.19 g/t over 4 feet (1.2 metres) and 9.32 g/t over 2.7 feet (0.82 metres).



Stockade Mountain Project in Malheur County, Oregon

Stockade Mountain Project in Malheur County, Oregon | Austin Gold


As Austin Gold Corp. advances its exploration efforts at Lone Mountain and Stockade Mountain, the company stands poised to unlock substantial mineral resources in two strategically located projects. With rich geological endowments and proximity to major mining infrastructure, both projects exemplify Austin Gold’s commitment to tapping into Nevada and Oregon’s rich mining legacies, promising potential returns in the vibrant gold market.


This article was authored by witan nook. and paid for by Austin Gold in Canadian dollars

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