Exploration History
In 1999 Dr. Michael B. Mehrtens made an aerial photo study and geologic interpretation of the entire region of the Magic Reservoir Eruptive Center located in south-central Idaho, approximately 35 miles north of Twin Falls. The study revealed the Portuguese Creek area in Lincoln County Idaho to be distinguished by the presence of volcanic vent structures.
Pre-Feasibility and Mining Claims
In October of 2001, Resources Opportunity Corporation International (ROCI) and Dr. Michael B. Mehrtens embarked on a precious metals exploration project to determine the pre-feasibility of a precious metals mineral occurrence in South Central Idaho. The Partnership initially staked ten mining claims with BLM in an area with potential for mineral occurrences. Forty-four (44) surface samples were taken throughout the mining claims. The data from the initial surface sample assay tests, using ROCI’s proprietary methods, concluded that sufficient gold and platinum group metals were present, warranting further study. Based on these positive first laboratory results on the ten mining claims, the Partnership secured an additional 119 BLM mining claims, but subsequently reduced the total number of mining claims to 70. The General Partner believes that the Partnership’s existing claims represent a large enough area to provide adequate protection from outside intervention by adverse claimants into the large potential prospect area.
Exploratory Drilling and Assay Material
The Partnership completed an exploratory drilling program of the Project in November 2002. A grid area was established that was approximately 800 feet wide by 1,200 feet long. A total of 12 core holes were drilled down to an average depth of approximately 250 feet. Comprehensive testing was conducted internally and externally with independent outside labs on the core samples. Testing showed that gold, palladium and platinum were uniformly disseminated throughout the test area. Statistical analysis on the early data indicated a strong connection for the common occurrence of these metals in the mineralization. Metallurgical and petrology studies have also indicated that these metals occur as naturally occurring alloys. Core Hole Assay averages composites were tested at 50-foot intervals. Approximately 300 assays were conducted on the 12 core hole samples. All previous test work, including the work of independent assayers, confirmed the presence of platinum, gold and palladium.