The operator and majority limited partner of the Portuguese Creek Partnership, Resources Opportunity Corporation International (ROCI), has developed an eco-friendly, non-cyanide, “halide leach” process, specifically designed for the Portuguese Creek Mine ore. This methodology primarily uses brines, or salts to make the metals soluble during leaching. Once leached, the metals are collected onto precious metal-specific collection mediums (known as ion exchange resins). The leach process is a closed loop recycled system, eliminating excess water use and excess reagent costs.