No working gold mines in region, but there's hope in Beardmore-Geraldton.

• Author: Bickford, Paul
• Position: Ontario - Gold Mining Report

No working gold mines in region, but there's hope in Beardmore-Geraldton

While there are currently no producing gold mines in the Beardmore-Geraldton mining district, there is no shortage of people looking and hoping.

Last year there were about 90 exploration programs in the district, noted John Mason, resident geologist with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. "Hopefully, there will be up to 100 or more by year end," said Mason.

However, as of mid-May, activity had decreased from the last year, with only one drilling activity at break-up, noted Mason.

The work is being conducted by small-scale prospectors, junior mining companies and majors, such as Placer Dome Inc.

Much of the exploration activity is on the west side of the Beardmore-Geraldton belt, said Mason. "You've got a real hot-bed of prospecting in Beardmore."

The town has only 400 to 500 people, but there are about 60 to 70 projects planned with help from the new Ontario Prospectors Assistance Program (OPAP), Mason noted.

However, he pointed out that much of the groundwork will be done just to keep claims active.

"The trend for two years is that less money is being spent," Mason said.

In 1989 expenses were 40 per cent less than what was spent on exploration in 1988, he said, adding that people are doing a minimum to hold on to their claims.

However, Mason believes that OPAP will help increase exploration.

Last year 89 exploration programs were undertaken by prospectors and companies, and 17,514 claims were active. About 85 per cent of the exploration dollars were spent in the search for gold.

The Beardmore-Geraldton district also includes Jellicoe, Longlac, Nakina, Fort Hope, Lansdowne House, Summer Beaver and Webequie.

FOISEY PROPERTY

Freewest Resources Inc. of Montreal has decided to abandon the Foisey property, northeast of Beardmore in Rickaby Township, after final drilling over the winter.

"It hasn't been all that great," said Freewest president Mac Watson.

The company had worked the property for a few years.

Watson said it has been abandoned because other properties are more attractive, such as the very promising Holloway property 25 miles east of Matheson.

Watson said the Holloway property looks really good. "It's shaping up to be a big one."

MAGNET MINE

The Magnet Mine, about 10 kilometres west of Geraldton in Errington Township, is now in the care-and-maintenance stage.

Roxmark Mines Ltd. of Toronto is waiting for more financing...