Balm Creek Gold & Copper Project – Baker County, Oregon
Presented by Silverbound Properties Inc. in partnership with Candy Mountain Mining Company
Project Overview
The Balm Creek Project is a past-producing lode mining property covering 140 acres across seven claims in Baker County, Oregon. Historically operated by the Oregon Copper Company, the property produced gold, copper, and silver from over 15,000 feet of underground workings, supported by a 100-TPD flotation mill in the 1930s.
Today, the property hosts three major surface dump assets – the Balm Creek (~567,000 tons), Poorman (~214,375 tons), and Gilkenson (~56,875 tons). These have been surveyed and reclaimed, yet remain highly mineralized.
Geology & Mineralization
- Commodities: Gold (Au), Copper (Cu), Silver (Ag), plus Pb-Zn credits
- Grab and composite assays average: 0.16 oz/t Au, 0.108 oz/t Ag, and 9.7% Cu
- High-grade pockets reported historically up to 75 oz/t Au
- Geologic host: Clover Creek Greenstone, altered diorite, and keratophyre intrusives
- Large dump tonnage with strong upside for reprocessing under Notice of Intent (NOI) permitting
Development Path & Returns
NOI-level reprocessing of the dumps offers a fast path to cash flow. Modeling suggests base-case recovered values of ~$172M (Au+Ag) with copper upside unmodeled:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Net smelter returns (gold-only) can exceed $70 per ton after haulage/toll costs.
Exit Strategies
- JV / Profit Share: Bring in operator for NOI-level dump reprocessing, share revenues 70/30.
- Lease Option: $50K access fee, $300K year-one work commitment, guaranteed floor royalty.
- Flip with Enhanced Data: Commission grid assays, drone volumetrics, and market as turnkey reprocessing play.
- Full Development: Dewater underground, secure Plan of Ops, pursue deeper high-grade veins.
Key Facts
- Total Dump Material: ~781,375 tons
- Measured surface assets: 35,157 oz Au, 23,152 oz Ag, 41.9M lbs Cu
- Infrastructure: Road accessible, water on site, historic mill foundations
- Nearest hub: Baker City, Oregon (full services)
Interested in Leasing or JV?
Secure one of Oregon’s most promising gold–copper properties. Immediate NOI-level work with long-term underground potential.
Request More Information
Mother Lode Mine (Balm Creek) — Baker County, Oregon
Historic copper–gold lode camp consolidated as Mother Lode (Balm Creek, Poorman, Gilkenson). Lease/JV ready.
Why it matters: Proven underground camp with 100-TPD mill history, two deep shafts, and >15,000 ft of workings — now positioned for NOI-level dump/stockpile reprocessing and rapid JV start.
At-a-Glance
Geology & Targeting
- Deposit style: Shear-hosted Cu–Au lodes in Clover Creek greenstone & keratophyre with quartz–pyrite–chalcopyrite; irregular ore shoots along WNW-trending structures.
- Historic mining: Two main shafts and three adits exploited multiple levels; 1930s flotation produced Au–Cu concentrates and sent shipments to Tacoma smelter.
- Present-day opportunity: NOI-scope work packages on reclaimed dumps/stockpiles; underground potential following dewatering & rehab.
Why Lease This Now
Short-Cycle Start (NOI)
Re-excavate and stage dumps; crush/screen for head grade; load/haul to toll mill under partner permits. Cash-flow potential without full Plan of Ops.
Tier-2 Upside (UG)
Dewater & rehab to pursue deeper WNW shoots historically expanding with depth. Multi-level access and prior infrastructure footprints de-risk development.
Infrastructure & Logistics
Road-served site with historic mill foundations, load-out locations, and utility corridors — faster mobilization and lower capex to first ore.
Proven District Branding
The “Mother Lode” name carries historic recognition in Baker County — vital for partner marketing, JV capital, and offtake negotiations.
Lease / JV Snapshot
- Scope: NOI-level surface reprocessing (stage, crush/screen, load/haul); closed-loop water for on-site tests.
- Operator responsibilities: Bonding for restoration to current condition, insurance, compliance, haul/toll contracts, QA/QC.
- Commercial: Option/access fee + defined Year-1 work program; profit-share/royalty framework negotiable with performance triggers.
- Next steps: NDA → data room → site visit → grid assays & drone volumes → bulk sample & toll trial → finalize lease/JV.