
"The Girls", at the Blue Ribbon Mine. We explore for and recover other minerals as well. Platinum has been recovered around the mine. Rare Earth elements are also present, as are gemstones, fossils, coal, Strategic and Critical Minerals, Radioactive Minerals, Tin and other minerals. (Alaska Resource Data File TL074). USGS MRData file.
This is a gold nugget from the Blue Ribbon Mine. Gold was first reported in the streams draining the mountains in 1898, but it wasn't until 1906 that the first claim-staking and production was recorded.
A road, now known as the Petersville Road, was constructed in 1927, and before 1930 over 1800 ounces of beautiful Placer Gold (over $3.6 million at today's prices, $1.2 million dollars/acre) had been reported produced from just 3 acres of the "Potato Patch" section of the mine, by sluicing only the top 1' and moss. Jenkins dug a ditch all the way around Gopher Mountain to bring water for sluicing the Potato Patch. Underreporting was common then. In September 1939, then-owners Frank and Helena Jenkins, Joey Brittel, an employee, and Dick Francis, a neighbor miner were found murdered.
WWII stopped any further mining, and the mine was abandoned until 1985, except for government exploration programs. Total production between 1942 and 1985 is unknown, but tailings and pits left behind can provide a guess that some gold was produced by small-scale activities.
Artist Sydney Laurence mined for gold here while getting inspiration for his famous Denali paintings, and Bush Pilot Don Sheldon worked at the mine the summer of the murders, but left before the "Cache Creek Massacre". See "The Mystery of the Cache Creek Murders"
By combining industry-proven methods and advanced modern scientific exploration technology, we are able to define the economic resources, and explore, develop, operate, and reclaim the mine site using the most efficient operation that reduces any potential impacts to a minimum.
We are aware of the importance of an effective community engagement process to the Project. Blue Ribbon Mine LLC is currently in the process of reinitiating community engagement activities with local communities, including the Towns of Trapper Creek, Susitna Community Council, Sunshine, and Talkeetna, other interested stakeholders, and regulatory authorities, on a priority basis.
Some of the raw placer gold nuggets as well as gemstones from the Blue Ribbon Mine may be viewed at the Dorothy G. Page Museum in Wasilla Alaska
The name "Blue Ribbon Mine" came from the remains of a weathered wooden crate found at the mine by Dennis Garrett, who nailed it to a 4x4 and said "This is The Blue Ribbon Mine." The original clam posting was "My Girl #1", after his 1st love, and the song.
Now is the time to participate in the legislative and regulatory pathways and guide our mining future. And, the "social media" is not the pathway for citizen and stakeholder engagement. This example, "Faecesbook", in the mythical land of "Suckersburg", is little more than >80% Bots, with some scammers thrown in, all in a data-collection scheme coupled with arbitrary and capricious censorship. The (l)users are The Product, and they willingly let this creeps spyware onto their devices. We will not link any Faecesbook, twitterx, tiktok, or other garbage, and instead will provide open source alternatives. Free Your Mind. https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/news/
Gold hits historic high amid escalating trade tensions
https://www.kitco.com/opinion/2025-02-10/gold-hits-historic-high-amid-escalating-trade-tensions
(Kitco News) "Gold prices surged to a new all-time record of $2,938.10 today, driven by mounting concerns over President Trump's expanding tariff policies. As of 3:15 PM EST, the most active April futures contract settled at $2,934.30, representing a gain of $48.80 (1.69%). The precious metal has demonstrated remarkable momentum since opening at $2,885 in Monday's Australian session, climbing steadily over twelve consecutive hours."
Coming Up: With the record high gold prices, how can You Spot the Scammers?
Gold hits all-time high on new U.S. trade tariff threats (Kitco) Link: https://www.kitco.com/news/article/2025-02-03/gold-hits-all-time-high-new-us-trade-tariff-threats
(Kitco News)
Gold outshines equities and Bitcoin as investors protect themselves from trade war
See Downloads page for archived news.
Our smart mining solutions leverage the power of proven data and analytics to optimize mining operations and reduce costs. We use advanced analytics tools to monitor equipment performance, predict maintenance needs, and optimize production schedules. We also use advanced GIS solutions for planning, coupled with many successful projects. We can provide: Geology, geophysics, geochemistry, LIDAR, Satellite, IR, history, land status, economic potential, and ground-truthing in the form of sampling, mapping, etc.
We love our friends and neighbors, so feel free to visit, and have a great time even if we are away for a few days. Ask and obtain permission to pan/sluice/collect, (otherwise you may be accused of theft and other serious crimes). Pan for gold, Platinum and Platinum-Group Elements, Cassiterite, Sheelite, fossils, coal, Rare Earth Elements, gemstones, clay, or radioactive minerals.
Got a question? Send it to us! And contact us. We are always interested in new talent, ideas, or visitors. BlueRibbonMine@protonmail.com "Mining is a patient game and it always only will be won by the patient, those who persevere." DRG
The Historic Blue Ribbon Mine Potato Patch Alaska
Mile 1 Blue Ribbon Mine Road, Gopher Mountain, Dutch Hills, Yentna Mining District, Trapper Creek, Alaska, USA
Copyright © 1985-2025 Blue Ribbon Mine LLC. Gopher Mountain, Potato Patch, and The Historic Blue Ribbon Mine Alaska, SM. And Dennis R. Garrett.
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