Buckingham Molybdenum Deposit

Site Name

Primary: Buckingham Molybdenum Deposit
Secondary: Hardy
Secondary: Bentley
Secondary: O'Leary
Secondary: Buckingham Mine

---

Commodity

Primary: Molybdenum
Primary: Silver
Secondary: Copper
Secondary: Gold
Secondary: Tungsten
Tertiary: Lead
Tertiary: Zinc

---

Location

State: Nevada
County: Lander
District: Battle Mountain District

---

Land Status

Land ownership: Private
Note: the land ownership field only identifies whether the area the mine is in is generally on public lands like Forest Service or BLM land, or if it is in an area that is generally private property. It does not definitively identify property status, nor does it indicate claim status or whether an area is open to prospecting. Always respect private property.
Administrative Organization: Battle Mountain BLM Administrative District

---

Holdings

Type: Located Claim

---

Workings

Not available

---

Ownership

Owner Name: Newmont Mining Corp.
Info Year: 2004

Owner Name: Amax Inc. , Union Pacific
Percent: 33.00
Home Office: Connecticut
Info Year: 1982
Years: 1980 -

Owner Name: Rocky Mountain Energy Co. (Union Pacific)
Home Office: Colorado
Info Year: 1982

---

Production

Not available

---

Deposit

Record Type: Site
Operation Category: Past Producer
Deposit Type: replacement
Operation Type: Surface-Underground
Year First Production: 1875
Discovery Year: 1867
Discovery Method: Ore-Mineral In Place
Years of Production:
Organization:
Significant: Y
Deposit Size: S

---

Physiography

Not available

---

Mineral Deposit Model

Model Name: Porphyry Mo, low-F

---

Orebody

Form: irregular, tabular, disseminated

---

Structure

Type: R
Description: FOLDING, THRUST FAULTS

Type: L
Description: NW AND NE-TRENDING FAULTS: BUCKINGHAM FAULT

---

Alterations

Alteration Type: L
Alteration Text: There were four alteration events: 1. contactmetaorphism of the host sedimentary rocks during emplacement of the granitic plutons 2. hydrothermal alteration associated with the metallization event 3. clay and sericite alteration associated with faulting 4. sugergene alteration

---

Rocks

Name: Quartz Monzonite
Role: Associated
Description: stock
Age Type: Associated Rock
Age Young: Tertiary

Name: Quartz Monzonite
Role: Host
Age Type: Host Rock
Age Young: Oligocene

Name: Porphyry
Role: Host
Description: granodiorite
Age Type: Host Rock
Age Young: Oligocene

Name: Hornfels
Role: Host
Description: biotite
Age Type: Host Rock
Age Young: Late Cambrian

Name: Metasedimentary Rock
Role: Host
Description: metamorphosed and intensely veined
Age Type: Host Rock
Age Young: Late Cambrian

---

Analytical Data

Analytical Data: IN 1912, ORE RAN $14.75 PER TON IN AG AND A

---

Materials

Ore: Tetrahedrite
Ore: Molybdenite
Gangue: Sphalerite
Gangue: Galena
Gangue: Pyrite

---

Comments

Comment (Deposit): The Buckingham stockwork molybdenum system is classified as a low-fluorine (or quartz monzonite) molybdenum system by Theodore and Menzie (1984). It contains one of the largest identified resources of molybdenum in the United States, estimated at more than 1 billion tonnes of mineralized rock averaging approximately 0.06 weight percent molybdenite (MoS2) and containing 100 million ounces of silver as well as smaller amounts of tungsten, copper, and gold. Molybdenum mineralization is related to emplacement of a late Cretaceous (86-Ma) composite porphyry system that intruded and metamorphosed the surrounding Late Cambrian Harmony Formation to biotite hornfels. Approximately half of the Buckingham deposit is hosted by metamorphosed and intensely veined rocks of the Late Cambrian Harmony Formation and half by intrusive rocks (Doebrich and Theodore, 1996). Molybdenum mineralization is related to the emplacement of a late Cretaceous composite quartz monzonite porphyry system that intruded and strongly metamorphosed the enclosing Paleozoic sedimentary rocks to hornfels. There are at least seven major phases of intrusions that collectively form what are called the East and West stocks. All seven phases contain molybdenum mineralization. The main Buckingham deposit formed in association with five igneous phases located in the two stocks. All five phases developed shells of molybdenite mineralization and the shells locally overlap to produce grades of about 0.1 to 0.20 weight percent MoS2. Porphyry copper deposits in the copper zone surrounding the central molybdenum zone underwent supergene enrichment to create the Contention, Carissa, Copper Queen, Widow, and Sweet Marie copper deposits. Gold-silver skarn ore at the Surprise Mine and distal disseminated silver-gold ore associated with silica-pyrite alteration at the Empire Mine (approximately 1.5 million tonnes averaging 1.8 g Au/t) and at the Northern Lights Mine (approximately 390,000 tonnes averaging 1.6 g Au/t) may be associated genetically with the Buckingham system. There appears to be metal zoning from proximal copper-rich ores in the Contention Pit to the distal gold-silver-copper ores in the Surprise Mine (Doebrich and Theodore, 1996).

Comment (Commodity): Ore Materials: molybdenite, tetrahedrite

Comment (Commodity): Gangue Materials: pyrite, galena, sphalerite

Comment (Geology): In the historic workings, Hill reported that the hanging wall is a well-marked fracture filled with gouge, below which for 12 to 15 feet, the quartzite contains, disseminated pyrite, cut by small stringers of tetrahedrite sphalerite and galena for three feet below the hanging wall. The hanging wall ore carried considerable silver mineralization.

Comment (Development): The historic mine was discovered in the late 1860s, but no record exists of early production. In 1912, the deposits had been developed by an incline and a crosscut 140 feet long, with 130 feet of drifts in the ore zone. Production was sporadic from 1913 to 1929. Workings on the Buckingham claim include an 850-foot inclined shaft with drifts on many levels. Recent exploration by a variety of companies has defined a large low grade molybdenum orebody centered in this area. The porphyry molybdenum potential of the prospect was first recognized in 1962 by Congdon & Carey exploration firm, whose drill holes only grazed the fringes of th e upper West stock molybdenite shell. In 1967, Union Pacific Mining Corp. drilling hit the moly mineralization and intersected it at successively greater depths eastward, tracing the Buckingham Fault. Under a joint venture with Climax Molybdenum in 1973-1980, more drilling tested moly mineralization in the East stock and outlined more mineralization southwest of Buckingham. Duval Corp explored the property in 1975-1982, defining a small reserve in the uppermost East stock molybdenite shell. Climax intensely studioed the deposit in 1980-82 as part of a pre-feasibility study, forming the basis for a detailed study and report on the deposit by the USGS in 1992. The property is currently held by Newmont with continuing delineation of the deposit.

Comment (Economic Factors): Buckingham is considered by the USGS to be one of the ?Giant Porphyry-Related Metal Camps of the World. It contains one of the largest identified resources of molybdenum in the United States, estimated at more than 1 billion tonnes of mineralized rock averaging approximately 0.06 weight percent molybdenite (MoS2) and containing 100 million ounces of silver as well as smaller amounts of tungsten, copper, and gold.

Comment (Identification): This record incorporates all material from the earlier record for the historic Buckingham Mine deposit, MRDS #M231306 as well as additional material.

Comment (Location): The mine is located about a mile south of Buckingham Camp on Licking Creek.

Comment (Workings): Old underground workings include an incline, crosscut, drifts. Much drilling has been done on the prospect during the past 40 years.

---

References

Reference (Deposit): Felix E. Mutschler, Steve Ludington, and Arthur A. Bookstrom, 1999, Giant Porphyry-Related Metal Camps of the World-A Database; USGS Open-File Report 99-556.

Reference (Deposit): Doebrich, J.L., and Theodore, T.G. (1996) Geologic History of the Battle Mountain Mining District, Nevada, and Regional Controls on the Distribution of Mineral Systems in Coyner, Alan R. and Fahey, Patrick L., editors, Geology and Ore Deposits of the American Cordillera: Geological Society of Nevada Symposium Proceedings, p. 453-483.

Reference (Deposit): Geological Society of Nevada, 1999, Geology and Gold Mineralization of the Buffalo Valley Area, Northwestern Battle Mountain Trend; GSN Special Publication No. 31, 1999 Fall field trip Guidebook.

Reference (Deposit): Long, K.R., DeYoung, J.H., Jr., and Ludington, S.D., 1998, Database of significant deposits of gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc in the United States; Part A, Database description and analysis; part B, Digital database: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 98-206, 33 p., one 3.5 inch diskette.

Reference (Deposit): Wendt, Clancy, 2004, Technical Report on the' ICBM/COPPER BASIN Property, Lander and Humboldt Counties, Nevada, Staccato Gold website, : http://www.staccatogold.com/i/pdf/icbm-43-101.pdf
URL: http://www.staccatogold.com/i/pdf/icbm-43-101.pdf

Reference (Deposit): Stewart, J.H., Mckee, E.H, and Stager, H.K., 1977, Geology and Mineral Deposits of Lander County, Nevada: NBMG Bull. 88, 106 p.

Reference (Deposit): Hill, J.M., 1915, Some Mining Districts in Northeastern California and Northwestern Nevada: USGS Bull 594

Reference (Deposit): Roberts, R.J. and Arnold, D.C., 1965, Ore Deposits of the Antler Peak Quadrangle, Humboldt and Lander Counties, Nevada: U.S.G.S. Prof. Paper 459-B.

Reference (Deposit): BLAKE, D. W., T. G. THEODORE, J. N. BATCHELDER, AND E. L. KRETCHMER, 1979, STRUCTURAL RELATIONS OF IGNEOUS ROCKS AND MINERALIZATION IN THE BATTLE MOUNTAIN MINING DISTRICT, LANDER COUNTY, NEVADA, IN PAPERS ON MINERAL DEPOSITS OF WESTERN NORTH AMERICA. NV BUREAU OF MINES AND GEOLOGY, REP. 33, PP. 878-89.

Reference (Deposit): ROBERTS, R. J., P. E. HOTZ, J. GILLULY, AND H. G. FERGUSON, 1958, PALEOZOIC ROCKS IN NORTH CENTRAL NEVADA. AAPG BULL., V. 42, NO. 12, PP. 2813-2857.

Reference (Deposit): ROBERTS, R. J., 1964,STRATIGRAPHY AND STRUCTURE OF THE ANTLER PEAK QUADRANGLE, HUMBOLDT AND LANDER COUNTIES, NEVADA: U.S. GEOL. SURV. PROF. PAPER 459-A, P. A1-A93.

Reference (Deposit): Theodore, T.G., Blake, D.W., Loucks, T.A., and Johnson, C.A., 1992, Geology of the Buckingham stockwork molybdenum deposit and surrounding area, Lander County, Nevada: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 798-D, 307 p.

Reference (Deposit): SAYERS, R. W., M. C. TIPPETT, AND E. D. FIELDS, 1968,DUVAL'S NEW COPPER MINES SHOW COMPLEX GEOLOGIC HISTORY: MIN. ENG., V. 20, NO. 3, PP. 55-62.

Reference (Reserve-Resource): SUTULOV, A., 1982, INTERMET MOLYBDENUM YEARBOOK. ALEXANDER SUTULOV/ INTERMET PUBL., SANTIAGO, CHILE, P. 28.

Reference (Deposit): SAYERS, R. W., M. C. TIPPET, AND E. D. FIELDS, 1967, THE ORE DEPOSITS AT COPPER CANYON AND COPPER BASIN, LANDER COUNTY, NEVADA: TRANS. SOC. MIN. ENG. AIME, V. 244, P.

Reference (Deposit): THEODORE, T. G., AND D. B. BLAKE, 1975, GEOLOGY AND GEOCHEMISTRY OF THE COPPER CANYON PORPHYRY COPPER DEPOSIT AND SURROUNDING AREA, LANDER COUNTY, NEVADA: U.S. GEOL. SURV. PROF. PAPER 798-B, P. B81-B86.

Reference (Deposit): SCHILLING J. H., 1980, MOLYBDENUM DEPOSITS AND OCCURRENCES IN NEVADA: NV BUREAU OF MINES AND GEOL. MAP 66, SCALE 1:1,000,000.

Reference (Deposit): TIPPETT, M. C., 1967, THE GEOLOGY OF THE COPPER BASIN ORE DEPOSITS, LANDER COUNTY, NEVADA: M.S. THESIS, UNIV. NV, RENO, NV, 30 P.

Reference (Deposit): VAN DENBURGH, 1939, A. S. RECONNAISSANCE OF MINING DISTRICTS IN LANDER COUNTY, NEVADA: U.S. BUMINES IC 7043, 83 P.

Reference (Deposit): WESTRA, G., AND S. B. KEITH, 1981, CLASSIFICATION AND GENESIS OF STOCKWORK MOLYBDENUM DEPOSITS: ECON. GEOL. AND BULL. SOC. ECON. GEOL., V. 76, NO. 4, PP. 844-873.

Reference (Deposit): THEODORE, T. G., M. L. SILBERMAN, AND D. W. BLAKE, 1973, GEOCHEMISTRY AND POTASSIUM-ARGON AGES OF PLUTONIC ROCKS IN THE BATTLE MOUNTAIN MINING DISTRICT, LANDER COUNTY, NEVADA: U.S. GEOL. SURV. PROF. PAPER 798-A, PP. A1-A24.

Reference (Deposit): WORLD MINING (SAN FRANCISCO), 1982, WHAT'S GOING ON IN WORLD MINING - UNITED STATES: NEVADA; DUVAL DISCOVERS SILVER AND GOLD NEAR BATTLE MOUNTAIN. V. 35, NO. 1, 72 P.

Reference (Deposit): WOODCOCK, J. R., 1979, MOLYBDENUM - A GUIDE TO NORTH AMERICAN RESOURCES AND ONGOING PLANS FOR DEVELOPMENT: ENG. AND MIN. J., V. 180, NO. 8, PP. 86-89.

Reference (Deposit): LINCOLN, F. C., 1923, MINING DISTRICTS AND MINERAL RESOURCES OF NEVADA: NV NEWSLETTER PUBL. CO., RENO, NV, 280 P.

Reference (Deposit): WILSON, B. R., AND S. W. LAULE, 1979, TECTONICS AND SEDIMENTATION ALONG THE ANTLER OROGENIC BELT OF CENTRAL NEVADA: IN PROCEEDINGS OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATION OF GEOLOGISTS/UTAH GEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION BASIN AND RANGE SYMPOSIUM AND GREAT BASIN FIELD CONFERENCE, LAS VEGAS, NV, OCT. 7-11, 1979 ED. BY G. W. NEWMAN AND H. D. GOODE. RMAG, PP. 81-92.

Reference (Deposit): WORLD MINING (SAN FRANCISCO), 1981, WHAT'S GOING ON IN WORLD MINING - UNITED STATES: NEVADA; NEVADA MAY BE THE NEXT BIG MOLYBDENUM PRODUCER: V.34, NO.12, P. 77.

---

Nevada Gold

Nevada has a total of 368 distinct gold districts. Of the of those, just 36 are major producers with production and/or reserves of over 1,000,000 ounces, 49 have production and/or reserves of over 100,000 ounces, with the rest having less than 100,000 ounces. Read more: Gold Districts of Nevada.