Ahtna's lands were selected to a large degree on mineral resource potential as perceived from public data and proprietary data generated from Ahtna-sponsored exploration programs. The incredibly rich Kennecott copper deposits attest to the ability of the region to host world-class mines.
Exploration and mine development on Ahtna lands in Alaska has the following advantages:
- strong mineral resource potential
- secure land tenure
- enormous land tracts covering entire mineral belts
- low degree of prior exploration
- best infrastructure development and accessibility of any Native land holdings in the state
Ahtna believes that its lands should be highly rated on the global scale of exploration opportunities. Companies interested in exploring and developing mines on Ahtna land are encouraged to learn more. The company will make all private non-proprietary and public data pertaining to Ahtna lands available to interested parties and can assist with site inspection and evaluation.
The Bureau of Land Management has documented mineral occurrences situated on Ahtna lands that lie within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. A total of 55 occurrences situated on or near Ahtna selections were included in the assessment. Of the 55 occurrences, nine are historically-producing dormant mines, 27 are development prospects, and the remainders are exploration prospects of varying importance. Eight of the occurrences are placer gold deposits. The preliminary results of the ongoing investigation are documented in BLM-Alaska Open File Report 71 (Meyer and Shepard, 1998). Follow-up results are documented in BLM-Alaska Open File Report 73 (Meyer and Van de Weg, 1999). Each occurrence is described in detail in the reports.
Numerous mineral occurrences lying outside the Wrangell-St. Elias Park boundaries are also present, and many occur on Ahtna lands. Information on these prospects can be obtained from Ahtna, the USGS or the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
While some very significant deposits have been discovered, the region has seen very little exploration. A reconnaissance program carried out by WGM, Inc., an Anchorage-based consulting firm in the late 1970's is the most comprehensive completed to date. The program barely began the mineral assessment process however; it was successful in the identification of six main mineral belts.
Upon completion of the selection process Ahtna will own 1,777,000 acres of land covering ground with excellent mineral potential. There are indications of deposits of the following affinity:
- high-grade epigenetic gold deposits
- placer gold
- zinc-lead-silver deposits
- copper deposits
- nickel-platinum-palladium deposits
Ahtna does not currently have any active mineral agreements. The company would therefore consider an arrangement whereby a mining company or a consortium would be provided the exclusive right to explore in a reconnaissance fashion all Ahtna selected and conveyed lands, with the option to select specific tracts of land for lease and detailed exploration or development.
Ahtna expects to see the following components to any Exploration and Option to Lease Agreement:
- signing bonus
- scholarship fund contributions
- escalating work commitment
- production royalty
- advance minimum royalty payments
- shareholder hire and contract preference
- option to participate at feasibility stage
- vocational training
- electronic and printed copies of all data generated
The property owned by Ahtna has received only cursory mineral exploration efforts. Much more reconnaissance work is required to delineate established mineral terranes, and to identify as-yet unrecognized terranes. Nevertheless, strong targets that can quickly be moved to an intermediate or advanced exploration stage exist. Modern exploration methods, economic and deposit-model concepts have not been applied in the region.
Most of Ahtna's mineral lands are situated close to major transportation corridors and infrastructure. Target economics are therefore excellent by Alaska standards.
For all of these reasons - technical, economic and political - Ahtna lands are an attractive exploration target.
Mineral inquiries can be made to:
Joe Bovee, Land Manager
Ahtna, Inc.
PO BOX 649
Glennallen, AK 99588
Office: (907) 822-8138
Fax: (907) 822-3495
Email: jbovee@ahtna-inc.com
