Brooklyn Mine and Mill, Colorado

American Geological Services, Inc. performed a CERCLA (Superfund) removal action for the U.S. Forest Service at the Brooklyn Mine near Silverton, CO. This work included the excavation of 8,000 cubic yards of mine waste from steep slopes at an elevation of 11,000 feet. The waste were placed in a glory hole, compacted and mounded to a positive relief that conformed to the surrounding topography, capped and revegetated. The disturbed slopes where the waste was removed from were also revegetated. Acid mine water discharging from an adit was routed through a pipeline into an infiltration gallery.

Cashman Mill and Mono Mine, Washington

American Geological Services, Inc. conducted a mineral validity examination of the Cashman mill and Mono mine in support of mineral patent application. This work included surface and underground geologic mapping, sampling and analysis, ore reserve calculations, ore processing and metallurgical evaluation, and financial evaluation. The mine site is located in western Washington. A detailed metallurgical evaluation of the Cashman hydrometallurgical process was conducted. Detailed ore reserve calculations and an economic analysis was performed to determine if the Cashman Mill meets the requirements for issuance of a mineral patent.

Carbonero Mill Tailings, Colorado

American Geological Services conducted a review of the Engineering Evaluation/Cost Assessment (EE/CA) of the Carbonero Mill Tailings, located near Ophir, CO. This review was conducted for the U.S. Forest Service. AGS evaluated the alternatives for implementation of a long-term solution at the Site, AGS was assigned the following review objectives: Review the three (3) identified removal action alternatives to determine which, if any, would be applicable and suitable for implementation; Develop additional removal action alternatives, if applicable, that would cost-effectively meet removal action objectives; Conduct reconnaissance of the adit portal area and the claim area with the Carbonero mine waste dump. Determine if a suitable area exists for the location of a settling pond and/or Permeable Reactive Barrier (PRB).

Canyon Creek Abandoned Mine Assessment, Colorado

American Geological Services, Inc. is conducting an environmental assessment of hundreds of abandoned mine sites within the Canyon Creek Drainage basin for Ouray County. This watershed is a 28 square-mile area in the San Juan Mountains adjacent and connected to the City of Ouray. It includes the high-alpine basins of Yankee Boy, Governor, and Imogene. Many of the sites to be assessed show signs and impacts of their mining past, including waste rock dumps, mining structures and portal openings. This two year project involves examining all mine features in the drainage basin, assessing their respective environmental impacts, selection of several sites for further characterization and remedial design. An extensive GIS database is being prepared with data from each mining feature investigated during this examination along with data from other studies.

Climax Molybdenum Mine, Colorado

American Geological Services is conducting a multi-year geochemical evaluation of the Robinson Lake tailings impoundment for Phelps Dodge. This evaluation includes tailings sampling, barge drilling, ground water sampling, lake profile sampling, surface water sampling, tailings and sludge sequential batch extractions, acid-base reaction studies, and neutralization characterization.

Chung Li Gold Resource Evaluation, China

American Geological Services conducted an evaluation of gold deposits within a large concession area in Chung Li County in Hebei Province of the PRC. A total of fourteen mines were examined to determine the geology of the ore deposition and potential for bulk mineable deposits.  Samples were collected to confirm the presence and levels of gold mineralization at a number of locations.  Drilling, sampling, and assaying methods employed by the Central Government Prospecting Bureau were reviewed and ore reserve estimates for the mines, provided by the Prospecting Bureau, were audited.  As a result of this work, several areas were identified that were favorable for further exploration.  A program of geological mapping and sampling was recommended to identify drilling targets.

Egenhoff Barite, California

American Geological Services conducted a preliminary examination of the Egenhoff prospect. This work has shown that valuable deposits of barite are present on the property.  In addition, highly anomalous precious metal values are present in the wall rocks of the deposit.  However, much more work must be done to more precisely define the barite reserve and extend it to the south, as well as to evaluate if commercially viable precious metals deposits are present on the property.  Future work will include additional exploration and drilling, ore reserve calculations, economic analysis, mine planning and permitting.

Excelsior Mine, Washington

American Geological Services, Inc. conducted a mineral validity examination of the Excelsior Silver/Gold mine in support of mineral patent application. This work included surface and underground geologic mapping, sampling and analysis, ore reserve calculations, ore processing and metallurgical evaluation, and financial evaluation. The mine site is located on the north slope of Mount Baker in northern Washington. Underground channel sampling, ore analysis, and metallurgical testing have been completed. Detailed ore reserve calculations and an economic analysis were performed to determine if the mine property meets the federal requirements for issuance of a mineral patent.

French Gulch Wellington Oro Mill, Colorado

AGS conducted site and regional characterization studies in conjunction with the State of Colorado, U. S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.  The objectives of these coordinated studies are to: determine the relative contributions of metal loading to French Creek from the various sources; identify metal contaminant pathways and fate; establish pre-remediation environmental baseline conditions; and design appropriate and cost effective remediation options. The characterization studies include Surface Mine Waste Characterization, Mine Pool Characterization, Surface and Ground Water Quality studies, Continuous Ground Water Level Monitoring, Monitoring Wells, Aquifer Testing, Stable Isotope Tracer  and a Salt Tracer-Injection study.

Howard Fork ARD Interception Study, Colorado

American Geological Services, Inc. was contracted by the Trust for Land Restoration to participate in the Howard Fork Valley ARD Source Interception Study.  As part of the study, a two square mile area in the northeast corner of the watershed was selected.  In this project area AGS performed structural mapping to determine possible sources of water discharging from adits, conducted preliminary flow measurements using a v-notch weir on discharging adits, set up staff gauges in Howard Fork and electronic monitoring equipment in the Carbonero adit to gather flow data, and in conjunction with the USEPA, conducted water sampling and flow measurements of adit water from discharging mine adits and at multiple sites throughout the Howard Fork drainage.

Jessie Mine, Colorado

American Geological Services conducted a review of the Engineering Evaluation/Cost Assessment (EE/CA) of the Jessie Mine and Mill Site, located near Breckenridge, CO. This review was conducted for Summit County Open Space and Trails Department and the City of Breckenridge for applicability and suitability for implementation under the Colorado Voluntary Clean-Up Act (VCUP) and identify in consultation with CDPHE, a preferred methodology for site corrective action. This site included a number of features of concern including, but not necessarily limited to, the presence of: i) waste rock stockpile(s) that are potentially acid-generating and in direct contact with stream flow in Gold Run Gulch; ii) an open, unguarded shaft feature; iii) a deteriorating and unstable mill structure; and, iv) areas of potentially metals-impacted sediments.

Lamertine Mine Environmental Assessment, Colorado

This investigation was conducted on the Lamartine Mine Group Claims in Clear Creek County, near Idaho Springs, Colorado (the Site).  The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the potential for adverse environmental impacts by past or present activities conducted on and in the vicinity of the Site.  Activities performed included a Site visit, sample collection, and review of information from federal, state, and local agencies, as well as present owners and tenants of the Site. The Site covers an approximate area of 300 acres and presently consists of approximately 83 patented mining claims within the Arapahoe National Forest.

LeGrand Placer, California

American Geological Services, Inc. conducted a placer examination of the LeGrand aggregate pit to determine if gold could be recovered. This work included surface geologic mapping, sampling and analysis, ore reserve calculations, ore processing and metallurgical evaluation, and financial evaluation. The results indicated that recovery of gold could be done economically. AGS designed and installed a gold recovery circuit for the 4,000 cubic yards per day operation. AGS maintained and operated the recovery plant, conducted amalgamation of concentrates, and refined and produced gold bars and shot from the operation.

Ophir Valley AML Investigations, Colorado

American Geological Services, Inc. conducted a field investigation of nine mine sites near Ophir, CO for the U.S. Forest Service. This work included collecting water samples from the discharging mine adits and waste rock samples from mine dumps. The inspections included general observations of any mine features (adits, shafts, dumps, pits, structures, etc.), mineralization, surface and/or adit discharge, adjacent wetlands, and surrounding vegetation.  Where applicable, discharge flow rate and field parameters including pH, electroconductivity, temperature, and total dissolved solids (TDS) were recorded. 

Moccasin Point Marina, Jamestown, California

This project involved the initial emergency response, investigation, and remediation of a significant subsurface gasoline discharge, which was impacting the reservoir.  Gasoline leaked from several locations along a pipeline from gravity feed underground storage tanks connected to a floating marina.  The reservoir water level rose over 1.0 foot per day during the initial response.  AGS excavated a large quantity of contaminated soil ahead of the advancing water level, and installed numerous soil borings and monitoring wells. Approximately 90,000 gallons of contaminated ground water was collected from springs and interceptor trenches, then remediated and disposed.  The project area was then submerged below approximately 50 feet of water.  Monitoring wells were extended by AGS divers to facilitate monitoring.  Lake water contaminant and chemical parameter profiles, bottom sediment sampling, and remediation of excavated soils were also conducted.  Submerged soil borings were conducted with a barge mounted drill rig.  A final remedial excavation removed the remaining contaminants from the fractured bedrock beneath the reservoir.  Annual ground water monitoring is currently being conducted to monitor changes in ground water quality over time.

Pagan Volcanic Ash, Pagan, Northern Mariana Islands

American Geological Services, Inc. was contracted by Pacific Ventures, Ltd. to write a summary geology and construction material resource report, and a preliminary volcanic hazard report for Pagan Island. The islands volcanic centers are still active with the most recent significant eruption occurring in May of 1981. This eruption produced thick deposits of volcanic ash that may provide a good source of pozzolan for the cement industry, along with a variety of other products such as sand and aggregate. American Geological Services, Inc. will be conducting a variety of mining feasibility and environmental studies for the planned mining operation. Pacific Ventures, Ltd. plans to start production of volcanic sand, and possibly aggregate in the near future.

Paoli Railroad Yard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

AGS was a subcontractor to AWSR for excavation and treatment of petroleum hydrocarbon and PCB contaminated soil at the Paoli Superfund Site. AGS excavated and treated 64,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil using a Pug mill by mixing an estimated 45,000 cubic yards of cinders and ash with 12,400 cubic yards of reagent soils and 6,550 tons of Type I/II Portland Cement. The treated soil was placed in an onsite repository.

Peru Creek Abandoned Mine Assessment, Colorado

American Geological Services, Inc. conducted an environmental assessment of hundreds of abandoned mine sites within the Peru Creek Drainage basin for Summit County Department of Open Space and Trails. This two year project involved examining all mine features in the 15.36 square mile drainage basin, assessing their respective environmental impacts, selection of several sites for further characterization and remedial design. An extensive GIS database was prepared with data from each mining feature investigated during this examination along with data from other studies.

Platoro Mine, Colorado

AGS conducted a field investigation to evaluate the feasibility for using bactericide treatment to inhibit the accelerated oxidation of sulfide bearing mine wastes by the bacteria species Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. These bacteria are responsible for the conversion of sulfur into sulfuric acid. This acid solubilizes heavy metals and other leachable elements and toxins releasing them to surface and ground waters. AGS conducted a sampling and analysis program of the waste material and of the sulfide bearing vein zone. A test application of the bactericide ProMac was applied with a hydroseeder on one of the waste piles and along the highly fractured surface trace of the vein zone. The mine water and surface drainage waters will be monitored for the appearance of the ProMac and for the reduction in released metals concentrations.

Puqi Cement Resource Evaluation, China

American Geological Services evaluated the limestone, silica, and clay resources critical to the operation of a proposed cement manufacturing plant near the city of Puqi in Hebei Province, People's Republic of south central China.  Preliminary work done by geologists of the China National Geological Exploration Center of Building Materials industry was reviewed and provisional reserve calculations were audited.  Specific drilling and sampling programs were recommended which would be required to confirm sufficient reserves to supply the project during its projected life span.

Quartz Mountain, Washington

American Geological Services, Inc. conducted an economic mineral evaluation of the Quartz Mountain mining property for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission in support of an acquisition appraisal. This work included surface geologic mapping, sampling and analysis, ore reserve calculations, ore processing and metallurgical evaluation, and financial evaluation. An extensive marketability analysis was conducted for various quartz uses and market areas. Detailed ore reserve calculations and an economic analysis will be performed to determine if the mine property valuation supported the landowners asking price.

Red Hill Mine, Angels Camp, California

AGS is performing post-closure monitoring activities at a former talc mine.  Surface and ground water sampling is conducted on a quarterly basis and storm event sampling is conducted semi-annually.  During site visits, AGS personnel conduct Standard Observations and Storm Event Observations in accordance with Regional Board mandates.  An electronic datalogger collects readings from moisture and other sensors that are downloaded and analyzed by AGS.  Quarterly reports and annual summaries include graphs of data obtained from the electronic sensors and laboratory analyses.

Royal Tiger Mine and Mill, Colorado

American Geological Services conducted a review of the Engineering Evaluation/Cost Assessment (EE/CA) of the Royal Tiger Mine and Mill Site, located near Breckenridge, CO. This review was conducted for Summit County Open Space and Trails Department and the City of Breckenridge for applicability and suitability for implementation under the Colorado Voluntary Clean-Up Act (VCUP) and identify in consultation with CDPHE, a preferred methodology for site corrective action. This site included a number of features of concern including, but not necessarily limited to, the presence of: i) an acidic adit discharge; ii) mill tailing deposits exhibiting acid generating potential; iii) waste rock dumps exhibiting acid generating potential; and, iv) associated potential groundwater and surface water impacts. 

Shoe Basin Mine VCUP Closure

The Shoe Basin Mine consists of a waste rock dump with approximately 4,000 cubic yards of subgrade ore and development rock. This dump material contains elevated concentrations of lead and zinc. Lead concentrations exceed the Median Wildlife Risk Management Concentration (RMC) set by the BLM, and would be classified at the moderate risk level for wildlife (Ford, 1996). Zinc concentrations were below the Wildlife RMC. One sample contained lead values that exceeded the BLM human health RMC’s for camping, the next RMC less stringent than residential usage. The BLM RMC’s for human risk were developed from the USEPA criteria. AGS prepared a voluntary clean-up application under the Colorado Voluntary Clean-up and Redevelopment Act (C.R.S. 25-16-301). This plan was approved and additional funding was obtained under the Brownfields program.

Sierra Aggregate, California

American Geological Services, Inc. conducted a survey for aggregate sources for Sierra Railroad. The study included retrieval and evaluation of resource information from a variety of public and non-public sources. Field investigations were conducted of each potential materials source area. The results were presented in an aggregate resource report for the study area.

Smith Dolomite Mineral Validity Exam, Washington

American Geological Services, Inc. conducted a mineral validity examination of the Smith Dolomite mine in support of mineral patent application. This work included surface and geologic mapping, sampling and analysis, ore reserve calculations, ore processing and metallurgical evaluation, and financial evaluation. An extensive marketability analysis was conducted for terrazzo manufacturers and other colored stone uses. 196 quarries and producers from Canada, United States and Mexico were evaluated as part of the market research. The mine site is located in the Chewelah district of eastern Washington. Detailed ore reserve calculations and an economic analysis were performed to determine if the mine property meets the federal requirements for issuance of a mineral patent.

Spring Gulch Hazardous Mine Openings, California

American Geological Services, Inc. conducted abandonment and closure of several hazardous open mine shafts and adits for several mines in Calaveras County, California. This work included an assessment of the underground workings, selection of waste rock for backfilling of shafts, site restoration and revegetation. All mine openings were filled and surfaces regarded. Revegetation was conducted with a broadcast spreader on all disturbed areas.

Storm Jade Garnet, California

American Geological Services, Inc. conducted a mineral validity examination of the Storm Jade mineral claim in support of mineral validity examination for the U.S. National Park Service. This work included surface geologic mapping, sampling and analysis, ore reserve calculations, ore processing, air abrasive and dust generation testing, and financial evaluation. Claim and sample locations were surveyed with a trimble GPS unit. Large scale claim and geologic maps were produced using ArcView. Detailed ore reserve calculations and an economic analysis were performed to determine if the mine property meets the federal requirements for validity in support of a submitted Plan Of Operations.

Telegraph Validity Examination, California

American Geological Services, Inc. is conducting a mineral validity examination of the Telegraph lode mineral claims in support of mineral validity examination for the U.S. National Park Service. This work includes surface geologic mapping, sampling and analysis; ore reserve calculations, ore processing and metallurgical evaluation, and financial evaluation. Claim and sample locations were surveyed with a trimble GPS unit. Large scale claim and geologic maps were produced using ArcView. Detailed ore reserve calculations and an economic analysis were performed to determine if the mine property meets the federal requirements for validity of claims within a National Park.

Wu La Ka Open Pit Gold, China

Representatives of American Geological Services visited China's largest gold mine, the Wu La Ka mine, in northern Heilonjiang Province, near the Russian border.  An audit of milling, mining and prospecting operations at the mine and milling facility was carried out.  Environmental impacts of the current operations were assessed. As a result of this audit, specific recommendations were made to improve mill recovery of gold values.  In addition, a program of exploration for additional ore bodies was conceived and specific recommendations were made to implement this program.