$2,300,000 604± Claim aCres
32 UNPATENTED CLAIMS; ACTIVE GOLD MINE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Ketchum Creek Gold Mine lies in the Yukon-Koyukuk Borough and within one hundred fifty miles from Fairbanks near Circle Hot Springs, Alaska, in the remote Alaskan wilderness. This offering consists of a contiguous set of 34 gold claims representing a total of 604± acres, with 5,118± lineal feet along Ketchum Creek and 6,603± lineal feet along Mary Louise Creek left to be mined. This lucrative venture comes as a complete turn-key operation with all equipment, tools, hardware, supplies, permits, and applicable licenses included in the sale and necessary for ensuring a seamless mining operation.
With equipment already on the property, the mine yields an impressive production of approximately 670 ounces to 900 ounces of gold per season with a wash plant running 6-10s weekly, mining from approximately 500-600 lineal feet of native ground. Operating season typically runs from June 1 to September 15. Reclamation is current on all claims. Living amenities at the mine include an apartment attached to the shop, a bunkhouse, a trailer, and five camper pads with sewer and electrical hookups for additional accommodations. Additionally, there is an all-cedar 8,000-watt rock heater sauna with a shower stall.
The Ketchum Creek Gold Mine, with its rich potential and storied history, remains a significant source of gold and other precious metals in the Circle Mining District. The region’s unique geology and high-grade ores continue to attract both small-scale prospectors and large-scale mining operations alike, and the potential for significant profits makes the area desirable for both mining operations. While the area presents many challenges, the rewards for successful mining ventures can be substantial. This mine represents a prime opportunity for lucrative ventures in the heart of Alaska’s gold country.
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS
• 32 unpatented claims - 604± claim acres of which 2 unpatented claims & 80± claim acres are closed
• 4,500± lineal feet along Ketchum Creek left to be mined
• 6,603± lineal feet along Mary Louise Creek left to be mined
• Overburden averages 8’ to 16’
• Located about 2.5 hours from Fairbanks, Alaska off the Steese Highway (Highway 6)
• Trommel wash plant can process 100 yards per hour of pay
• Production is approximately 670-900 ounces of gold per person
• A typical season will mine 500-600 lineal feet of native ground
• Reclamation current on all claims
• Infrastructure on-site (see pages 5-6)
• Equipment included (see pages 7-10)
CLAIM BREAKDOWN
Cripple Creek Gold Mine | McGrath, Alaska
BUILDINGS INFRASTRUCTURE
• Shop: 20’ x 48’ x 16’ high, sprayed foam roof, walls and doors, forced air furnace
• Cleanup Room: 8’ x 48’, steel floor and drains in processing area, Gemini table MK2, model 1000, almost new, 12” IDR duplex jigs, stove, rod roller for black sand. Room is insulated with 3.5” foam, has paneling and overhead lights
• Apartment: 8’ x 48’, two bedrooms (3 beds), 1 bathroom, kitchen with stove, refrigerator, microwave, double sink and breakfast bar. New mattresses and linens. 3.5” foam insulated, paneling and overhead lights
• Bunkhouse: 8’ x 40’, 2 sets of bunk beds (4 beds), kitchen cabinets and counters, full-size refrigerator, double sink, microwave, sink drain but no running water. New mattresses and linens, small television
• Sauna: 8’ x 20’, all cedar walls, ceiling and benches, 8,000-watt rock heater, water system and shower stall
• 2019 Keystone Hideout Trailer, model 31BHDSWE, serial #KN246183. 2 tip-outs, sleeps 10 (most comfortable sleeping 6). Equipped with full bathroom, television, full kitchen, forced-air heat and air conditioning. Custom built 20’ x 40’ covered porch with wood floor and waterproof roof adjacent to trailer for outdoor living and extra storage
• Camper pads: 5 designated pads with sewer and electrical hookups
POWER SOURCE
• 5 kW Lister 120 volt generator
• 3 kW Black Max 120 volt generator, continuous power
• 4 kW Kawasaki KG4000 120/240 volt generator
• 7 1/2 kW Generac CP 7500E 120/240 volt generator
• 18 kW Kubota 120/240 volt with control panel camp generator
SEPTIC
• Septic system installed
FUEL STORAGE
• Fuel Truck: Kenworth; 5,400 gallon, two compartment
• Fuel Tank: 8,000 gallon trailer with four compartments, stairs and safety rails
ACCESS
• The site has access from Fairbanks to Circle Hots Springs via Steese Highway (Highway 6), then via Ketchum Creek Road Cripple Creek Gold Mine | McGrath, Alaska
EQUIPMENT LIST
• Excavator: Hitachi ZX350LC-3, serial #1FFA5POXVO920623; complete new engine at 6,000 hrs., currently has 7,920 hrs., has a thumb and two buckets
• Excavator: John Deere 160LC, serial #160CX045706; 4386 hrs., new fuel pump, new motor mounts, has a thumb and a frost bucket and 7/8 yd. bucket
• Excavator: Caterpillar 245, serial #84X00783; 12,188 hrs., three buckets, one being a frost bucket used only for ripping frost in cut
• Excavator: Hitachi EX450LC-5, serial #P007957; new front idlers and hydraulic pump, 2 3/8 yd. bucket with a thumb
• Excavator: John Deere 670LC, serial #IFF670GEXECE670039; new undercarriage at 7,850 hrs., currently has 8,990 hrs., has a thumb and 5 yd. bucket. Excavator does not require def fluid
• Dozer: Caterpillar D-9G; Kelly ripper, full U blade
• Dozer: Caterpillar D-8H; Ripper, full U blade
• Loader: Volvo 120C; 4 yd. bucket and forks, has new driveline, front differential, and brakes
• Loader: Volvo 150E; 5.25 yd. bucket, has new hydraulic control valves
• Loader: Caterpillar 980C; 7 yd. spade-nose teeth bucket
• Loader: Caterpillar 980C; 7 yd. smooth-edge bucket
• Grader: Champion 730B, Series III: front dozer blade, 14 ft. moldboard, Cummins motor
• Rock Truck: Volvo 35C; new tires
• Rock Truck: Volvo 35D; new bed liner
• Lube Truck: International; 600 gals. diesel, air compressor, all lube oils, and grease for servicing equipment
• Fuel Truck: Kenworth; 5,400 gal. two compartment
• Service Truck: Ford F450 4x4 flatbed, Bobcat welder generator, air compressor, hydraulic crane, 110 gal. fuel tank with pump, oxygen, and acetylene cutting torch, equipped toolboxes
• Pickup: 1984 Ford; diesel motor with 110 gal fuel tank for gasoline
• Line Tractor: Kenworth Cummins 350, 13-speed, 44,000 rear ends. Used for fuel tanker or belly-dump trailer
• Belly-dump Trailer: Peerless, 18-20 yd. capacity
• 40’ parts van
• Six-wheel RV: Polaris, all-wheel drive with dump box
• Wash Plant: 6’ diameter, 40’ length overall, diesel-powered, 3 separate sluice runs, 3/8”, 5/8”, 3/4” screens, water filter, and hydraulic riffles mounted on 3-axel, 50-ton trailer with outriggers for leveling. Will process 80-180 yds. per hour. Normally runs at about 130 yds. per hour
• De Rocker Wash Plant: John Deere hydraulic package, water filter, nugget trap, hydraulic riffles. Processes 150-250 yds. per hour
• 1.5” Honda WX15T water pump on Kenworth fuel truck
• 2” Honda GX120 water pump
• 2” Honda GX120 water pump
• 2” Honda GX120 water pump
• 3” Honda GX240 trash water pump
• 3” Viper 196CC water pump
• 3” Honda pump for fuel transfer on 8,000 gal. tanker
• 4” Honda GX340 Multi-quip trash water pump
• 10” John Deere water pump
• 10” Gorman Rupp water pump with John Deere motor
• 10” x 8” Pioneer self-priming pump with John Deere motor
Cripple Creek Gold Mine | McGrath, Alaska
Cripple Creek Gold Mine | McGrath, Alaska
OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
• Access: The site is accessible via the Steese Highway and Ketchum Creek Road
• Elevation: Top 1,500±, Bottom 950±
• Latitude and Longitude: 65.4839, -1447408
• Overburden: 8’ – 16’
• Mindat Report: https://www.mindat.org/loc-198346.html
• Crew Capacity: 7–15 people
• NI 43-101: N/A
• Gold Assay: High 79%
Historical Production
Placer mining activity at Ketchum Creek has been recorded from 1933 to 1949, as well as in 1975, 1981, and throughout the 1990s. In the 1930s, winter drifting and dragline excavators were employed, though large boulders presented operational challenges just below the mouth of Holdem Creek. During the 1991 mining season, Magic Circle, Inc. processed 17,230 tonnes (19,000 tons) of pay gravel over 65 days. In the same year, Greenhorn Mining extracted 7,646 cubic meters (10,000 cubic yards) of auriferous pay (Swainbank et al., 1991). Subsequent mining operations were conducted by Fred Wilkinson (C.J. Freeman, oral commun., 1998). Reports indicate that Ed Lapp and Sons Mining (ESLM), Magic Circle, Inc., and Greenhorn Mining were key producers in the 1990s.
Type of Gold
The type of gold found in Ketchem Creek is coarse and flattened placer gold. Nuggets ranging from 1 to 3 ounces have been recovered. The gold has a fineness of approximately 0.783 Au (gold) and 0.207 Ag (silver) (Mertie, 1938). This indicates that the gold is relatively pure but contains a minor silver component.
Mining Methodologies
Placer mining is a method of extracting valuable minerals from alluvial deposits, which are accumulations of sand, gravel, and other sediments found in riverbeds, streambeds, and floodplains. These minerals are typically denser than the surrounding material, allowing them to settle at the bottom over time. Gold, platinum, tin, and gemstones are commonly extracted using this method.
https://www.mindat.org/loc-198346.html
DISCLOSURES & DISCLAIMERS
The information provided by Fay Ranches, including but not limited to property descriptions, maps, reports, studies, geotech, and any other materials, is offered solely for the prospective buyer’s convenience. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy or reliability of the information provided, it is up to the prospective buyer to confirm.
Prospective buyers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own independent due diligence, including but not limited to in-person site inspection, verification of property boundaries, assessment of mineral rights, environmental considerations, permitting requirements, and any other factors material to their purchase decision. The property is sold as is with no guarantees, warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to the existence, presence, quality, or extractable mineral resource.
By submitting an offer, the buyer acknowledges they have relied solely on their own investigations, observations, and due diligence and NOT on any information, representations, or warranties provided by Fay Ranches or the seller.
CLIMATE
Circle Hot Springs, Alaska, has a subarctic climate featuring prolonged chilly winters and brief mild summers. Throughout the winter months, temperatures typically hover around -10°C (14°F), while in summer, they rise to an average of 8°C (46°F). Annually, Circle Hot Springs receives an average precipitation of 49 inches, primarily in the form of snowfall, with approximately 12 inches of rainfall.
Climate charts for nearby Central, Alaska, courtesy of https://www.city-data.com/city/Central-Alaska.html
Cripple Creek Gold Mine
MINERAL RIGHTS
All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the seller will be conveyed to the buyer by deed at closing and closed through Alyeska Title. It is suggested that the buyer conduct an independent mineral search with a title company or through an attorney.
WATER RIGHTS
The property is subject to state-registered water use rights under Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
LOCATION
The site is located on existing public land owned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The specific BLMmanaged lands affected are T8N R15E Sec. 30 & 31, T7N R15E Sec. 6 & 7, and T7N R14E Sec. 1, 11, & 12.
GETTING THERE
From Fairbanks, Alaska, travel Northeast on Steese Highway (Highway 6) for approximately 125 miles to Circle Hot Springs Road. Turn right and travel south on Circle Hot Springs Road for approximately 4.6 miles to Ketchem Creek Road. Turn right to Ketchem Creek Gold Mine. Travel time by road from Fairbanks should be 2.5 hours.
AIRPORT SERVICES
Fairbanks International Airport for commercial flights. Charter flights are available out of Fairbanks to Circle Hot Springs, a 3,000-foot gravel runway. The mine can be accessed by road.
Cripple Creek Gold Mine | McGrath, Alaska 18
HISTORY
In the heart of central Alaska, within the historic Circle Mining District, lies the Ketchum Creek Gold Mine, a testament to the region’s storied mining legacy. Unveiled to the world in 1916, its discovery marked the dawn of a new era, beckoning prospectors and dreamers alike to its rugged terrain in search of riches untold.
Since its inception, the mine has served as a hub for placer mining endeavors, drawing fortune seekers from far and wide to its promising grounds. Though its official production commenced in 1932, the yield remained modest, and the efforts were confined to a relatively small scale.
Beneath the earth’s surface, a wealth of treasures awaited extraction. Among them, a blend of gold, allanite, and scheelite formed the coveted ore amidst gravel and stone. Yet, alongside these precious minerals, a tapestry of waste materials emerged, comprising sphene, garnet, and zircon, each a testament to the geological richness of the land.
The very bedrock of the region, primarily composed of gravel, whispered secrets of untold wealth, tantalizing miners with promises of prosperity. Gold, in particular, held sway over the landscape, its gleaming allure driving the relentless pursuit of riches.
Through the toil and sweat of countless workers, the mine etched its mark upon the annals of regional mining history, extracting valuable resources from the earth’s embrace. With each passing day, the legacy of Ketchum Creek Gold Mine continued to unfold, a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dared to chase the shimmering dream of wealth beneath the Alaskan sky.
Cripple Creek Gold Mine | McGrath, Alaska
$2,300,000 Cash
Conventional Financing
This is an exclusive co-listing with Fay Ranches and Real Broker of Alaska. Please contact Troy Dana at (360) 402-5500 | tdana@fayranches.com or Yvan Corbin at (907) 301-0875 | Yvan@alaskatopshelfrealty.com to schedule a showing. An agent from Fay Ranches or Real Broker Alaska must be present at all showings unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties, fly fishing properties, and sporting ranches that we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com.
DATA ROOM
The Data Room will provide additional information such as geology, gold reserves, mining plans, and additional maps. To request access to the Data Room, please email tdana@fayranches.com or yvan@alaskatopshelfrealty.com.
Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.
www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
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