MARVEL CREEK GOLD MINE
Aniak, Alaska
$25,800,000
720± Acres
INTRODUCTION
Deep in the heart of Alaska’s remote wilderness, Marvel Creek Gold Mine is a historic and promising site for gold mining enthusiasts and investors. Spanning approximately 720± acres along a tributary to Eagle Creek, which eventually feeds into the Salmon River, this gold mine boasts a rich history of placer mining that stretches over three miles of its length. The site is set within a rugged, non-glaciated valley, offering a unique geological setting where the Upper Cretaceous granitic stock of Marvel Dome is encircled by hornfels within sedimentary rocks of the mid-Cretaceous Kuskokwim Group. This distinctive combination of geological features has made Marvel Creek a prime location for mineral deposits, drawing miners to the region for over a century.
The history of Marvel Creek Gold Mine dates back to 1911 when gold was first discovered on bench bedrock exposed in a cut bank. Between 1912 and 1914, approximately 1,100 ounces of gold were extracted, marking the beginning of a long history of mining in the area. Over the years, mining activities have included the use of small dredges, hydraulic methods, and open-cut mining, with operations continuing almost annually from the 1920s through the 1940s and resuming after World War II until at least 1970.
Today, the mine remains a site of significant interest, with about 25% of the claims having been mined. The remaining tailings piles, particularly those from the 1930s to the 1960s, hold mineable gold, as earlier miners focused more on nuggets and less on fine gold.
The site is equipped with essential infrastructure, including a two-bedroom cabin with modern amenities, five additional cabins in need of repair, and a range of mining equipment, including a 1985 Cat D-7-G dozer, a 2007 Komatsu PC-220LC, a 2007 John Deere Rock Truck, and more. The inclusion of a well-maintained 1992 Air Tractor adds to the mine’s operational potential. With 5,000 gallons of fuel storage and the site’s reclamation efforts, which have turned old cuts into beaver and lynx habitats, Marvel Creek Gold Mine offers a unique opportunity to explore and capitalize on Alaska’s rich mining history. 1 Marvel Creek Gold Mine | Aniak, Alaska
QUICK FACTS
• About 25% of the Marvel Creek Gold Mine’s rich deposits have been mined, leaving significant potential for further exploration
• The sale includes a comprehensive array of mining equipment, essential for ongoing operations
• The Air Tractor, crucial for site access and logistics, is included in the sale
• 5,000 gallons of fuel storage to support long-term mining activities
• Gold was first discovered at Marvel Creek in 1911, with 1,100 ounces extracted between 1912 and 1914
• Marvel Creek Gold Mine is located in Alaska’s remote wilderness, extending over three miles and surrounded by rich mineral deposits
• The mine features a 1,900’ gravel runway that can be extended, enhancing accessibility to this remote site
• The area is abundant with wildlife, including moose, caribou, and brown bears
• Nearby rivers provide excellent fishing for salmon, rainbow trout, northern pike, and Arctic char
• Marvel Creek Gold Mine is close to communities like Nyac, Aniak, and Bethel, making it a strategic location for mining operations
• Patented trail access
Marvel Creek Gold Mine | Aniak, Alaska
ACREAGE
Marvel Creek Gold Mine, located south of Aniak, Alaska, spans 720± acres with 12 unpatented gold claims in the Aniak Mining District.
Marvel Creek Gold Mine | Aniak, Alaska
EQUIPMENT
• 1985 Cat D-7-G. with 6,500± hours
• 2007 Komatsu PC-220-LC with 7,600± hours
• 2007 John Deere 250 D Rock Truck with 3,036± hours and 4,043± miles
• Wash Plant 30 yards per hour - age unknown
• Bucyrus Erie dragline - it doesn’t move
• Three Honda 500 Foreman
• 2024 Keene 6” suction dredge
• 1992 AT 402 Airframe with 3,200± hours
• Several other older dozers
• Everything on the property is included in the sale
Marvel Creek Gold Mine | Aniak, Alaska
CABINS
• A two-bedroom cabin with a full kitchen, including a dishwasher
• A cabin with a bathroom, shower, and washer and dryer
• A Kubota 12 KW generator provides electrical power, and two Honda backup generators
• Five additional cabins on-site in need of repair
• A machine shop in need of repair
Marvel Creek Gold Mine | Aniak, Alaska
HUNTING | WILDLIFE
• Moose
• Grizzly Bear
• Black Bear
• Caribou
• Wolves
• Lynx
Marvel Creek Gold Mine and its surrounding areas are rich in wildlife, making it a prime location for hunting. The region is home to a variety of big game species, including moose, grizzly bears, and caribou. The diverse habitats support a wide range of wildlife, offering hunters a unique and rewarding experience.
Caribou - Photo not taken on property; Credit Diego Delso, delso.photo, license CC BY-SA
Lynx - Photo not taken on property
Moose - Photo not taken on property
FISHING
• Salmon
• Northern Pike
• Arctic Char
• Grayling
• Whitefish
• Rainbow trout
• Dolly Varden
Fishing in Marvel Creek provides excellent opportunities for catching various fish species. The naturally thawed placer gravel and adequate water supply make it an ideal spot for fishing throughout the open season. Nearby rivers and streams, such as the Kuskokwin River and the Susitna River drainage, offer additional fishing opportunities, including salmon, rainbow trout, and Arctic char. Anglers can enjoy a peaceful and productive fishing experience in the pristine waters and their tributaries.
Coho Salmon - Photo not taken on property
Arctic Char - Photo not taken on property
Arctic Grayling - Photo not taken on property
Dolly Varden - Photo not taken on property
Marvel Creek Gold Mine | Aniak, Alaska
Marvel Creek Gold Mine | Aniak, Alaska
AREA HISTORY
Marvel Creek, located near Nyac in Alaska, has a rich history deeply rooted in placer mining. The initial discovery of gold in the area dates back to 1911, when gold was found on bench bedrock exposed in a cut bank. This discovery led to active mining along Marvel Creek, which started in 1910, with pioneers such as Dan McCarty, Bill Beavens, and Sanford “Sam” L. Godfrey. The creek has been extensively mined over about three miles of its length, with most of the mining on the lower part conducted using a small dredge, while hydraulic and opencut methods were employed above the dredged area.
The Marvel Creek Mining Company operated in the area in 1940, utilizing equipment such as draglines, tractors, and bulldozers. Mining activities persisted almost annually from the 1920s to 1940 and resumed after World War II until at least 1970. The region’s geology, characterized by the Upper Cretaceous granitic stock of Marvel Dome and hornfels within sedimentary rocks of the mid-Cretaceous Kuskokwim Group, has contributed to the rich mineral deposits that have drawn miners to the region for over a century.
Today, Marvel Creek remains an area of interest for mining enthusiasts and investors. The creek’s rich history and promising test results indicate a gold-to-silver ratio of 87% to 13%, making it a compelling site for further exploration. The proximity to nearby communities such as Nyac, Aniak, and Bethel, coupled with the availability of a runway that can be easily extended, adds to the accessibility and potential of this historic mining site.
CLIMATE
The area experiences long daylight hours during the summer months, providing ample time for outdoor activities. Winter temperatures can drop significantly, making it essential to be well-prepared for the cold. The region’s weather patterns are influenced by its elevation and proximity to the mountains, resulting in varied and sometimes unpredictable conditions.
Climate charts courtesy of https://www.city-data.com/city/Aniak-Alaska.html
Marvel Creek Gold Mine | Aniak, Alaska
LOCATION
The site lies southwest of Aniak, approximately 30 miles, and northeast of Bethel, approximately 75 miles, within the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region characterized by river systems, wetlands, and low-lying terrain.
GETTING THERE
The site has an airfield that is 1,900 feet long by 100’ wide and adjacent to a portion of the Project reserves. This airfield presently accommodates singleengine and light twin aircraft.
AIRPORT SERVICES
Fly to Anchorage, Ted Stevens International Airport; from Anchorage to Aniak, which has a paved runway 6,000 feet long, capable of handling small to medium-sized aircraft; or Bethel, which is a major regional airport, one of the busiest airports in Alaska due to the town’s role as a transportation hub for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region.
17 Marvel Creek Gold Mine | Aniak, Alaska
CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP
Each of us at Fay loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.
Marvel Creek Gold Mine | Aniak, Alaska
SUMMARY
Marvel Creek Gold Mine is a historic and promising site for gold mining enthusiasts and investors. Set within the rugged, non-glaciated valley of the Aniak Mining District, this site is a prime location for mineral deposits, drawing miners to the region for over a century. Situated near Aniak, the property encompasses approximately 720± acres, 12 unpatented claims with substantial gold reserves.
In addition to its mining potential, Marvel Creek’s surrounding wilderness makes it a prime spot for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and camping, appealing to both miners and outdoor enthusiasts. The 1,900-foot airstrip ensures the site is accessible by small aircraft, enhancing its appeal for investors looking for both practicality and adventure in their mining ventures.
www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
Marvel Creek Gold Mine | Aniak, Alaska
$25,800,000 Cash
Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange
This is an exclusive co-listing with Fay, Alaska Top Shelf Realty, and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Alaska Realty. Please contact Troy Dana at (360) 402-5500 | tdana@fayranches.com or Yvan Corbin at (907) 301-0875 yvan@ alaskatopshelfrealty.com or Debbie Fullmer (907) 726-4898 | debbielynn70@ icloud.com to schedule a showing. An agent from Fay, Alaska Top Shelf Realty, or Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Alaska Realty 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.
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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