Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat
Fortune Favors the Brave. Nothing describes the place of mining in today's economic climate better than this Latin phrase. Humans have been working minerals out of the earth since well before the Roman Empire. In this time, countless fortunes have been won and lost. Starting with a small claim and hard work, individuals with humble beginnings and meager means have become mining magnates. Conversely, many a wealthy nobleman has been brought low by ill-advised investments in unfortunate claims and companies.
There are no guarantees in life and even fewer guarantees in investments. Even the most diligently researched opportunities have risk and mining is no exception. The mining industry has its own risks, but it also offers greater rewards than any offered by the stock market or cryptocurrency. A small strike can quickly turn into a large-scale development, which can yield millions per day and billions per year. It has happened over and over again in history.
We think that fortune does favor the brave and nowhere is that truer than the mining industry. Ores and precious metals are found in dangerous, tough, and dirty places. It takes hard work, fortitude, and some luck to successfully obtain and process these assets. Whether you are looking to retire in the wilderness with your own hobby mine, transition to a new line of work, establish alternate revenue streams, or just get your hands dirty with some honest work, the time to buy a mining claim has never been better. We can provide you with the assets, tools, and knowledge to get started. What you do with it is up to you . . .
We work hard every day to provide proven and documented properties to our customers
Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, our inventory covers the majority of the western United States. We welcome both domestic and international customers and support any range of operations from individual miners looking for a hobby mine to large commercial-scale interests.
Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc.® does not broker mining properties
Other Mining Brokers charge for listings which may contain unverified details and information. We are different in the fact that every property in the Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc.® massive inventory is owned 100% by Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc.®
Why does this matter?
Because we want to provide controlled, accurate data. This means that when you look at a Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc ® property, all the information, photos, assays and assessments are verified and based on our knowledge of the sites. This is important because it means that we are not just regurgitating information about a mineral property that we have no experience with.
Ownership also means no middleman
Your mineral property will be transferred directly from Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc.® to you. We handle all of the documentation and all of the necessary recordings. No waiting around for an unresponsive third-party seller. We communicate directly with you and have verified the information, deposits, and the actual state of the property.
Only Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc.® offers the bleeding edge technology and hands-on experience to bring Mining operations into the future
We understand that a mining property is a big investment and you need all of the information possible to make an educated decision about the property that you move forward with. Gone are the days of walking around a property and kicking a few rocks. Today, thanks to Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc.®, proprietary processes, we are able to deliver GRMP-43 Technical Mining reports to our clients. GRMP-43 Technical Reports cover all aspects of the mining property to give you the full picture of the property without getting any dust on your boots.
Full Technical Mining Reports
As a part of our commitment to providing the highest quality mining properties to our clients, we provide full technical reports with all mining properties. We call these reports GRMP-43© Technical Reports. GRMP-43© Technical Reports cover all aspects of the mining property, including, but not limited to: Geology, structure, reserves, site history, historical production, and current status.
The biggest piece of the technical report is our survey validation
This is a “boots on the ground” examination. This survey includes hands-on examination of the entire surface of the property. Documenting outcrops, waste dumps, tails, adits, shafts and other workings. We make every attempt to safely access any underground workings to further our understanding of the deposit and the minerals in place. Grab samples are taken from surface dumps and tailings piles and assayed.
When underground is accessible, samples will be taken and assayed from high grade veins and deposits. Contours and surface abnormalities are noted and documented as our mineral surveyors create a map of the mineral property. Underground we utilize specialized compasses along with measuring devices to create a mapping of the workings.
All aspects of the surface and underground mineral deposits are photographed in high-resolution, 25MP or better, using the latest in cutting edge technology. Video documentation is captured in 4k resolution both above and below ground so that you can see exactly what we are seeing. Overhead drone footage shot in 4k completes the surface assessment, noting all elements and aspects of the property. All of this work and research is compiled to provide you with a comprehensive technical report that gives the full picture of the operation, the historical assessment, and the potential moving forward. It is an extremely intensive process but it gives our client the full picture of the property without ever leaving your desk. GRMP-43© Technical Reports are only available on Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® properties and only from Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc.®
Productivity is key in mining
We can help you keep your exploration budget in check by locating high value sites with defined values and reserves. Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc ® properties have been fully surveyed and mapped, with all valuations and deposits well documented. Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc.® mineral properties are backed by geological reports, assay statements, and “boots on the ground” surveys, so that you know exactly what you are getting with no surprises.
Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc. ® provides properties to many large mining companies and operators. The goal is to get into the property as inexpensively as possible and spend the remaining dollars on diligence and development. We understand your goals and we work as hard as you do to bring you high value properties at reasonable prices.
2004
Following a decade of non-profit experience in preserving and documenting mining history across the western United States, Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® is established and immediately begins hosting events showcasing this rich and extensive history.
2008
Leveraging new technology and modern processes, Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® becomes the first in the industry to offer proven and documented mineral properties on eBay.
2010
Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® sponsors the National Historic Mining Initiative in Park City, Utah. This two-day event provides guests with workshops examining the history of mining and its future viability. Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® expands its reach and begins offering mines in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico.
2011
Mineral properties in Montana, Oregon, and Washington are now available for purchase.
2012
Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® further expands its inventory by including mineral properties located in California, Colorado, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
2015
Pioneering new technology, Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® begins providing in-house video documentation for its mineral properties.
2016
Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc®, along with several industry partners, establishes the Mining Safety and Training Authority. This organization provides training on industry standards and best practices to assist new miners entering the industry.
2017
Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® begins adding mineral properties with over $1 billion in documented mineral reserves to its inventory.
Today
From offices in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® provides proven and documented mineral properties to individual miners and commercial mining interests alike.
Corey Shuman
President
As President and Chairman of Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc.®, Corey’s vision has driven the expansion and development of the organization from its beginnings as a local, Utah-based not-for-profit to its current status covering the western United States and conducting business with clients ranging from individual miners to commercial operations and JV Capitalists, domestically and internationally. He initially formed Gold Rush Expeditions in 1994 with the goal of preserving historic sites and mining history in Utah and the surrounding area. In 2004, Gold Rush Expeditions re-organized as a Corporation and expanded its operations to cover all of the western mining states, from Iowa to California and everywhere in between. Corey brings a diverse background of information security and technical development to his leadership including experience with many Fortune 500 companies, such as Zions Bank, Bank of America, and Wal-Mart, as well as several government agencies through his work with the Raytheon Technologies Corporation. As a founding member of the National Bureau of Mines, he seeks to bring mining back to the forefront of American Industry. Corey’s true passion, however, lies in the old west and its history. Spending decades in the field with aging miners and prospectors, he has amassed a wealth of knowledge about the famous and infamous stories of western mining and its history. This passion and knowledge is the driving force behind Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc.® and its push to establish new frontiers in locating valuable mineral deposits that have been lost, forgotten, or simply left undeveloped and bring them to the global market using new technology and exhaustive documentation.
Jessica Shuman
Vice President
An essential element of Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc, Jessica directly oversees all asset management and acquisitions. Initially coming from the healthcare industry, she implemented a focused direction, organizational structure, and programs and processes which directly resulted in an exponential and sustained stable growth. Jessica is the keystone element of the team that turns goals and concepts into defined and executable actions. She takes pride in maintaining an unrivaled first-hand knowledge of geology and mining archaeology as well as building a legacy organization that will positively impact the future of the mining industry and America. Jessica has an extensive background in Business Management and holds a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. In her free time Jessica enjoys the endless projects at her mountain home in Utah. She teaches dance and enjoys hiking, mountain biking and paddle boarding.
Direct Purchase
Do it "the old-fashioned way." Just give us a call and we will send you an invoice.
Pay the invoice and we transfer the deed to you, your authorized legal representative, or your company.
In-house Financing
Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® offers in-house financing. That means no credit checks. If you can provide proof of residence and income, we can likely carry the note for you.
The process is easy. 10% down, then just make a minimum monthly payment. We can finance properties up to $1M.
Down payment can be made via check, wire transer, or cash.
*NO PERMIT LEVEL OPERATIONS ARE ALLOWED UNTIL PROPERTY IS PAID IN FULL.
Joint Venture/Royalty Options
Also known as JV, Joint Venture deals offer the opportunity to get in and start working at a reduced upfront price. JV/Royalty agreements are only available on properties over $1M (one million dollars). Our goal with JV/Royalty agreements are to get you up and running within 5 years. So be prepared to hit the ground running. Milestone payments and development are a required component.
A non-refundable deposit of $25,000 will get you started on any property over $1M.
Methods of Payment
Mineral Properties and Claims are considered "Real Property" and require verified payments before transfers can be executed.
For monthly payments, deposits, and down payments, Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® can accept credit and debit card payments up to a maximum amount of $1,000.
For amounts greater than $1,000, Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® accepts Cashier's Check, Wire Transfer, Bullion Trade, or Cash.
Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® accepts cash or silver and gold bullion as payment. Cash or Bullion may be delivered in person to our main office by appointment only. Bullion must be certified (stamped). Previous day closing Spot Pricing is used to define Bullion value.
Discounts
Clients can save 10% off the total purchase price of any property by making payment in full by Cash or Bullion. Payment must be received within 30 days of receipt of invoice.
The professionals at Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® are experts in all aspects of mineral properties and development. From initial location to research, history, development, and planning, we know what it takes to do it right. See the brief overview of our standard services below. If you need something specific, contact us to get started.
Claim Services
Land verification, claim writing, and staking services.
Documentation Services
Notice of Operation, Notice of Intent, and other specific services.
Mining Consultation
If you have questions about how to get your mining operation up and running, we can help. Our experienced advisors can work with you to determine your specific needs and assist you in planning and getting started.
Professional Services
Field Work, Technical Reports, Assessments, and Surveys. We do it all and we do it better than anyone else.
GRMP-43
Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® technical report that contains full details for each mineral property covering reserve amounts, history, location information, and much more.
Lode
Also referred to as hard rock mining, this term refers to mines where the mineral is deposited in a lode/vein in the rock itself.
Placer
Placer mines are the result of lodes or veins being disintegrated by natural erosion (like water flow) and results in a deposit of loose surface soil or small rocks that contain the mineral. Placer mining consists of filling a pan or similar container with the deposit to separate out the mineral.
Mill
Mill mining consists of using a mill or similar device to grind, crush, or cut the mined material into a smaller size to facilitate separating out the mineral.
Underground
Development
Also referred to as workings, this term represents the total amount of mineral or commodity that is present on the site for processing in feet.
Surface Dump
Also referred to as waste dumps, this term represents the total amount of previously worked but not processed material (overburden) from previous mining operations. Mining technology has improved significantly since the time many of our properties were last worked and these dumps usually have significant value.
Tailings
This term represents the processed material from previous mining operations.
Commodity
The type of mineral present for mining.
Site Resources
Resources available at the property such as water, timber, and electricity.
Features
Any notable features of the property such as existing structures, natural formations, and other unique attributes.
For a full list of mining terminology, refer to our Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® Mining Terminology List.
How does Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® determine the price for each claim?
Surveyors from Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® examine and sample the minerals available on the property. Using these samples, assays, and other sources, Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® is able to determine both inferred and defined reserves. The property is then priced at a fraction of the recoverable asset that has been documented. Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® pricing is standardized and reproducible.
Can I look at a mine you have for sale and test some samples before I buy?
Absolutely, we do require a site visit deposit of $1,000 or $10,000 depending on the price of the mining claim. You then have 2 weeks (10 business days) to visit the site and take samples. If you choose to move forward with the purchase of the mining claim, then the site visit deposit will be put towards the purchase of the mining claim. If the mining claim is not a fit for your mining needs, let us know before the 14th day of your site visit, and we will refund your site visit deposit in full.
Can I sell my mining claim through Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc®?
We have discontinued any outside sales as of 2019, therefore we no longer sell claims on consignment.
What payment options does Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® accept?
Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® can accept credit/debit cards transactions for monthly payments, deposits, and down payments for a maximum amount of $1000. For full payment of a purchase, we can only accept Business Checks, Personal Checks, Wire Transfers, Money Orders, Cashiers Checks, or other certified funds. Please be aware that mining claims are considered "real property", and as such, the payments must be secured. We do accept cash if delivered to our main office in person. Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® also accepts certified (stamped) silver and gold bullion as payment. Spot pricing determines the value given for gold and silver. Spot pricing fluctuates rapidly and can be tracked online at various websites, including Kitco. In the case of accepting bullion as payment, spot pricing will be defined as the time of acceptance at the Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® offices.
What will I get after purchasing a mining claim from Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc®?
You will receive a Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® Welcome Packet which contains your Quit Claim Deed, showing transfer of ownership of the claim. In addition, you will receive a copy of all of the associated paperwork, images, and documentation of the claim. You can expect to receive your Welcome Packet within 14 days of full payment with all agreements signed and completed.
Who can own a mining claim?
Mining Claims are limited in ownership by US Citizenship. Any US Citizen can own a mining claim. Additionally, any US based company can take ownership of mining claims. In the case of international companies, those companies must be approved to do business in the United States.
What is the required down payment for financing a mining claim with Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc®?
The minimum down payment is 10% of the cost of the mining property.
What is the interest rate for financing a mining claim?
Financing for mining claims is offered at a rate of 9% APR (Annual Percentage Rate). Financing is limited to 1 buyer for 1 site (in the case of multiple claims on a single site) at any given time.
What exactly am I getting with a mineral claim?
An unpatented lode claim gives the claimant complete ownership of all minerals and gems located within the confines of the mining claim. Lode Mining Claims give ownership of minerals that are located in their original location or amalgamated in a host rock. Placer Mining Claims give ownership of valuable minerals or gems that have been displaced from their original lodes and can be found in gravels or riverbeds. Placer claims usually apply to the topmost 18 inches of gravel or sands. All unpatented mineral claim rights are subject to annual renewal. Ownership of a mining claim, either placer or lode does not convey or imply ownership or interest in any BUILDINGS, MACHINERY or other EQUIPMENT that is found within the boundaries of the claim. In the case of many mining claims, it is possible to take control of the buildings, machinery or other items by filing a Notice of Operation and utilizing the items in conjunction with or to promote your mineral extraction operation. When in doubt, please inquire. Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc. ® has years of experience and we can provide answers to any questions that may arise.
How do I keep my mining claim active?
All mining claims must be renewed each year with the appropriate county and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This can be accomplished by filing a small miners waiver or by paying the annual assessment fee to the BLM. We can help you file your annual assessments.
Where can I buy equipment to mine with?
Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® has high standards, and we stand by our recommendations. For this reason, we recommend Global Mining Equipment. Global Mining Equipment is an all American provider of high quality mining equipment and accessories.
How far can I tunnel outside my claim boundaries?
As far as desired, as long as you don't breach the surface.
Are there public utilities (power, water, etc.) that I can use on the mining claim?
On rare occasions, there are public utilities near or on the property. If public utilities are present, you can contact the utility company for setup and use requirements.
Why are such valuable mines abandoned?
It may come as a surprise, but most mines were not abandoned due to lack of production or minerals. There are many reasons that mines were abandoned. The most common are related to regulation and are as follows:
   - The “Silver Crash” of 1891-3. Federal support for the purchase of silver and silver ores was removed in 1891. The value of silver dropped from over $1 per ounce to $0.27 per ounce in 1893, stabilizing at an average of $0.79 by the end of the year. This equated to a cut of more than 30%. (Consider the impact that losing 30% of your income tomorrow would have on your own economy.) As a result, many silver mines were mothballed while waiting for the price to rise to previous levels of $1 per ounce.
   - During WWI and WWII many left their mines to either fight in the war or help support the war effort by working in other industries.
   - In 1941, President Roosevelt made it illegal to pursue the mining of any minerals except those considered strategic. This act was known as the War Act, and its intent was to cripple the mining industry, while providing man power for WWII. 418,000 men never returned from WWII. This left their mining operations abandoned. In addition, over 300,000 were wounded, left permanently disabled and were unable to return to their mines. Many men after WWII never returned to their mines.
   - In the years after WWII, the federal government bolstered efforts to encourage people to work in the cities and offices of the nation.
Since the repeal of the War Act in 1945, Mining activity decreased over 900%. These mines were left abandoned because people died or were no longer able to work their mines. Many more people held their mining claims while they worked their city jobs from 9-5, all the while, promising to return to mining at some point. Most never did, and when they died, or stopped paying on their claims, they were considered abandoned.
How long does a mining claim remain active?
Indefinitely, provided that the annual assessments are kept current. Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® can help with your annual assessments.
How many mining claims can an individual own?
There is no limit to the number of mining claims that you can own.
Can an unpatented mining claim be changed to a patented mining claim?
Not at this time. There is currently a moratorium on patenting mining claims.
I received a letter/notice from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or Forest Service (FS), what do I need to do?
You usually have 30 days from receipt of the letter to respond. If you do not respond within that time frame, you may lose your rights to the mining claim. Each situation is different and depends on the contents of the letter/notice and your situation. Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® can assist you in responding to these notices. If you require assistance with a BLM or FS issue, please contact us at (385) 218-2138 or [email protected] to see how we can help.
Can I build a cabin or other structure on my mining claim?
Yes, but only with an approved Notice of Operation. Your building will need to be in direct support of your mining operation.
Where can I find the current price of gold and silver?
Gold Rush Expeditions, Inc® recommends Kitco.
Can I live on my mining claim?
Unfortunately, you are not allowed to "live" on your mining claim but you are allowed to prospect and mine it. Residency not reasonably incident to mining is not allowed.
How much does it cost to start mining?
It depends on the level of development you do. Permits are based on the amount of degradation done to the site. You will be issued a bond in the amount that is determined based on what will be required to restore the site when your operations are complete.
Can I work my mining claim while I pay it off?
No. You must pay for the mining claim in full before you can begin to work it. You can visit, sample, and conduct casual use operations while under agreement.
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