History
Though the discovery hole at Eagle was drilled in 2002, the history takes place over many decades. Let’s start at the beginning…
1950′s and 1960′s: Initial Exploration
Roughly sixty years ago, exploration in the Upper Peninsula was focused heavily on copper occurrences in and around Marquette. As with most exploration programs, priorities changed over time and attention was shifted to giant copper deposits in the southwestern United States.
Roughly sixty years ago, exploration in the Upper Peninsula was focused heavily on copper occurrences in and around Marquette. As with most exploration programs, priorities changed over time and attention was shifted to giant copper deposits in the southwestern United States.
1970′s: Recognized Potential
A literature review revealed that in 1977 the state of Michigan conducted an extensive geological and geophysical investigation of the area surrounding Eagle. The report described rock types commonly associated with nickel mineralization around the world.
A literature review revealed that in 1977 the state of Michigan conducted an extensive geological and geophysical investigation of the area surrounding Eagle. The report described rock types commonly associated with nickel mineralization around the world.
1980′s: Path to Discovery
Rio Tinto returned to Michigan in the late 1980’s looking for zinc deposits. Low grade zinc occurrences were
located; however, sightings of nickel and copper sulphides set Rio Tinto on a path to discover what we now
call the Eagle deposit.
Rio Tinto returned to Michigan in the late 1980’s looking for zinc deposits. Low grade zinc occurrences were
located; however, sightings of nickel and copper sulphides set Rio Tinto on a path to discover what we now
call the Eagle deposit.
1990′s: Leases Obtained
Rio Tinto obtained state mineral leases in the early 1990′s which marked the beginning of the exploration program on the Yellow Dog Plains.
Rio Tinto obtained state mineral leases in the early 1990′s which marked the beginning of the exploration program on the Yellow Dog Plains.
2000′s: Exploration Leads to Eagle Deposit
Though the leases were obtained in the 1990′s, it was not until 2002 when the discovery hole was drilled at Eagle.
Though the leases were obtained in the 1990′s, it was not until 2002 when the discovery hole was drilled at Eagle.
As you can see, mining doesn’t happen over night. The reality is, it takes decades of planning and dedication.
