1894 - Gold Discovered by Thomas McGown
1896-1898 - Staked by the McGown Gold Mining Company, Ltd.
The McGown Copper Mine was rather one of the first mines to be discovered near the shorelines of Georgian Bay. For the most part this property was first staked as a gold prospect in 1896, by the McGown Gold Mining Company, Ltd. of Parry Sound. During this time period it was rather considered that this incorporation was made under the government laws of Ontario, with a capitalization of $1,000,000. Prior to this staking the company had also divided its own capitalization into share profits at $1 per value to fund this project.
By this time the whole entire McGown Property was rather situated on Lots 146, within A and B Concession of Foley Township. Additionally the whole entire claim had comprised of 169 acres of total exploratory land that was so far deemed profitable. It was rather in 1896 when a shaft was being sunk to a depth of 30 below the surface on what was known as the No. 1 vein. With development taking place it was also stated that the company had removed between 15 to 20 tonnes of good ore from this shaft
Some other development that took place 1987 had mainly been confined to an open-cut which had ran east, and west. By this time the open-cut was rather worked to a limited extent which resulted in taking out several tonnes of good grade ore. At about 100 feet west of the No. 1 Shaft, the company was rather working on another open-cut that had showed similar ore as the No. 1 Shaft workings. Even more development had occurred at a distance of 800 feet east of the shaft when a cut was made on the same vein material that measured 10 by 20 feet in dimension. Another good indication of ore was shortly after examined that proved to be very satisfactory in grading. With good indications of ore, the company had continued to prospect this vein when it had outcropped at a distance of 100 feet from the open-cut. There was also another cut made on this outcroping that had measured 30 feet in length, and 6 feet in width. Besides only discovering the main vein it was also report that several other veins were discovered with the same course of Northeasterly and Southwesterly strikes,
Other prospects had also became opened up when the company was focus on a quartz outcropping across McGown Lake, and was 300 yards in width. Prior to making this discovery it was shortly determined that the area had held profitable ore just like the main shaft area. With not enough finacial the company had rented a government drill which was used to test this deposit to depths of 40, 80, and 144 feet with satisfactory results. Even more work had taken place when the company had driven a tunnel into the hill side to west of the main shaft operation for distance of 40 feet. More so the dumps were rather reported to have been filled with good grade ore that was taken from each of these workings. Some more intentions had also prepared an engineering plan for a smelter in order to treat this ore. It was also reported that a large body of ore could easily be taken from the open-cuts, which will be much easier to handle.
At about 24 feet, it was rather stated that the ore had assayed $3.60 in gold with trace of silver, and $36.85 in copper per a ton. Another assay was taken at 28 feet which indicated $2.40 in gold, 18 cents in silver, and $79.64 in copper. Some more assays were taking at 30 feet which resulted in $4.80 in gold, 24 cents in silver, and $15.92 in copper. One last assay during this time period was taken at 33 feet that indicated $14.46 in Gold, $2,27 in silver, and 79.64 in Copper value per a tonne. For the most part it became determined that the McGown Mine was rather a copper mine with an average copper value of $53 per a ton.
1898-1899 - Property optioned to the Parry Sound Copper Mining, Company, Ltd. by the McGown Gold Mining Company.
During this time period a major change was rather made when the Parry Sound Copper Mining Company, Ltd was looking for copper prospects. Much attention at the time was being aimed at determining a good copper prospect area with the rising prices within the copper market. Many propsectors, and even capitalists had arrived by steamers in order to open up new deposits near Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada. One of these individuals was the manager from the Parry Sound Copper Mining Company who was know as Robert Forbes. He was also assisted by Mr. Koren who was the superintendent of mines, and Dr. Elftman, who was the superintendent of Reduction works. By this time these engineers were shown two principal copper producing properties which became determined as the McGown and WIlcox Mine Projects. It was rather during 1898, when the company decided to test these two properties by shipping six car loads of ore to the Orford Copper Company for treatment.
At the time it was rather seen that there were three openings made on the McGown Mine Property. The first of these openings was an inclined shaft to a depth of 100 feet, the second of these openings was an open pit to the depth of 20 feet, and the third being a vertical shaft with a dimension of 9 by 11 feet, and was sunk to a depth of 65 feet. It was at this point when six carloads of ore that weighted 143 tonnes became shipped from this site to the Orford Copper Company for treatment. Smelter assays from the ore had indicated that the precentage of copper was between 15 to 16% copper with some gold, and silver values. An estimation was made which resulted in 200 tonnes of selected ore that was stock piled, and had graded 25 to 30% copper, with 3,000 tonnes grading between 8 to 10% copper.
By this time it was rather stated that much of the ore had came from an open quarry, which was 50 by 25 feet in dimension. Other company statements had also stated that much of the stockpiled ore was also taken from this small scale open pit quarry operation. Further examinations of the ore had also determined it to contain bornite, chalcocite, and chalcopyrite with a minor amount of pyrite. Assays which were conducted on the chalcopyrite mixed with bornite had indicated 39.9 to 50.6% copper. Another sample taken from the open pit quarry had also indicated nickel mixed in with arsenic. One solid piece of bornite was also reported to have gave off an assay of 70.4% copper, which was a high percentage for this mineral. An average sample of ore was also taken from the southeast corner of the quarry which gave off 22.7% copper mixed in with quartz. There was also another sample taken 12 feet from the surface which resulted in 25.5% copper. Much of the rock within the quarry was also stated to have shown small quartz stringers but had no indication of a vein system. Generally the rock it self is known to be within a diorite or norite schist, which sometimes becomes intersected by dykes of course pegmatite. A small amount of copper ore is also stated to have occurred within the latter rock, and some stripping had also been done on a dyke to the north-east of the pit. All gold values had rather assayed between 019 to 0.25 ounce of gold per a tonne with increasing grade at depth. None of the bodies are considered to have definite outlines, and it was rather stated that the deposit was probably formed by the impregnation or replacement of rock by ore. Other statements from the company's geologists had stated that it could have also been formed along a zone of fracture. The whole entire ore-body was rather known to have been 650 feet wide by 1,000 feet in length, and continued on-ward from the property.
1899-1900 - Property Acquisition made by the Parry Sound Copper Mining Company, Ltd.
Shaft sinking had continued when a new one was built 400 feet North-West of the Open-Pit Quarry Operation. Prior to this development the company had additionally sunken the shaft to a depth of 54 feet below the surface, with a cross-section that was 10 by 11 feet. By this time the company had also place timbers down to 26 feet which acted as a way to make four compartments. Two of the compartments were used for hoisting operations, and two for the man-way and pump column This also included the installation of a kibble which was used for hoisting the ore, and had a 1/2 inch cable running over a 20 inch sheave that was mounted on gallows frame at height of 20 feet. Much of the hoist was also operated by an engine that was rather a small duplex machine with a 12 inch drum set in an open shed Most of the power to operate this project was taken from a 20 H.P. Locomotive Boiler that produce steam in the same shed. Another shaft known as the "Incline" was situated at distance of 400 feet N.W of the main-shaft operation, which had an inclination of 25 degrees from the horizontal, leaning W 10 Degrees N. Statements from the company had reported that this shaft was sunk to a depth of 100 feet, and hoisting was done on a single track operated by a windlass. Other major development phase during that year had resulted in building a dynamite magaine at a distance of 1,000 feet N of the shaft operation, and a black smithshop was also constructed. Some more changes had also occurred when the company had purchase a gold mill that became erected at distance of 60 feet from the shoreline of McGown Lake. It was rather describe that the plant was a 10 stamp mill, with Frue vanners supplied by Fraser and Chalmers of Chicago, United States. Engineering plans had also made this building into 63 feet square that also had a wing for the vanners. Power at to supply this facility was rather taken from a 60 H.P return Tubular Boiler, and a 60 H.P. Engine.
Other major development within this time period had also resulted in the development of an Assay, and Boarding office. It was also within this time period of operating when the company had came across extentions of the ore-body that was considered economical but under further exploratory stages.
1900-1901 - Parry Sound Copper Mining Company, Ltd.
Further development within 1900 had rather revealed extensions to the ore-body at the McGown Copper-Gold Property. Prior to this discovery the company was rather still exploring this area with very encouraging results. Much development during this time period was rather focus on the incline shaft before it became abandoned after reaching a depth of 160 feet. For the most part this was because a new incline known as the No. 3 shaft was started 100 feet north-east of the former shaft to the south, on an angle of 40 degrees. Another shaft known as the "main shaft" was a vertical shaft operation that was sunk to the depth of 238 feet. A level also became establish at a depth of 160 feet which was opened up by a drift running 25 feet north-east, and 30 feet south-west. Other statements from the company had also stated that the "Main shaft" in 1900 was undergoing further sinking phases. Some more development would take place when a test pit was sunk 33 feet, and had a cross-section that measured 10 by 8 feet. The Newly developed test pit was also additionally sunken on the shore line of McGown Lake that was 200 feet southeast of the main shaft. Another pit known as the "Discover Pit" was also undergoing further sinking on an angle of 10 degrees towards the south-west, which had a depth of 30 feet below the surface, with the lower end under McGown Lake. Hoisting from the Discovery Pit was also being achieved with a Derrick, and Horse Whim, which also had a band friction brake. Milling on the McGown Property was also operated for a short time period before it became idle within 1900.
1902-1903 - Parry Sound Copper Mining Company, Ltd.
All mining operations on the McGown Copper Property became suspened in September of 1900. Development was mainly confined to the south-east crosscut at the bottom of the main shaft which had struck a 3 foot vein of Bornite. It was during 1901, when drifts were driven 12 feet north-east, and south-west, with the crosscut continuing on for a distance of 131 feet. A sell off was also made when the 10 stamps, along with the milling machinery became sold. Some statements from the company directors had inquired that the McGown Copper Property might be place into production during the spring of 1902, when enough capital is obtain to revive operations.
1930 - Property Acquired by Franz Johnson
Another purchase was rather made in the 1930's when an artist by the name of Franz Johnson had purchase the surface rights. It was during this time period when Mr. Johnson had build a log cabin in which he had lived in till 1945.
1941 - First National Trust Company had purchase this property before it was purchase by Ventures, Limited.
It was rather reported that the McGown Property was also staked in 1941 by the First National Trust Company of Davenpost, Iowa, United States. No additional explorations were conducted by this company as the property became acquired by the Kalbrook Mining Company, Limited in 1951. The Kalbrook Mining Company, Ltd was also a subsidiary company of Ventures, Limited. For the most part there was also minor amount of work done by this company as it had mainly focus on further explorations in obtaining surface samples.
It was rather reported by the company's geologist by the name of Dr. Statterly who had reported that the country rock was a medium grained hornblende or biotite-hornblende gneiss with much intruded glassy quartz. For the most part it was also stated that the gneiss structure near the open-cut on Mc0Gown Lake is known to strike N 25 degrees W and had dip 75 degrees south west. Other statements had stated that little mineralization could now be seen in place, but the study on the dump shows two types of copper (Cu) mineralization. The first of these being a disseminated chalcocite(Cu2S), and bornite (Cu5, FeS4) in very glassy, white to blueish grey quartz vein that associated with ferromagnesian rocks. The Second copper mineralization is referred as a disseminated lense, or masses of chalcocite and bornite that accompanied by red garnet( A3,B2,Si3,O12), epidote (Ca2, Al, Fe2, SiO4,30H) and an altered hornblende in silifide hornblende gneiss and with quartz ore stringers of pegmatite. Masses of solid sulphides are commonly known to also occur at a small extent in the open-cut. The first of these copper mineralizations mentioned is known to have been distributed from series of parallel narrow quartz veins occurring across a width of three feet between the trench and the two lakes. A grab sample which was taken from the geologist had rather ran as high as 0.09 ounces of Gold (Au) per ton. Some more quartz vein material had also occurred in a series of trenches, and the shaft to the north of the valley. Another grab sample was taken from the type 2 material that ended up assaying 0.09 ounces of gold (Au) per ton. Some of the veins within the shaft are also not known to parallel with the hornblende gneissitic structure but cuts across it in a northeast-southeast direction. From much of the work done it was also reported that much of the area between the workings are known to compose of very little mineralization which makes it hard to find an ore-body.
1959 - Property owned by Ventures, Limited
By 1959, it was reported that Ventures, Limited had taken over mining operations by drilling five holes totalling 1,649 feet in length. Much of this was pretty much undertaken by a theory that a small valley adjoining McGown and Duck Lake had contained a large ore-body of disseminated copper ore. Drilling by Ventures, Limited had soon indicated negative results that force the company suspend operations. The Company at the time did however state that good indications were made for a possibly copper ore-body further within the Valley. A total of 61 split core samples were obtained from drilling, in which assays form 55 of these samples indicated less than 0,25% Copper (Cu), four of them also contained less than 1.00%, and two contained over 1.00% Copper (Cu). Prior to this venture limited had also stated that there was no reason to believe that a copper ore-body was within limits of previous drilling. Most of the drilling which was done had rather been confined to shallow hole drilling that amounted to 1,500 feet in total length. It was rather believed that the main possibility of an ore-body had lied in an overburden-filled valley that extends west ward from the West end of McGown Lake. At the time it was believed that this valley of overburden had represented a strong shear or of other geological structural. Venture, Limited had rather conducted a limited amount of surface, and ore-dump sampling program which was followed by limited drilling. Most of the drilling program was aimed at searching the ground for nee ore-bodies, and did not attempt to evaluate the known areas copper (Cu) mineralization
1965 - Falconbridge Nickel Mines, Ltd. had acquired the property, and optioned it to R.M. Clark Mining Company.
Another staking on this property was made on October, 1965, when the claims became optioned to R.M. Clark Mining Company. Much of this optioning agreement was made between the company, and Falconbridge Nickel Mines, Ltd. A small amount of installations were rather made during this option agreement, which resulted in the shipment of a small amount of ore. Most of the ore that was shipped from this mining prospect was processed, and treated by Kidd Creek Mines, Limited. Work which was accomplish by R.M Clark had stated that a lot of the information concenring shaft depth was incorrect. Statements on four of the shafts had also stated that they were developed and sunk on a copper (Cu) mineralization, while the fifth shaft was designed as a production shaft. Explorations which were undertaken within the shaft had provided valuable data in order to guide a drilling program and to extend the copper mineralization. It was during this time period when R.M Clark had re-opened some of the old working which demenstrated errors in the old records. A 325 Lb. mill test sample was shipped to the mines branch in Ottawa, which graded 3.70% Copper (Cu), 0.01 ounces of gold (Au), and 0.51 ounces of silver (Ag) per ton. The ore that came from the property was grinded to 57% 200-mesh in which the copper mineral had floated readily, and gave a copper (Cu) concentrate of 50% with copper, and precious metal recoveries averaging 98 and 90%. Limited testing of the ore was undertaken but provided favourable conditionsto conduct further exploratory work. This geological area is known to compose of gneiss and altered gabbro, along with diorites of precambrain age which belong to the Grenville series.
1971 - Property purchase by the Power Mines, Limited from Falconbridge Nickel Mines, Ltd.
Far more explorations on the McGown Copper Property would continue in 1971, when the property was acquired by Power Mines, Limited. This rather had resulted in rapid exploration procedures when a geophysical program was undertaken during the winter season. For the most part the so called Adit is strongly known to be located on the original discovery claims located near duck lake. It was rather stated by the previous company that free gold was discovered within the "Discovery" Pit. Much of the adit is rather known as an irregular shaped, high-grade, incline opening that was neither an adit or shaft. In addition to this, it was rather describe as an open-cut that stretches for a length of 160 feet. More information by this company had indicated that the lower end had suddenly steepen to a near vertical, and has the dimensions of a small internal winze shaft. Other statements from the company had stated that this section was rather flooded, and no records could be determined on its actual depth.
One of the shafts known as the "B" Shaft was mainly developed in order to tap mineralization found in the Incline shaft at depth. It was during 1965, when the R.M Clark Mining Company had cleaned out this shaft to a depth of 90 feet. Further statements from the company had also reported that the "B Shaft" never had reach its cool in determining the depth of the mineralization. Additionally, it was considered unsafe to work in which resulted in a complete stop of development on this shaft. A level was also stated to have been started on the 84 foot section of the "B Shaft", which had extend the workings for a distance of 150 feet to the west by a crosscut.
There was also another shaft known as the "A Shaft" which was mainly being used as a production shaft. It was rather stated that the shaft was a vertical one that was sunk on three known copper mineralization. To the end of 1902, the shaft had rather reach its own depth of 238 feet below the surface, and had level establish at 160 feet. Additionally the level is considered to be driven by crosscuts that lead 25 feet north-east, and 30 feet south-west. Other statements from the company reported that the main-shaft house was once used as a barn where manure became drop. At its present time the shaft is known to also be covered with debris, and previous records state that the shaft had intersected copper mineralization at a depth of 26 feet.
Another shaft known as the J shaft was commonly a vertical that was situated 50 feet from the north shoreline of McGown Lake. Historical reports have indicated that the shaft is 33 feet deep, with a cross-cut leading out under McGown Lake. At the time it was also stated that R.M Clarke Mining had dewatered the shaft to a depth of 85 feet, and a crosscut was then driven 200 feet northwestward.
Shaft G was commonly the most northernly shaft operatio, and was reported to be 85 feet deep with a level at the 77 foot horizon. From here a crosscut is known to commonly lead south for a distance of 131 feet. At a distance of 75 feet from the shaft it was rather stated that a 3 foot bornite vein was intersected and drifted on for a total distance of 22 feet to the northeast, and southwest. For the most part it was also predicted if the latter was correct than the strike of the vein is 90 degrees different from the vein strikes seen on the surface. It was also reported that R.M Clarke had dewatered this shaft to a depth of 15, when much of the workings were filled with broken rock.
R.M Clarke had also dewatered the Open Cut or E Pit, and had mined some material in order to conduct sampling of the pit workings. It was rather stated that high-grade ore was mined from the open pit many years ago and shipped for smelting. The North Trench is an open cut that's 70 feet long and 5 to 10 feet wide in which a few hundred tonnes of ore/rock were removed
A geophysical suvey was undertaken at McGown Lake by Power Mines, Limited which resulted in additional explorations to be conducted by VLF Electromagnetic Survey. These VLF Magnetic conductors should be completed by horizontal loop or vertical loop methods. Surveying on the McGown Lake area was undertaken before the winter break up, and picket lines were turned off from a west-northwesterly base line. The Geophysical data had rather obtained an interesting picture that describe it as a northwest-southeast trending magnetic trend at a distance of 100 feet northeast of the open cut or E Pit, which is known as an outcrop. Upon examinations it was revealed that this outcrop had determined a northwest-southeast shear or fault
The copper mineralization in the area is known to commonly occur in vein like structures having a quartz core and extensive wall rock alteration wherein copper values are also found. Much of the copper mineralization within the area a are known to be chiefly decomposed within the bornite, and chalcocite. Prior to this the McGown area has not underwent geological surveying to prompt any anomalous intersection Recommendations from several companies had suggested that the area should be explored by closely spaced magnetic, and electromagnetic surveys. The purpose of this program is rather aimed at searching for undiscovered copper mineralization in the area.
1896-1898 - Staked by the McGown Gold Mining Company, Ltd.
The McGown Copper Mine was rather one of the first mines to be discovered near the shorelines of Georgian Bay. For the most part this property was first staked as a gold prospect in 1896, by the McGown Gold Mining Company, Ltd. of Parry Sound. During this time period it was rather considered that this incorporation was made under the government laws of Ontario, with a capitalization of $1,000,000. Prior to this staking the company had also divided its own capitalization into share profits at $1 per value to fund this project.
By this time the whole entire McGown Property was rather situated on Lots 146, within A and B Concession of Foley Township. Additionally the whole entire claim had comprised of 169 acres of total exploratory land that was so far deemed profitable. It was rather in 1896 when a shaft was being sunk to a depth of 30 below the surface on what was known as the No. 1 vein. With development taking place it was also stated that the company had removed between 15 to 20 tonnes of good ore from this shaft
Some other development that took place 1987 had mainly been confined to an open-cut which had ran east, and west. By this time the open-cut was rather worked to a limited extent which resulted in taking out several tonnes of good grade ore. At about 100 feet west of the No. 1 Shaft, the company was rather working on another open-cut that had showed similar ore as the No. 1 Shaft workings. Even more development had occurred at a distance of 800 feet east of the shaft when a cut was made on the same vein material that measured 10 by 20 feet in dimension. Another good indication of ore was shortly after examined that proved to be very satisfactory in grading. With good indications of ore, the company had continued to prospect this vein when it had outcropped at a distance of 100 feet from the open-cut. There was also another cut made on this outcroping that had measured 30 feet in length, and 6 feet in width. Besides only discovering the main vein it was also report that several other veins were discovered with the same course of Northeasterly and Southwesterly strikes,
Other prospects had also became opened up when the company was focus on a quartz outcropping across McGown Lake, and was 300 yards in width. Prior to making this discovery it was shortly determined that the area had held profitable ore just like the main shaft area. With not enough finacial the company had rented a government drill which was used to test this deposit to depths of 40, 80, and 144 feet with satisfactory results. Even more work had taken place when the company had driven a tunnel into the hill side to west of the main shaft operation for distance of 40 feet. More so the dumps were rather reported to have been filled with good grade ore that was taken from each of these workings. Some more intentions had also prepared an engineering plan for a smelter in order to treat this ore. It was also reported that a large body of ore could easily be taken from the open-cuts, which will be much easier to handle.
At about 24 feet, it was rather stated that the ore had assayed $3.60 in gold with trace of silver, and $36.85 in copper per a ton. Another assay was taken at 28 feet which indicated $2.40 in gold, 18 cents in silver, and $79.64 in copper. Some more assays were taking at 30 feet which resulted in $4.80 in gold, 24 cents in silver, and $15.92 in copper. One last assay during this time period was taken at 33 feet that indicated $14.46 in Gold, $2,27 in silver, and 79.64 in Copper value per a tonne. For the most part it became determined that the McGown Mine was rather a copper mine with an average copper value of $53 per a ton.
1898-1899 - Property optioned to the Parry Sound Copper Mining, Company, Ltd. by the McGown Gold Mining Company.
During this time period a major change was rather made when the Parry Sound Copper Mining Company, Ltd was looking for copper prospects. Much attention at the time was being aimed at determining a good copper prospect area with the rising prices within the copper market. Many propsectors, and even capitalists had arrived by steamers in order to open up new deposits near Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada. One of these individuals was the manager from the Parry Sound Copper Mining Company who was know as Robert Forbes. He was also assisted by Mr. Koren who was the superintendent of mines, and Dr. Elftman, who was the superintendent of Reduction works. By this time these engineers were shown two principal copper producing properties which became determined as the McGown and WIlcox Mine Projects. It was rather during 1898, when the company decided to test these two properties by shipping six car loads of ore to the Orford Copper Company for treatment.
At the time it was rather seen that there were three openings made on the McGown Mine Property. The first of these openings was an inclined shaft to a depth of 100 feet, the second of these openings was an open pit to the depth of 20 feet, and the third being a vertical shaft with a dimension of 9 by 11 feet, and was sunk to a depth of 65 feet. It was at this point when six carloads of ore that weighted 143 tonnes became shipped from this site to the Orford Copper Company for treatment. Smelter assays from the ore had indicated that the precentage of copper was between 15 to 16% copper with some gold, and silver values. An estimation was made which resulted in 200 tonnes of selected ore that was stock piled, and had graded 25 to 30% copper, with 3,000 tonnes grading between 8 to 10% copper.
By this time it was rather stated that much of the ore had came from an open quarry, which was 50 by 25 feet in dimension. Other company statements had also stated that much of the stockpiled ore was also taken from this small scale open pit quarry operation. Further examinations of the ore had also determined it to contain bornite, chalcocite, and chalcopyrite with a minor amount of pyrite. Assays which were conducted on the chalcopyrite mixed with bornite had indicated 39.9 to 50.6% copper. Another sample taken from the open pit quarry had also indicated nickel mixed in with arsenic. One solid piece of bornite was also reported to have gave off an assay of 70.4% copper, which was a high percentage for this mineral. An average sample of ore was also taken from the southeast corner of the quarry which gave off 22.7% copper mixed in with quartz. There was also another sample taken 12 feet from the surface which resulted in 25.5% copper. Much of the rock within the quarry was also stated to have shown small quartz stringers but had no indication of a vein system. Generally the rock it self is known to be within a diorite or norite schist, which sometimes becomes intersected by dykes of course pegmatite. A small amount of copper ore is also stated to have occurred within the latter rock, and some stripping had also been done on a dyke to the north-east of the pit. All gold values had rather assayed between 019 to 0.25 ounce of gold per a tonne with increasing grade at depth. None of the bodies are considered to have definite outlines, and it was rather stated that the deposit was probably formed by the impregnation or replacement of rock by ore. Other statements from the company's geologists had stated that it could have also been formed along a zone of fracture. The whole entire ore-body was rather known to have been 650 feet wide by 1,000 feet in length, and continued on-ward from the property.
1899-1900 - Property Acquisition made by the Parry Sound Copper Mining Company, Ltd.
Shaft sinking had continued when a new one was built 400 feet North-West of the Open-Pit Quarry Operation. Prior to this development the company had additionally sunken the shaft to a depth of 54 feet below the surface, with a cross-section that was 10 by 11 feet. By this time the company had also place timbers down to 26 feet which acted as a way to make four compartments. Two of the compartments were used for hoisting operations, and two for the man-way and pump column This also included the installation of a kibble which was used for hoisting the ore, and had a 1/2 inch cable running over a 20 inch sheave that was mounted on gallows frame at height of 20 feet. Much of the hoist was also operated by an engine that was rather a small duplex machine with a 12 inch drum set in an open shed Most of the power to operate this project was taken from a 20 H.P. Locomotive Boiler that produce steam in the same shed. Another shaft known as the "Incline" was situated at distance of 400 feet N.W of the main-shaft operation, which had an inclination of 25 degrees from the horizontal, leaning W 10 Degrees N. Statements from the company had reported that this shaft was sunk to a depth of 100 feet, and hoisting was done on a single track operated by a windlass. Other major development phase during that year had resulted in building a dynamite magaine at a distance of 1,000 feet N of the shaft operation, and a black smithshop was also constructed. Some more changes had also occurred when the company had purchase a gold mill that became erected at distance of 60 feet from the shoreline of McGown Lake. It was rather describe that the plant was a 10 stamp mill, with Frue vanners supplied by Fraser and Chalmers of Chicago, United States. Engineering plans had also made this building into 63 feet square that also had a wing for the vanners. Power at to supply this facility was rather taken from a 60 H.P return Tubular Boiler, and a 60 H.P. Engine.
Other major development within this time period had also resulted in the development of an Assay, and Boarding office. It was also within this time period of operating when the company had came across extentions of the ore-body that was considered economical but under further exploratory stages.
1900-1901 - Parry Sound Copper Mining Company, Ltd.
Further development within 1900 had rather revealed extensions to the ore-body at the McGown Copper-Gold Property. Prior to this discovery the company was rather still exploring this area with very encouraging results. Much development during this time period was rather focus on the incline shaft before it became abandoned after reaching a depth of 160 feet. For the most part this was because a new incline known as the No. 3 shaft was started 100 feet north-east of the former shaft to the south, on an angle of 40 degrees. Another shaft known as the "main shaft" was a vertical shaft operation that was sunk to the depth of 238 feet. A level also became establish at a depth of 160 feet which was opened up by a drift running 25 feet north-east, and 30 feet south-west. Other statements from the company had also stated that the "Main shaft" in 1900 was undergoing further sinking phases. Some more development would take place when a test pit was sunk 33 feet, and had a cross-section that measured 10 by 8 feet. The Newly developed test pit was also additionally sunken on the shore line of McGown Lake that was 200 feet southeast of the main shaft. Another pit known as the "Discover Pit" was also undergoing further sinking on an angle of 10 degrees towards the south-west, which had a depth of 30 feet below the surface, with the lower end under McGown Lake. Hoisting from the Discovery Pit was also being achieved with a Derrick, and Horse Whim, which also had a band friction brake. Milling on the McGown Property was also operated for a short time period before it became idle within 1900.
1902-1903 - Parry Sound Copper Mining Company, Ltd.
All mining operations on the McGown Copper Property became suspened in September of 1900. Development was mainly confined to the south-east crosscut at the bottom of the main shaft which had struck a 3 foot vein of Bornite. It was during 1901, when drifts were driven 12 feet north-east, and south-west, with the crosscut continuing on for a distance of 131 feet. A sell off was also made when the 10 stamps, along with the milling machinery became sold. Some statements from the company directors had inquired that the McGown Copper Property might be place into production during the spring of 1902, when enough capital is obtain to revive operations.
1930 - Property Acquired by Franz Johnson
Another purchase was rather made in the 1930's when an artist by the name of Franz Johnson had purchase the surface rights. It was during this time period when Mr. Johnson had build a log cabin in which he had lived in till 1945.
1941 - First National Trust Company had purchase this property before it was purchase by Ventures, Limited.
It was rather reported that the McGown Property was also staked in 1941 by the First National Trust Company of Davenpost, Iowa, United States. No additional explorations were conducted by this company as the property became acquired by the Kalbrook Mining Company, Limited in 1951. The Kalbrook Mining Company, Ltd was also a subsidiary company of Ventures, Limited. For the most part there was also minor amount of work done by this company as it had mainly focus on further explorations in obtaining surface samples.
It was rather reported by the company's geologist by the name of Dr. Statterly who had reported that the country rock was a medium grained hornblende or biotite-hornblende gneiss with much intruded glassy quartz. For the most part it was also stated that the gneiss structure near the open-cut on Mc0Gown Lake is known to strike N 25 degrees W and had dip 75 degrees south west. Other statements had stated that little mineralization could now be seen in place, but the study on the dump shows two types of copper (Cu) mineralization. The first of these being a disseminated chalcocite(Cu2S), and bornite (Cu5, FeS4) in very glassy, white to blueish grey quartz vein that associated with ferromagnesian rocks. The Second copper mineralization is referred as a disseminated lense, or masses of chalcocite and bornite that accompanied by red garnet( A3,B2,Si3,O12), epidote (Ca2, Al, Fe2, SiO4,30H) and an altered hornblende in silifide hornblende gneiss and with quartz ore stringers of pegmatite. Masses of solid sulphides are commonly known to also occur at a small extent in the open-cut. The first of these copper mineralizations mentioned is known to have been distributed from series of parallel narrow quartz veins occurring across a width of three feet between the trench and the two lakes. A grab sample which was taken from the geologist had rather ran as high as 0.09 ounces of Gold (Au) per ton. Some more quartz vein material had also occurred in a series of trenches, and the shaft to the north of the valley. Another grab sample was taken from the type 2 material that ended up assaying 0.09 ounces of gold (Au) per ton. Some of the veins within the shaft are also not known to parallel with the hornblende gneissitic structure but cuts across it in a northeast-southeast direction. From much of the work done it was also reported that much of the area between the workings are known to compose of very little mineralization which makes it hard to find an ore-body.
1959 - Property owned by Ventures, Limited
By 1959, it was reported that Ventures, Limited had taken over mining operations by drilling five holes totalling 1,649 feet in length. Much of this was pretty much undertaken by a theory that a small valley adjoining McGown and Duck Lake had contained a large ore-body of disseminated copper ore. Drilling by Ventures, Limited had soon indicated negative results that force the company suspend operations. The Company at the time did however state that good indications were made for a possibly copper ore-body further within the Valley. A total of 61 split core samples were obtained from drilling, in which assays form 55 of these samples indicated less than 0,25% Copper (Cu), four of them also contained less than 1.00%, and two contained over 1.00% Copper (Cu). Prior to this venture limited had also stated that there was no reason to believe that a copper ore-body was within limits of previous drilling. Most of the drilling which was done had rather been confined to shallow hole drilling that amounted to 1,500 feet in total length. It was rather believed that the main possibility of an ore-body had lied in an overburden-filled valley that extends west ward from the West end of McGown Lake. At the time it was believed that this valley of overburden had represented a strong shear or of other geological structural. Venture, Limited had rather conducted a limited amount of surface, and ore-dump sampling program which was followed by limited drilling. Most of the drilling program was aimed at searching the ground for nee ore-bodies, and did not attempt to evaluate the known areas copper (Cu) mineralization
1965 - Falconbridge Nickel Mines, Ltd. had acquired the property, and optioned it to R.M. Clark Mining Company.
Another staking on this property was made on October, 1965, when the claims became optioned to R.M. Clark Mining Company. Much of this optioning agreement was made between the company, and Falconbridge Nickel Mines, Ltd. A small amount of installations were rather made during this option agreement, which resulted in the shipment of a small amount of ore. Most of the ore that was shipped from this mining prospect was processed, and treated by Kidd Creek Mines, Limited. Work which was accomplish by R.M Clark had stated that a lot of the information concenring shaft depth was incorrect. Statements on four of the shafts had also stated that they were developed and sunk on a copper (Cu) mineralization, while the fifth shaft was designed as a production shaft. Explorations which were undertaken within the shaft had provided valuable data in order to guide a drilling program and to extend the copper mineralization. It was during this time period when R.M Clark had re-opened some of the old working which demenstrated errors in the old records. A 325 Lb. mill test sample was shipped to the mines branch in Ottawa, which graded 3.70% Copper (Cu), 0.01 ounces of gold (Au), and 0.51 ounces of silver (Ag) per ton. The ore that came from the property was grinded to 57% 200-mesh in which the copper mineral had floated readily, and gave a copper (Cu) concentrate of 50% with copper, and precious metal recoveries averaging 98 and 90%. Limited testing of the ore was undertaken but provided favourable conditionsto conduct further exploratory work. This geological area is known to compose of gneiss and altered gabbro, along with diorites of precambrain age which belong to the Grenville series.
1971 - Property purchase by the Power Mines, Limited from Falconbridge Nickel Mines, Ltd.
Far more explorations on the McGown Copper Property would continue in 1971, when the property was acquired by Power Mines, Limited. This rather had resulted in rapid exploration procedures when a geophysical program was undertaken during the winter season. For the most part the so called Adit is strongly known to be located on the original discovery claims located near duck lake. It was rather stated by the previous company that free gold was discovered within the "Discovery" Pit. Much of the adit is rather known as an irregular shaped, high-grade, incline opening that was neither an adit or shaft. In addition to this, it was rather describe as an open-cut that stretches for a length of 160 feet. More information by this company had indicated that the lower end had suddenly steepen to a near vertical, and has the dimensions of a small internal winze shaft. Other statements from the company had stated that this section was rather flooded, and no records could be determined on its actual depth.
One of the shafts known as the "B" Shaft was mainly developed in order to tap mineralization found in the Incline shaft at depth. It was during 1965, when the R.M Clark Mining Company had cleaned out this shaft to a depth of 90 feet. Further statements from the company had also reported that the "B Shaft" never had reach its cool in determining the depth of the mineralization. Additionally, it was considered unsafe to work in which resulted in a complete stop of development on this shaft. A level was also stated to have been started on the 84 foot section of the "B Shaft", which had extend the workings for a distance of 150 feet to the west by a crosscut.
There was also another shaft known as the "A Shaft" which was mainly being used as a production shaft. It was rather stated that the shaft was a vertical one that was sunk on three known copper mineralization. To the end of 1902, the shaft had rather reach its own depth of 238 feet below the surface, and had level establish at 160 feet. Additionally the level is considered to be driven by crosscuts that lead 25 feet north-east, and 30 feet south-west. Other statements from the company reported that the main-shaft house was once used as a barn where manure became drop. At its present time the shaft is known to also be covered with debris, and previous records state that the shaft had intersected copper mineralization at a depth of 26 feet.
Another shaft known as the J shaft was commonly a vertical that was situated 50 feet from the north shoreline of McGown Lake. Historical reports have indicated that the shaft is 33 feet deep, with a cross-cut leading out under McGown Lake. At the time it was also stated that R.M Clarke Mining had dewatered the shaft to a depth of 85 feet, and a crosscut was then driven 200 feet northwestward.
Shaft G was commonly the most northernly shaft operatio, and was reported to be 85 feet deep with a level at the 77 foot horizon. From here a crosscut is known to commonly lead south for a distance of 131 feet. At a distance of 75 feet from the shaft it was rather stated that a 3 foot bornite vein was intersected and drifted on for a total distance of 22 feet to the northeast, and southwest. For the most part it was also predicted if the latter was correct than the strike of the vein is 90 degrees different from the vein strikes seen on the surface. It was also reported that R.M Clarke had dewatered this shaft to a depth of 15, when much of the workings were filled with broken rock.
R.M Clarke had also dewatered the Open Cut or E Pit, and had mined some material in order to conduct sampling of the pit workings. It was rather stated that high-grade ore was mined from the open pit many years ago and shipped for smelting. The North Trench is an open cut that's 70 feet long and 5 to 10 feet wide in which a few hundred tonnes of ore/rock were removed
A geophysical suvey was undertaken at McGown Lake by Power Mines, Limited which resulted in additional explorations to be conducted by VLF Electromagnetic Survey. These VLF Magnetic conductors should be completed by horizontal loop or vertical loop methods. Surveying on the McGown Lake area was undertaken before the winter break up, and picket lines were turned off from a west-northwesterly base line. The Geophysical data had rather obtained an interesting picture that describe it as a northwest-southeast trending magnetic trend at a distance of 100 feet northeast of the open cut or E Pit, which is known as an outcrop. Upon examinations it was revealed that this outcrop had determined a northwest-southeast shear or fault
The copper mineralization in the area is known to commonly occur in vein like structures having a quartz core and extensive wall rock alteration wherein copper values are also found. Much of the copper mineralization within the area a are known to be chiefly decomposed within the bornite, and chalcocite. Prior to this the McGown area has not underwent geological surveying to prompt any anomalous intersection Recommendations from several companies had suggested that the area should be explored by closely spaced magnetic, and electromagnetic surveys. The purpose of this program is rather aimed at searching for undiscovered copper mineralization in the area.
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