Gold Mining in Montana (2024)? All You Need to Know

Montana’s first gold discovery was in 1852 and recorded gold production in 2019. There is currently no commercial gold mining in the state; read about these and other facts and figures about gold mining in MT.

Is there Gold in Montana?

Yes, there is gold in Montana, but no active commercial gold mining industry anymore:

• Gold mining since the middle of the 19^th century for more than 150 years, with the most active areas in the southwest, in the Rocky Mountains. Most gold production sites were in the counties of Granite, Powell, Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, Jefferson, Madison, Silver Row, Beaverhead and Deer Lodge.
• The US Geological Survey published Montana’s gold production numbers only until 2000. Production continued until 2019, when the last mine, the Golden Sunlight mine closed.
• Its official statistic for the state show that Montana produced around 735 tonnes of gold between 1900 and 2000; of which 183 were produced after 1965.
• 1993 was the year with the highest gold production in the state’s history: Output stood here at 14,306 tonnes (459,948 troy ounces).
• In 1965, Montana had the 7^th highest output of gold ever produced in the USA, after Utah and before Arizona. The states with the highest outputs were California, Colorado and South Dakota.
• Around 4,800 historic gold sites in Montana are listed by the US geological Survey, this includes the Alta mine, the Beal mountain mine and the Big Seven mine. Most of the sites are already closed.
• Several gold projects in Montana that might develop into gold mines.

Key Takeaways:

Fact	Explanation
Remember	Commercial gold mining ceased in the 2019 with the closure of the last mine
Gold Deposits	Yes
Discovery Year	1852
Discoverer	Francois Finlay (most credible first discoverer, according to the University of Montana)
Mining Industry	Not active
Last Gold Mine	Golden Sunlight mine owned by Barrick‘s Gold, closed in 2019
Panning Locations	Big Hole River and its tributaries in Beaverhead county, Missouri River and its tributaries in Helena and the Clark Fork River, which has a long history of gold mining

Check out the video about gold prospecting in Montana:

Where is Gold in Montana?

Gold in Montana was mined in several areas, primarily in the southwest, where the Rockies cross the state.

Here are some notable locations where gold has been mined in Montana:

• Butte Area: This region is known for its large-scale copper mining operations, but significant amounts of gold have also been produced as a by-product of copper mining​
• Bannack Mining District: Located in Beaverhead County, this area, especially around Grasshopper Creek, was one of the first to be mined and produced an abundance of gold. Many tributaries in this area were also quite rich​
• Virginia City and Alder Gulch: These areas saw huge gold deposits and attracted thousands of miners during the early gold rush. Modern-day prospectors can still find gold in the creeks and rivers near these old towns​
• Confederate Gulch: Situated east of the Missouri River between Helena and Townsend, this was one of the richest placers in Montana’s history, with some gravels reportedly paying over $1000 per pan​
• Helena: The area around Montana’s state capital, including the Missouri River near Helena and the headwaters of the Clark Fork of the Columbia River near Butte, is notable for its gold production, historically and in modern times​
• Madison County: Known for the famous Virginia City/Alder Gulch area, this district has been extensively mined and continues to produce gold

These locations represent just a portion of the areas where gold has been and continues to be mined in Montana. The state’s vast and rugged terrain, especially in its western part, holds many creeks, rivers, and old mine sites that have been sources of gold.

Sources: USGS, University of Montana

What is the History of Gold Mining in Montana?

Gold mining in Montana has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century.

See the map below of the sites with gold and silver lode discoveries until 1865.

Who discovered gold in Montana?

The first notable discovery of gold in what would later become Montana was made by Francois Finlay (Benetsee) in 1852. However, it was the discovery by John White and his fellow prospectors at Grasshopper Creek in July 1862 that ignited the first major gold rush into the area, leading to the establishment of the town of Bannack. This was closely followed by the monumental find in Alder Gulch near Virginia City in 1863 by William Fairweather and his team, propelling Montana into a new era of gold fever.

Was the nature of gold mining in Montana?

• Initially, the gold mining in Montana was predominantly placer mining, a method that involves sifting through river sediments to find gold. This approach was accessible to individuals and small groups using rudimentary tools like pans and sluice boxes.
• Dreding was first tried in 1895 on Grashopper Creek. The transition to electric power dredges started in 1906.
• As the easily reachable placer deposits were exhausted, miners transitioned to hard rock mining to extract gold from quartz veins, a method requiring more sophisticated technology and significant investment. This lode production became significant in the 1870s.

When was the gold rush in Montana?

Montana’s gold rush can be traced back to the early 1860s, with the discoveries at Grasshopper Creek and Alder Gulch serving as catalysts. These events drew thousands of fortune-seekers to Montana, leading to the rapid development of mining towns and a significant influx of population and capital into the region. The gold rush era was a time of rapid growth and development but also brought challenges, including lawlessness and environmental degradation.

Check out a video about the Montana gold rush:

When did industrial mining start in Montana?

The transition to industrial gold mining in Montana began in the late 19th century. As placer deposits dwindled and mining technology advanced, operations became more sophisticated and capital-intensive.

The introduction of deep shaft mining, steam-powered pumps, and heavy machinery marked the advent of industrial mining. This era saw the emergence of significant mining companies and the growth of towns like Butte, which, while more famous for its copper, also contributed to Montana’s gold mining story. Butte became after World War One so prosperous that the town became known as “the Richest Hill on Earth”. There were produced 3 million ounces of gold, 700 million ounces of silver, 20.8 billion ounces of copper and other minerals.

In 1965 Montana was the seventh biggest gold mining state in the US, by total gold production; see below. Total gold production stood at 17,752,093 troy ounce. This is around 552 metric tons.

Sources: Mining Artifacts, USGS

How much Gold has been Mined in Montana?

• Montana produced around 735 tonnes of gold between 1900 and 2000; of which 183 tonnes were produced after 1965. The shows the official gold statistic for the state, published by the US Geological Survey,
• Production numbers from the 19^th century are not included as they are incomplete.
• Production numbers from 2000 onwards were not made public by the Geological Survey to not disclose proprietary data. However, production continued until 2019, when the last gold mine, the Golden Sunlight mine closed for good.
• 1993 was the year with the highest gold production in the state’s history: Output stood here at 14,306 tonnes (459,948 troy ounces).

Sources: USGS, USGS

What is the Current State of Gold Mining in Montana?

The state of gold mining in Montana is limited to recreational prospecting and small-scale operations.

The last gold mine closed in 2019. This was the Golden Sunlight mine owned by Barrick’s Gold. This was also the last year when gold production from Montana entered the official gold statistics from the United States, compiled by the US Geological Survey.

What are major gold mines in Montana?

There are no active gold mines in Montana.

How many Gold Reserves are in Montana?

There is no estimate about the gold reserves in Montana.

What Companies Mine Gold in Montana?

There are currently no active commercial gold mines in Montana. Current gold mining activities in Montana are amateur and hobby prospecting, primarily consisting of individual or small-scale placer operations.

However, there are several mining companies that developing gold mines in the state; see next section.

Where are New Gold Mines Explored or Developed in Montana?

There are several exploration projects that might lead to gold mining operations in Montana, such as:

• American Pacific Mining Corp. is in the exploration phase at the Madison Copper-Gold project in Montana. In the beginning of 2024 it received permits to start exploratory drilling. This is a former mine, purchased in 2020 produced gold from 1880 – 1950; and copper with gold as a byproduct from 2008 – 2013.
• Brixton Metals Corporation has an exploration program on the Hog Heaven project (Flathead county) with a potential for copper, silver and gold. Geophysical surveys look promising. The next batch of drilling is planned. At this place, previous operators drilled holes and a mining permit was received in 1989. But the project did not move forward.

Sources: company websites, junior mining network, junior mining network

Is it Legal to Mine Gold in Montana?

Yes, it is legal to mine gold in Montana, subject to certain regulations and guidelines. Also checkout out the brochure: Recreational Prospecting by the United States Department of Agriculture.

• Gold mining in Montana, specifically gold panning, is legal provided it follows state laws and regulations.
• The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) plays a key role in overseeing gold panning activities to ensure the protection of natural resources, including waterways and fish habitats. In terms of where you can pan for gold, Montana differentiates between public and private streambeds.
• Public streambeds, owned by the state, typically allow for recreational gold panning without the need for special permissions or permits. However, access to surrounding land may be restricted and could require landowner permission.
• Private streambeds, on the other hand, are generally off-limits without explicit permission from the landowner.
• It’s also important to note that some public areas may be closed to gold panning due to environmental concerns or other specific regulations, so it’s advisable to check with the DEQ or land management agencies before you start
  

For those looking to get started or to join a community of like-minded individuals, Montana has various gold prospecting clubs.

Sources: state law library, United States Department of Agriculture

Where Can I Pan for Gold in Montana?

Check out the video about the Bohemian mountain gold district:

 

Montana offers a variety of locations for gold panning, reflecting its rich history in gold mining. Some notable places to consider include:

• Helena and Last Chance Gulch: Helena, owing its establishment to the 19th-century gold rush, remains a significant site for gold mining. Last Chance Gulch, in particular, has a storied history of lucrative gold findings, making Helena a popular destination for those interested in both the history and practice of gold panning​
• Virginia City & Nevada City: These locations provide a blend of historical education and gold panning opportunities, particularly through the River of Gold Mining exhibit in Alder Gulch. This area has seen billions in gold extraction, making it a notable spot for beginners to try their luck​
• Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area: Situated in the Kootenai National Forest, this public area not only offers gold panning but also other outdoor activities like hiking and camping. The gold deposits here are attributed to alpine glaciation, adding a unique aspect to the gold panning experience​.
• Southwest Montana: For those seeking a more guided experience, Gold Panning Adventures in Southwest Montana provide an opportunity to learn from geologists about the area’s geology and gold panning techniques. Although they caution against expecting significant finds, it’s a great educational experience​​.

Sources: silver recyclers , z100missoula

Is There Gold in Other US States?

Check out gold production in neighboring states of Montana: North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Idaho.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGC), there are 11 states that mine gold and contribute towards the gold mining statistic: Nevada is responsible for the majority of gold output, around 72%, followed by Alaska (13%). 9 other contribute in sum to the remaining 15% of gold production: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, New Mexico, South Carolina, South Dakota and Utah.