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Indicative · 08:22 UTC · Prices by MetalCharts
Iron Ore

Exploration Plan Filed for Nonferrous Lease

Global edition
Exploration Plan Filed for Nonferrous Lease
State Nonferrous Metallic Mineral Leasing

Vermillion Gold Inc. (VGI) submitted a proposed plan to explore metallic mineral deposits on leased state mineral rights about 11 miles southeast of Big Fork, Minnesota in Itasca County. VGI’s plan proposes drilling exploratory borings. VGI drilled exploratory borings in the area last winter and as recently as this fall.

This winter, VGI plans to drill exploratory borings at 17 drill sites using the rotosonic drilling method. All proposed drilling will occur under adequately frozen conditions, according to the exploration plan.

Rotosonic drilling uses high-frequency vibration of the drill bit to advance and collect cores of soils, glacial sediments, and a short length of the underlying bedrock. Rotosonic borings end shortly after encountering the top of the bedrock. The plan says VGI will seal the borings following regulations set by the Minnesota Department of Health.

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Upon DNR approval VGI has the right to explore state-owned lands consistent with the exploration plan, any stipulations, and applicable laws and rules.

Find a summary report and associated map of the proposed exploration-related activities at the DNR’s exploration plan webpage.

About the author

Mo Shine

Mo Shine

Lead Strategist, African Infrastructure & Diplomacy

Mo Shine covers the geopolitics, logistics and diplomacy of critical-mineral extraction in the Global South, with a focus on how African statecraft shapes what investors and operators can actually build. He spent more than a decade in newspaper journalism, as sub-editor and executive editor, and has worked with Skillings since 2009.

His current work tracks the Lobito Corridor and other Western-backed rail routes, and what they change for working capital, regional diplomacy and operator resilience across the Central African Copperbelt.


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