The Blue Lead Gold Channel of the Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada holds one of the most fascinating geological stories in North America — the ancient river systems known as the Blue Lead channels.
Millions of years ago, before the modern Sierra Nevada rose to its current height, massive rivers flowed across this region carrying gold eroded from the mountains. Over time these ancient riverbeds were buried under volcanic flows and sediment, preserving rich deposits of gold-bearing gravels deep underground.
Many historic mines in the Sierra foothills were built specifically to follow these ancient river channels. Prospectors and miners spent generations tracing these buried rivers in search of gold.
Our mine sits along one of these historic systems. The paydirt we offer comes directly from this same region and reflects the natural geology that made the Sierra Nevada one of the most famous gold-producing areas in the world.