Bethlehem moves onto newly opened Shining Tree mining claims

The first mining company to announce a stake in a band of newly opened claims near Cobalt, Ont., is Bethlehem Resources (TSE). Bethlehem, along with joint venture partner Northair Mines (TSE), staked four properties in the Shining Tree area, the most sought-after section within the reopened zone. Bethlehem and Northair have committed more than $200,000 to exploration on 111 claims lying within the boundaries of their four properties. Mineralization identified so far ranges from gold-bearing quartz veins to volcanic-hosted copper showings. The two companies will share the cost of a grassroots program of mapping, geophysical surveying and trenching this year.

The land caution that has prevented staking on all or part of 40 townships, including the Shining Tree area, since 1974, was lifted in April as part of an agreement between the Ontario government and the Bear Island Indian band. Since then, more than 1,500 claims have been staked.