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<br />O~J316 <br /> <br />Minerals <br /> <br />Minerals exploration and extraction have centered in localized but highly mineralized zones <br />within the unit. Minerals known to be commercially available include gold, silver, lead, zinc, <br />potassium and, to a limited extent, uranium. <br /> <br />The areas around Jasper and Crater Creek and from Platoro Reservoir northwest to Elwood <br />Pass have experienced extensive exploration and mining. Evidence of the exploration, <br />mining, and processing of these minerals is obvious as one travels the roads in the area. Much <br />of the early history of the San Juan Mountains relates to the search and discovery of these <br />precious minerals. Many of the early claims on public land are now patented (deeded) and in <br />private ownersh ip. <br /> <br />The unit also contains other minerals and earth resources which under certain conditions <br />can be extracted for commercial purposes, but which cannot be patented. In this situation, <br />the resources can be explored, mined, and processed only after a lease or special use permit <br />is granted by the Forest Service. Included are: <br /> <br />Gravel - Sand - Few areas are suitable as good sand and gravel sources. Land around Platoro <br />and the river flood plains have some potential as sources. <br /> <br />Gas - Oil - The largest oil field in the vicinity of the unit is the Gramps Oil Field located on <br />the Tierra Amarilla Land Grant. Oil and gas leases are in effect in the East Fork-Quartz <br />Creek area but no producing wells currently exist on National Forest lands within the unit. <br /> <br />Potassium (Potash) - No active mining or processing of potassium occurs at the present time <br />within the unit, but several potassium exploration applications have been considered in <br />recent years. <br /> <br />Coal - Some coal has been mined on private lands within the Unit, but no mines are <br />currently active. In the past, some coal has also been mined in Township 36 North, Range 1 <br />East. This entire township, however, is no longer available for coal leasing. <br /> <br />Geothermal - Potential geothermal energy sources exist in portions of the unit, and some <br />investigations have been conducted near Pagosa Springs. <br />