Jurisdiction

Gold exploration in Montana

Last updated: November 2026

Montana is a long-established place to explore for gold: the first gold discovery in the Montana territory came in 1852, and mining still plays an active role in the state's economy. Lannister Mining explores for gold and silver at Basin Gulch, in the heart of the historic Philipsburg Mining District in west-central Montana.

Why explore for gold in Montana?

Montana is known as the Treasure State because of its vast wealth of mineral reserves and a history built on mining. The first gold discovery in what was then the Montana territory occurred in 1852 at Gold Creek, near present-day Garrison. Since then silver, copper, nickel and platinum have all been discovered and mined, and the state is home to world-class deposits and large-scale producers currently in operation.

For an explorer, that history means infrastructure, roads and a working mining industry. Basin Gulch has year-round access from Philipsburg on paved and well-maintained gravel roads and is about an hour from Butte.

Known as the Treasure State because of its vast wealth of mineral reserves.

Lannister Mining, on Montana

District

The Philipsburg Mining District

The Philipsburg Mining District led the original US silver boom in the late 1800s. Basin Gulch sits at its heart, which is one reason Lannister Mining describes the property as being in a safe jurisdiction with silver as well as gold in its oxide mineralization.

Timeline

Montana mining, in order

1852: first gold discovery in the Montana territory, at Gold Creek near Garrison.
Late 1800s: the Philipsburg district leads the US silver boom.
Since then: silver, copper, nickel and platinum discovered and mined statewide.
Today: large-scale producers operate, and Lannister Mining explores Basin Gulch.

Silver as well as gold

People researching silver mining companies often find Montana first because of Philipsburg's silver history. Basin Gulch carries both metals: historical trench highlights include 5 g/t Au and 54 g/t Ag over 34 meters and 25 g/t Au and 45 g/t Ag over 61 meters. Lannister Mining is an explorer rather than a silver producer, and any future production would follow resource definition.

For official data on US mineral resources, see the US Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program. For the property itself, see Basin Gulch details, or return to the Lannister Mining overview.

Common questions

Why explore for gold in Montana?: Montana is known as the Treasure State because of its vast mineral wealth and mining history, and the industry still plays an active role in its economy. The first gold discovery in the Montana territory came in 1852 at Gold Creek, near present-day Garrison. Silver, copper, nickel and platinum have since been discovered and mined there.
What is the Philipsburg Mining District?: The Philipsburg Mining District is a historic mining area in west-central Montana that led the original US silver boom in the late 1800s. Lannister Mining’s Basin Gulch Property sits in the heart of this district, with year-round access from the town of Philipsburg and about one hour’s drive from Butte.
Is Montana a safe mining jurisdiction?: Lannister Mining describes Basin Gulch as being in a safe jurisdiction, within the historic Philipsburg Mining District. Montana has an active mining industry today and is home to large-scale producers currently in operation. Investors should still review permitting, land tenure and regulatory details for any specific project in company disclosures.
What is the most mineral-rich state in the US?: Rankings depend on the measure, such as production value or reserves, so check US Geological Survey data for a current answer. Montana’s nickname, the Treasure State, reflects its vast mineral wealth and long mining history, which includes gold, silver, copper, nickel and platinum. Lannister Mining’s Basin Gulch Property is in west-central Montana.
Is Lannister Mining one of the silver mining companies?: Not in the producing sense. Lannister Mining is an explorer, and silver is part of the target at Basin Gulch, where the mineralization is gold and silver oxide. Historical trench highlights on the property report silver alongside gold, for example 5 g/t Au and 54 g/t Ag over 34 meters. Any future silver production would depend on resource definition and later development.
Where is the Basin Gulch Property?: The Basin Gulch Property is in west-central Montana, in the historic Philipsburg Mining District, which led the original US silver boom in the late 1800s. The site has year-round access from Philipsburg, Montana on paved and well-maintained gravel roads, and it sits about one hour from Butte, Montana.

See all 46 questions in the FAQ

Talk to Lannister Mining investor relations

Questions about Basin Gulch, the investor presentation or partnering? Reach Ken Cotiamco at 604-687-7130 or IR@lannistermining.com.

Contact investor relations Email IR@lannistermining.com