Bedded-salt deposits of the Salado Formation have been selected for evaluation for a proposed Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) to be located in Eddy County, NM,-26 mi east of Carlsbad. Site selection and evaluation studies that included geologic mapping, geophysical surveys, drilling, and resource appraisal were conducted over and under the prospective location. The lower portion of the Salado meets essential criteria for waste isolation. lie 2074-2730 ft below the surface. High-purity salt exists a t these depths, and the geologic structure revealed by geophysical surveys indicates that these beds are essentially flat. surveys a r e now under way. data indicates that more structure may exist in the salt beds in the northern portion of the site area. mercial deposits of potash and natural gas within the WIPP site will be reported by separate studies, as will be the hydrologic details of the region. Beds chosen for waste storage Additional geophysical The initial interpretation of the new Full evaluation of potentially com-ACKNOWLEDGMENT I Site evaluation efforts described in this report include the condensation of the work of many References acknowledge those who have contributed to the individuals and contracting companies. study. Wendell D. Weart of Department 5310 supported the investigations add was an effective spokes-I m m to representatives from both ERDA and the State of New Mexico on the progress of site studies. Les R. Hill of Division 5311 and his staff provided technical assistance, ayd Robert D. Statler of Division 1133 and his staff effectively supported the field operations. H. Clyde Walker, of Division 5342, administered a large number of contracts and monitored project C O S :~. W. E a r l Cunningham of Fenix and Scission, Inc. was in direct charge of all drilling operations.
Lincoln County has yielded a variety of metals and minerals: gold, coal, iron, lead, copper, zinc, fluorite, bastnaesite, gypsum, and tungsten. In addition, deposits of molybdenum, thorium, uranium, and manganese are known, although no significant production has been recorded.The White Oaks district produced almost $3 million in gold from the time of its discovery in 1879 until shortly after the turn of the century. This district was the leading producer for the entire county. The Nogal (gold, silver, lead) and Gallinas (copper, lead, silver) districts produced significant amounts of metals during the late 1800's and early 1900's. Lesser districts, such as the Oscuro, Jicarilla, and Schelerville, have produced gold, copper, and other metals intermittently in the past. Mining was revived during World War II and later years to produce iron, fluorspar, and bastnaesite in previously known districts, but mining is now practically at a standstill. The total recorded production for Lincoln County to date is estimated at approximately $5.5 million.Excluding coal, gypsum, and placers, the majority of the deposits are of hydrothermal origin, being intimately associated with the widespread igneous activity evident in Lincoln County. The temperature of deposition of the deposits extends from epithermal to pyrometasomatic. The composition of the various igneous intrusives appears to have controlled the type of mineralization found in each district.The known deposits of the area studied do not appear to favor economic exploitation under present market conditions, but several of the iron and fluorite deposits may be exceptions. Future exploration by courageous prospectors may completely reverse this discouraging outlook.
Luna County mines have produced $8.64 million in minerals since the first recorded mining operations in 1876. The bulk of this production has been from lead-zinc-silver ores, but appreciable amounts of manganese, fluorspar, copper, and gold also have been mined. The principal producing districts of the past were the Cooks Peak, Victorio, Tres Hermanas, Little Florida, and Fluorite Ridge. Lesser districts include the Fremont, Florida, and Cedar-Carrizalillo.Mining is now at a standstill in Luna County because of the lack of known deposits that can be operated profitably under present market conditions. The full mineral potential of Luna County cannot be appraised accurately, but many factors point to at least the possibility of moderate-sized metalliferous ore finds in the Victorio, Tres Hermanas, and Cooks Peak districts. The fluorspar and manganese deposits offer promise only on radical improvement in the respective market prices involved.
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