There is no evidence of significant metallic-mineral deposits in the rock units that are exposed at the surface in the wilderness, but there may be some potential for mineral deposits of two different types at depths from 400ft (120 m) to more than 2,100 ft (640 m) below the surface. Analyses of rock samples from a drill hole 15 mi (24 km) south of the area showed anomalous amounts of several metals in the Derby-Doerun (usage of the Missouri Geological Survey), Potosi, and Eminence Dolomites, which suggests that these units as well as the subsurface Ordovician carbonate units may have a potential for zinc-lead mineralization in the wilderness. Also, a high-amplitude magnetic anomaly along the northwest side of the wilderness suggests a potential for a small to moderate-sized magnetite (iron ore) deposit in the Precambrian basement rocks at a depth of at least 2,100 ft (640 m) below the surface, probably at least partly outside the boundary of the wilderness. In both cases the significance of the potential cannot be evaluated without deep drilling. In the case of the possible magnetite deposit, drilling should be preceded by a detailed magnetic survey to delineate the anomaly more clearly. The wilderness has little potential for resources of industrial minerals because they are readily available elsewhere in the region, and no known potential for energy resources.
