Mineral resource potential of the Granite Chief Wilderness Study Area, Placer County, California

A mineral resource survey of the Granite Chief Wilderness Study Area in the Tahoe National Forest and Lake Tahoe Management Area was conducted between 1979 and 1981. The mineral resource potential of the area was evaluated from geologic and geochemical studies by the U.S. Geological Survey, and from the examination of existing published and unpublished records of mining prospects and field examination of prospects, mineralized rocks, and placer deposits by the U.S. Bureau of Mines.

These investigations indicate that the study area has a low potential for mineral resources. Analyses of samples taken from prospect pits, altered outcrops, and stream-sediment samples indicate no minable quantities of precious or base metals. Placer deposits are too small and too low in grade to be considered a resource.

Substantial deposits of sand, gravel, and glacial till suitable for construction materials occur within the area, but their inaccessibility and remoteness from major markets preclude their being classified as a resource. No potential for oil, gas, coal, or geothermal resources was identified.