Blue fever rumors have been circulating in a state in America since it is said that sapphires are sprouting from the ground every hour. Potentate Mining LLC should be acknowledged for having more or less 3,000 acres of sapphire‐bearing land in the Rock Creek district that covers a historically mined ground. The difference comes into play in terms of how mining is done at Rock Creek. Surface methods, which include debris flow, are utilized as opposed to deeper or subterranean mining techniques.
The 252 tons of sapphire sprouting hourly reality is a myth
Although it does sound amazing that 252 tons of sapphires are extracted per hour, that statement implies that more than 6,000 tons are gained per day. Even if miners were to be more laid back, mining would result in over a million tons of sapphires per year.
However, the raw reality looks slightly different:
- At the facility, more or less 10-20 kilos are extracted daily.
- Bulk ore processing does result in tens of cubic yards per hour, but the yield contains a smaller fraction of sapphire content.
- Modern operations have led to raw sapphire production that is more or less hundreds of kilograms yearly.
While the actual picture of the mining operation is very far from the 252 tons of sprouting sapphire reality, it is still rather impressive. The bulk of the material mined is an amalgamation of sand, rock, and gravel, with only a percentage of that mined having higher-quality gems.
Potentate Mining considering environmental mining implications
Potentate Mining should be thanked for utilizing clean surface mining techniques. By using colluvial and alluvial deposits, miners can extract ore without overburden. However, Potentate Mining has to consider environmental issues that could arise from mining operations as well, since guidance is also provided by the State’s Department of Quality Control. Besides, the Rock Creek stream seems to be well-known for trout, and thus, rules adhered to in terms of mining endeavors are far stricter.
Sapphires are now being uncovered through modern technological processes that entail heated and unheated treatment. Since most of the minerals do not naturally occur in the correct color for the market, heat treatments are what cause the pieces uncovered to change into a desirable color.
Peaking into a process that goes beyond mere mining techniques
Grading and sorting smaller gems happen with both manual and machine assistance. The mine in the state can supply rough sapphires that are then exported to cutters from overseas. However, all of the Potentate Mining practices are in alignment with environmental regulations and in adherence to sustainable water usage. In fact, about 90% of process water is recycled so as to reduce the environmental footprint.
Nevertheless, up until the 20th century, 65 metric tons of sapphire were extracted from the Rock Creek district. However, since Potentate started new mining practices in 2014, the annual yield production seems lower, and thus, hundreds of kilograms of rough sapphire have been extracted. Recently, mines are not only seen as sources of gem potential, but as venues housing clean power as well. One such mine is just a diamond mine, but something strange had been revealed at this mine.
The state that has become known for resulting in blue fever
Yes, Potentate Mining operations in Montana do yield hundreds of kilograms of these blue gems every year. However, the rough claim that more or less 252 tons of sapphire sprout from the ground hourly is rather misleading. The scale at which sapphires are mined is still rather noteworthy despite the fact that modernized mining techniques are employed and mining operation takes into consideration environmental concerns.
The true mining tale is not that of exaggerated stories, but of carefully planned surface-level mining procedures. The reality of “blue fever” gripping the citizens of Montana is certainly true, as jewelers continue to be interested in the Potentate Mining practices. Responsible mining practices are the reason why these stones shine brighter. While Montana holds sapphire potential, Alaska is the oil-rich state that is full of infinite energy stored in the rocks.
