Some of this information is provided as a public service for those not familiar with the legalities of the mining industry. Rule #1 - always check out the facts. Do not take anything anyone says at face value. Rule #2 - check things out thoroughly before investing any money in any mining venture. Knowledge is power and easier to gain than money. Pala International used to mine the Himalaya but more recently Lithaurum LLC and Himalaya Consolidated LLC are both involved with the mining of the Himalaya Mine.
If you decide to get involved in any respect with the mine the owners should be able to provide you with copies of documents on file with the BLM and the San Diego County Recorder's office. These include an approved mining plan, approved reclamation plan, current MSHA certifications for miners, emergency exit plans, safety equipment, possibly OSHA certification and other regulatory instruments. Also if you plan on collecting you should be given mine specific hazard training per MSHA whether above or below ground. Always good things to ask to protect yourself and the operators. There are many hazards involved and the regulatory agencies dont fool around.
The dumps at the Himalaya Mine have been largely reclaimed and reprocessed to extract any gem, mineral and faceting material that was missed over the decades. I extracted a significant quantity of gem rough and specimens from the dumps over 6 years. The wealth of the dumps prior to reprocessing is a testament to a strangely low level of recovery by Pala International. The nearby San Diego Mine is a much tidier mine, except where the highgraders did some damage.
For more information on tourmaline, which is found around the world in huge deposits, i.e. in Minas Gerais, Brazil ;Namibia, Africa; Pakistan; Afghanistan; and even in Russia. Other deposits exist on the East Coast of the USA and there are even reports of some in western Canada. There is a significant amount of tourmaline on the market today - although each deposit has its own unique characteristic colors. Some of this information can also be found in a recent article in the North County News by clicking here. Some of the facts are incontrovertible while others are not. In any case it is a good story.
Mineral deposits are unique occurrences and indeed a rarity. Just remember - mining is a risky business....there are no guarantees just like in Nevada casinos. Some people come out winners and others lose their shirts. Understand what you are investing in thoroughly if you choose that course of action. Corporations (CORP's and LLC's) doing business in California are required to register with the California Secretary of State whether offerings are public or private. There are also other state and federal guidelines which must be met for private offerings. Another interesting site to check out by clicking here since many mining companies are incorporated in Nevada. Do your own research to find out more about these companies.
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