By Ana Vinas, Staff Writer
The discovery of what appears to be an important gold bed in El Saruzal (Batopilas City), in southwest Chihuahua has caused the stock value of three Canadian mining companies to shoot up. According to newpaper reports, the find has caused a veritable "gold fever" in the area. Francisco Gold Corporation announced the discovery of gold in 15 prospecting wells which showed the presence of gold from 0.7 to 31 grams per ton, a value much higher than expected. The total value of the Batopilas gold is estimated to be at least $1.2 billion, according to the Chihuahua Economic Development Department. Two other mining companies from Vancouver, BC jointly own a piece of land, which is geologically similar to the recent find, located next to the El Saruzal bed.
The geography of the area is difficult and the main bed is near a river, which increases the chances of ecological damage during the operation.
Economic Department officials are not predicting a higher standard of living for nearby residents in the short run, due to mining activities in area, but estimate that within 5 years such infrastructure improvements as roads, electricity, drinking water systems, and health and education systems will be better.
Sources: Diario de Juarez, El Norte