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Basin GulchGold exploration, Montana

Philipsburg Mining District

The Philipsburg Mining District, then and now

Last updated: November 2026 · Published by Lannister Mining

The Philipsburg Mining District is a historic silver and gold mining area around Philipsburg in Granite County, Montana, and it is home to the Basin Gulch Property today.

Also listed as the Flint Creek Mining District, the Philipsburg Mining District led the original US silver boom of the late 1800s, according to Lannister Mining. Today the company is exploring near-surface gold and silver oxide mineralization at Basin Gulch, a 1,107 hectare property reached year-round from the town of Philipsburg.

What is the Philipsburg Mining District known for?

It is best known for silver. The University of Montana writes that one Philipsburg-area mine was soon regarded as the greatest silver bonanza of its time and produced $20 million in silver between 1885 and 1893.

Philipsburg Mining District, defined

The Philipsburg Mining District is the mining area centered on Philipsburg, Montana, in the Flint Creek Valley of Granite County. Mineral databases such as Mindat list it as the Philipsburg Mining District (Flint Creek Mining District) and catalogue the minerals and individual mines recorded there.

Lannister Mining describes it as a safe jurisdiction and places Basin Gulch in the heart of the district.

The district in numbers

silver from one mine, 1885 to 1893 (University of Montana)
$20M
first gold discovery in the Montana territory, Gold Creek
1852
from Butte to Basin Gulch
~1 hr
road access to Basin Gulch from Philipsburg
Year-round

Sources named on each figure, as of November 2026.

From silver boom to gold exploration

Montana earned the name Treasure State through its mineral wealth and a history built on mining. After the 1852 gold discovery at Gold Creek, near present-day Garrison, silver, copper, nickel and platinum were all found and mined in the state.

Philipsburg grew during the silver era. Western Mining History records that a $100,000 mill was financed for the town and that a Masonic hall was built at a cost of $6,000, a sign of how much money the mines brought in.

The district's current chapter is exploration. At Basin Gulch, Lannister Mining is working with more than 320 historical drill holes and a land package that is still about two-thirds unexplored.

Map of major mineral deposits and producing mines across Montana
Montana's world-class deposits and producers. Map: Lannister Mining.

Getting to Basin Gulch: Philipsburg vs Butte

Access to the Basin Gulch Property, as described by Lannister Mining
CriteriaFrom PhilipsburgFrom Butte
RoleNearest town, access pointNearest larger city
Travel timeNot stated by the companyAbout one hour
RoadsPaved and well-maintained gravel, year-roundVia Philipsburg

Questions about Philipsburg and Montana

See all 41 questions in the FAQ

What is the Philipsburg Mining District?

The Philipsburg Mining District, also listed as the Flint Creek Mining District, is a historic mining area around Philipsburg in Granite County, Montana. Lannister Mining describes it as the district that led the original US silver boom of the late 1800s. The Basin Gulch Property sits within it.

How much silver came out of the Philipsburg area?

The University of Montana writes that one Philipsburg-area mine was soon regarded as the greatest silver bonanza of its time and went on to produce $20 million in silver between 1885 and 1893. That figure comes from the university's history of Philipsburg and the Flint Creek Valley, not from Lannister Mining.

Why is Montana called the Treasure State?

Montana is known as the Treasure State because of its wealth of mineral reserves and a history built on mining. The first gold discovery in what was then the Montana territory occurred in 1852 at Gold Creek, near present-day Garrison. Silver, copper, nickel and platinum have since been discovered and mined in the state.

How do you get to Basin Gulch from Philipsburg or Butte?

Basin Gulch has year-round access from Philipsburg, Montana, on paved and well-maintained gravel roads, according to Lannister Mining. The property is about one hour from Butte. Year-round access matters for exploration because drilling and field crews can work through more of the calendar than at remote, seasonal sites.

Can I visit Philipsburg, Montana?

Yes, Philipsburg is a working town that welcomes visitors, and its own tourism site lists events and things to do. The Basin Gulch Property itself is an exploration site, so visits should be arranged through Lannister Mining rather than made unannounced. Use the company contact page to ask about site tours.

Is Montana a good place for gold exploration?

Lannister Mining considers Montana a safe jurisdiction for gold exploration, pointing to its long mining history and active mining industry. Montana is home to large scale producers still in operation today. The company also notes that US-based projects with compliant resources tend to trade at a premium to their peers.

Talk to Lannister Mining about Basin Gulch

Exploration partners and investors can reach investor relations contact Ken Cotiamco directly.