Previous studies in the Harutomi – Fujimi – Onne region indicate that gold and mercury mineralization are genetically-related. In many epithermal systems, mercury typically occurs at the highest paleo-levels, above banded and bladed epithermal quartz veins, and acts as a pathfinder element in precious metal exploration.  The quartz veins in the Harutomi area are banded and epithermal in character. This relationship, and proximity to the Fujimi, Niko and Oketo mercury mines to the north, suggest that post-mineral erosion of the system is limited and that the highest levels of the epithermal field(s) are probably preserved. The historic underground development on veins in the licenses have yet to adequately test the potential for bonanza-grade gold-silver veins at depth. 

A genetic relationship between mercury and epithermal gold mineralization exists in the Sulphur Creek-Knoxville mercury mining districts of California, where Homestake Mining discovered the McLaughlin epithermal gold deposit by drilling beneath a cinnabar- bearing sinter in the late 1970’s².  The McLaughlin deposit produced about 3.5 million ounces of gold³.

Japan Gold proposes to explore the potential link between mercury and epithermal gold mineralization. Exploration to date is limited to the area of known veins and no exploration drilling has been completed to test the deeper extensions to the veins historically mined to a shallow level. Japan Gold will seek to define the limits of the hydrothermal alteration cells around the historic Harutomi mine and use surface mapping and geochemistry to target new zones and extensions to previously exploited vein systems for testing by scout drilling.