Epithermal gold deposits are some of the richest gold deposits in the world, and are characterized by high grade, small tonnage, and shallow deposits. Low sulphide and high sulphide deposits are typical of volcanic or fault formations. Over the last million years, hydrothermal fluids in contact with rising molten magna deposited massive quartz, calcite and andularia veins, rich in gold, silver and other metals. Volcanic activity at subduction zones produced vein-style epithermal (shallow, heated fluid) mineral deposits near hot springs and calderas.

Japan’s unique volcanic geology and strategic location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, has led to hundreds of years of gold mining. The world’s epithermal gold deposits occur along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which create the potential for mineral discoveries.