KIRKLAND LAKE
The Mile of Gold — seven world-class mines crammed along a single fault line. Kirkland Lake defined Canadian hard-rock mining and continues to produce at the Macassa Mine today.
The Gold
High-grade quartz-vein gold. The Main Break fault hosts some of the richest deposits ever found — grades exceeding 0.5 oz/ton were common historically.
Geology
Archean volcanic rocks cut by syenite intrusions. The Main Break is a major structural zone where gold-bearing fluids were deposited over 2.7 billion years ago.
History
Gold discovered 1912 by prospector Bill Wright. By the 1930s, Kirkland Lake was producing more gold than any other camp in the Western Hemisphere.
The Seven Mines
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Mile of Gold'?
The Mile of Gold refers to a 2.5km stretch along the Main Break fault in Kirkland Lake where seven major gold mines operated: Teck-Hughes, Wright-Hargreaves, Lake Shore, Sylvanite, Toburn, Macassa, and Kirkland Lake Gold. Together they produced over 24 million ounces.
Is the Macassa Mine still operating?
Yes! Agnico Eagle's Macassa Mine is one of Canada's highest-grade underground gold mines, producing gold from the South Mine Complex at depths over 2km. The mine has been operating since 1933.
Can I prospect around Kirkland Lake?
Recreational prospecting is possible on Crown Land with a Prospector's License. The area is heavily claimed, but you can explore old camp sites, roads, and unclaimed areas. Local prospecting clubs sometimes offer access to group claims.
Gold Knowledge Resources
Optional gold-culture references for readers curious about bars, coins, purity and storage language after prospecting. These are third-party resources, not financial advice.
BullionVault
Third-party resource for learning how vaulted physical gold services describe storage, fees and custody.
Retailer reference. No commission tracking is confirmed.BullionStar
Useful for comparing bars, coins, premiums and purity language after learning field testing basics.
Affiliate link. Paystreak may earn a commission; check the provider’s terms.APMEX
Browse mainstream bullion product formats and premiums as gold-culture background, not prospecting advice.
Retailer reference. No commission tracking is confirmed.JM Bullion
Reference catalogue for seeing common retail names, weights and purity markings used on coins and bars.
Retailer reference. No commission tracking is confirmed.The Digger's Code
- Backfill all holes before you leave.
- Pack out all your trash.
- Respect fence lines and gates.
Legal Disclaimer
Land access rights, safety conditions, and public fossicking zones change. You are solely responsible for verifying regulations with local authorities (DOC/Council/BLM) and assessing river safety before visiting. Paystreak.io accepts no liability for injury, fines, or trespassing. Never dig on private land without explicit permission.
✓ Information last verified: January 2026