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NEW EYES ON OLD ROCKS

WE'RE applying innovative data to uncover new opportunities
READ OUR STORY

OUR STORY

Rob Bergmann and Brian Lentz started hammering rocks at Winona State University in the Black Hills with Dr. Stephen Allard.  After graduation, they went their separate ways and worked as geological consultants for a number of years.  As their professional expertise grew, Rob and Brian saw an opportunity to drive innovation in their industry by teaming up. In 2010, they came together to form Big Rock Exploration, a multi-faceted, international consulting firm that specializes in exploring for minerals and metals.

As Brian and Rob’s partnership and entrepreneurial vision grew, they continued to look for opportunities to lead the way for a new generation of companies within the mineral industry. After building a successful consultancy, they formed F3 Gold, LLC in 2016.

F3 Gold, LLC is a small private gold exploration and prospecting company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company’s Silver City Project in the Black Hills was born from a love of geology and recreation.  Rob and Brian have ensured all of their ventures are built on strong environmental stewardship and social responsibility. As a group of young, passionate geologists, they lead with core values and forward thinking that are not only a testament to the quality of the team but a strong indicator of their position as a leader in the future of the minerals industry.

COMPANY TIMELINE & Milestones

2007 - 2013

Big Rock Exploration supported Dr. Allard’s groundbreaking research on new geology concepts for the Black Hills region through supporting student research.

2016 - 2017
Rob and Brian founded F3 Gold, LLC and started to fund the acquisition of mining claims for gold exploration throughout the region.
2020

Upon completion of the permitting process, environmental analysis, and receipt of approval from all oversight agencies, F3 Gold intends to commence exploratory drilling for their Silver City Project during the 2020 calendar year, with the estimated duration around one year.

2013
Rob and Brian conceptualize the possible connection between Dr. Allard’s research to re-writing economic geology potential for the Black Hills region.
2018
F3 Gold continues to conduct grass-roots exploration activities to better understand the potential for gold and the new geologic model for the region.
2014 - 2015
Big Rock Exploration continues to fund student-based research and private reconnaissance mapping projects to better understand the new geology theories.
2019

F3 Gold is currently working through the project permitting phase, which includes a NEPA review, environmental assessment, and meeting all compliance standards with regulatory agencies (USFS). 

OUR MODEL

The Next Generation

We are forward-thinking entrepreneurs disrupting the status quo and leading by example with a sustainable approach built on integrity, authenticity, and responsibility.

Explorer-Scientists

We are technical experts with a passion for geology, who utilize scientific, data-driven techniques to understand the story of how the Earth was formed at an elemental level.

Solution-Driven

The global challenges we face today will be solved by deploying the technologies of tomorrow, and nearly all of these innovations require critical mineral resources to produce.

Environmental Stewards

While modern societies must utilize resources to live and progress, we believe their development can be achieved sustainably to minimize impact and ensure a safer, healthier, and happier future.

Socially Responsible

Rocks are our passion but people are the heart of our business. From our staff to suppliers, local communities and aspiring students, we work hard to help lift others through education, employment, and investment.

Value Creators

Our drive to explore and solve tough problems is crucial to creating the value that powers human progress, enriches lives and improves society.

OUR PRIORITIES

SAFETY FIRST

Our highly trained and certified team ensures all projects follow an industry-leading safety protocol and meet all State and Federal compliance standards.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Our long-term vision and care for ecosystems drive our commitment to sustainable business practices and ethical decision-making.

LOCAL PARTNERS & INVESTMENT

We build partnerships that utilize local talent and resources, ensuring growth and investment in local communities.

HIRE LOCAL & SUPPORT STUDENTS

We hire well-qualified local personnel whenever possible, and partner with Universities to create learn-work opportunities for students.

THE SILVER CITY PROJECT

Want more info about our project?

Please feel free to visit our Learning Library (below), read our most recent blog posts, or download a digital copy of our project presentation.

LEARNING LIBRARY

GOLD: The Why Factors

Gold is everywhere. Due to its versatile properties it is a vital component in technologies from nearly every economic sector in the U.S., making it strategic and critical to our future.

What Is Exploration?

Geologists are essentially Earth detectives; we use science to uncover clues about the story of how our planet was formed over billions of years, from stardust to the modern world we know today. 

WHAT IS EXPLORATORY DRILLING?

Also known as diamond core drilling, this precision sampling technique is an important tool in the geologist’s toolkit to gather data on rock buried deep underground without major excavation.