October 1, 2006 

Spring Valley Drilling
Mr. Scott Viegut
Hot Springs, Montana

 RE: Drilling Operations at Gold Hill Site 

Dear Mr. Viegut,

I want take this opportunity to thank you for the outstanding drilling operation that Spring Valley Drilling performed at our Gold Hill site near Big Timber, Montana. 

You attention to detail was paramount as the project was within the Gallatin National Forest and was under the close scrutiny of the U.S. Forestry Service, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and several environmental groups including the Northern Plains Resource Council and the Cottonwood Resource Council.

 Your ability to effectively communicate your drilling procedures and protocols was instrumental in the rapid approval of the drilling operation. The fact that you fulfilled the promises to these groups will make you a valuable commodity for any future drilling operations we shall have in Montana.

 Your reclamation efforts were indeed top-notch with no overt signs of disturbance. Our soil sample tests taken before the drilling and after your reclamation of the site indicated the same results, confirming your promise to keep the site clean with no discharges.

 From our business perspective we have to commend you even further as you maintained your promised schedule in the face of difficult operational conditions and did so while staying on-budget. You have been, by far the most professional and proficient independent drilling operator I have ever worked with. Thank you again for your efforts.

David Hurst
Chief Operating Officer
Lodestar Mining & Exploration
404-316-6655