PATTEN, Maine (AP)   A Canadian company could develop Maine’s first large-scale mining operation in decades if a $1 million exploration project finds high-grade metal deposits.

Wolfden Resources Corp. is currently testing core samples from a deposit under Pickett Mountain in Penobscot County. The CEO of the Ontario-based company says it could be one of the highest-grade undeveloped volcanic deposits in North America.

Art Hamilton, a geologist for the company, is working to put together an estimate of the potential value of a mine. He tells the Bangor Daily News that the deposit contains zinc, copper, lead, silver and gold.

The company says it would be at least several years before a mine could be developed.