PATTEN, Maine (AP) A Canadian mining company has purchased thousands of acres in northern Maine, and plans to begin test drilling next month.

Wolfden Resources Corp. announced on Nov. 16 it had finalized the purchase of 6,871 acres north of the town of Patten. The Portland Press Herald reports the Ontario-based mineral exploration business says it plans to gather additional information before drilling for a deposit of copper and other metals under Pickett Mountain.

If the area is eventually developed, it would be Maine’s first commercial mine in decades.

Wolfden Resources plans to hold a public meeting in Stacyville on Dec. 5 to discuss its plans and answer questions.

Pickett Mountain is part of the commercial timberlands that comprise much of northern Penobscot and southern Aroostook counties.