Sounds like the issue is the road. The real cost is Road construction + $225,000 for the town + repairs for safety.
“Yes, it’s in California, but it is so far from the looney liberal SF Bay Area that it is almost its own separate state for all intents and purposes.”...
In that the town and all those grandious “treasurers” are still within the boundries of CKalifornia, I will suggest all who aspire to be a miner, avoid this “deal” at all costs. You can’t even use lead bullets there.
There are quite a few ranches close by that have tractors, and mini-dozers do not cost that much as vehicles go. Having worked on building horse, hiking, and running trails all on minimum wage through Central Cal, you would be surprised what can be accomplished with a bit of effort.