Only mineralization in this region is gravel. Some placer gold, but that has already been scouted out. There is zinc and uranium north of town, but that is pretty well known also. There is probably considerable natural gas in the flats west of town, but none of that land is in private hands so the real estate speculator couldn't offer on it anyway. But, the Natural Gas Pipeline could be coming soon, and who knows, my vacant parcel could be right on the proposed route. $$$$$$$ :)
Based on what you say, it's probably just crazy speculators.