From abstract: The area comprising the first flood plain downstream from the headwaters of Knob Creek was one of three monazite placer deposits near Shelby, N. C., recommended by the Geological Survey for investigation by the Bureau of Mines as a joint effort by the above two agencies. Past production of monazite from the headwaters of this stream and its drainage of an area of known source rocks were factors influencing this selection. Drilling of the deposit was started on November 26, 1951, and completed December 29, 1951. Twenty-two churn-drill holes were completed to bed-rock on 112 acres of this flood plain for a total depth of 433 feet of vertical drilling.

Introduction: The investigation of monazite deposits in the southeastern states by the Bureau of Mines and the Geological Survey on behalf on the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission was prompted by the history of past production and the many communications reporting the occurrence of monazite in this area.