How would the locals know whether the mines are profitable? And, how would anyone know where Lamb was a professor? Come on.
The only thing the locals would know is how many of their own work at the mines and if there are Help Wanted ads in the newspaper or at local churches, etc.
A few angles to approach the investigation: first, are there local businesses that are part of the mining community. If so, is MGMX part of the mining companies in the area? Are they buying local supplies??? Second, are there local government officials who can verify certain areas of the land that have been reserved for specific purpose by a certain company, etc.
These are more practical questions, instead of trying to discredit MGMX's existence with absurd questions.