There is plenty of geophysical and geochemical evidence
Plenty? Apparently not enough to interest serious money.
It's like "Price is Right"......pick one of the prizes behind the door. No peeking! Will it be a brand new car, or a goat chewing on a tin can? Or are there goats behind all three doors? Such fun!
"Passed over" makes no sense. No one has ever come close to mining here and the official state geologist(s) originally made a mistake when describing this area. I've been there. It is practically virgin territory. Although I did have drinks with it once but did not even get to first base...