The Red Cloud Mine

From the The Mineralogical Record, Volume 11, No. 3.2, May-June, 1980: : “The story of the Red Cloud mine began over 100 years ago in one of the oldest mining districts in Arizona. Since that time the mine has regularly produced specimens of red wulfenite which, in form, color, luster and esthetics, are universally acknowledged as the finest in the world. The locality is still producing such specimens.” Continue Reading

Member’s Photo Compilation Volume 1

This member’s only photo compilation contains over 100 of the best historical photos from the mining regions of the West. Continue Reading

Anchor Mine – Goodsprings, Nevada

The Anchor mine near Goodsprings, Nevada was primarily a producer of lead, zinc, and silver. Most production occurred between 1912 and 1928. Continue Reading

The Gold Prince Mine and Mill

The Gold Prince mill at Animas Forks, Colorado was built at the enormous cost of $500,000 in the first decade of the 1900s, but was mostly a failure. This series of photos takes a look at the Gold Prince mine and mill. Continue Reading

History of the New Almaden Mines

This article describes the fascinating history of the New Almaden quicksilver mines located in Santa Clara County, California. While many have heard of New Almaden, it is often overlooked that the state’s first lode mining operation was also the site of bonanza ores that rivaled many of the West’s great gold mines in the value of the metals produced. Continue Reading

The Mining Company That Stole a Town

The Harrison Gulch townsite was owned by two mining companies – the Midas Gold Mining Company and the Victor Power and Mining Company. The Victor Company had nefarious plans for the town, resulting in a legal battle that lasted over a decade, with one paper declaring that the “townsite war is on.” Continue Reading

Parrett Mine – Lundy, California

The Parrett mine is a gold mine located in Mono County, California, near the ghost town of Lundy. It is said to be in the same vein system as the famous May Lundy mine. The mine is most notable for its early history under the ownership of Jasper Parrett. Continue Reading

The Bingham Canyon Mine

The Bingham Canyon mine has produced more copper than any mine in the world, and with a depth of three-quarters of a mile, it is also the deepest open-pit mine in the world. The mine has operated for 120 years, and is now operated by Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation, a division of Rio Tinto Group. Continue Reading

Rawley Mine – Bonanza District, Colorado

The Rawley mine in Colorado’s Bonanza district created a lot of excitement in the area during the early 1880s. However, difficulties bringing the mine into production would result in over four decades of ownership changes and large capital losses until the mine finally realized its potential in the 1920s. Continue Reading

Terra Incognita – The Search for Minerals in Spanish Arizona

From The Mineralogical Record, Volume 14, No. 2, March-April, 1983: “Nearly a century before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Spaniards were exploring what is now southern Arizona. They found a number of important deposits including those at Ajo and Jerome.” Continue Reading

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