The Big Lead Mine is a gold mine located in Lemhi county, Idaho at an elevation of 4,449 feet.
About the MRDS Data:
All mine locations were obtained from the USGS Mineral Resources Data System. The locations and other information in this database have not been verified for accuracy. It should be assumed that all mines are on private property.
Mine Info
Elevation: 4,449 Feet (1,356 Meters)
Commodity: Gold
Lat, Long: 45.3569, -114.27940
Map: View on Google Maps
Satelite View
MRDS mine locations are often very general, and in some cases are incorrect. Some mine remains have been covered or removed by modern industrial activity or by development of things like housing. The satellite view offers a quick glimpse as to whether the MRDS location corresponds to visible mine remains.
Big Lead Mine MRDS details
Site Name
Primary: Big Lead Mine
Commodity
Primary: Gold
Tertiary: Lead
Location
State: Idaho
County: Lemhi
District: Mineral Hill District
Land Status
Land ownership: National Forest
Note: the land ownership field only identifies whether the area the mine is in is generally on public lands like Forest Service or BLM land, or if it is in an area that is generally private property. It does not definitively identify property status, nor does it indicate claim status or whether an area is open to prospecting. Always respect private property.
Administrative Organization: Salmon National Forest
Holdings
Not available
Workings
Type: Underground
Ownership
Not available
Production
Not available
Deposit
Record Type: Site
Operation Category: Past Producer
Operation Type: Unknown
Discovery Year: 1886
Discovery Method: Unknown
Years of Production:
Organization:
Significant: N
Deposit Size: S
Physiography
General Physiographic Area: Rocky Mountain System
Physiographic Province: Northern Rocky Mountains
Physiographic Detail: Salmon River Mountains
Mineral Deposit Model
Not available
Orebody
Not available
Structure
Type: L
Description: Fissures
Alterations
Alteration Type: L
Alteration Text: Oxidation, Fe Stains, Silicification, Sericitization, Leaching
Rocks
Name: Granite
Role: Associated
Age Type: Host Rock Unit
Age Young: Neoproterozoic
Name: Granite
Role: Associated
Age Type: Host Rock
Age Young: Pliocene
Name: Granite
Role: Associated
Age Type: Associated Rock
Age Young: Pliocene
Analytical Data
Analytical Data: ORE AVG. $6 - 8/TON A
Materials
Ore: Galena
Gangue: Pyrite
Gangue: Magnetite
Gangue: Quartz
Gangue: Biotite
Gangue: Feldspar
Gangue: Muscovite
Comments
Comment (Location): E. SIDE PINE CREEK, ABOUT 1 MILE ABOVE ITS JUNCTION WITH SALMON RIVER
Comment (Deposit): Discovery Year: 1886, RELOCATED 1927
Comment (Development): 10-STAMP MILL
Comment (Workings): TUNNELS, SHAFTS
Comment (Geology): 2 SETS JOINTS, 1 TRENDS N 20 DEG E AND DIPS 60 DEG E, OTHER SET TRENDS N 65-75 DEG E AND DIPS 70 DEG SE
References
Reference (Deposit): UMPLEBY, J.B., 1913, GEOLOGY AND ORE DEPOSITS OF LEMHI COUNTY, IDAHO: USGS BULL. 528, 182 P.
Reference (Deposit): BELL, R.N., 1907, EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MINING INDUSTRY OF IDAHO FOR THE YEAR 1906.
Reference (Deposit): GRAY, F.A., 1927, ORE DEPOSITS OF THE MINERAL HILL DISTRICT, LEMHI COUNTY, IDAHO: MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, UNIV. OF MINNESOTA, PHD THESIS
Reference (Deposit): 1907 COMPILE STATE MINE INSPECTOR'S REPORT FOR 1906
Reference (Deposit): 1913 GEOLMAP UMPLEBY, J.B., BULL. 528
Reference (Production): UMPLEBY, J.B., 1913, USGS BULL. 528
Idaho Gold
"Where to Find Gold in Idaho" looks at the density of modern placer mining claims along with historical gold mining locations and mining district descriptions to determine areas of high gold discovery potential in Idaho. Read more: Where to Find Gold in Idaho.
