Mining

Lockerby Mine

It was already getting quite warm as we reached the mine site, spoke with the security guard and proceeded inside. I was being granted one of the last looks around the Lockerby mine before it is demolished. I get out of the car, don my work boots, high-viz vest, and hard hat, surveying the buildings around me to figure out how I want to tackle this. I’m like a kid in a candy store.

Quincy Stamp Mill

The original stamp mill was located close to Houghton, on Portage Lake. Runoff silt from the mill went into the lake, however, and threatened navigation in this important channel. The government threatened heavy fines and so the mill was moved.

Quincy Mine

The Quincy Mining Company was formed in 1846 as the result of a clerical error. During the great mining rush of the area, the same piece of land was inadvertently sold to two different parties. After discussions between the directors of the two interests, it was decided they should merge their interests and proceed.

Tyranite Mine

This mine has apparently had several incarnations over time. The ore body was first staked in 1930 by L.O. Hedlund. Several organizations obtained options to the property over the next few years, but did little with it, and let their options lapse.

Cobalt Refinery

The refinery was first opened by Silanco Mining and Refining Company in 1949. A smelter was built by Cobalt Chemical and Refinery Company in 1949, but burned down the following year. It was rebuilt again by 1954 but soon closed again due to changes in the refining process.

Kerr Addison Mine

Gold was first discovered on the site of the Kerr Addison Mine in 1911. In 1938, a new manager would take over making the mine one of Canada’s highest producers.

Ross Mine

In operation between 1934 and 1988, Ross Mine produced over 1 million ounces of gold. It was owned, at closing, by Pamour Porcupine Mines, Ltd.

Shannopin Mine

Opened in 1926, this mine covered an area of approximately 8,200 acres. The mine closed in 1993 owing over $87,000 in taxes for the property itself, and with the parent company owing over $700,000 overall.

Kanichee Mine

The Kanichee Mine, also known as the Ajax Mine, is an abandoned base metal and precious metal mine with a history dating back to 1910. Throughout the 20th century, the mine experienced several periods of operation and closure, with the most recent activity occurring from 1973 to 1976.

Coniston Smelter

Prior to 1912, Coniston was mostly a farming community. The Mond Nickel Company decided to build a new facility, and felt that Coniston was ideal due to the close proximity of both major railroads.

Mining