Mining

History: 

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.

History: 

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.

History: 

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.

History: 

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.

History: 

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.

History: 

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.

UPDATE July 5, 2012: Thanks to the heads-up from Jay's comment below, I discovered that the property is about to see action again. Guardians of Gold plan to reprocess the tailings behind the mine to remove trace amounts of gold.

History: 

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.

Currently there is a problem with acid drainage from the mine into the nearby river.

Personal Commentary: 

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.

History: 

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.

Construction of a new smelter began immediately. Mond would continue to develop Coniston, not just as a nickel plant, but also as a town until 1928 when it would be bought out by INCO.