Mining Operations

[MTNhiker]

While researching mines in my area, I come across something that gets my attention. An old mining operation from 1846 - 1847. After finally locating the area on a mountain top. I couldn't believe what I found. An uncovered mine shaft!


I know the area is quite remote and very hard to find but to see this uncovered was something else. This shaft was about 10ft across and had pretty smooth walls. It also sounded pretty deep by tossing rocks into it. So, does anyone know if it was common to dig Iron Ore from a shaft. I know most areas I have found before was only pits. Now that I know the location I can hike there much quicker and have time to look around on my next trip.

 

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[NetMiner]

I don't think iron is dug from a shaft. Go to youtube and search for How Things Work : How Is Iron Mined for a short 2 minute video on the process. I think if there is some kind of mine down there this shaft may have been for ventilation, or perhaps left from some kind of mineral prospecting operation.