Bringing An Abandoned Gold Mine Back To Life: Part 25 - Final

Sure, we’ve been inside of mines that no one has laid eyes on for more than a century, but this one had an extra level of satisfaction given the amount of work needed to open it up. Even a really dedicated mine explorer couldn’t have done it - it required an industrial-level effort and a committed crew to clear through the hundreds of feet of caved workings in this mine. Although we did not achieve all our goals and left some unfinished business at this mine (and you know how I feel about unfinished business), it is a great feeling to engage in an ambitious project regardless of the ultimate outcome. I suggest that everyone try it. If we had the budget for it, the TVR crew would be exploring outer space.
To further expand on the core drilling: One issue with mines in this region is that the gold is frequently in rich pockets rather than spread over a large area. That sounds ideal, right? You dig a little and then find a slab of almost solid gold… However, modern core drilling and mining economics introduces a counterintuitive “no” response on that question. Lower grade ore that is broadcast over a large area is actually far more valuable to a modern mining operation because it can be mapped out and the results can be extrapolated. Even though mines like the Oriental or 16-to-1 have fabulous pocket gold, it can’t be technically mapped out or found with core drilling. One has to get lucky or to have the gold be close enough to the workings to be picked up by a metal detector. If metal detecting technology were to make an improvement that allowed its reach to extend for several hundred feet through the rock, staggering amounts of gold would be pulled from these “pocket mines” that dot the region.
The majority of our time in this series was spent on level three, but the oldest level - level one - had some fantastically rich gold pockets discovered in the 1800s. Newspaper reports of the time are positively gushing with enthusiasm over the potential of this mine. Although we did not locate them with our core drilling, undoubtedly, such rich pockets still exist within the claimed boundaries of this mine. However, it is not possible to pinpoint them with today’s technology.
Again, thank you to all for the enthusiasm for this project.
*****
You can see the full TVR Exploring playlist of abandoned mines here: goo.gl/TEKq9L
You can see the gear that I use for mine exploring here: bit.ly/2wqcBDD and here: bit.ly/2p6Jip6
Several kind viewers have asked about donating to help cover some of the many expenses associated with exploring these abandoned mines. Inspired by their generosity, I set up a Patreon account. So, if anyone would care to chip in, I’m under TVR Exploring on Patreon.
Thanks for watching!
*****
Growing up in California’s “Gold Rush Country” made it easy to take all of the history around us for granted. However, abandoned mine sites have a lot working against them - nature, vandals, scrappers and various government agencies… The old prospectors and miners that used to roam our lonely mountains and toil away deep underground are disappearing quickly as well.
These losses finally caught our attention and we felt compelled to make an effort to document as many of the ghost towns and abandoned mines that we could before that colorful niche of our history is gone forever.
I hope you’ll join us on these adventures!
#ExploringAbandonedMines
#MineExploring
#AbandonedMines
#UndergroundMineExploring

[@kennethalmond8922]

Wow, for some reason I'm really bummed that you're closing down / moving on! But, it was so much fun to follow you on this effort. It really brought to life aspects of actual mining that one wonders about when one watches hundreds of mine explores thru long dead mines. Thanks for sharing!

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the series... There aren't a lot of frontiers left in mine exploring, but digging open abandoned mines seems like a good place to take things.

[@aaronkeeth651]

@@TVRExploring bravo friend! 👍

[@pancakesnarfer5512]

@@TVRExploring quite a few mines in SE oregon that i doubt people have really bothered to explore much. crazy remote out there.

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

You've said it yourself a hundred times. "It became unprofitable to continue to operate the mine" this is a perfect example of why we have abandoned mines.

[@sp33dp4reak]

Wow, saw in the title it was the final video, but I wasn't expecting to be that bummed out at the end. Thanks for taking us along for the adventure..

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you. We'll still be exploring (I have some great material sitting on a hard drive waiting to be edited)... It's just this project that we have wrapped up.

[@aitrus21]

The earliest reference I could find for "1344 Fillmore, San Francisco" was a 1909 phone directory that listed it as "Frank Bros. Inc. Clothiers, and Furnishers." It looks like it was also a radio shop in the 20's.

[@oxskirra]

The longest series has met its end, sad that it didnt pan out as was hoped for but this series highlighted the struggles that the miners of old endured in hopes of getting rich. Thank you Justin and everyone involved. Hope to see more videos

[@TVRExploring]

Oh, we had no expectation of profit at all. Small scale mining should be viewed as a hobby or a tax write off. This was mostly about the exploring for us. And, no, we are definitely not done exploring.

[@AIM54A]

@@TVRExploring Thank for sharing the process. I think it's really important for people to see what's involved, risks, etc.

[@oxskirra]

@@TVRExploringthe hopes of profit was meant towards we, the viewers”, as to fund more epic explorations, but thinking on that, you do epic already. Been watching the epicness for years, untill you say you quit, or we get a notice u died… i figure you’ll share explores with us when you when you want to.

[@TVRExploring]

@@oxskirra Thank you for the long time viewership! I have a particular fondness for those that have been with us for a while... Yes, frankly, the number of accessible mines is limited and there is a point where there are simply not enough left to do a video every week. I don't want to just tread the same ground that other mine explorers have already done a good job of documenting. I have some great stuff sitting on the hard drive from last month that I need to edit and upload (and I'm down in Mexico now on an exploring trip). So, there is still good stuff on the way. It just won't be as frequent as in the past. We have to adapt to the changing tastes of the kids and the algorithm too. They really want us to do short videos now. So, I'll blend in some of those. There are some situations where I think those are actually a perfect format.

[@TVRExploring]

@@AIM54A Hopefully, people will go into small-scale mining with low expectations and treat it as a fun project.

[@mineoperator]

That is the best line I've heard in awhile - "What do miner's do when they have nothing else to do, they tunnel." 😂 Thanks for this video. Really appreciated it.

[@Wheres_Bobby]

Watched all 25 parts and learned many things. Great job!

[@robertquast9684]

It’s a shame to see this saga end but look forward to whatever else you share

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you. There are some good mine exploring videos on the hard drive that are waiting to be edited and uploaded...

[@zerofox7347]

How does anyone dare start a full scale mining project? All the equipment and man hours! How can any business swallow the cost 😮 I’m amazed how relaxed you seem about it.

[@Dave_9547]

Just what you told us about the water coming out of the mine and that has been coming out for years is telling. The bureaucrats in California will make everything as difficult and complex as possible. That is their mission in life, to provide stumbling blocks and obstacles to people that want to actually do something. It is why I moved to a much less restrictive state after living in California for sixty years. In any case, thanks for the video series.

[@chris-wr4jl]

Sad to see it end. This happened to me back in 2006, and miss mining every day since. Now got some land with a vein I located hope to explore it soon with some tunneling. Once a miner always a miner I believe.

[@bigstick6332]

Been waiting for another TVR video. 👍

[@_tyrannus]

Sad to see the project end like that, but I'm grateful that you took us along for the adventure! Hopefully technical advances, metal prices and, eh... logical improvement of regulations might allow it to be yet again profitable in the future. It's exciting to try and guess in how many years new miners will come and work on this site. I hope you left them some graffiti and a few artifacts! Would be fun to leave an SD card with all 25 episodes of this series.

[@gvii]

It is a shame you weren't able to find enough to make it self-sustaining. And yeah, I can't even begin to imagine the bureaucratic crap involved, so it's understandable that you have to let it go at some point. But it was a hell of a ride. Especially for you and everyone else that busted their butts on it. It's actually a bit sad to see it come to an end, but maybe there'll be something else. Regardless, it was incredibly cool to see everything you were able to find. And damn, that town and hotel was beyond cool.

[@davegrummett1263]

Wow. The end of an era. That is not something I saw coming. With the price of gold where it's been, I thought if there were gold left by the old miners, it would make it more possible to mine. With the newer regulations, I guess I can see that costing a LOT too, though. Thanks for taking us along, Justin. It's been great. Best of luck in whatever you do next, and if you record that, I'll probably watch that, too. You're really good at framing the story behind what you're documenting and keeping people engaged.

[@kathleenmilligan2944]

So glad to see you again.

[@g4dan1]

Dang! All that work for zippo.. Thank you for taking us along on this journey.

[@RailTownFan]

What a great adventurer to go on with you all!! Sorry to see it end... but cant wait for the next one!!! Thanks

[@Mr.Santoyo]

Wow that's just sad, that the mine had to shut down because bureaucratic regulations. Imagine all the blood, sweat, tears and memories that were made at that mine site. At the end to be left behind. Btw thx for this series TVR.

[@archstanton9206]

Thanks for taking us along on the journey, Justin. It has been a real treat. I hope you and your crew move on and are successful. The situation with our government is absurd.

[@-r-495]

Thank you for taking us along, what a ride.. Incredible work, incredible history, incredible country, incredible community. Sincerely wish you guys all the best and yet I hope to be privileged to see more from you.

[@bobscott9253]

Snap! At least I was able to visit in 21. We stumbled upon it while exploring the area and I remembered it from the videos. Can wait for the next adventure!

[@jilbertb]

Ten minutes ago I thought "TVR hasn't had a video lately." And here you are!😂

[@rsutherland76]

The ending was very fitting, very Backpacker Guide to the Universe. "Thanks for all the seed" - squirrels

[@retr0bits545]

I hope to see a new series in the future with this same premise.

[@TVRExploring]

Yes, it was a fun project. There are some equally (if not more) promising historical mines in the area that tick the right boxes.

[@qldabandonedmines]

Thanks for the long spanning and comprehensive presentation Justin. That was one hell of a ride and enjoyed every minute watching down here from Queensland, Australia.

[@realliferepair9285]

Major bummer....i was really hoping you guys would do very well

[@TVRExploring]

Oh, we had no expectation of profit at all. Small scale mining should be viewed as a hobby or a tax write off. This was mostly about the exploring for us.

[@Porty1119]

@@TVRExploring It often goes that way, yeah. We just hit ore and are getting ready to start drifting on it and blocking out a stope, as well as reactivating a stope on the upper levels.

[@johnwilson9270]

Just another vote of thanks for the series, this one from Australia. Its been a fun one to watch from start to finish. Hopefully one day you can give us a general rundown on how you all came about to do it, and finance it etc. Maybe the lease gets sold on and someone else gets to try their luck ?

[@tonybarnes5309]

This has been a fun series to watch. You ran into the government regulations just like my dad's generation of Miners seen and what I saw with Drilling coal bed methane. We Drilled 4000 ft to tap the methane, and all C1 C2 C3 (note: if you mix methane with natural gas, it really burns hot and cleaner than just straight natural gas) were left in the coal body. The water was tested, and it was cleaner than the town water. we had to inject it in an 8000 ft well. My dad mine's used to have evaporation ponds, and then we had to flood out parts of the mine, keeping it all underground.

[@jonnycarrick7552]

So gutted for you guys I was absolutely loving the mine experience all of you are amazing people awesome video series thanks 🎉

[@JONO5K1]

I don't really leave comments generally as it simply isn't time efficient, however, on this occasion, I would like to post that this series was thoroughly enjoyable, and I never missed an episode as a result. I know nothing about mining and to many it would sound like a bleak subject matter, though through your videos I have come to learn much, and too see such rural and rugged landscapes in areas generally uncharted by most was added excellence and as an overall review I guess, I was always impressed by the editing which is no small endeavour, especially with the sheer quantity of footage you must have collected on every expedition. I really appreciate the content and I hope you continue your passion for exploration and filmmaking. Looking forward to what comes next. Best Regards, J.

[@kylerayk]

I'm saddened that the gold mine didn't work out. I hope that you can find another spot that is more economically viable so you can bring us along each step of the way. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

[@NewArcadian]

Excellent - and unique series given the insight into the work required to make it live once more. Certainly gave value to all your viewers, so very glad you feel it also mostly met your expectations.

[@brannancloward]

Lots of bushwackery and metally bits! Great video man. Thanks much.

[@WikkedDonkE]

Just be sure to take us on your next endeavour, even if it's as a Walmart greeter! I'll miss these videos, they were my favourite series on KZbin. I have my fingers crossed for TVR_Galactic.

[@trevorwhat]

“That’s what nature has decided is right for us.”

[@wes11bravo]

You guys are destroying my escape fantasies that play my post midlife crisis, haha! This whole series had me mentally loading tools into a box trailer I'd pull behind my 01 Jeep TJ, driving thousands of miles, showing up at your mine to offer my labor (and ideally to not get shot as I did so, haha!) pulling huge piles of gold that would aid in me starting a new life out West! "Totally Unrealistic" is my middle name, fellas! Keeps me moving!

[@FastRoperN4]

I didn’t read the title until it ended, thanks for the good show, I looked forward to this series hopefully you will continue some place else. In the meantime keep up the explores

[@alexb.1320]

Sad to see it end, was interesting to follow along the journey. Thanks for taking us along. Too bad the beurocracy is blind to the reality and getting in the way of progressing further. But, onward to the next adventure!

[@lesconn1240]

Good to see you again, and thanks for all the great videos. Am Looking forward to the next chapter.

[@ErikTheRedRacer]

As one who frequently explores that area on side-x-sides, I know exactly where your mine is located and have been there several times, once even since you guys started this series. Nobody was there at that time but I said "hi" into your outdoor wildlife cam set up just outside the mine entrance. 🙂Anyhow, was good fun watching you guys open and explore this mine. Unfortunately, as Im sure you WELL know, California is rather hostile to such efforts and are quite active in making sure any such efforts meet with as much unreasonable expense and hassle as possible. Damn shame.

[@TVRExploring]

The burdensome rules and regulations were all federal. California was actually fine to work with...

[@trinketsmusings]

Omg! I loved the tour of the hotel! Especially the basement. So bummed that the mine wasn't panning out the way you hoped but I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. As always, so grateful for your documentation of these adventures!

[@karinhartman993]

Im very sad that you stop the mine, i hope you will continue with your videos about mines kind regards dirk.

[@BrightLights1772]

It was a heck of an adventure. Thank you to you and the team for sharing this with us. It's really neat and a service to all who have an interest in the subject.

[@Bob-Whiting]

@TVR Exploring That super heavy washer from 1904 at: 18:38 from the tower's pulley and plate says on it: "MALLEABLE" .

[@Ian_P]

He's back! Miss you Justin. Thank you again for these videos you produce. I really enjoy them. 👍😁

[@nikolaisikes6245]

Thanks for bringing us along on this project with you! I would have thought you guys would have found more gold up past the huge incline shaft. If that was closer to the surface you could just punch a new adit and not have to deal with all the water! Boom! Problem solved, you're welcome! 😂

[@nikolaisikes6245]

Haha I jest. But really it was cool to see how things would have been then and now in order to keep a mine running. You've provided us with a very unique perspective. Thanks again.

[@terrybusch5088]

What a cool video. I was totally enthralled with every aspect of the old tram and that old building and the basement. Very nice to see how people spend their time in a mining town.

[@williamwintemberg]

A sad moment. I really enjoyed watching this series. Can't wait to see what Justin is up to next as it's never disappointing.

[@TVRExploring]

It pretty much met our expectations. We always knew that getting into those upper levels would be a long shot, but we wanted to give it a good try.

[@bjornlundstrom4155]

Thank U for letting us follow.

[@nathanwhite8110]

Thank you so much for bringing us along throughout these episodes, I personally enjoyed seeing how some of the equipment works and was used and the blasting was really neat!

[@ianlarcher8250]

I just wanted to thank you very much for this series. I eagerly looked forward to each episode, too bad it didnt pan out, but as they say thats mining :(

[@TVRExploring]

Oh, we had no expectation of profit at all. Small scale mining should be viewed as a hobby or a tax write off. This was mostly about the exploring for us.

[@michaelburns9172]

My friend and I had a mine the first 50 feet went through solid rock and was flooded to chest high. We would strip down and put our clothes in a bucket. It was very cold water. We would dress and dig buckets and wash out in an old rocker box. It was cemented gravel and big rocks the size of a VW . Found nuggets the size of match heads and big flacks . And this is in Southern California.

[@markhooper5824]

That was a great series guys and so interesting for all of us. Thanks.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@moonbear1st]

ah good to see you back again and what an elegant building very western looking to me as an englishman..i live in a brick built terraced house 2up 2down. and it was built in 1853 by lord derby who was frequent around the town of bury...so when i see you guys going wow this was 1800s it kinda as a snap moment for me.. cheers..

[@TVRExploring]

Ha, yes, "old" by American standards is very different from European standards!

[@gettinsmeegy]

You're back! It's a shame the mine didn't work out, looks like a lot of time and money invested.

[@TVRExploring]

Oh, we had no expectation of profit at all. Small scale mining should be viewed as a hobby or a tax write off. This was mostly about the exploring for us.

[@davec3459]

I learned lots about mining from this series that I didnnt know before, made loads of stuff clearer, thank you! Onwards and upwards 🙂

[@Sanjosebuddha]

Well, you guys surely gave it more than its fair shake. Wonder how the old timers felt turning away from their prospects without the assurances of core drilling 😂 Now, would totally understand if this experience has soured your outlook on mining in CA, but those paleogravel deposits (blue lead) are where I'd try next, and maybe is where I'll start someday. Thanks for the series!

[@loyalkuhn5778]

Good to get an update !! Thanks for all the fish !!!

[@jeremymaas8464]

Sad to see your projector that mine come to an end I tell you I've been looking forward to each new video you put out on bringing that old Gold mine back to life, wish you better fortune in your future diggings! Thank you for sharing the experiences with everyone here.

[@ravenwood1135]

I'm a Miner with 30 years experience in open pit mining. The gov. .regulations have gotten so outrageous it's hard to keep up with them here in South Carolina and I imagine California is Ten times worse.its so sad that you had to shut down your mineI.You have brought me to so many fascinating places love your videos .

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you. We actually found the federal rules and regulations to be far more burdensome than those of California. California was easy to work with.

[@edwardmckenzie3402]

And if you found a ton of gold, where would you sell it?

[@hunnybunnysheavymetalmusic6542]

Bummer! Sure hope y'all find a better prospect soon!

[@kerzwhile]

Incredible series! So much work!! It didn't "pan" out like you wanted and for that I'm sorry, but thank you for including us in this adventure! Can't wait to see what's next! :)

[@paulcooper9135]

This series has been an awesome adventure to watch! Hopefully there will be another one similar in the future. Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@VendettaProspecting]

That was a fun project to watch!

[@homersimpson9247]

Sorry to this end, I enjoy watching your travels, good luck !!

[@halfwayfarmsandoutdoors3550]

That’s a shame but fully understand. I loved the mining videos!!

[@oldschoolmoto]

thanks for the update

[@markattardo]

Wow! I wasn't expecting this thoroughly fascinating series to end but fully understand that it was the right call. The bunkhouse was freakin cool to see. See you on your next video 👍👍

[@Bob-Whiting]

@TVR Exploring The snake shown at: 19:38 is or appears to be a: "Gopher Snake" . Found you today 7/20/2K24. Subbed and contributed. lolin'

[@muleskinnermining8661]

Can I say that I’m disappointed that this didn’t turn into something great? I was hoping that the core drilling program would line you out with some good target areas. Sorry to hear that it didn’t. There’s a saying, that the gold is just one more round away. Continue your journey and we will be there with you to enjoy your adventures! Best wishes from Idaho!

[@OTTOssbm]

been following your channel for a while, was surprised to see your account and personal one still logged into the smart tv at an airbnb i was at in Chico a month or so ago, logged out for ya 👍

[@TVRExploring]

Haha, small world... Yes, that was me. Thank you for logging me out.

[@wbwright79]

well, it is sad to see. really, these videos have been an education for me. i learned a lot. but i know that there was a lot of money and time put into this work. at least you were doing something that you loved the most. so it was an education for you as well. "Lessons cost money. Good ones cost lots" ~ Tony Beets.

[@HangtownDave]

Thanks for taking us along on your adventures! You guys gave it a good shot on the mining (Boom or Bust, right?!) and the exploration of all of the other sites that you re-discovered has been truly priceless! I look forward to your next discoveries!

[@seanpeterson2296]

Thanks!

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you very, very much. This was extremely generous of you and it is extremely appreciated... We will put it to good use exploring!

[@canastasiou68]

I was thinking about you guys yesterday, glad you're still around. Cheers from Australia

[@timmc49]

I hope you find another worthwhile underground project! Really enjoyed all of the episodes you made about this mine and kind of shocked that it's all ending here. Your mine exporation is great - but seeing this mine come back to life was fascinating and a joy to watch! Best always!!

[@ahilltodieons]

Do you have any more footage of that flume running down the mountain? Not sure if I missed where that headed off to, but pretty amazing to see it unclogged and gushing after decades of peaceful bubbling in the woods.

[@Ethan-xm4fv]

That sucks ill miss the videos. Hope you find another place ta look.

[@parkerrowe4687]

Thanks for showing me around

[@leighsayers2628]

What a beautiful bunk house !!! Great video ..loved it . From Australia 🦘 🦘🦘

[@karlfonner7589]

22:24-I have the exact same boat hanging on the wall from my father

[@miqotelover]

Always love these behind the look scenes.

[@stanbatchelor810]

Its nice to see the hotel open again, it was either closed or in flux when i went through there a few years ago.

[@TVRExploring]

It seems that it will be again. It is in the process of changing hands again with the rumors being that it will be turned into an art gallery (which I think is not the highest and best use for it).

[@ThomasDuffney]

this mine should be turned into a heritage site if not already.

[@willwintter3526]

Thanks for showing us the ins and outs over running a mine. Hope you keep exploring.

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you. We're out exploring right now...

[@carolannegillett9759]

Thanks for showing us everything. I’ll have to get out to the town and check out that hotel sometime. It looks cool with all the layers of history.

[@razrazraz476]

Really enjoyed this series 👌, such an interesting look into what it takes to reopen an old mine, or even just mine nowadays. It's such a shame that it couldn't become profitable for you, and you had so many obstacles to overcome. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@davidsnider1703]

After all that work. Hope you find another location.

[@user-hp8oq7yd5n]

I've been to a lot of places n seen n done a lot of places, watching your videos has been an awesome adventure I thank you for sharing

[@rolfsinkgraven]

A great explore and bunkhouse with very nice stuff and stories, very interesting thnx Justin, too bad it cant be opened again.

[@Cookiesk8r]

Didn't realise it was the final video till right at the end because watching on my phone. Shame to see the series end but completely understand from the stringent hoops that are required to be jumped through for no real valid reason as its dressed up as

[@paulzeiller2807]

WOW....... Very interesting video........ I enjoyed all the videos of your abandoned project. Good luck and I will follow you into your new adventures. Have fun and peace.

[@gavinferguson]

shame but thanks for the update and good liuck with your next prospect

[@willwintter3526]

Man glad your back love seeing your journeies. You are the best at mine exploring .

[@ralphpatrick3071]

Sorry, you had to shut down the operation. Damn regulations! It was really a great tutorial on mine operation. I hope you find the Motherlode next time. Thanks, J!

[@lennardperry5184]

thanks for the videos here.

[@sadefects8810]

HELL YEAH BROTHER YOU ARE BACK! im waiting for months for this video keep it going full steam

[@joshuajackson6442]

Thank you for letting us tag along

[@brucevanderzanden9638]

This has been such a GOOD series Justin! I understand the economic situation very well having been a business owner myself. Hopefully another project like this could come your way in the future! Glad you are back and even if you need to run one of your old videos due to situations, that is still good. Take care my friend and I look forward to your next video!

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you. I'm glad that you enjoyed it... Yes, we're always open to new projects. I have some great content sitting on a hard drive waiting to be edited. So, there are more good videos in the pipeline.

[@brucevanderzanden9638]

@@TVRExploring how is your wife & newborn daughter doing!