Finding Rare Mining Equipment in a Massive Abandoned Mine in Nevada (Part 1)

[@richardwarnock2789]

Some those mines were running in 60's and 70's that looked really like yesterday is there MOoooore!!!!😊

[@AbandonedMines11]

There’s a lot more to see in Part 2 and Part 3. Thanks for watching and commenting, Richard!

[@purenatural5736]

This was somehow a more advanced mine in comparison with other mines you explored. It was nice to see something semi functional.

[@AbandonedMines11]

It definitely is one of the bigger mines I’ve been in recently. Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to watch the video and to leave a comment - I appreciate it.

[@W7DSY]

Frank, that was a teriffic mine. And lots of stuff to see. But about that drill sharpener, I see in the comments someone else saw that it began life as a winch. That round-shaped spool off the side is a windlass, and it was used by looping a rope around the thimble several turns to draw in the rope. Good for moving stuff. Also at the 13:00 mark, it looks like someone appropriated part the mine in which to live/sleep with that plastic sheeting. A great explore!!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Good hearing from you, Stan! There were quite a few areas in this mine that were sectioned off with that plastic and stuff like that. I never got a chance to ask the other guys if they had been in those sections. I’m sure they were in previous visits. Not sure why those areas of the mine were walled off like that. It definitely is a big mine with multiple levels. No way to see it all in one or two trips. I also believe that it’s a mine one could get easily lost in if they didn’t keep track of their route. I’ve only been in one other mine like that during the last 15 years and that was the Lincoln Mine up by Rachel, Nevada. Usually these mines are one way in and one way out. Not this one! As you will see in Part 2 and Part 3, we ascended to other levels in the mine and eventually came out much higher on the mountain using another portal. That doesn’t happen too often when exploring abandoned mines! Yes, a guy that I’ve gone exploring with named Jim is a current working miner. He’s the one that told us about the drill sharpener. He’s very knowledgeable and knows what he’s talking about. I wish I knew more about it so I could’ve explained it more in the video, but it really was a re-purposed winch that was turned into a drill sharpener. I wish somebody would re-purpose an old winch into a flashlight finder. Someday….

[@luminoussoundsyt]

That is one outstanding awesome mine for sure with so much equipment in it still like if they would come bk to work it again , those 2 flooded shafts need exploring with a ROV to see what is down there, that must of been one HUGE working mine with all that electrical stations in there ? That mucker was a amazing find as well .

[@AbandonedMines11]

That second flooded inclined shaft actually connects to a mine that’s lower on the mountain and some distance away. It really is a huge underground complex there. If you check out the KZbin channels for Justin, Joe, and Todd - I put links in the video’s description - they have made previous trips to this mine and have filmed other extensive sections of it. There’s no way any one explorer could see the whole thing in one trip. It’s that massive!

[@luminoussoundsyt]

@@AbandonedMines11 is it one of the biggest mines u ever explored frank ? Yh I will check those out cause I'm subbed to Justin's channel as well. Looking forward to part 2 as well

[@AbandonedMines11]

It ranks up there as one of the biggest minds I’ve ever been in. Definitely lots more to see there. The other guys have already made repeated trips into this mine, and they’ve got videos on their channels showing a lot more of it if you’re interested.

[@davestrang8585]

What a beautiful pristine place. Thanks 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Dave, for stopping by and checking out the video. It really was an impressive mine.

[@edbrick7689]

Good video, I have spent time around Polaris but never been in this one. Somebody has very recently though. I can tell by the white brattice cloth used to route the ventilation and the modern electrical panels, and the 2" victaulic pipe clamps.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks again for all the info, Ed!

[@rolfsinkgraven]

A great find again, great stuff left, a easy one too open up again if that flooding did not weaken those tunnels that is. Still quit solid that part anyway hehe.

[@AbandonedMines11]

glad you enjoyed the video, Rolf! Thanks for your support again. Yes, this was quite the abandoned mine. One of the biggest ones I’ve been inside of in quite some time. I think you’ll enjoy Part 2 and Part 3 as well.

[@jverrelli1]

Amazing Frank, it's like watching a movie, thanks for doing this so we can watch from home.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thank you for the nice comment. I appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@davegrummett1263]

Wow. An ore cart with just the wheels remaining..... usually it's the other way round.

[@AbandonedMines11]

You know, I thought the exact same thing when I saw that set of wheels laying in there.

[@StillFightingItRoundHere]

Did the caretaker leave for a doctor's appointment or pass away? lol. At the beginning of the video is a fresh-cut copper wire? Rolling cart in the main haulage tunnel? You don't find this stuff unless someone has been hanging around preserving it. All that equipment would have been gone in the 70s and be sitting in someone's garden today. Interesting mine though!

[@ralphpatrick3071]

Cool relics! Thanks! 😊

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for watching! Certainly was a lot of equipment remaining in this mine. Glad you enjoyed seeing it!

[@edbrick7689]

The drill at 16:02 is an older model long hole drill. It has an external rotation motor, later the rotation became integral. Many people call this configuraion a "bar and arm drill". This is a misnomer. It is actual a column and arm drill set up. A horizontal arm is clamped to a verticle column and the arm can be rotated around the column. The drill is clamped to the arm and the drill angle can be adjusted up or down. I have used these set ups many times over the years.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hey, Ed! Thank you so much for your valuable and informative comments! I really appreciate when you miners and former miners contribute your knowledge to help clarify things that are seen in my videos and things that I might have gotten wrong. This mine certainly has a long history going back to the 1910s all the way up to when it closed in the 1970s. Or at least I think it closed in the 1970s. It might’ve closed in the 1980s. At any rate, it’s interesting to see how the much older workings intersect and morph into the more modern workings. Thanks again for spending some time here on my channel and contributing your knowledge - I sincerely appreciate it!

[@EggnogonthebogProductions]

Another great explore. Part 2 looks good as well.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks again for all your support here! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I think you’ll like the next two installments as well.

[@Carolb66]

Just loving this episode, so exciting & interesting! Fab seeing the tracks down & other artifacts. Thank you & stay safe. ❤😊👍

[@AbandonedMines11]

Glad you enjoyed it, Carol! Lots to see in this one, that’s for sure.

[@Carolb66]

@@AbandonedMines11 yes there was! 🥰👍

[@JoshPadgett]

When do you suppose this mine was last worked? That power station looks fairly modern!

[@AbandonedMines11]

I think the 1970s or thereabouts. But, as you saw in the video, some of that miners’ graffiti dates back to the 1920s and earlier!

[@JoshPadgett]

Well I must’ve been in this mine as well but don’t remember it, I obviously left my bottle of Angry Orchard there!​@@AbandonedMines11

[@lesleyrobbins1137]

It almost looks as if the mine was worked recently, maybe in the 60's. It's crazy that it looks like they just walked away. More artifacts for us!!

[@AbandonedMines11]

It certainly does have that recently abandoned look to it, doesn’t it? When a lot of these mines closed, there was often no warning. The miners showed up for work one day and were told to go home. That was it.

[@raendrag3455]

It's always nice to watch you explore. Makes me want to find some buddies to do this with.

[@AbandonedMines11]

It can be a great hobby - but not for everybody. People who have a problem with claustrophobia, bats, and the dark wouldn’t have much fun.

[@johnsmart964]

Thank you very much for bringing us this very interesting video presentation of this magnificent massive mine which evidently had a long life. It was great to see the dates given as well as the other illustrations provided by the early miners which certainly provide an historical backdrop to the age of the mine, the more modern items providing an idea as to how late the mine was in use. Certainly there was little or any rust on some of the later equipment and electrical control boxes. One wonders if the mine may have been in use into the eighties or nineties. Having worked on the railroad in times past I was particularly impressed at how well engineered the trackwork is, it would seem no expense spared. The ore cart ran beautifully and the mucker was good to see, they are very interesting to see at work and a very useful piece of equipment to have around. It does seem that this mine was never intended to be closed down as it is unlikely that so much equipment would have remained. Maybe the value of what they were mining had dropped too much for it to be economically viable. Thank you again for all your great work, it really is appreciated.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hey, John! Thank you for checking out the video and commenting! I believe this mine was last worked in the 1970s or 1980s. I don’t know if there are any plans to reopen it anytime soon, but I would doubt that there are. Being that the mine was initially dug in the early 1900s around 1915 or earlier, it’s interesting to see how the older workings intersect with the newer workings. A lot of history in this mine because of all of that. I like how the miners’ graffiti from different decades kind of ties it all together. Thanks again for your support here!

[@Davidautofull]

thats a big access mine and lots of things left behind. great fun to explore. thanks Frank, you are on a roll.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Glad you enjoyed it! It’s such a big mine that it would take multiple trips in order to see everything on all the different levels. You’ll see more of it in Parts 2 and 3.

[@WN_Byers]

Awesome! Legendary exploration. "If these walls could talk"

[@ziidur]

awesome!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks!

[@jameskirk5906]

Always great footage! fjb

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for watching!

[@ZiaMountainAdventures]

Nice edit Frank! You could spend a week in that place easy and maybe still not see all of it! Great video!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks! No doubt that it’s definitely a big place in there. I was rewatching some of the older videos you and Justin have posted of this place now that I’ve been there myself, and they make more sense now. Really enjoyed this particular mine. As I mentioned in a reply to one of Headframe Hunter Jim’s comments on another video, it was definitely worth the 1410 mile round-trip. LOL

[@OdySlim]

Hey there Frank. What a great find my friend. Finds like these are far and few between. Look at the awesome miners grafitti at 14:40 - 14:55 from the 1920's. Awesome! I cant wait for part 2 Frank! Thank you & Regards from Ody Slim

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks 👍 We found even more miners’ graffiti on the upper levels after climbing 250 feet of steep ladders, and some of it was X-rated. You’ll see it all in the next two installments as well as an area of the mine that was severely damaged in a major earthquake. The timbers in that area were all shifted to the left as a result.

[@casedoumasr656]

Hello down there that piece that looked like winch you say is a drill steel sharpier i've go t to rewind and see that closer great explore 🏆⛏️🤔

[@AbandonedMines11]

It used to be a winch but was re-purposed as a drill sharpener. A miner who is quite familiar with this mine and who has, indeed, explored some of it himself told me this.

[@dimebagdave77]

Manythnx for another great adventure man. Edit: can you imagine scuba diving into those creepy lower levels..have a good one man

[@AbandonedMines11]

More to come! And thanks, Dave, for your support here! I appreciate it.

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

That mine must have operated well past the 1920s until the late 20th century just going by the look of some of the electrical equipment and the plastic artefacts lying about. The control boxes look quite recent and that explosive storage tub. Great video! 👍🏻

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hey, Dave! I think this mine was last worked in the 1970s or the 1980s. It had a long life. The miners who worked it early on in the 1910s were certainly different from the miners in the 1980s.

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Thank you for the Video This mine is old but not long closed . In the 1980 i think. This whole mine looks like that with a little repair and some pumps this mine can get back to work without any problems. Greetings from Germany and the Rammelsberg mine. Glück Auf and best wishes Yours Frank Galetzka

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hi, Frank! Thanks for checking in from Germany! Yes, I believe this mine was last worked in the 1970s or 1980s. As you pointed out, it probably wouldn’t take much to get this mine rehabilitated and put back into operation. Of course, all those lower levels are seriously flooded, so that would take some pumping. Definitely is a massive place and ranks up there as one of the biggest mines I have been in these last several years.

[@AbandonedMaine]

Impressive operation. Even went through the trouble of bringing in some creature comforts. You wonder about companies that leave that much equpment behind instead of selling it off.

[@AbandonedMines11]

You make some good points there, Drew! I think the equipment is there because there was the expectation that the mine would resume operation. That obviously never happened. Really enjoyed all the ladder climbs in this one. Hadn’t done that in quite some time now. This mine probably isn’t as multilevel and extensive as that mine was that you and I went to that had the flooded entrance with the steel door further inside. So just imagine what might be left behind in that particular mine’s tunnels on all of its levels!

[@Foreststrike]

Considering the almost modern electrical components and architecture, I'd say this mine was in production in around 20-50 years. A transient period of updating equipment before hitting a groundwater lake which flooded the lower levels, it seems.

[@AbandonedMines11]

That very well could be what happened here. I don’t know the full history of why the mine got flooded in the first place. It may have been flooding when it was actively being mined, and once they closed down permanently, the pumps were turned off and the mine filled up with water. Who knows?

[@karstent.66]

Just wonder: If this mine is partly flooded today, the danger of water flooding deeper parts of the mine was arround back in the day as well, right? So they must have had some kind of water pumps? In my home town in Germany, where lots of coal mines existed, water pumps were essential in order to keep the mine shafts dry. And even most mining has gone now, in 2023, some of the water pumps are still working.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Yes, they would’ve probably had pumps working around the clock to keep the mine dry. When a mine closes for good, the pumps are turned off and the mine slowly fills back up with water.

[@Nightcore_music.940]

I love min video 🤩

[@AbandonedMines11]

Glad to hear that, Britney! Thanks for stopping by and checking out the latest video. I appreciate it.

[@edbrick7689]

That machine at 8:57 is actually a winch not a bit sharpener. The drum is empty, no wire rope wound on the drum. The small spool on the side is a "cats head" winch. The cats head is used by winding rope a few wraps around the spool. When tension is pulled on the tail of the rope the cats head will pull the head of the rope. Release the tail of the rope and the cats head free spins inside the wraps of rope until tension is applied again. I am a third generation miner and worked in underground mines mines all over the U.S. for over forty years, that's how I know what it is.

[@edbrick7689]

Essentially it is two winches in one.

[@asafgl4281]

Very interesting one of the most !

[@AbandonedMines11]

Glad you think so! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@asafgl4281]

@@AbandonedMines11 i see an underground equipment it bring me back to my best days when i was a miner , that i miss the most

[@AbandonedMines11]

Didn’t know you used to be a miner! I love hearing that. I rely on you guys to correct any information I get wrong in my videos and to supply additional insight. I have no mining background whatsoever, so I’m still learning stuff even after all these years.

[@asafgl4281]

@@AbandonedMines11 was an underground mechanic of mining equipment , have a background as a mechanic since i was 17 , What gave it a push is that i did not want to be like most of city, dealing with tourists and working all day in somthing i dont like , and also bad wage of payment At the beginning in the mine, i was a mechanic at its own power plant.. After that, i become in a team if a geophysics unit then after they saw i can fix machines and atv'es , cars and other , i have become a mechanic... Problem has start when that international company opened a local division , with local management and staff , that were cause the project to fail Used to treat anybody besides them as sub human .. Read about: Timba copper mines ( not referring to historic site)

[@Unit38]

I find the miner's graffiti one of the most interesting aspects of these exploration videos. A small "snapshot" in the life of someone who has long since passed. As always, enjoyed the video.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I totally agree with you about the graffiti! You won’t believe the amount of graffiti that will be shown in Part 2 and Part 3. And some of it was sexually explicit!

[@thegreenrocket]

sweet cave though, thanks for the video

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for watching!

[@zerofox7347]

Thanks for showing us around Frank. such a rare sight to see an abandoned mine that’s not been thoroughly pilfered and vandalised. What an interesting place.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Glad you enjoyed it! Definitely lots of things to see in this particular abandoned mine. Thanks for your comment!

[@getreal1702]

that was a hoist. it is not a drill sharpener lol.

[@AbandonedMines11]

A miner quite familiar with the mine and who has been there himself confirmed that it is a re-purposed hoist that was turned into a drill sharpener.

[@brannancloward]

Absolutely amazing find. Thanks!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Glad you enjoyed it! Don’t miss Part 2 and Part 3!

[@erikdenwalt4801]

Abandoned mines and Fallout : New Vegas. Lovely combination

[@RH-jl8qr]

So cool! Ty!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for stopping by and checking out the video!

[@SB--dn1qf]

Been watching since 2014. Definitely one of the coolest channels on KZbin. Stay safe down there Frank.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thank you for your comment! Nine years is a long time. Thank you for all that support and interest. I appreciate it.

[@otgexploring]

WoW!!! This is a good one!!!!

[@AbandonedMines11]

It was a good one! Even though this is part 1 of a three part series and we climbed up to two or three higher levels, Justin was telling me that we only saw about 7% of all that there is to see here. If you ever want to go to this one and spend a couple days in it, let me know! Thanks for checking out the video, Jeff!

[@otgexploring]

@@AbandonedMines11 that would be awesome!! I need to get back and start exploring again, just waiting for this divorce to finalize.

[@AbandonedMines11]

@@otgexploring I hear you, man! Hang in there with everything!

[@Niklas1611]

Thank you for this type of content. I love every single video of yours

[@AbandonedMines11]

You’re welcome! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@royjennison3916]

great mine frank , well done .

[@AbandonedMines11]

Many thanks, Roy! It’s nice to have your support here. Thank you.

[@LGB-FJB]

No brave chicken today? Would be interesting to see the waste rock pile in the summer.

[@williamwintemberg]

Interesting mine! Looks like it was worked for many years on and off. Lots of artifacts left behind! Some of the electrical gear looks to be in good condition. Can't wait to see part 2!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thank you, William, for your comment. I think this mine was last worked in the 1970s, so that’s quite some time ago. Half a century. I don’t think there are any plans to re-open this mine anytime soon. I think you’ll enjoy Part 2 and Part 3. Thanks for the support!

[@williamwintemberg]

@@AbandonedMines11 Cool! Can't wait to see!

[@kaede7876]

new fan of your videos.... i found some ones you did over a decade ago and wondered "gosh I hope he still does these videos!" and lo and behold! they're so cool, I've never thought about how cool old mines are before... thanks for bringing this to people who may never be able to explore a mine (im way toooo scared!)!! i especially love your paranormal mine videos.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for checking out some of my older videos from a decade ago. Hard to believe I’ve been doing this for almost 17 years. It’s been quite a ride! You’ll find plenty of abandoned mine exploration videos here to keep you busy for quite some time. I do have various playlists on my channel that group some of the videos into certain categories. If you’re really into the haunted mines, there’s a separate playlist for those. Lots of history out there underground, that’s for sure. And I’m certainly glad knowing that you are following along from the comfort and safety of your home. Thanks again!

[@ps5user155]

It’s crazy how some things are still in there from over a century ago. It’s like no one at all goes in these mines in that amount of time

[@stabbincabbincowbboy3770]

Like 370 BadAs’ Looks Like Jenga to Me 🤣 Awesome Break Rooms for Supervision I’m Sure..Haha 🛒 Graffiti or Artwork LOL 1918 🧨Yikes Those Tracks & Switch is Way Cool Indeed.. Miners Dots...... 🖼✨👋🤠 ✨ Mine of The Lost HeeHawww 💫

[@AbandonedMines11]

Glad you enjoyed the video, “Tony!“ I haven’t been in an abandoned mine this big in quite some time. Definitely could get lost in this one if you didn’t keep track of your route.

[@seldoon_nemar]

5:45 The foam around that air wall dates it as no older than the 80's, so some of these artifacts are pretty new

[@AbandonedMines11]

I believe the mine was last worked in the 1970s or 1980s. So it was basically in operation for probably 80 years at the most. Probably was started in the 1910s or the 1920s. That’s a long time and covers a lot of history. Thanks for your comment, and thanks for checking out the video!

[@seldoon_nemar]

@@AbandonedMines11 There's actually pretty extensive use of foam in the newer sections of the mine, and foam really didn't enter the market in a way the miners would be interested in until about 1980. The "great stuff" style of foam in a can was invented basically for the space shuttle. the classic orange fual tank is that color because it's that foam. if you've ever left some out in the sun, the UV turns it that color. it dates working like how commercial , large scale welding didn't really start until the 50's. with the volume and frequency of use, I would guess this mine was last work closer to mid 80's early 90's honestly. I would guess though that most of that work would be in the flooded lower levels, because it seems the old timers had cleared what they wanted up from that main haul level. There's still some work, so they were high grading the old workings late in the mine's life, but most of that work is original, and i'd bet deeper, you'd start see more modern methods of operation. why rehab old workings to new standards when you can punch in a level below them into virgin ground after you send a geologist in to see what the old timers were chasing

[@ronniecardy]

This looks like all you need to do is turn on the main switches to the power. Looks nice for a mine. Take care have a safe Father's day Frank 😊

[@AbandonedMines11]

With a little bit of rehabilitation, this mine probably could be put back into service rather quickly. It definitely is one of the bigger mines I have been in in recent years. It’s always fun to climb the ladders to different levels. I think you’ll enjoy Part 2 and Part 3. Thanks for watching and commenting, Ronnie!

[@madeinyorkshire52]

Great watch ! I’ve viewed well over 100 mine exploring videos - pse correct me if I’m wrong, but you have referred to “tunnels” a lot in your commentary - but from what I’ve learned, mine “tunnels” are only called as such when an “ADIT” goes right through a mountainside / hillside and out the other side. Otherwise one would call them Adits or perhaps Drifts. So the main haulage way for instance would be called “main haulage adit” and not “haulage tunnel”. Sorry I’m rather pedantic but I want to call these things by the correct names - please could you clarify this terminology. 🇬🇧

[@AbandonedMines11]

Yes, the word “drift“ is the correct term. I use that sometimes in my narration. But I often prefer the word “tunnel“ to keep the narration in the vernacular of most of my viewers who have no mining background whatsoever.

[@Boga217]

That's crazy that miner graffiti was 97 years old... almost a hundred years to the month.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I think the earliest date I saw was 1911. Can’t remember which part it’s in, though.

[@dominicarce7136]

Wow man u are crazy but I live watching your videos this is cool stuff man ... Rock onl 😎

[@AbandonedMines11]

I appreciate that, Dominic! Thank you very much for your comment.

[@thegreenrocket]

woah, that pan to the swastika was quite the jump scare there

[@AbandonedMines11]

Probably was drawn in response to the happenings in World War II.

[@stephenmiller5023]

Is that the Flooded mine shaft where they are dumping all the Bud -light beer cans that aren’t selling these days ….🤔. I saw that one floating at the top & it got me wondering….😏😆

[@AbandonedMines11]

I have no idea.

[@craigbrowning9448]

I would assume this mine probably needed pumps running constantly, and the reason the lower levels are now flooded is at the pumps were shut off?

[@AbandonedMines11]

I think your assumption is correct, Craig. Pumps were probably running 24/seven when the mine was in operation. Once it closed down and the pumps were turned off, it slowly filled up with water. If it ever went back into production, they could probably pump out those flooded lower levels and do some rehabilitation work and make it a go of it But I don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon. Thanks for your comments! I appreciate it.

[@Mike-tg7dj]

It's hard to believe that just above on the surface the environment is high desert and dry as a bone.

[@AbandonedMines11]

This particular desert area does get more rainfall than other areas of the desert I’ve been in, so that might account for the flooding in this mine. In comparison, those mines around Death Valley and in the Mojave Desert are bone-dry! Barely rains there at all.

[@d4rk0v3]

It would be fascinating to send a tethered aquatic drone down into the lower levels of the mine to explore remotely.

[@AbandonedMines11]

That would be something to see! Based on what little I know and the few glimpses of maps of this mine that I’ve gotten, I do believe there are substantial workings on the lower levels that are unfortunately all flooded. I suppose if the mine ever came back into operation, they could pump out all that water and rehab the tunnels, but I don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon.

[@paisliesplace3921]

Wow this mine is huge!!! I had to unsub and resub with you Frank, you weren't coming up on my feed, I have missed about 6 episodes! Glad I found you again! I was tying to find the operating dates for this mine. Would you know? We see miners' dates for the 20's but some of the equipment looks a lot newer. That explosives tub looked plastic to me? I was curious when this mine started and was shut down. What a find!! This place is so cool!! Off to watch part two! As always, thank you for taking us with and stay safe Frank!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Sorry to hear you weren’t getting notified by KZbin of my uploads. Glad you solved the problem by unsubscribing and then resubscribing. I hope that fixes the problem for you. This is why I also post a COMMUNITY post on my channel after I’ve uploaded a video. For those like you who aren’t notified by KZbin of my newest upload, hopefully you will see the COMMUNITY post instead. Yes, this is only the second mine I’ve been in over the last 16 years or so in which one could truly get lost if they didn’t keep track of their route. Usually, as you know, it’s one way in and one way out. This mine is just so massive and multi level that it would be easy to get lost if one didn’t remember one’s route. I believe this mine was last worked in the 1970s or 1980s. It’s interesting how the older workings from the 1910s and 1920s intersect with the newer workings. It certainly spans a huge chunk of time!

[@paisliesplace3921]

@@AbandonedMines11 I always find it so fascinating when you find relics of older workings with more modern workings. This mine was worked for a very long time. I am not recalling seeing in you in such a vast mine like this. It was so odd you weren't coming up on my feed. We are getting into the time of year best for hunting old mines. I will check for COMMUNITY. I think my just resubbing should have taken care of the issue. If not I know where to look now! Thank you!

[@R420ISH]

Can you find top secret entrances or bunkers

[@AbandonedMines11]

Haven’t really explored any kind of bunkers over the years. I’m sure they are out there, though.

[@TheShadow_2023]

I mean you say that the lower levels are flooded forever I mean theoretically you could use multiple pumps to pump the water out but it would have to be a very big pump

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for your comment, Brett! Yes, I suppose if the mine was put back into operation, they could pump out those lower levels with some pretty heavy duty pumps. That would not be unheard of. But I don’t think there are any plans anytime soon to re-open this mine. One thing I learned from a guy who is a current and very knowledgeable miner is that sometimes there are pieces of mining equipment (like the mucker you saw in this video) which are totally submerged on a lower, flooded level. Despite being underwater for long periods of time, those pieces of equipment are designed to withstand that and will be able to operate again once the mine has been pumped out and the equipment has had a chance to dry out. I guess they build those pieces of equipment to withstand being totally submerged like that! I would’ve never thought that!

[@Zaque-TV]

Let's goooo

[@jacobaranda195]

That miners graffiti looks dangerously close to a swatztika

[@AbandonedMines11]

It probably was a swastika and was probably drawn at the height of World War II. It’s a good example of historic graffiti. Can’t tell if the miner who drew it supported the Nazis or was against them.

[@jacobaranda195]

@@AbandonedMines11 interesting very interesting

[@ThomasButler-sp4ro]

Much of the black graffiti on the walls was done with the flames of miners carbide lights many years earlier.

[@AbandonedMines11]

You’re absolutely correct!

[@ryehu]

Kenny Veach is coming...👁

[@hg60justice]

ribbing you see under every mobile home still. it's what the frame sits on in many places.

[@davidsoden1649]

It’s a winch not a drill sharpener , it’s got a capstan on it

[@benb5430]

Looked like a 12 b mucker ran one when i first started mining

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for that detailed info about the mucker. I appreciate it! Always grateful when you miners and former miners contribute your knowledge and experience. Thanks!

[@jaredwilliams1925]

That is most definitely not a drill sharpener 😂

[@samsam66698]

That was a hoist not a drill shaperner

[@AbandonedMines11]

It used to be a hoist and was re-purposed as a drill sharpener. A miner quite familiar with the mine has confirmed this.

[@samsam66698]

@AbandonedMines11 ok I'm a hard rock miner and mine operator and am a mine historian and know my bit sharpeners and don't how it wold be possible the way bits are sharpened.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hopefully Jim will see these comments and explain further how that hoist was re-purposed into a drill sharpener. I didn’t believe it either when I first saw it, but that’s what he told me and others. I think it might have some crucial parts missing which might further disguise its purpose as a sharpener.

[@lincolnstovall9471]

🤙👍🤙👍👋

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Lincoln!

[@doc3584]

3:52 oops,😧

[@lukasst1214]

15:07 almost all names of Spanish origin, perhaps a group of Mexicans/Spanish worked there? Great video!

[@Overboard141]

Do you take a AQM?

[@AbandonedMines11]

If you mean an “air quality meter,“ yes, I do. Two, in fact. One is an oxygen meter and the other is a hydrogen sulfide gas detector. There’s a much greater chance of encountering “bad air“ in wet mines like this one.

[@Overboard141]

@@AbandonedMines11 yes exactly what I was talking about. Ok cool. Off subject a little. I was diving a weird little sink hole called Hudson grotto in Florida. You can smell the sulfur or almost more like taste it as your diving. It's one of the weirdest diving experiences I've ever had. No sunlight at about 30' underwater. Anyways. Thanks for the info!!!!

[@ps5user155]

Why has it got electrical things in there? Isn’t that a modern thing?

[@AbandonedMines11]

@@ps5user155 This was worked in more recent times. I think maybe in the 1980s or thereabouts. But it goes back probably to the late 1800s or early 1900s when it was first discovered. Definitely is a massive mine with multiple levels and miles and miles of tunnels. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!

[@lucas-the-frog]

Kenny veach is right here why are everybody saying he is missing

[@Porty1119]

First!

[@AbandonedMines11]

LOL! It looks like you were the first. You know, I get nervous when you watch my videos. Why? Because I know that you’re a real, professional miner, and I’m always worried that I’m going to get something wrong in my videos or say something that’s incorrect. But I rely on people like you to set me straight. This was an enjoyable mine! Definitely was worth the 1410 mile round-trip!

[@Porty1119]

​@@AbandonedMines11I'll take that as a compliment! In all honesty, I partially credit your videos for getting me into the side of the industry I'm in. The number of small mines is steadily increasing, and the explorer-to-miner pipeline is a real thing if TVR is any evidence! That hoist-turned-sharpener is neat. If I were to guess, it was converted from a hoist once work at the lower levels was suspended. Those orange Victualic fittings are worth a pretty penny, it really does look like they just decided not to come back to work one day.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I remember you telling me that my videos were an influence on you quite a while ago. I wasn’t aware that TVR Justin was a miner now. Thanks for the additional info on that converted drill sharpener. You cleared it up for me because that cable on the winch kept throwing me for a loop!

[@skipperbrown9502]

Looks like a windlass to me, they wrapped a cable around it to pull something, or hold speed down.

[@dancjr2]

Superb exploration, I was shocked to see all of the equipment left behind, an ore cart chassis without the bin, it’s usually the other way around. This is definitely a mine someone could lost in, the workings must be extensive. I almost did a double take a few times, I think this is the first time I’ve seen a complete drill, the double track was another shocker. I was laughing when you made the reference to Fallout, kind of does look like one of the vault doors. Again, great video, this one is definitely a treasure trove of history. Thanks for sharing, onto part two.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Yes, there have only been two abandoned mines I’ve been in during the last 16 years where it was necessary to keep track of one’s route or risk getting seriously lost. This mine was one of them! Fortunately, I was with Justin, Todd, and Joe who had been in this mine during several previous trips. Had I been there by myself, it would’ve been very easy to get lost especially when one starts to ascend or descend to other levels and things like that. Yes, lots of cool stuff in this one. Glad you enjoyed seeing all of it! I may head back to this one myself to explore other parts of the mine that all those other guys have already seen and explored.

[@craigbrowning9448]

Electrical panels look newer than the 1910s, they look more like loaded and closed circuit breakers. Older electrical panels would have been fuses screwed into porcelain blocks, contained in case in wooden boxes.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Electrical panels are probably from the 1970s or 1980s when this mine was last worked. However, the mine was started in the 1910s if not earlier.

[@Hyperion-5744]

This is definitely one of the most interesting mines that you explored.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I agree! It definitely ranks up there as one of the most extensive. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@THATPROSPECTORSLIFE]

Definitely one of my new favorite channels this is epic content right here brother!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Welcome aboard! I looked at your channel - looks like you are a prospector yourself. That’s pretty cool! I count on guys like you to let me know if I get anything wrong in my video narrations. I’m still learning about all this mining stuff even after all of these years. Thanks for your support! Glad to have you following along.

[@THATPROSPECTORSLIFE]

@@AbandonedMines11 anything I know I’ll pass along. I’m learning still too! About to binge watch your videos!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, man! I appreciate it.