Exploring the Abandoned Tamarack Mine (Part 1 of 2)

In this video we explore the extensive Tamarack Mine. This mine was originally discovered in the late 1800’s but was not mined on a large scale until the mid 1900’s. This mine was eventually connected and expanded into a modern mine from the 1970’s. The mine in question is what I call the ‘Keystone Mine’. This mine produced tungsten and was one of the largest tungsten producers in the state of Nevada.
The workings of the Tamarack Mine are extremely confusing. Of the many mines I’ve explored, this is one of few that I could see myself getting a bit turned around in. The mine features numerous branching drifts, crosscuts, stopes, winzes and raises.
Part 2 will be released next week and will feature the deeper portions of the Tamarack Mine. Enjoy!
#urbex #abandonedmine #mineexploring #abandoned #mining #exploring #desert #travel #history #adit #shaft #underground #minerals #silvermine #goldmine #exploringabandonedmines

[@ianlane7026]

A lot of the timbers look set to break if you sneeze too hard on them, but your still photos are simply stunning. It would be interesting to see how you go about taking them, are they a series of video frames, or how do you set the lighting, exposure, processing afterwards etc. They show a real artistic flair and you should be proud of them. Stay safe and well done.

[@MinesoftheWest]

Ian Lane Thank you so much, that means a lot! I agree that I should make a video about how I shoot my shots, I think it would be interesting for you all. In essence, I use light painting with long exposure.

[@ianlane7026]

@@MinesoftheWest I wondered if that was how you achieved your images. I have read a little about the technique and seen a short demo on KZbin by a guy over here in the UK who took images of disused railway tunnels. But because they are essentially smooth bores his images don't have the depth of textured detail you achieve given the state of the mines you investigate. I'm sure I can't be the only armchair explorer who would be interested in seeing how the images are produced. I used to produce acrylic paintings on commision covering cars, portraits, pets, houses, trains etc, and I always incorporated as much detail as I could because it was what I enjoyed and it was what the clients wanted. Your images make me feel that sense of being actually there, the roughness and fissures in the many surfaces make you want to reach out and touch them, and the lighting and contrast is stunning, well done again! 👍

[@docmccoy1928]

Good start for the explore. With the number of chutes you encountered there must have been some extensive stopes or actual drifts above the haulage tunnel. Be safe gu ys

[@mikes2053]

Cool vids man keep them going

[@nbaoldgirl]

3:04 I picture you leaving little trails of crumbs behind you like Hansel & Gretel 😅

[@jonesfactor9]

Great still photos

[@MinesoftheWest]

Jones Factor Thanks!!

[@donaldpowers3314]

It's a first for me on this poster!

[@dcw515]

Can you imagine if your light went out while you were down there..........ohhh hell to the naw!!!

[@BrettHoustonTube]

Wow, amazing place. What a cool adventure.

[@DFDuck55]

I wonder if the timbering in there is Larch (aka Tamarack). The word Tamarack is an Algonquian (Native American tribe located in Northeastern U.S., through Canada up to the Yukon territory) word that means "wood used for snowshoes". Austin Hills Sr. was a shipbuilder. In 1873 he and his two sons, Austin Herbert & Reuben Wilmarth Hills sailed from New England to California. In 1878 they established a Bay City business selling tea, coffee and dairy products. In 1900 R.W. Hills invented the vacuum-packing process that is still used to this day. The "Red Can Brand" of Hills Bros. Coffee, like the can in your video, was introduced in 1914. In 1926 they moved the business head office to San Francisco. In 1930 they expanded to Chicago and within 11 months became the #1 selling coffee in the region. In 1940 and during WWII their packaging changed from metal to glass. So that coffee can you found dates from between 1914 and 1940.

[@cclyon]

The larch.

[@stefaneisenring2533]

Nice! Thanks

[@chrisj2848]

Great Video MOTW! This mine is awesome.

[@MinesoftheWest]

Thanks, Chris!

[@GoldenNorway1]

Kinda funny... just came home from a days work in a mine and finds an upload from Mines of the West. That's nice

[@MinesoftheWest]

Nice! Thank you for watching!

[@bruehlt]

It sounds like you are using the internal mic on the camera? If so you can solve the entire clicking issue by getting an external mic - which isn't expensive.

[@paigelee6321]

Interesting thank you 😊

[@MinesoftheWest]

Thanks for watching as always!

[@ancientexploringarizona]

What camera/video recorder are you using? It lights up the mine well!

[@MinesoftheWest]

Ancient Exploring in Arizona This was filmed with a Nikon D5300 and Tokina 11-16mm F/2.8. Now I use a Sony Alpha a7III with a Sigma 14mm F/1.8.

[@ancientexploringarizona]

@@MinesoftheWest Thank you!

[@SveinPeder]

Nice! What kind of camera do you juse ?

[@MinesoftheWest]

This was filmed with a Nikon d5300 and Tokina 11-16mm lens. I now use a Sony Alpha a7III.

[@halinagwozdz5371]

- What what the dark residue on the floor/lower walls toward the end of the video? - What's the most worrisome situation you've found yourself in from your explorations?

[@Big_John_C]

Most likely it was flooded at one time, the dark residue indicates water depth.

[@danielanderson5227]

looks like the mine in gta 5 the one with the deceased body in it

[@stevemiller6766]

Man interesting video but that clicking in the sound made me turn it off. I hope you fixed that noise for part 2.

[@Porty1119]

Let me know if y'all are ever back in New Mexico!

[@MinesoftheWest]

Still have yet to make it down to NM, will do if I ever make it down there!

[@fcukugimmeausername]

How old would this mine be?

[@MinesoftheWest]

fcukugimmeausername These workings are from the 1940’s and 1950’s I believe.

[@fcukugimmeausername]

@@MinesoftheWest Aren't you ever afraid of stumbling across a Draugr?

[@mrbovine2791]

Part 1of 2? Lame. Guess you need to apeese the algorithm.