Death Valley Classic-Ore Cars, Ball Mill, Jaw Crusher, Rock Drill, and Much More At This Remote Mine

This is a mine explorers dream; it starts with a great hike high above Death Valley and once at the mine site there are more mining artifacts than we have ever seen in one natural location. Given the remote location of this gold mine, and lack of roads leading to it, it's no surprise that it's in such great condition. The hike to it isn't easy either, but, well worth it.
This huge quartz deposit containing gold was first discovered in 1904 and the mine was worked until 1912. It lay idle from 1912 to 1935. Most of the work at the mine took place from 1935 to 1937. There were eight men employed here in 1936. The last year of operation was 1941.
This is a complete mining operation including the milling and gold extraction process as well as the production of the ore. There are also two trams here to move the ore as necessary to the rock crusher, ball mill and leaching tanks. There are numerous other pieces of equipment like two tram cars, a rock drill, two ore cars, large generator, wheel barrows and a big scale to name a few.
There is a Mack truck here that was winched up and down the very steep cable road bringing in equipment, men and supplies.
We hope you enjoy the video and appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Julie and I are out exploring today. Please leave a comment for us and we will see it later. Thanks.

[@donlum9128]

Were the tanks assembled on site or hauled in.

[@roperdon5939]

I can’t imagine what effort and labor it took to move all that sheet steel and equipment to that location. The engineering just blows my mind. Thanks to you guys for bringing us along on this adventure.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

It is a little hard to believe that all this equipment is in such a remote location. Thanks for watching, Don!

[@RickNelsonMn]

Wow, in many years watching a lot of these, like Gly, Frank and TVR, I'm excited to see you share a Holman drill so close to the Adit opening. Then, a huge win to see you share the tram filling station and telling us you're headed to the next milling area across the wash. I appreciate your and Julie's enthusiasm for exploring and hiking. Thank you.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

And we appreciate you and your nice comment, Rick. Thank you!

[@ccjensen4670]

I'M 76 years old and still remember camping at my dad's and Mom's cousins uranium mines near Moab...several horizontal shafts...one with a petrified tree uncovered and you had to climb over it to reach the end of the shaft...got a pic of me with my little shovel digging in the spoils of another mine...There was a vertical shaft to reach the main horizontal shaft. My dad held the the claim to the Lisbon Valley Rio Algum uranium mine and gave it away in 1962...production started in 1967 with two 2200 foot vertical shafts Connected at the 2100' level...the head frame shaft and the dewatering and air out shaft. Ran 17 yrs 24-7 for 17 years with 250 employees. The refinery for all the mines on western slope of the Rockies was built at this site. All that is left is 3 ponds...still loaded with ore..prices dropped. Big surprise...I retired to Las Vegas after owning a well drilling company for 45 years in Nor Cal...still have a love affair with mines and desert...LOL

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks for sharing your story with everyone, CC. That mine sounds like quite the operation.

[@richardbeee]

Okay, i'm in love! What a place. I could spend days there and still not have everything cataloged. Those were pick-ups on that ball mill. They'd turn and pick-up the ore and feed it into the ball mill. That's the first time i've seen a bottom dump cyanide tank. Two thumbs up on the designer of that. Most were either shoveled out or washed out. That place was totally awesome you two. From the drill in the adit to the cyanide tanks, i was in awe. Great video, wonderful explore, and beautiful opening scenery. Thanks for allowing this old half blind, almost crippled, and 100% certifiable crazy old coot to walk and see where i wouldn't, couldn't get to. Hey, i've always been crazy, but its kept me from going insane. So cool

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Best comment yet, Richard. Thanks for the chuckle and we're happy that you can enjoy this mine even if it's not in person. Those tanks were massive. Good thing they didn't have to be shoveled out by hand. I'm a little crazy, too, but not insane. Haha take care.

[@mickeylessley1684]

Always amazes me how they got so much stuff into these camps. Esp. the large heavy mining equipment.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Nothing short of a miracle in my mind. You can barely get there on foot how the heck did they haul in all that stuff. Thanks for the comment, Mickey!

[@AT1881Cowboy]

Great show. Thank you very much. That mine had the most devices, equipment and supplies.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

@AT1881Cowboy Hi John. Glad that you enjoyed the video. This is a great site loaded with cool mining equipment. Thanks for watching!👍😁

[@peterturnbull4629]

G/day Tom & Julie thank you for sharing your adventure with everyone, its lovely to see all those old artefacts where the miners left them yrs ago, makes you wonder how did they get all that heavy machinery up the mountain just the wire rope and the pulley's must have weighed a ton I hope some other KZbin mine explorers never find this mine because they want to steal these artefacts and put them in there front yards or private museum so people like me in Australia and other countries will never be able to see them. thanks again I love watching your adventures

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

We don't need anymore museums. This stuff has been sitting idle for 80 years and is fine where it sits. I'm glad that you enjoyed seeing all the artifacts. Thanks for watching and G'day to you, Peter!

[@nigelridgeway2579]

Hi Tom and julie, love you explores, the Holman factory was in Camborne, Cornwall. About six miles away from where I live, they were pioneers in the pneumatic drills and Compressors of all sorts, the founder of the company, Nicholas Holman worked with Richard Trevithick on the development of the first high pressure steam boilers,

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Very interesting, Nigel. Thanks for the informative comment. That type of information really helps enhance the video for those who enjoy reading the comments. Glad that you enjoyed the explore!

[@Jake-yx7ct]

What a grand site to explore. Thanks Tom and Julie for your sharing of this remote mine. All the equipment intact is amazing, after 80 some years. Great video folks. ❤❤❤

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yes, it amazing that it's all been sitting there for 80 years. Better than a museum by far. It's fun to see these thing in a natural setting. Thanks, Jacob!

[@f42un84u]

Made in USA, high quality, lasts with care. What a difference now!

[@SydneyRadio2UE]

This being in the United States at 4:36, it's a miracle that this priceless relic from history has survived without a single bullet hole. Amazing!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I agree. It seems like everything in this country that isn't in a garage is shot to hell. Thanks for the comment!

[@f42un84u]

Death Valley and remoteness

[@ralphpatrick3071]

Did you notice the drill holes on the fridge? Had to be for a clasp and padlock. Someone didn’t want their beer pillaged. That drill, wow! I’m guessing it was placed there by a relic hunter who was planning on a return trip. This video was full of cool stuff, a virtual Disneyland for mine explorers. I really enjoyed it! Thanks, T&J!!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Glad that you enjoyed the explore, Ralph. I didn't notice the drill holes. Hopefully no one runs off with any of the cool stuff here. Thanks for the comment!

[@moparedtn]

Mercy, that certainly was a well-backed (funded) operation there. What a treasure trove of artifacts! Significant that it last operated in the latter years of the Depression, too - I imagine mining jobs were some of the few available back then? As always, you two bring us wonderful explores and you present them honestly - without a lot of the fluff and nonsense so many other channels use. You guys are *real* and the explores are the "stars" - and I love ya for it! - Ed on the Ridge

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Aww, Ed. That is a very nice compliment on our style of presenting a video. We try not to add a lot of fluff and to just let the mine tell it's own story. So thank you for noticing. You are correct that this is a real treasure trove of artifacts. It's almost unbelievable and very fun to explore and share with you all. 👍👍❤

[@HikeCamp]

Driving on the edge again.. Quite the view indeed!! Parts and equipment Made in USA, imagine that! Very interesting hike, mine and surface workings... The Mack truck frame kind of looks like the remains of a heavy duty boom truck. Even I could have fun exploring that place..

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

No Chinese made parts here, Max. It hasn't been worked for the last 80 years. Oh yes, I think you would enjoy poking around this one. Thanks for watching!

[@Toesmack1]

25:19 is the upper half of a mercury retort. Used to boil off the merc from the amalgam and leave the gold behind. It then will condense the liquid mercury in a lower container for reuse. The whole place is a great museum! Really nice well-preserved site. Now if the government will just leave it alone for future generations of explorers. Excellent!!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

That makes sense. I have seen a few more complete retorts. They work similarly to a still. There is so much equipment left here that it's mind-boggling. This is on private property, so the government shouldn't alter it. I suppose eventually the BLM will get their hands on it. Thanks for leaving a comment!👍😁

[@debskidz]

Thank you for all the wonderful photos, just amazing to relive through your adventures.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hi Deborah. You're welcome, and thank you for watching and commenting! We're glad that you are enjoying the adventures in our videos. 👍😊

[@Love_rainy_days]

Tom and Julie 👷🏻‍♀👷🏻‍♂thanks for sharing your interesting video of the old Death Valley mine operation. Wonder how the old time miners got all that heavy equipment up the mountain side. What a hard way to make a living. Can't believe the roads you guys drive to get to the mines. Stay safe and happy exploring. Cheers ☕☕🧔🏻

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're welcome and thanks for the comment. A lot of that equipment must have been brought in from above on the cable road. They would use a series of winches and cables to raise and lower a truck from the top of the mountain. Pretty amazing really. Cheers! ☕️👍

[@jimmystockdale7555]

I am sure glad we have people who are willing to share their adventures with us. I think the first piece of equipment you showed was an air compressor. I really liked all the equipment y'all showed us. You made an old man feel like he was right there with y'all. Until next time be safe and God bless.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hey Jimmy, I think that you are correct about the compressor. That seems to be the concensus. We are glad that you enjoyed seeing all the old equipment. Thanks for the nice comment (as usual) and for the blessing!

[@Edgeofeof]

Stopping in to say hello and Happy Valentine’s Day to the both of you! I’m still digging your videos! 🙏❤️

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Happy Valentines day to you and Dee, Eric! Thanks for thinking of us. 👍🙏❤️😊

[@billperkins3698]

Another great mine in Death Valley. Thanks for documenting this piece of history.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

It certainly is a great place. You're welcome and thanks for the comment, Bill!

[@williamglaser6577]

It would be interesting to see what the place looked like when it was a going concern and talk with the miners that worked there. Very cool, thanks for taking me along :-)

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

That's what goes through my head when I'm at a place like this. I can just about hear all the equipment running and can picture in my mine the ore cars filling up the tram buckets. That cable road would have really been a hoot to see in action. Thanks, William!

[@johndemeen5575]

Just hope, whoever did all that. Made some money. For keeping me entertained, a million thanks. From St. Paul Minnesota.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hope all is well in the capitol city. Always good to hear from a fellow Minnesotan. I don't know if the made a lot of money, but I'm pretty sure they spent a lot. Thanks for the comment, John!

[@rockman531]

Incredible old mine! Thanks for the great adventure! Jim in Phoenix.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're welcome, Jim! It really is incredible. Hope all is well in Phoenix.

[@RK-fm4fw]

Sure is neat to imagine how the men and women lived back then in such harsh yet beautiful areas. Once again thanks for taking us along and stay safe out there Tom and Julie and have a great weekend.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

It is fun to imagine things like that. I do the same. It must have been a hard life and yet simple in many ways and hopefully happy. Thanks for watching and commenting, RK! Hope you have a great weekend, too.

[@highdesertbill]

Really great explore you two. Thank you for vicariously allowing me to join in. You both are the best and very appreciated.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

We're happy that you can see these places even if it's not in person, Bill. We appreciate your support!

[@pmae9010]

That is SO cool, all that equipment, sitting there just waiting to be seen, touched and admired. And you did!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yes, and it was a very fun explore. We went twice in one week to make sure we got everything.

[@georgesmith8113]

Magnificent is right!! What an awesome collection of equipment! Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to share it with us. Beautiful views. Great video!! 👍👍👍👊😎

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're welcome, George. Thanks for the nice comment and all your support! 👍👍👊

[@Rayo_Rob_No.17]

Hi guys! I have to say, I really enjoyed this video! You know how I like the relics and artifacts! Now, let me say something about that refrigerator, you may find interesting. The abandoned compressor motor topped fridge, was made by General Electric. GE introduced their first electric domestic refrigeration machine, in 1927, and named it the "Monitor Top" refrigerator. It was the first and only mechanism to utilize a completely hermetically sealed system. It was all self oiling and maintenance free. The example in this video, in the collapsed cabin's kitchen is a 1929 era example, and it was a deluxe model with the stainless trim on the cabinet. I have a 1929 monitor top GE, and it still works! I'd be willing to bet that one in the desert could easily be brought back to life! Would be worth it, if the owner of the property removed it. They really are fun and efficient machines to operate today, even! Since the heat generating compressor is on top, the cabinet stays cooler, longer! So, it turns on less frequently. Kind of shocking to see such a deluxe refrigerator out in the middle of nowhere! Makes sense if they were mining out there in the early to mid 30s, they'd have wanted to have electric refrigeration. Kind of neat they afforded that luxury.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hey, Rayo Rob! That is very interesting information about the refrigerator. I have only see photos of that type with the cooling unit on top of the cabinet. Makes good sense though to have the motor and compressor on top since they do generate a lot of heat. I'm happy for you that you have a running machine like that. Glad that you enjoyed the video and thanks for the informative comment!

[@stevemikel4966]

Nice video, that site hasn’t changed much since I was hiking around there in the mid 80s. It was a big operation, they pulled a lot of gold out of that area. Isolation and difficult access is the main reason that those relics are mostly untouched. Nice window of history.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hi Steve. It's great that you've been here. It is a rare site, and no doubt, the somewhat difficult access is the reason much is still there. Also, it's private property inside of a national park. Thanks for the comment!👌😁

[@TheRockgremlin]

U N B E L I E V E A B L E!!!! This is one of the best mine explores I've seen on your channel. I can't believe those old-timers hauled in all of that heavy cast iron machinery! Obviously a significant capital investment -- I'm really curious if the investment paid off in the end? Wouldn't it be great to go back and witness the operations in full swing? There were some very enterprising and creative miners that operated this mine!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I would love to see and hear that mine in operation. I don't know much about the production numbers. A lot of money was spent to be sure. The people who worked these mines were surely talented and hard working. Glad that you enjoyed it!

[@dezertraider]

THANK YOU GUYS,,...OH THE WX LOOKS SO NICE..FROM COLD MAINE,THANK YOU

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're welcome, Ralph. Hope the weather warms up soon for you. Thanks for the comment!

[@jdean1851]

WOW-GO BIG or GO HOME! Add this place to my bucket list! Cheers from 14f Idaho! Thanx 4 Posting"

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

This is a special one. Thanks for watching, J.

[@GLJKins]

Fantastic explore. Can't get enough of your channel. I love going back to revisit, too. I have several channels I made over the years for ideas I planned to do and to team up with my son's different ideas for channels. So, I am not sure if this one I am on at the moment will reflect my likes, comments, and shares. Truly enjoy your work, as a couple, the unique personality of both of you. You're not like other channels, who are only on here for clout, likes, and views. May God bless all your travels and guide you home safely.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thank you very much for the kind words and support for us and for our channel. It means more than you might realize for us to get a comment like this one. Thanks also for the blessing!👍😊

[@penttijuvo1147]

This morning history fascinates me

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Glad that you enjoyed it!😊

[@Paul-ow6of]

That was the best mine works I have ever seen. Thank you for showing us.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

It's definitely the best we have seen after visiting 100's of different mines. Glad you liked it, Paul!

[@jazzridez]

Looks so much different after 35 years, A lot of fall down, flash flood pileage. Thankx for the memory.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Glad that you've had the chance to see this place. Thanks for the comment! 👍👌

[@First_time_idpa-outtakes]

Awesome video!! That site is a real time capsule! Pretty sure that slusher was the early draw style that required the operator to drag it back each time, so glad to see it and the rest of the more rare artifacts didn’t end up as someone’s lawn art

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Glad that you liked the video and thanks for commenting, Robert! Some have called that drag shovel a Fresno. It really is a fun site.👍

[@kenmilne2379]

What a goodie today u2 !! Wow! Lots of stuff! Some deserve to be in Museum ! I had funny thoughts with Julie holding those metal balls !! Haha! 😮😊 i think she was a Shotputter in a different life !! Thnks again guys! ❤️ nice info Tom ! I think Julie was spot on with the scoop and handle !! 👍👍

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yes, there is so much old equipment at this one. It is privately owned, so maybe someday they will donate some things to a museum. For now, it's fun to see it all in a natural state. Thanks for commenting. Ken!👍😊

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

One of best mine explores to date! love the equipment! I wish they were all so well preserved. you could see how they operated them. Thanks so much for taking us along Tom and Julie!🤠👍🇺🇸

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Glad that you enjoyed the explore. Thanks for the nice comment! 👍👍

[@choffman41]

What amazes me is that someone wandered out to the middle of nowhere and decided it would be a good idea to start digging in the hopes of finding some gold or silver.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

@choffman41 All these mountains have been picked through by prospectors over 100 years ago. They could probably spot a good outcropping from a mile away. It does seem like a lot of the good mines are in difficult to reach places, though. Thanks for commenting!😁

[@richradley2706]

Lots of neat stuff in this episode. Fairbanks Scales were built just down the road from here. Well about 11 miles down the road in Saint Johnsbury Vt. They are still there and in operation as a sub Contractor manufacturing company. It also very interesting to see the sky lines still in place.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hi Rich. Oh yes, this place is loaded with fun stuff. Thanks for the information on the scale. Glad that you liked the video!👍

[@williamwintemberg]

This is really beyond words. There is so much here! It appears much is also buried. I'm guessing the engines that ran the ball mill and the jaw crusher were removed at some point. What I find really amazing is all that was left behind! Some still in pretty good condition all things considered. What a treasure! Thanks for bringing us along Tom and Julie!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're welcome and glad that you enjoyed it, William. I don't have any information on the engines that were here. I wish I did. Who knows what else is in the wash and tailings. Thanks for the comment!

[@noonzeeb]

Nice job showing the mine equipment and operation . Just got back from the mine only we came down the cable winch road and back up ,the men who used that road to haul equipment up and down had to risk there lives each trip , very steep to only trust a wire rope.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks for the comment and for sharing your experience down the cable road, Wayne. We've been there twice but never took the cable road. We scrambled down the wash once and hiked the fun trail you see in our video the other time. The wash was fun, too. It involves a small amount of rock climbing. 👌😁

[@mechanicman8687]

This one is another favorite episode. Keep on keeping on you two

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Glad that it's a favorite of yours. Thanks for the comment!

[@michaelshannon7199]

I think that all the stuff you found is real neat. To bad you have to leave it behind. Many others wouldn't be able to see it, because the couldn't make the trip to it's location.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

There are a lot of mine related museums that you can visit to see this type of equipment. This is in Death Valley National Park where you are not legally allowed to remove anything. There are also laws aimed at preventing removal of things from other historic mine sites. On top of all that I believe that this is still private property that is inside the national park. I'm glad that you enjoy seeing this in a mostly natural mine site. Thanks for the comment, Michael!

[@davidelder3664]

Amazing mix of cutting edge machinery with home grown modifications for the timeline.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

There sure is a little bit of everything here isn't there, David. Thanks for the comment!

[@druewzer]

Great desert views! Another enjoyable and informative video. A fun adventure!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yes, the views are great. It's a fun place to visit. Glad that you enjoyed it!👍😁

[@Landstander-to9vh]

What a professional setup! The engineer who kept it running had great organization skills! Great explore! Thanks!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

No doubt this place is an engineering marvel of sorts. Glad that you enjoyed the explore!

[@Bigrockminer]

THANKS FOR THE FUN.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're welcome, Thames! Glad that you had fun.

[@kevinfrench4]

The WOW factor! Just to see the complete mining operation still pretty much intact for its age! Thank you for sharing!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

It was a wow for us, too. It is really fun to see all this. Glad that you enjoyed it, Kevin. Thanks for commenting!

[@michaelshannon7199]

I do enjoy your videos that you do. It's like traveling with out leaving the house. I enjoy the country that you explore, plus the mines thatv you have visited. Please do more if you can. thanx again.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Glad that you are enjoying our videos, Michael. We usually put one out every Friday morning. We have a lot in our back catalog that you might like to see. Just go to our home page on KZbin to find them.

[@potatothorn]

this is absolutely amazing// so much crazy stuff above ground, love that cable road wow// tons and tons of great artifacts here thanks for showing us around

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hey, Thorn. Yes, all kind of crazy cool stuff here. The hike is great, too. Thanks for the comment!

[@pmae9010]

At 34:00, that is called a skip loader, you have the function down, my Dad dug a basement under his parents home with one of those being pulled by a Puddle jumper, a homemade tractor built out of a 1915 dodge car frame and engine, they added another transmission to give it more power and less speed.

[@olivei2484]

Also known as a bucket scoop (similar to a fresno). Typically drawn by stock for building roads or moving materials. They are a lot of work.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks for you input, Mick!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks Olive! I've never heard of a Fresno. It looks like it would be a lot of work.

[@olivei2484]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring Maintenance of main roads (1928) (16:46-16:52) Fresno pulled by crawler. Before that, they were used by stock. (NSW Roads YT Channel) The scoops weight about 80 lbs empty (if I remember right from hauling them around).

[@gunny8978]

Hey that's one hell if a mine, it took some serious time to build and set everything up considering they really didn't get very far. As always ya'll are the best be safe and I'll catch you on the next adventure 😎

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks, Gunny. It must have been a lot of work bringing all that equipment in all right. We appreciate the comment and your support!

[@KERNOW08]

What a fantastic site! So much equipment remaining , and very cool to see the Holman drill originating from my home county (Cornwall UK). Thanks for sharing.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Oh that so fun to hear that you are from the area where the drill was made. We're glad that you enjoyed seeing the mine site. Thanks for the comment. Bob!

[@daveg1640]

That interesting thing at 25 min is the top of a retort for the collection of the Mercury.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Interesting. I have seen a few retorts but didn't realize or recognize that as part of one. Thanks for your input, Dave!

[@charleyfolkes]

What a great video documentation of this history! You haven’t mentioned the name, but what a story behind this mine, disputed claims, claim jumping, a shootout, a killing, a trial .. Now, rusty relics and words in history books are left ..

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yes, it's quite a story. I purposefully didn’t mention the name as I didn't really want to advertise all the cool equipment that's here. Thanks for watching and commenting, Charley!

[@chris420x]

those holman drills are as far as i know were the best of the best for the time. nice crystallised quartz i bet you would still find alot of gold here if you have the right operation. this mine made some MONEY!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I guess the Brits knew how to make a rock drill. Thanks for the comment, Chris!👍👍

[@stephenwilliams1364]

Amazing mining site....true display of engineering, ingenuity, investment, and a time capsule of mining history 👍 Tanks a lot....I mean thanks 😂

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

This really is one amazing mine site. How they brought all that equipment to such a remote place is beyond me. Thanks for the comment, Stephen!👌👍

[@RogerBeck-io3zw]

Amazing to see a place so in tact after so many years. Thanks for the show.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hi Roger. It really is pretty amazing to see a mine site like this one that is so complete. It's fairly difficult to get to, and it's private land, so people haven't made off with everything and the government hasn't cleared it and made it "safe". Thanks for the comment!👍😁

[@hudsonrobert49]

this place is like a museum but only better, great video thank you Tom and Julie.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yes, it's way better tha a museum. There are enough museums already. In this dry climate this stuff will last a very long time right where it is. Thanks for watching, Robert!

[@VendettaProspecting]

35-37’ if I had to guess there would be quite a lot of earlier workings at this magnificent place!!!! Thanks for showing it off ;)

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You are correct. It was worked between 1904 and 1912 the layer idle until the 30's. Thanks and glad that you enjoyed it!

[@bruceheadrick9109]

Fantastic walk through, thank you for sharing

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

This is a fun one with all the equipment. I'm glad that you enjoyed it, and thanks for commenting, Bruce!👍😁

[@MoeGhul]

Hey guys Great video of another awesome abandoned mine. Thank you for bringing us along.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're welcome, Ed! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@NolanWasOnceHere]

Wonderful. Been watching your channel for a little while now. Really enjoyed this video. Think this is my favorite. Thank you for your time and effort.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're welcome, Nolan. We're glad that you enjoyed it and thanks for the nice comment!👍👍

[@bodhran24]

Hi from NZ. Excellent video Tom & Julie. Definitely a compressor What confirms it is the square plates on the sides of the cylinder. These are the air inlet and exhaust valves. The bolt in the middle allows you to stop it compressing without shutting it down (known as un-loaders ) by holding the valve plates off their seats. Keep up the good work and stay safe.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hi Bruce in NZ. Thanks for confirming the air compressor, how to spot the valves, and the rest of your explanation. I'll have to remember that. Take care!

[@bigmoney3405]

Fun seeing all that incredible equipement, that must of been a "state of the art" mining operation in its day. About the "slusher" with the wooden handles, Here in the mountains of Colorado the ranchers dug irrigation ditches along the sides of valleys to water hay fields, a ranch I moved too had a bucket just like the one Ms. Julie showed us, the old timers told me how they built an A frame on skids pulled by mules to scoop the loosened material out of the ditch that they all collectively dug. You can imagine the scoop being controlled by two lines-one lateral and one vertical using mule power to do much of the hard work. Love your channel !

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yes, there is so much equipment at this one it's hard to take it all in. I have heard several people call that scoop a fresno. It is used just as you described. That's exactly what a slusher in a mine does. It moves the loose rock after it has been loosened by blasting. I'm not certain that is what they used this one for. Maybe it was for moving dirt outside of the mine. Thanks for sharing your story, Robert!

[@donbrown3605]

The Big B is truly an amazing old mining area. Death Valley Hikers have taken two hiking trips to the Mine site. Both hikes start at Chloride Cliffs area and went down cable road. Steep but doable. Have hiked up from K W mll, but it is a long tough hike. Also one trip up cross country from J. Cyty site. This is Private Property and don't be surprised if owners grand kids didn't give you a hard response. Just ignore her.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

It is a fun site to visit. We also gone twice. Once scrambling down the wash starting at Chloride by the cabin. The other was the fun trail you see in this video. Both were great. I knew this is private property, but that they were allowing visitors. Glad that you've had the chance to see this area, Don. Thanks for commenting!👍😁

[@davidsnider1703]

Wow. The mine wasn't much except the awesome drill. The workings were super cool. So much going on there. You could do another video on that stuff again. I would love to spend all day going through it ,thank you

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I could spend another day going through all that myself. So cool to see all that equipment. Glad that you enjoyed it, David. Thanks for commenting!

[@lincolnstovall9471]

Good morning to you. Thanks!!! As you walk to the Valley Of Death to see a dying mine. The tour of the ins and the outs of the mountains 👍👍👍👍Hy-stories. Holden I believe came from England. I think they where made from or for the tin mines.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hi Lincoln, I think you're correct about the drill. Glad that you enjoyed the views. Thanks for watching!

[@justiningram2380]

I would love to have that old equipment and get it all running again

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

There is a log of cool stuff at this one. I'm sure some is still functional. Thanks for commenting, Justin!👍😁

[@PumpkinVillage]

In it's day it must of been something and even now it's very impressive. Thanks for the video and take care, Al

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I would have loved to see this place running back in the day. Can you imagine the sounds of the tram and mill running with the ore cars moving ore down the tracks. Thanks for watching and commenting, Al!

[@alssdairmacdonald4688]

Wonderful,thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're welcome and thanks for watching and commenting, Alssdair!

[@davidkuehl8713]

Enjoyed the tour very very much. They were a tough breed. Can you imagine what one day or week was like...not me. Awesome machinery. Thanks again.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Glad that you enjoyed it, David. The old miners were a tough breed, no doubt about it. Thanks for commenting!

[@AUMINER1]

wow, hard to believe that all that equipment is still there - fascinating!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

It really is a little unbelievable isn't it. Glad you like it!

[@penttijuvo1147]

Great video again! I enjoy your adventures in desert👋🇫🇮

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thank you for watching, Pentti! We appreciate it!👍😊

[@lesleyrobbins1137]

What a cool mine! At least one of almost everything. The mine itself was anticlimactic, but the aboveground relics are the best ever! Thank goodness it's hard to get to, or none of that would still be there.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yes, thank goodness it's too hard to carry heavy iron out. Glad that you liked it, Lesley!

[@fuzzwack1]

The Best mine site yet!!!! Love it!!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

It's definitely up there with the best we've seen. Thanks, Robert!

[@crchuckh6852]

did enjoy, lots of stuff, that wheel barrel 34.36 is what we called a Georgia Buggy which we used for wheeling wet cement on construction sites, pre pumps.TTU

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

It seems there are a few different nick names for that heavy wheelbarrow. It is quite narrow. Thanks for the information, Chuck!

[@workonitm8]

That must have been a massive operation in it's time. Probably more interesting things than I've seen at other mine sites. Thanks Tom and Julie, I enjoyed it very much. 😊👍👍👍👍👍

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

This is about as much equipment and gear left at a mine as you will ever see. Glad that you enjoyed seeing it all, Norman. Thanks for commenting!

[@dzlfreek]

Found it! After all these years searching the area it reveals itself! Great, another pin on the map...im never gonna live long enough to see it all!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

It's a good hike down to this one. It a cool site with all the equipment that's there. Thanks for the comment!👍👍

[@martincarroll8637]

Thoroughly enjoyable. To think that this place once thrived on the blood, sweat and tears of those who where all perhaps caught up in another of man’s warped initiatives to conquer the world.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Haha, I don't know about conquering the world, but I would guess that many had gold fever. Also, much of the work here was done just after the depression of the 1930's so maybe they were happy just to be working. We are glad that you thoroughly enjoyed it and thank you for the comment, Martin!

[@pythonwill1]

I love seeing all the old tools

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yes, we do, too. So much history with the old equipment. Thanks for watching!

[@seanbatiz6620]

I’ve been watching y’all’s FANTASTIC abandoned mine exploring adventures for about heck, 3 years now but apparently, for whatever reason, I missed this episode when u2 first uploaded it @ 7 months ago.. VERY COOL SITE, this one is! I own one of them “GE Monitor Top” refrigerators of very similar style/model… that one at this site might be from 1927 to about 1929-ish, as the style of compressor’s condenser on top changed by 1930. These fridges were the very first “affordable” household models of electric refrigeration & were advertised HEAVILY back when introduced in 1926 for the 1927 year on. These units’ cooling systems are fully hermetically sealed so there’s actually a likelihood that if someone simply cleaned up the thermostat switch mechanism on the one at this site & attached a new power cord, it very well may still function quite well! The one I own is one of the first 1927 models.. a “P-72”; largest cabinet size of the single door variant, with 3 long tapered hinges, instead of two square-ish hinges like the one at this site. These are STUPID HEAVY fridges so, likewise with most everything else u2 discovered at this site, WILL remain out there in the middle of nowhere, just to very VERY slowly decompose back into their base elements into the earth. Just guessing here but there’s a slight possibility that that one inline 6 cylinder engine w/transmission connected to that winch setup “might be” the original driveline of that one MACK truck that has them rough cut beam timbers loaded on it still. If only I were super wealthy, I’d absolutely love to have at a site like this, to attempt a somewhat full restoration of everything back to how it all was during peak operation & have it setup as a tourist location for peeps to come enjoy with a “full crew” of acting miners in authentic rough clothing & the whole bit, during maybe one month of the year of best weather conditions of that godforsaken inhospitable landscape of absolutely breathtaking scenery vistas… just imagine camping adjacent to something like this, hearing all the machinery clacking about with steam, gasoline, kerosene or, diesel! Many flat-belts whirling about, wire cables of trams zinging along & ore buckets doing what they’re made for. That ball mill must’ve been INSANELY load over that desert landscape back in the day, let alone the intermittent blasting of dynamite charges going off…. Only sign of “OSHA” in-around sites like this, would’ve been a miner NAMED Osha! 😂

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks for the great comment, Sean! I agree how cool it would be to restore this site to original condition with the tram running, ball mill pounding, rock drill hammering, explosives going off and the thing I personally would like to see that Mack truck loaded with ore being winched up that insanely steep cable road. I've heard similar comments about that refrigerator still possibly being able to run after all these years. I guess they were quality built machines. Let me know if you win the lottery and want to put some ca$h into this place. 👍👍🎄

[@moneymarty1]

25:17 - that is the top of what is called a retort. They were used to vent off the mercury gas that was the collecting/binding medium for the gold. The lower portion of the assembly would've been an urn like container that - when achieving 7-8 hundred degrees, the mercury reverts to a gas and dissipates out through the pipe - the end of which was submersed in water - restoring the mercury to a solid/liquid. The net result would be a button of gold in the bottom of the retort, and the solid/liquid mercury stabilized in the pan of water ready for reuse. The slot in the top is the channel for a wedge that was shoved between the top and a bracket that slid under the rim of the bottom part.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks for your input, Marty. We've seen several retorts, both big and small, and no two were alike. Most of them have been for mercury mines. A prospector pal of mine even made a small one for his own use. I know the principal of the way they work is similar to a still. 👍😄

[@tallat8888]

What an amazing find. It is mind blowing to think about how much work it would take to set up and operate a mine like this. Thanks for sharing.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

It really is a mind blower to think of hauling in and setting all that equipment up. Then after that the hard work of mining begins. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@duanekaulen421]

Hi Guys! What an awesome site to poke around in. Some very cool artifacts laying around there. I'm so glad you took us there to explore and point out what you thought the different parts were that went here and there. It would have been so cool to see it working in the day. The stories they could have told us. Thanks for taking us along I sure did enjoy it. Look forward to your next trip to?? Julie it was great hearing you and listening to your story. You are both fun to see and listen to. Take care both of you really enjoy your adventures. 😊

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hi Duane, It sure is a great site with all the equipment there. Wouldn't it be great to see and hear everything up and running? I guess we have to use our imagination for that. Glad that you enjoyed hearing Julie. Thanks for the nice comment and your support. We really appreciate it!

[@mineadventures7938]

Oh yes, that's definitely a better way down than the wash. It's a great hiking trail for sure. When I came back and parked right there, did you see the tire track going off the edge ? I drove off the edge, I gunned it, thank goodness. I didn't think I would get turned around. Now getting out was interesting too. That sharp turn left going back up, I thought I was going to have to leave my truck. I barely got out of there. Scared the heck out of me

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I wondered how you turned your big truck around there. I enjoyed going down the wash, too. I like to scramble like that although in the last few years I have really lost a lot of my agility. I didn't notice your tracks. Glad you got out. Thanks, Ken!

[@mineadventures7938]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring , oh yes, the wash was fun and a little nerve wracking, not knowing what was in store for us. I had such a great time. We had a nice BBQ at the spot as well.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

@@mineadventures7938 sounds good, Ken.

[@johnholliday6011]

What an amazing mine Thank you so much for your great work.Ya'll are awesome

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Glad you liked the mine and thanks for the nice comment, John!

[@michaelrietz9220]

Hello my good friend keep up good work wow you was great place middle of nowhere I love it I enjoy the mine see lots of heavy equipment for the mine I enjoy your show 👍👍👍👍😁

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hello, Michael. There sure is a lot of heavy equipment to enjoy seeing. Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍👍

[@hacc220able]

Thanks for sharing

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're welcome and thanks for watching!👍👍

[@btcruiser]

Cool mine site - thanks for sharing it with us Tom and Julie 👍

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're welcome, it really is an amazing place. Thanks for the comment!

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Tom & Julie, wow that place sure was busy back in the day and pretty noisy too I imagine. That is one awesome site to go look around, so much left behind which is really cool because it gives us an insight into how much goes into mining and processing ore. A fantastic video, thank you for all of your hard work in hiking to these places and sharing, much love to you both and Pickles. xx 💞

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hi Sue. Yes, a lot was going on here 80 years ago when it was last operating. Almost unbelievable to see all that in a difficult to reach location. We appreciate your support and it's always good to hear from you. I'll give Pickles a hug from you. ❤😽

[@SueGirling68]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring 💞

[@trudydavidson528]

Wow!!!,....what a cool operation they had going on here!!! Such awesome artifacts & neat stuff to see!!! And those views in the beginning were stunning!!! Thanks for the share, guys, I always enjoy watching your videos!!!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Glad that you enjoyed the operation that was here, Trudy. It is pretty cool with all the things left. Thanks for the comment!👍👍

[@jasonlambert5552]

What an awesome explore, thank you. My guess is for an Air Compressor next to the mill platform with the riveted tank behind it.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I think you are correct. Several others have said the same. Glad that you liked the explore, Jason.

[@davefredericks6133]

Wow great historical workings and items thanks for sharing

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're welcome and thanks for watching and commenting, Dave!

[@TBI-Firefighter-451]

25:18 The Top to an Acetylene Generator, kind of like a giant Carbide Lamp with a Gas line where the flame would come out, so the whole thing would have 3 tanks, one for the Carbide and one with Water and Water drip to activate the Carbide into Acetylene Gas and one for a pressure vessel and then out the TOP that you found down a gas line for Gas Lights, Cooking and Heat for Warmth and for Retorting. This was before the advent of Propane and if you asked me I rather pack a can of carbide over a heavy propane tank any day. 33:52 growing up on a farm I only to well know what this is, a Manure Scoop but also being a retired Lode Miner I know how resourceful us Owner Operators need be so I am sure it was repurposed for that too. Awesome Video you two!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks for the ID on that top to the gas generator. I've never seen the likes of that. The rest of it is possibly laying around there somewhere. That scoop looked like it could be a workout after a couple hours of handling it. Thanks for the nice comment!

[@ronstanek2851]

Hi Tom and Julie! So excited to watch this video, so many undisturbed tools and great scenery. What location in Death Valley is this ? I seem to miss all the good areas. Ryan is one of my favorite spots, they had the mine train that used to have tours long ago in the 40s afterwards abandoning it, then wound up at the museum. I watch Death Valley Days, and a few episodes showed the train used in the show. I never yet have watched a video of yours that was boring! Great job and thanks! Glad your both doing well, Stay SAFE!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hi Ron. This is in northern Death Valley. I don't want to name the mine and give away it's location with all that equipment there. Ryan is controlled by an organization called the Death Valley Conservency now. You can't just walk in there on your own. Glad that you liked this video. Thanks for the nice comment, we appreciate it!

[@brianwilliams3729]

Tom and Julie, thank you for doing these videos and sharing places many of us would never get to see. I am amazed with mining and it’s great to see the mines from your perspective. Along with Gly, Justin and Frank your some of the best viewing on KZbin. Be nice to see yourselves, Gly, Justin and Frank to a colab but also chat about your experiences around a camp fire too. Your great, truly thanks! How is Julie can repel into a dirty mine and come out looking all clean and presentable?

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

You're welcome, Brian. I appreciate the comment about a collaboration with some of my fellow mine explorers. We would be up for the campfire chat. Doing an actual explore with more than two or three people total usually turns into something that is not that great, in my opinion. I don’t know how Julie, and most women, can do things and not get dirty. I come out of a mine looking like I got dragged behind a horse and she brushes off her shoulders and is ready to go to a restaurant. Thanks for the comment!

[@robertbeermanjr.2158]

Wow! Yes, Yes I did enjoy this very much. So many items and systems and features. This must have been a prosperous mine to be worth so much infrastructure. Thanks for the presentation.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Very glad that you enjoyed seeing all the equipment still at the mine, Robert. Thanks for watching and commenting!