Alaska Mining Camps: Kennecott

At the time it was established, Kennecott served the richest known concentration of copper in the entire world… Many think that Kennecott was the name of a mine, but, to be clear, Kennecott is the name of the abandoned mining camp that was the center of activity for five Alaskan mines: the Bonanza, Jumbo, Mother Lode, Erie and Glacier. The Glacier, which is really an ore extension of the Bonanza, was an open-pit mine and was only mined during the summer. The Bonanza, Jumbo, Mother Lode and Erie mines all connected underground.
How rich was the ore coming out of the mines around Kennecott? Some of the ore was so rich that the miners did not even bother to run it through the mill, but simply ran it down a chute by the mill to be shipped directly to Tacoma, Washington. I have seen reports that initial ore shipments from Kennecott contained 72% copper (in other words, the rock was almost pure copper) and 18 ounces of silver per ton of ore.
Shipping ore to Tacoma was expensive and, usually, required copper ore to be concentrated for maximum profitability. The most economical process for rich ore was gravity concentration. Ore was delivered to the 14-story mill from the five remote mine sites via tramways at a rate of up to 1,200 tons per day. Once in the mill, the ore went through a series of crushers and sorters using gravity and water to move the rock from one process to the next. Once waste was removed, the concentrated ore was loaded into burlap bags and stacked on open rail cars to be shipped to the coast. Construction of the mill evolved over 20 years as new milling processes were developed. Over time, deteriorating ore quality at the mines around Kennecott demanded different processing techniques, continual equipment modifications and additions to the mill structure, which resulted in the current unusual roof line and jumbled appearance of the iconic red building (You may be wondering why all of the buildings are red? Apparently, red was the cheapest color of paint back then... This is supported by the fact that almost all of the mine buildings we encounter from this era in California, Alaska, Nevada and elsewhere were painted red).
Back to milling… Gravity concentration is only efficient for high grade ore. To process lower grade ore, new techniques were needed. Thus, the ammonia leaching process was developed (the first ammonia leaching plant in the world). Overall, 25-30% of Kennecott’s ore was processed through ammonia leaching, increasing the profitability of the site. As ore concentrations further continued to decline, a flotation process was installed in 1923.
1916 was the peak year for production at the mines and by the early 1930s, the richest grades of ore were mostly played out. The Glacier Mine closed in 1929. The Mother Lode was next, closing at the end of July 1938. The final three, Erie, Jumbo and Bonanza, closed that September. The last train left Kennecott on November 10, 1938, leaving it a ghost town.
From 1939 until the mid-1950s, Kennecott was deserted except for a family of three that served as the watchmen. Imagine being in that position and having the run of this entire site - as well as the mines - to yourself. There were more buildings then and everything was perfectly intact. That would be a mine explorer’s dream!
Sharp-eyed viewers may think I made a typo in labelling the Kennicott Glacier with an “I” rather than with an “E.” Have more faith in me… Yes, the Kennecott site is named after the Kennicott Glacier in the valley below the famous mining camp. The glacier was named after Robert Kennicott during an 1899 US Army survey. Whether the name was slightly altered by “clerical error” (the official explanation) or simple pettiness, we will never know.
The information and photographs in this video are courtesy of the National Park Service.
*****
All of these videos are uploaded in HD, so adjust those settings to ramp up the quality! It really makes a difference.
You can see the gear that I use for mine exploring here: bit.ly/2wqcBDD
And a small gear update here: bit.ly/2p6Jip6
You can see the full TVR Exploring playlist of abandoned mines here: goo.gl/TEKq9L
Thanks for watching!
*****
Growing up in California’s “Gold Rush Country” made it easy to take all of the history around us for granted. However, abandoned mine sites have a lot working against them - nature, vandals, scrappers and various government agencies… The old prospectors and miners that used to roam our lonely mountains and toil away deep underground are disappearing quickly as well.
These losses finally caught our attention and we felt compelled to make an effort to document as many of the ghost towns and abandoned mines that we could before that colorful niche of our history is gone forever.
I hope you’ll join us on these adventures!
#ExploringAbandonedMines
#MineExploring
#AbandonedMines

[@TVRExploring]

As you could see in the map of the underground workings I posted at the end of this video, the ore bodies were accessed through a series of inclined shafts. As such, there is a good chance the underground workings are flooded even if they were accessible. However, I would love it if someone with knowledge on this matter would weigh in. I looked extensively online and was able to find two pictures that were purportedly of the underground workings after the mines were abandoned, but I don’t know if those were a hoax or what (I’ve been told that one can’t trust everything they read on the internet).

[@Porty1119]

A good hint to open workings would be water appearing where it shouldn't. Presumably, KCC had a drainage tunnel at a low elevation to drain the mines. I've located portals in the past by encountering unexpected water! I'd be shocked if there wasn't some underground access here, even if it were a bit of a squeeze.

[@TVRExploring]

I really investigated that thoroughly and even visited the sites of the mines. I just didn't see any way that would be possible. And with a site this popular, you'd think there'd have to be someone's pictures or videos from inside of the mines if anyone had gotten inside.

[@rosco83-n7g]

There are some pictures from inside the Jumbo Mine that look legitimate on Mindat.

[@TVRExploring]

@@rosco83-n7g You're right. I wonder how in the hell they got in there?

[@albundy7239]

Didn’t exploring abandoned mines explore here? If he did his channel would have video of the mine shafts

[@salzanosart]

My parents went out there in the early 1950s. Have pictures of me about 3 yrs old sitting on a box, that says: Kennicott. We have old pictures of my parents out there. When they were there , my parents said, everything in the general store at McCarthy had everything there like the people had just stepped out. All merchandise, chairs etc. Dad never took anything and left it as it was. Later in couple years, my grandparents moved out there to run the general store. Mr and Mrs Zackery Brown. Many stories they told us about the people and the times there. Loved your video and to see they are trying to keep the old buildings for others to see.

[@slyzuhRS]

man what a cool place of history! If only we could go back in time and just stand and observe life like it used to be!

[@TVRExploring]

I agree! This would've been a great place to see when it was in operation...

[@dds1957doc]

@@TVRExploring Have you heard of the Nebesda Mine on the White Mountain in the Wrangle Mntn Range? Backyard Alaskan has put up an awesome video. You would like to climb to the upper adit opening.

[@TVRExploring]

@@dds1957doc No, I'm not familiar with that one... I'll go look for the video.

[@brendanbuster]

I've been enamored with this mine for years, thanks for documenting (videomenting...?) this one!

[@RH117]

I've been there several times as well as hiked to several of the mines in the park. The park service recently restored several pieces of machinery inside the mill to running conditions.

[@TVRExploring]

It's an interesting site, to be sure... I opted to go after everything had shut down for the season. So, I missed some things like the inside of the accessible buildings, but we were literally the only visitors there when we visited! So, that made it worth it for me.

[@RH117]

@@TVRExploring first time I went was in 2006 and try to go back every 1 to 2 years. There is a similar large mine and mill facility on the border of the Canadian side of the joint park and preserve (which is the largest in the world) closest to the ranger station/visitors center that is near the neighboring Glacier National Park. 5 different parks all touch and are in the early proposal stage of being merged into one. I typically do 1-2 month hikes when I go with family and exploring buddies. Plenty of abandoned railroad spurs when AAR shut down their narrow gauge system. They still retain ownership of the lines and most are roads now. Wish I would have ran into you. Restoration plans can be found here: www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=www.friendsofkennicott.org/&ved=2ahUKEwjiuufd-OvoAhVLXK0KHXVyA4EQFjAAegQIBhAD&usg=AOvVaw3rw0jv2FWLqYMwgoH8pXQP

[@1svsoulmate]

The road to Kennecott mine has long had a legend of been a terrible road. Just to let you know how bad it is, I drove my Camaro to the mine, 30 years ago. I had no problems at all, in the guy that ran the parking lot and provided tent camping, came out and videotaped my car. He said he had never seen a Camaro back in there before. What a great trip we had. Well worth the effort to see. Thanks for sharing.

[@TVRExploring]

It must've been great to see thirty years ago! I don't understand the hype about the road at all...

[@MinesoftheWest]

Really well-produced and informative video. The commentary was great!

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you very much. I would love to see some of the pictures you could get from this place!

[@MinesoftheWest]

TVR Exploring i would really love to visit some day. Did you bring the drone?

[@TVRExploring]

I love Alaska! Unfortunately, I didn't have room for the drone. This would have been a perfect place for it!

[@Ironsja11]

Super cool I really liked the history lesson on the drive in to the mine site. Of course I had heard of the Kennecott copper mine and had seen some pictures but I didn't know anything else about it. Keep up the great work and thank you again for taking us along!

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you for the comment and for coming along! I didn't know if people would like that introduction or not, so I'm glad to hear that you did.

[@RTLichable]

That's got to be the most impressive old mine site I've ever seen!!

[@TVRExploring]

Yes, it was a very impressive camp, to be sure...

[@williamwintemberg]

Another Outstanding Alaskan Mine History Video! I can't wait to see more!

[@TVRExploring]

I still have a couple of Alaska videos in the backlog that I need to work on...

[@mountainmikeoutdoors]

I've GOT to get out there. Once I finish exploring the mining and railroad ghost towns of Utah I think I'm gonna make my way to Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Washington, Oregon and Alaska.

[@myrrhavm]

Cra cra crazy.. to think a hundred years ago men somehow made there way there to work. Just as crazy to ever think those mountains had anything valuable in them and the massive effort to extract it. Incredible. Beautiful country.

[@Twoholesofman]

I've been waiting to see a tour of this place. NICE

[@georgeking9511]

11:00 I believe that is a Cochrane multi port valve for back pressure and atmospheric relief for a Harrison Steam Power Plant. It could just be a Cochrane Heater. Cochrane made heaters, separators, cut out valves, etc. It definitely has to do with a Harrison Boiler system. Those old boilers from the late 19th and early 20th century were pretty nasty and dangerous. Harrison Safety Boiler Works came along trying to make them safer, starting with steam locomotives back in the 1860's. Awesome video once again Justin.

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you very much for the information. Glad you liked the video!

[@georgeking9511]

@@TVRExploring You're welcome! I always do like your videos Justin, so when I can do some research, or share some information to help give you answers, I will gladly take the time to do so. Keep 'em coming. "Good Stuff!"

[@treadmarsh1094]

Dang son! That intro was outstanding. You presented that as good or better than some people on television programs. Great documentation, as usual. I'm just confused how ignorant some people are to give this video a thumbs down?? This is very solid American history that will eventually fade into the landscape. Thank you

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you very much. I didn't know if you guys would like that introduction or not, but with a site like this, I figured I had to dig into the history of it, you know?

[@treadmarsh1094]

@@TVRExploring I think the history is half the interest. At least for me it is, thanks

[@alurquhart701]

Fabulous video! Thanks for sharing with us stay-at-homers!

[@angels814ever]

Nice video! We started going back to McCarthy back in the 1980s, you could go to every building and wonder about! We climbed over every square inch!. The hike up to the Erie Mine produced scenery beyond compare, the mine entrance was frozen shut all Summer, preventing entering. The Kennecott graveyard is interesting to explore as well! I have Steven Birch's bronze Post Office mailbox door, which is door #1. The history of the shooting massacre is something your viewers might be interested in hearing about as well...

[@TVRExploring]

That must have been a glorious time to visit.

[@stevenhigby3512]

Great video you always get out to some amazing places. Glad to see they are working to save a lot of it.

[@TheGlucoside]

That's what I come to KZbin for. Great video, well produced and narrated - thanks for your work!

[@TVRExploring]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.

[@richardbidinger2577]

I saw a photo of this place along time ago on some PBS documentary. Completely blew my mind at the time. The image was burned into my memory, so it was a cool surprise to see this video pop up. The documentary was mostly about Alaska's history, and I think they talked about this mine because of its historical significance in helping Alaska eventually become a state. Loved to hear a more detailed history of the mine.

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you. Yes, it's an impressive place, to be sure...

[@samdesmet7637]

I always wondered if all the cable from the tramway was still laying around somewhere out there. You actually show some of it! Awesome.

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

Bravo! Great pick for an episode. Thank you so much.

[@repeatman]

Thanks for the tour! Hopefully one day we can see the inside of one of those mines. Hopefully.

[@TVRExploring]

I hope so!

[@meboyd7796]

You outdid yourself on this one, Very impressive and enjoyable.

[@drumtwo4seven]

Pretty cool. I remember seeing this on a tv show once.. It was a weekly series but it's been years. Very cool.

[@311mdub]

I’m assuming Kennecott is a name, like the Kennecott copper mine in Bingham Canyon, Utah, largest open pit mine on the planet. Very interesting clip, lots of good info and well put together!

[@SueGirling68]

Wow some very extensive building work there, I bet it brought some much needed work to that area. A very cool look back at history with those photographs and a chance to see how it all looked in it's heyday. Good job with the pics and narration, thanks for sharing, much love. xx💙

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you very much, Sue. Yes, it was an impressive operation.

[@gravelsasquatch6430]

What a cool place to explore. Thanks for taking us along on the adventure.

[@ScottyPimpinATL]

Didn't get notification. They dont like us becoming aware of these portals. That road is more maintained than any population states.

[@belleange590]

That is beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The power plant looks to be in good shape. Fascinating video. Interesting that the mines were connected underground. Thank you.

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you. Yes, hard to beat the scenery in Alaska! Some of the buildings are definitely in better shape than others... The power plant was in pretty good shape compared to the others.

[@grantglow4206]

Another great historical video sir. Hope your doing well, looking forward to hearing more of your stories by the campfire. Stay safe

[@dereksimpson1284]

This place is absolute beautiful. I would love to travel Alaska

[@TVRExploring]

Alaska is a lot of fun to visit.

[@joshuasutherland6692]

Nice to see you made it out there! Last and only time I was there was in 07 as a much smaller person. Glad to see they're making progress on some of the buildings.

[@TVRExploring]

Oh, were the buildings in much worse shape when you visited?

[@dronelandscapes8775]

What a fascinating place, great job thanks for sharing Justin.👍🇦🇺

[@garretthuff1905]

Yes! So excited for this one. I wanted to visit this place 4 years ago but was taken out by a collapsing glacier 1 day into my trip there! It's a good thing you're accustomed to bugs! Those skeeters around your face in the town at the end were intense!

[@TVRExploring]

Wow, well, at least you've got a good story! I'm sorry you weren't able to visit Kennecott though. The bugs in Alaska are brutal. Definitely good to visit in the fall...

[@garretthuff1905]

@@TVRExploring I hope you got some good still shots there. Those fall colors, snow capped peaks and red buildings were amazing!

[@wideyxyz2271]

Great video with some cool footage...

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you.

[@grzegorzw4503]

🇵🇱 Greetings from Poland, thanks for Your movie.

[@captsam54]

Very cool.. Glad your still putting these out there... Quite the infrastructure to keep all that going.....

[@TVRExploring]

Every Wednesday for as long as I can... Yes, the infrastructure - especially in that location - is quite impressive.

[@captsam54]

@@TVRExploring I always look forward to your stuff That I would NOT do..lol

[@danmiller6051]

The show "edge of Alaska" was my favorite show while on. I thought you had seen it and that's why you went there but apparently not so. They had some episodes later on but nothing as of late. If you can somehow get a hold of them, I think you'd really enjoy them as I did and I am anxiously waiting to have some updated episodes on what has happened since the last one. Another great video by you.

[@SteveandSusiesHomestead]

Thank you for the entertainment ..Love the Alaska videos...Stay safe

[@jburritt426]

What a amazing piece of history. Thanks for sharing.

[@Killswitch22022]

What an awesome piece of history. Thank you for covering this one. It was also pretty cool to find the place with google earth and you can see the mine entrance is still there at the top of the mountain. Wow, that would be a great yet awful hike getting up to that one.

[@TVRExploring]

The entrance is indeed still there up on the mountain, but it isn't accessible... Definitely a serious hike up there!

[@claytonkenison5287]

Loved the history lesson you gave with this mine

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you!

[@glennk.7348]

Wow! More?! Amazing to see. Thank you!

[@TVRExploring]

It's an impressive site.

[@sabinfigaro7334]

Woot from Alaska! They probably thought the road was/could have been, washed out...thanks for being real no fake ambiance and screaming/running.

[@Spreadthep0sitive]

Amazing video. Loved the history. Thank you.

[@charlesjohnson166]

35 years profitable.impressive operation for sure nice video

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you. Yes, definitely an impressive operation!

[@MrRothemule]

Gorgeous place for a mine. Buildings look impressive with the mountains and glacier and this bloody colour. Very interesting site for exploration. Stay safe both ;)

[@TVRExploring]

It really is! Thank you.

[@jimrossi7708]

Wow, thanks for the video, especially since there is not much else to do ! How I wish I could go there !

[@TVRExploring]

Alaska is a great place to visit!

[@dougmate2378]

that is one of a few places that I did not get a chance to go to that I regret not making it too. that bridge you drove over though I have fished there on the copper. loved fishing Chitna, extremely dangerous though, waters were very rough.

[@tyonarms6735]

Super cool! With tunneling that extensive, there has to be a way in but can you imagine trying to find it in that terrain.

[@TVRExploring]

I really investigated that thoroughly and even visited the sites of the mines. I just didn't see any way that would be possible. And with a site this popular, you'd think there'd have to be someone's pictures or videos from inside of the mines if anyone had gotten inside.

[@JonoChromatic]

Thanks for sharing that. It was really interesting to see. I would love to explore all those old buildings and see the glacier. Keep up the great videos :)

[@wackbatt4746]

What an interesting place, great exploration

[@muleskinnermining8661]

Awesome introduction to this video. Always looking forward to your next video, never know what’s coming! How exciting to get out to some of these places. Stay safe!

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you. I wasn't sure if people would like that introduction or not... Yes, it is a lot of fun getting out to places like this, for sure! Hope you're doing well...

[@stevejames5031]

Looks beautiful and unforgiving land.Just come across the channel SubdThanks 4 sharing. interesting. 👍✌👍

[@markl3328]

I great place to explore in the Summer been there about a dozen times.

[@TVRExploring]

I think it would be great to see some of the more remote reaches of the park. Did you ever make it out to those areas?

[@ericcorse]

It would have been cool to see inside the machine shop what an awesome video.

[@TVRExploring]

Maybe one day!

[@archstanton9206]

What an incredible place.

[@HappyQuailsLC]

That map seen at the very end was very interesting... unless I missed seeing it earlier I think it would have been helpful to have seen then, too

[@iowapanner2223]

Thanks, great video, really enjoy the history along with the images.

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you!

[@sunspiral79]

This place is incredible

[@ExploreUnderground]

It would pay off to walk the tram lines with a metal detector. Again, if you ever make it to the opposite side of Canada (ha) come explore some silver mines with me! Theres a massive history lesson here waiting for you to share as well. (And there is actually a documentary on Cobalt as well in the works - I'll be in it) We had crazy pure native silver here. Normal grade was between 3000-4000oz/t, some veins were up past 10k oz/t (actually past 12k- the Woods vein @ the Keeley mine was 10" wide, at least 15' long and assayed at @12k oz/t!) and there was float laying around all over the place that was essentially pure with some dirt on it. The Lawson vein was renamed "the Silversidewalk" and is world famous (or was for decades at least) and it was 1.6' wide, 328' long and 197' deep! The Meyer vein (Nipissing 73 mine) was 1200' long, had silver over a verticle distance of 110' and produced around 13 MILLION oz of silver alone! (The highest production single vein in the camp) keep in mind, the area produced around 500, 000, 000 oz of silver.. yes, that's the appropriate # of 0s.. five hundred million oz.. as in half a billion lol the biggest site produced around 40 million oz (Coniagas mine) so you know there are lots around! And in a tiny town.. population is 900 here today and these mines are in and around town. Coniagas shaft #4 is downtown.. the shafthouse is now an apartment and bookstore.. check all this stuff out lol (mindat has lots of info) Needless to say, there are around 250 mines here and lots are accessible (some require more effort than others) check out my videos, I dont have an Italian interpreter, but I do find native silver! Haha (there is lots to be found in waste rock piles still today, with a bit of time and a detector, unless you can eye-ball em.. but I wouldnt count on that)

[@ExploreUnderground]

That is one hell of an impressive mill site too. I got carried away and forgot to mention that lol Biggest mill I've ever seen. I think our Nipissing low grade mill was similar in size, maybe even a bit bigger of a footprint, but that thing is a tower! Also, gotta love aerial trams! We had a couple here too, but nothing like that distance :)

[@TVRExploring]

Those numbers on the silver deposits out there are insane. I'm surprised they don't get more recognition... I'm sorry I didn't know you when I was living in Toronto because that would have made meeting up a lot easier! Still, I would like to connect with you sometime... Pretty reckless to venture out without an Italian interpreter, no? What if you run into some Italians? Unless you speak Italian? You must speak Italian. I don't.

[@ExploreUnderground]

In Canada, everyone gets along just fine weather you speak the same language or not, you should know this lol (that joke is on so many levels hahaha) But yea, that woulda been nice, but keep it in mind for the future. I've followed your channel for a long time and as much as Frank gets put on the pedestal and also Gly.. You're my favorite one to watch. Frank seems to be more about being famous these days. He has always gone too fast, not shown everything or even pointed half the stuff out, and takes crazy risks for no reason, has taken groups of inexperienced ppl just to have girls with him in the video. Gly is much better for all that, his production quality it better, except he changed after Frank went to the states with him. None of this is to talk shit as I watch all 3 and more.. but they're the ones that get the most glory for what we do, and you do it better (as far as what I like to see goes. Not full of yourself, you stop show and explain everything, ask us when you aren't sure.. etc) Ps- My interpreter is German, but she stays home because no other Germans come here lol (shes actually not interested at all. And we have kids that need one of us around, so that's how it works out. She has come on I think 2 adventures total, nothing crazy)

[@sidewaysaction9983]

Wow you get about our kid you and that mad Frank are floating my boat keep em coming.

[@christopherbassell423]

Hey buddy it's the Bat guy !!! Great content!!!Thanks the post!!!!

[@christopherbassell423]

Lol ...for the post!!lol

[@ammobake]

The ore from the bonanza vein was extremely pure. I have a large blue hunk of the ore on my bookshelf that had fallen off the trammer long ago. A family member hiked up the trail and found a couple great samples. it's smaller than your hand but the weight feels like solid metal.

[@TVRExploring]

That's really cool. The ore there was apparently almost pure metal.

[@SydneyRadio2UE]

At 3:22, it would have been cool to have shown a picture of other Kennecott operations, such as the Bingham Canyon Mine, which is largest open pit copper mine in the world, located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah.

[@bastardsquirrel1291]

Nice vid Justin. Keep up the good work.

[@TVRExploring]

Appreciate it!

[@Ian_P]

Just Wow! 😲😲😲 Thank you Justin. 👍🙂

[@olspanner]

Good material, thanks for sharing.

[@strietermarinesurvey1415]

Great video! Can't wait for more!

[@TVRExploring]

Thanks!

[@tuttebelleke]

Fantastic documentary!!!

[@MrDavidrex]

Nice job, thanks for sharing

[@TMandN]

Incredible.....more, more!

[@OutdoorRob]

Cool Adventure Justin! I went to Independence Mine when I was there but never got to Kennecott. What's the story there, are you able to explore it on your own or tours? Thanks Man!

[@TVRExploring]

I'll have a video on the Independence too... I visited Kennecott after it closed for the season, so we had full run of the site and had it to ourselves (the construction workers were there, but no tourists). The only thing is that some of the buildings were locked up. It was worth it to me though to be the only visitors there.

[@OutdoorRob]

@@TVRExploring Nice!

[@Seat1AJoe]

A fantastic video!

[@TVRExploring]

Many thanks!

[@federicorodriguez9339]

Que hermozoooo lugar.. hello made in uruguay saludos ✌

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

You mean the bar did not have mine tours, like they did on TV 😀. Thanks for the tour

[@gregcrowe8885]

Thank You for sharing

[@brianteed7390]

In the show the Edge of Alaska they show inside the Mother Lode Mine. In McCarthy the guy that owns the bar wanted to re-open the mine and run tours. They found one of the entrances and went inside. I believe they even had one tour that was on the show. I think the bar owners name is Neil Darish. The show ended so I'm not sure what became of the mine. If you could track the guy down maybe he could give you some more info.

[@TheNimshew]

Don't we all love the times when the "Harrison Safety Boiler Works' felt it necessary to include 'safe' in the company name? What was their motto? "Our boilers won't kill you!"? The improved Cochrane steam-stack & cut-out valve heater & receiver (700 series)!!!

[@strokerwillie1190]

Thanks man.... truly appreciate what you're doing.....

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you very much.

[@MrRem7600]

I was so intrigued by your video and the history of this place I watched all 4 seasons of Edge Of Alaska to try and find what access they got. They got quite a few hundred feet into the Pittsburgh adit which joins to the main vertical shaft that supposedly links all of the Bonanza / Glacier / Jumbo mines together. There was supposedly underground stables / miner accomodations / workshops all joining centrally around this shaft. Unfortunately as far as can tell from what was on the show they never got access to this shaft. They found the Pittsburgh adit back filled quite a few hundred feet in which they calculated still left quite a few hundred feet blocked. They also located and tried to access the main portal of the Mother Lode but that was frozen up so badly it was impossible to gain entry. The show doesn't give any conclusion to the project or funding for opening the mine up - other than the 2 guys that were involved trying to sell up all their holdings in McCarthy which I assume means the Mother Lode project was financially unfeasible to continue.

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you for taking the time to track the answer down. I was very curious about that... Yes, it must have been amazing underground at this site!

[@leehilton9932]

Awesome mill site. Wish ya could underground up there thou. A bet its got a ton of cool stuff still in them. As always stay safe and healthy out there.

[@TVRExploring]

Yes, I would love to have gone underground. That map of the underground workings looked incredible. I'm very envious of the caretakers that had free run of this entire site for so many years after it shut down.

[@leehilton9932]

@@TVRExploring you and me both man.

[@sabinfigaro7334]

Place is amazing.

[@TVRExploring]

We were definitely impressed.

[@seandepoppe6716]

Very cool thanks man!

[@sanddabz5635]

Any video of inside the Mill or other buildings?

[@CornishMineExplorer]

Amazing how remote that camp is, just imagining the logistics to get everything there on site, must of took years to build it.

[@TVRExploring]

Yes, it was a hell of an operation, to be sure...

[@richardbrobeck2384]

amazing and thank you for the great video

[@garydahn6728]

This was very cool. Any idea how the Erie mine got it's name?

[@sawyerrob949]

I've been there MANY times, I use to hunt and camp along the road there, every year and hang around McCarthy. There are some pretty interesting side narrow dirt roads that go in for many miles in, along the road to McCarthy, "IF" you can find them. Over the years, it was always one of my most favorite places to spend time. SR

[@TVRExploring]

Yes, some of those side roads looked quite interesting. I explored some of them... Did you ever find anything cool down any of them?

[@sawyerrob949]

The ones I use to go on, you needed a good 4wd or ATV to go down. Mostly just fantastic scenery and going hunting, using them is the biggest reason I went on them. Because I lived in Alaska for many years, I had plenty of time to find those roads/places and explore them. SR

[@TVRExploring]

Lots to explore in Alaska, to be sure!

[@gingerbread6614]

Thank you. Loved your video.

[@rolfsinkgraven]

Well that is a very impressive place, good to see that all that is still standing, and no access too the mines pfft there must be a small hole somewhere, that mine must be very big.

[@infinus5]

the issue is the mines themselves are a few thousand feet higher and several miles away from the millsite. it had one of the most impressive aerial tram systems in the world to move the ore down.

[@TVRExploring]

Yes, if you look online, you can find pictures of the old tram system. It was incredible.

[@kaosinc]

"Edge of Alaska" is an American reality television series. The series premiered on October 24, 2014, on Discovery Channel. The series follows the residents of McCarthy, Alaska. Copy & Pasted from Wiki if anyone is interested on seeing that area a bit more.

[@Ambush1703]

This looks just like the copper mill in Rise of the Tomb Raider. I wonder if they used it for inspiration.

[@TheHandyAndy]

That is a boiler hearth. It was most likely used in the power plant at on time.

[@TVRExploring]

Thank you.

[@andrewpowellnz]

Fantastic to see from lockdown

[@TVRExploring]

Glad I can expand your view (at least temporarily) beyond the walls of your home!

[@ShellymanStudios]

If I was rich, I would fix it up and turn it into a time-piece museum.

[@theogdirkdiggler]

Whatever part of the World your in, stay safe. I knew a man from Wrangle, tough man from a tough land. He brought some gold nuggets back that had more other material than gold, I wonder if it wasn't an amalgam of gold and copper. It was more brown than gold but if you rubbed it it would become gold colored.

[@TVRExploring]

Interesting... Gold doesn't tarnish and so it would definitely have been some sort of amalgam.

[@buddha8910]

What's the purpose of the renovation? Very interesting, does anyone live in those areas currently? great footage thank you for sharing.

[@AbandonedMaine]

Good lord. I thought some of the old gold workings around around Mariposa California were big.

[@TVRExploring]

Pretty impressive place, huh?