Mojave Underground USA Wiki - User contributions [en]

Ophir

2009-06-26T02:07:01Z

UnderUtah:

'''Ophir''' Utah is a small semi ghost town just off highway 73. The Ophir Hill mine has many artifacts that have been removed from the mine and placed outside. It makes for a good tourist destination. The land owners do not take lightly finding people on their property without permission; if traveling through the area, please respect any Private Property and No Trespassing signs.

[[Image:Ophir0.jpg|thumb]]

== History ==
Named after the King Solomon's (of the Bible) mines, Ophir got its start as US Army troops prospected the area. General Patrick Connor and his troops made some of the first claims in the area which would become Ophir in 1865. The Ophir mining district was organized in 1870 and by 1871 more than 2,500 mining claims had been staked as the town's population reached 1,200. Most of these mines yeilded very shallow lodes, causing many to eventually leave. A drop in silver prices eventually led to the slowing and stop of most production in Ophir. High amounts of silver are still held within the larger mines, and the claims are still held, showing mining might one day resume again within these hills.

Ophir's profits from silver and gold were record breaking. Within a few weeks, over $1,000,000 of nearly pure silver was dug from the Kearsage Mine. Other high producing mines included the Velocipede, Shamrock, Miner's Delight, Wild Delirium, and the massive producer, The Ophir Hill Mine. The Ophir Hill Mine boasted some rich areas averaging 20,000 ounces of ore per ton.

"This was the typical mining town - saloons, gambling and dance halls, red-light houses, hotels [The Pioneer, built 1870], cafes, stores, and living quarters".

==Mine Closures==
In late 2007, many of the mines in the Ophir area were either gated or backfilled by the Utah Department of Oil, Gas, and Mining.
==Requirements==
4x4 vehicle is exploring outside of city
Mine Exploration Gear

[[Image:Ophir.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Ophir, Utah in winter.]]

==Forum Link==
http://www.mojaveunderground.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=44

==Demographics==
As of the census of 2000, there were 23 people, 10 households, and 6 families residing in the town. The population density was 143.0 people per square mile (55.5/km²). There were 33 housing units at an average density of 205.1/sq mi (79.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.65% White and 4.35% Asian.

There were 10 households out of which 20.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, and 40.0% were non-families. 40.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 20.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the town the population was spread out with 8.7% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 8.7% from 25 to 44, 43.5% from 45 to 64, and 30.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females there were 109.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $50,000, and the median income for a family was $49,167. Males had a median income of $46,875 versus $13,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $29,906. None of the population or families were below the poverty line.

==Location==
40.369102, -112.258534

==References==

Carr, Stephen L. The Historical Guide to Utah Ghost Towns

Carter, Kate B. Our Pioneer Heritage Vol 14. Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1971 Salt Lake City, Utah

Thompson, George A. Some Dreams Die: Utah's Ghost Towns and Lost Treasures

----
Please respect the property of the Ophir Canyon area.
<googlemap lat="40.3689" lon="-112.257" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
40.3689,-112.257, Ophir, UT
</googlemap>

Eureka

2009-06-26T02:06:15Z

UnderUtah:

[[Image:eureka_2.jpg|thumb|City of Eureka]]
Eureka, originally named '''Ruby Hallow''', is an old mining community and part of the Tooele Mining District. The town still holds a fair population for towns of its type. Eureka was the chief camp of the Tintic Mining District. While most all of the mines are now abandoned, there are still some active mines in the area, such as the Apex and Trixie mines. Please keep out of active mining areas. Security will confront and report you. Even if it is on Christmas day...

This town brings mine explorers in from around the state. The open adits are dusty and old. Use caution and please be respectful inside.

== Location ==
39°57'19.32"N 112° 6'57.29"W @ 6475'
Eureka is located approximately seventy miles southwest of Salt Lake City in Juab County. Highway 6 runs through it.

[[Image:eureka_1.jpg|thumb|Eureka Main St. at night.]]

== History ==
===Mining===
The first discovery of silver was discovered by Shadrack Lunt, a young LDS sheepherder. He was discouraged by Brigham Young to prospect the area, due to the spiritual and mental effects mining had on a man. The ledge of silver was forgotten, when in 1869, cowboy George Rust, camped in Ruby Hallow and rediscovered the ledge. He, along with seven other cowboys, assayed the ore and found it averaged $1,500 of silver per ton.

Within two years, roughly built cabins, stores, and saloons began filling the Gulch. Mills and smelters were being built to lessen the cost of refining the ore. Many of the claims became worth many millions, including the Chief Consolidated, Bullion-Beck, Eureka Hill, and the Eureka Standard. Many of these top producing mines claimed assays of 15,000 ounces of silver per ton.

===Financial===
Incorporated as a city in 1892, Eureka became the financial center for the Tintic Mining District, a wealthy gold and silver mining area in Utah and Juab counties. The district was organized in 1869 and by 1899 became one of the top mineral producing areas in Utah. Eureka housed the "Big Four" mines -- Bullion Beck and Champion, Centennial Eureka, Eureka Hill, and Gemini-and later the Chief Consolidated Mining Company. The Chief was developed by the Walter Fitch family, who not only had their own mine in Eureka, but also the company headquarters, family residences, and family cemetery -- a most unique feature in any western mining town.

As with other mining towns, Eureka developed from a camp to a settlement then town. It benefited from competing transportation services of the Union Pacific (1889) and the Denver and Rio Grande Western (1891) railroads. Census statistics indicate the following population figures through 1930, when the impact of the Depression changed its fortunes: 1880 - 122; 1890 - 1,733; 1900 - 3,325; 1910 - 3,829; 1920 - 3,908; 1930 - 3,216. That Eureka's population exhibited ebbs and flows between census years was attributed to the transitory character of a mining town. By the 1980s the population fell below 700.

Eureka's role as the central financial point for the district insured its survival. It housed business establishments, financial institutions, local and county governmental buildings including Eureka City Hall (1899) and a Juab County Courthouse (1892), various churches, and the meeting places for numerous labor, social, and fraternal organizations. Eureka became especially active as a successful political field for Utah's Socialist party. Mining entrepreneurs such as John Q. Packard, John Beck, Jesse Knight, Walter Fitch Sr., and others loomed as important figures in Eureka and Tintic history. A relative calm and peaceful labor environment marked Eureka's past.

The Chief Consolidated operated during the 1930s and into the 1950s, helping to keep Eureka's economy afloat. Small scale mining operations have continued, but most residents work in valley towns and for government services, such as the Tooele Army Depot. Being located on Utah Highway 6, Eureka is on a main trail to the Little Sahara Sand Dunes area. In 1979 Eureka was placed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Tintic Mining District Multiple Resource Area, recognizing the importance of remaining buildings and sites. ''See: Beth Kay Harris, The Towns of Tintic (1961); Alice P. McCune, History of Juab County (1947); Philip F. Notarianni, Faith, Hope and Prosperity: The Tintic Mining District (1982).''

Philip F. Notarianni
http://www.onlineutah.com/eurekahistory.shtml

== Forum Link ==
http://mojaveunderground.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=45&highlight=Eureka

----

''' Please be courteous of others. Pick up your trash and make the area cleaner that it was when you arrived, and be safe!'''

<googlemap lat="39.9554" lon="-112.116" zoom="10" controls="small">
39.9554,-112.116, Eureka, UT
</googlemap>

Ophir

2009-06-26T02:04:04Z

UnderUtah:

'''Ophir''' Utah is a small semi ghost town just off highway 73. The Ophir Hill mine has many artifacts that have been removed from the mine and placed outside. It makes for a good tourist destination. The land owners do not take lightly finding people on their property without permission; if traveling through the area, please respect any Private Property and No Trespassing signs.

[[Image:Ophir0.jpg|thumb]]

== History ==
Named after the King Solomon's (of the Bible) mines, Ophir got its start as US Army troops prospected the area. General Patrick Connor and his troops made some of the first claims in the area which would become Ophir in 1865. The Ophir mining district was organized in 1870 and by 1871 more than 2,500 mining claims had been staked as the town's population reached 1,200. Most of these mines yeilded very shallow lodes, causing many to eventually leave. A drop in silver prices eventually led to the slowing and stop of most production in Ophir. High amounts of silver are still held within the larger mines, and the claims are still held, showing mining might one day resume again within these hills.

Ophir's profits from silver and gold were record breaking. Within a few weeks, over $1,000,000 of nearly pure silver was dug from the Kearsage Mine. Other high producing mines included the Velocipede, Shamrock, Miner's Delight, Wild Delirium, and the massive producer, The Ophir Hill Mine. The Ophir Hill Mine boasted some rich areas averaging 2,000 ounces of ore per ton.

"This was the typical mining town - saloons, gambling and dance halls, red-light houses, hotels [The Pioneer, built 1870], cafes, stores, and living quarters".

==Mine Closures==
In late 2007, many of the mines in the Ophir area were either gated or backfilled by the Utah Department of Oil, Gas, and Mining.
==Requirements==
4x4 vehicle is exploring outside of city
Mine Exploration Gear

[[Image:Ophir.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Ophir, Utah in winter.]]

==Forum Link==
http://www.mojaveunderground.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=44

==Demographics==
As of the census of 2000, there were 23 people, 10 households, and 6 families residing in the town. The population density was 143.0 people per square mile (55.5/km²). There were 33 housing units at an average density of 205.1/sq mi (79.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.65% White and 4.35% Asian.

There were 10 households out of which 20.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, and 40.0% were non-families. 40.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 20.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the town the population was spread out with 8.7% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 8.7% from 25 to 44, 43.5% from 45 to 64, and 30.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females there were 109.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $50,000, and the median income for a family was $49,167. Males had a median income of $46,875 versus $13,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $29,906. None of the population or families were below the poverty line.

==Location==
40.369102, -112.258534

==References==

Carr, Stephen L. The Historical Guide to Utah Ghost Towns

Carter, Kate B. Our Pioneer Heritage Vol 14. Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1971 Salt Lake City, Utah

Thompson, George A. Some Dreams Die: Utah's Ghost Towns and Lost Treasures

----
Please respect the property of the Ophir Canyon area.
<googlemap lat="40.3689" lon="-112.257" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
40.3689,-112.257, Ophir, UT
</googlemap>

Ophir

2009-06-26T02:03:05Z

UnderUtah: /* History */

'''Ophir''' Utah is a small semi ghost town just off highway 73. The Ophir Hill mine has many artifacts that have been removed from the mine and placed outside. It makes for a good tourist destination. The land owners do not take lightly finding people on their property without permission; if traveling through the area, please respect any Private Property and No Trespassing signs.

[[Image:Ophir0.jpg|thumb]]

== History ==
Named after the King Solomon's (of the Bible) mines, Ophir got its start as US Army troops prospected the area. General Patrick Connor and his troops made some of the first claims in the area which would become Ophir in 1865. The Ophir mining district was organized in 1870 and by 1871 more than 2,500 mining claims had been staked as the town's population reached 1,200. Most of these mines yeilded very shallow lodes, causing many to eventually leave. A drop in silver prices eventually led to the slowing and stop of most production in Ophir. High amounts of silver are still held within the larger mines, and the claims are still held, showing mining might one day resume again within these hills.

Ophir's profits from silver and gold were record breaking. Within a few weeks, over $1,000,000 of nearly pure silver was dug from the Kearsage Mine. Other high producing mines included the Velocipede, Shamrock, Miner's Delight, Wild Delirium, and the massive producer, The Ophir Hill Mine. The Ophir Hill Mine boasted some rich areas averaging 2,000 ounces of ore per ton.

"This was the typical mining town - saloons, gambling and dance halls, red-light houses, hotels [The Pioneer, built 1870], cafes, stores, and living quarters".

==Mine Closures==
In late 2007, many of the mines in the Ophir area were either gated or backfilled by the Utah Department of Oil, Gas, and Mining. A few attempts have been made by the property owners and others to remove these illegally placed gates. When speaking to a representative about the removal of these gates, it was stated that nothing could be or would be done to stop the removal; somewhere along the lines, eventually another gate might by put back up.

==Requirements==
4x4 vehicle is exploring outside of city
Mine Exploration Gear

[[Image:Ophir.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Ophir, Utah in winter.]]

==Forum Link==
http://www.mojaveunderground.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=44

==Demographics==
As of the census of 2000, there were 23 people, 10 households, and 6 families residing in the town. The population density was 143.0 people per square mile (55.5/km²). There were 33 housing units at an average density of 205.1/sq mi (79.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.65% White and 4.35% Asian.

There were 10 households out of which 20.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, and 40.0% were non-families. 40.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 20.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the town the population was spread out with 8.7% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 8.7% from 25 to 44, 43.5% from 45 to 64, and 30.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females there were 109.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $50,000, and the median income for a family was $49,167. Males had a median income of $46,875 versus $13,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $29,906. None of the population or families were below the poverty line.

==Location==
40.369102, -112.258534

==References==

Carr, Stephen L. The Historical Guide to Utah Ghost Towns

Carter, Kate B. Our Pioneer Heritage Vol 14. Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1971 Salt Lake City, Utah

Thompson, George A. Some Dreams Die: Utah's Ghost Towns and Lost Treasures

----
Please respect the property of the Ophir Canyon area.
<googlemap lat="40.3689" lon="-112.257" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
40.3689,-112.257, Ophir, UT
</googlemap>

Nutty Putty Cave

2009-06-26T01:57:33Z

UnderUtah:

[[Image:nutput1.jpg|thumb|Nutty Putty Caves]]
Nutty Putty Cave is a naturally formed thermal spring cave located on the west side of Utah Lake. The cave has many rooms, corridors, and tunnels. The cave is very popular to the locals and is thought to be a good cave for beginners, but is in fact not. Because of this, many new and unexperienced cavers found themselves getting stuck, lost, and injured.

On April 14, 2006, the Utah State Trust Lands granted the Timpanogos Grotto the right to manage the access to Nutty Putty Cave, Blowhole, Silly Putty, and Rabbit Trap caves to improve the overall safety. On May 24, 2006, Nutty Putty was the last of these four cave gates to be completed. The Timpanogos Grotto limits access to those who agree to abide by caving guidelines. The long-term goal of the management agreement is to avoid future accidents that would eventually lead to the total closure of the cave. The Timpanogos Grotto manages the cave via www.nuttyputtycave.com. A webiste that contains all the information necessary to make a visit to the cave.

[[Image:nutput2.jpg|thumb|Nutty Putty Caves]]
==Requirements==
[http://www.caves.org/grotto/timpgrotto/NuttyPuttyAccess.html Obtain Key and agree to the Timp Grotto Standards]
Caving Helmet
Flashlight and extra batteries
Mid-High Clearnace Vehicle Recommended

==Location==
40.099350 -112.038863

----

<googlemap lat="40.099350" lon="-112.038863" zoom="10" width='850' controls="small">
40.099350,-112.038863, Nutty Putty Cave
</googlemap>

Vanadium King Mine

2009-06-26T01:51:44Z

UnderUtah:

[[Image:vanadium1.jpg|thumb|Rail Structure leading from the adits]]
The Vanadium King Mine was mined sometime during the 1950s-1960s. Vanadium, Carnotite, Malachite, Metahewettite, and Metazeunerite were the primary commodities of this particular mine. Uranium was also pulled from this and the surrounding mines. Its supporting host rock was primarily Sandstone, Clay, Mud, and Mudstone. Once inside the mine, A large hydrothermal vein, has been stoped out leaving an immense tunnel, reaching about 35 feet high. The floor is a clean soft sand, left from spring runoff that flows through the mine. About 750 feet inside the mine arsenic bearing veins bleed through the ceiling. Hydrogen Sulfide can also be smelt throughout most of the mine, eminating from a seasonal spring. The air is not circulating do to the sealing off of all other portals. About 1500’ back a section of the tunnel has been undercut by another tunnel. A ladder leads down to the lower level, which reflecs the structure of the upper tunnel. All portals on the lower level are also sealed. About 1000' in, there is a seasonal spring which had a dark green color to it. An upper level of the mine also exists, but requires gear to get up to.
[[Image:vanadium2.jpg|thumb|Inside the Vanadium King]]
The Vanadium King complex surprisingly still has a standing structure. The adit is large, about 10 feet high and 6 feet wide. The standard DOGM gate gaurds its entrance.
==Requirements==
High Clearance Vehicle

Mine Exploration Gear including Gas Meter

Sturdy boots

==Location==
38.681255,-110.676559

<googlemap lat="38.681255" lon="-110.676559" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
38.681255,-110.676559, Vanadium King
</googlemap>

Skin Diver Mine

2009-06-26T01:47:29Z

UnderUtah:

The Skin Diver mine is located in Dry Canyon, just north of Ophir, UT. The mine's modern name was derived from its tight squeeze to enter through the gate. Its actual name is unknown.

The mine is very stable and offers a good 1/2 - 1 hour worth of exploring. It's safety concerns are minimal. There is a steep incline inside that may connect to a lower level or to the mine lower on the mountain.
==Requirements==
High Clearance Vehicle

Mine Exploration Gear

==Location==
40.368455 -112.290144

----

'''Please view our [[Mine Safety]] article before exploring abandoned mines.'''

<googlemap version="0.9" lat="40.373621" lon="-112.291603" zoom="13">
(M)40.368455, -112.290144
SkinDiver Mine
(T)40.36624, -112.26481, Ophir, UT
Ophir, UT
</googlemap>

Ophir Hill Mine

2009-06-26T01:46:09Z

UnderUtah:

The Ophir Hill Mine was the last mine to operate in the Ophir District. It operated from 1865 to 1971, when it became hard to make a profit due to low mineral values. The Ophir Hill Mine was primarily a lead-zinc producer. It is in immaculate condition, full of artifacts, and makes for quite an adventure.

The main portal is a haulage tunnel, which extends straight back about 3000'. The Mojave Underground Mine Team has spend several hundred hours inside the mine, and they find more and more each time.

The Mine is currently owned by the Ault family. It is strongly gated and closely watched. Please do not attempt entering this mine without permission. The residents of the canyon have taken a lot of time to make the town a nice place to visit. Please respect their efforts. Entrance can be obtained by contacting the owners, or by contacting Mojave Underground and arranging an activity.

==Location==
40.369395 -112.258789

----

<googlemap version="0.9" lat="40.369243" lon="-112.258682" zoom="17">
40.369395, -112.258789
Ophir Hill Mine
</googlemap>

Honerine Mine

2009-06-26T01:39:55Z

UnderUtah: /* History */

The Honerine Mine is a deep mine located just west of Stockton, UT.
[[Image:honmin1.jpg|thumb|Old Photo from mine workers]]
[[Image:honmin2.jpg|thumb|Old Photo from mine workers]]
==History==
The mine was started in the 1860's as part of the Tooele Mining District, and was later abandoned in 1928 when the mine dried up. It was used again privately in the 1960's. The Honerine was the first mine in the country to have a telephone. The Honerine, as well as the nearby Galena King and Ben Harrison mines all drained via the Bauer Tunnel, a drainage tunnel that lies some 1300' below the Honerine's main level and terminates near the old ghost town of Bauer. Bauer served to process ore from the surrounding Stockton mines.

==Boy's Death==
The Honerine Mine has in more recent times become an example of the potential dangers of abandoned mines, and Jeremiah Etherington a poster boy for the worst possible consequences of mine exploration. In 1996, Jeremiah Etherington of Magna, UT, 18, fell to his death while attempting to rappell a shaft deep inside the mine. He was reported to have used a tow strap to attempt to reach a cross timber when, just after reaching it, he stopped to adjust his strap when the timber gave way. He fell some 400' to 600' to his death. Search and Rescue worked for seven days to attempt to reach him, but officially discontinued the effort due to instability within the mine. His uncle, a firefighter, finally recovered his body from a pile of debris after the official recovery effort had been called-off.

[[Image:honmin3.jpg|thumb|Inside the Mine]]

==Mineral Content==
Mineral Description can be found [http://www.mindat.org/ Here]
Anglesite
Apophyllite
Aragonite
Arsenopyrite
Aurichalcite
Beudantite
Cerussite
Chalcopyrite
Chlorite Group
Clinozoisite
Corkite
Diopside
Dolomite
Epidote
Fluorite
Galena
Gold
Jarosite
Limonite
Malachite
Mimetite
Nontronite
Plumbojarosite
Pyrite
Pyromorphite
Quartz
Sepiolite
Serpentine Group
Smithsonite
Sphalerite
Tetrahedrite
Wad
Wollastonite

==Requirements==
4x4 Vehicle

Headlamps and extra batteries

==Location==
40.45828 -112.34106 @ 5700'

----

<googlemap lat="40.45828" lon="-112.34106" zoom="11" width='850'controls="small">
40.45828,-112.34106, Honerine Mine
</googlemap>

Honerine Mine

2009-06-26T01:36:41Z

UnderUtah: /* Boy's Death */

The Honerine Mine is a deep mine located just west of Stockton, UT.
[[Image:honmin1.jpg|thumb|Old Photo from mine workers]]
[[Image:honmin2.jpg|thumb|Old Photo from mine workers]]
==History==
The mine was started in the 1860's as part of the Tooele Mining District, and was later abandoned in 1928 when the mine dried up. It was used again privately in the 1960's. The walls are becoming unstable, and there are various small cave-ins. The shaft the boy fell into sits about 2 miles in. This shaft eventually connect to the infamous Bauer Tunnel, which is rumored to be 35 feet around and 7 miles long running from the old ghost town of Bauer, UT southeastwards under the Oquirrh Mountains.

==Boy's Death==
The Honerine Mine has in more recent times become an example of the potential dangers of abandoned mines, and Jeremiah Etherington a poster boy for the worst possible consequences of mine exploration. In 1996, Jeremiah Etherington of Magna, UT, 18, fell to his death while attempting to rappell a shaft deep inside the mine. He was reported to have used a tow strap to attempt to reach a cross timber when, just after reaching it, he stopped to adjust his strap when the timber gave way. He fell some 400' to 600' to his death. Search and Rescue worked for seven days to attempt to reach him, but officially discontinued the effort due to instability within the mine. His uncle, a firefighter, finally recovered his body from a pile of debris after the official recovery effort had been called-off.

[[Image:honmin3.jpg|thumb|Inside the Mine]]

==Mineral Content==
Mineral Description can be found [http://www.mindat.org/ Here]
Anglesite
Apophyllite
Aragonite
Arsenopyrite
Aurichalcite
Beudantite
Cerussite
Chalcopyrite
Chlorite Group
Clinozoisite
Corkite
Diopside
Dolomite
Epidote
Fluorite
Galena
Gold
Jarosite
Limonite
Malachite
Mimetite
Nontronite
Plumbojarosite
Pyrite
Pyromorphite
Quartz
Sepiolite
Serpentine Group
Smithsonite
Sphalerite
Tetrahedrite
Wad
Wollastonite

==Requirements==
4x4 Vehicle

Headlamps and extra batteries

==Location==
40.45828 -112.34106 @ 5700'

----

<googlemap lat="40.45828" lon="-112.34106" zoom="11" width='850'controls="small">
40.45828,-112.34106, Honerine Mine
</googlemap>

Hidden Treasure Mine

2009-06-25T23:32:31Z

UnderUtah: /* History */

[[Image:hiddent1.jpg|thumb|Rail system inside the mine]]
In 1865, the Hidden Treasure Mine was opened and the mining camp of [[Jacob City]] was established. It produced more profit than any other mine in town. For more than a century, the Hidden Treasure Mine in Tooele County, Utah, was the source of legends and dreams as it yielded silver, gold, and lead worth millions of dollars. It's 21 miles of tunnels, caves, and faults, were of great profit to miners, and a great adventure to those who explored through the veins of the Oquirr Mountains.

==History==

The Hidden Treasure Mine is owned by a family in Utah County, and has a lock on the upper entrance, preventing any access to inside the mine. The main adit has been plugged by cement to hold people out. There is a way into the Hidden Treasure from far below, in the old semi-ghosttown of [[Ophir]], and via a connecting mine, The Buckhorn Mine. The entire mountain range is interconnected via the tunnels of the Hidden Treasure, Ophir Hill, and Buckhorn mines. Many artifacts still remain, and much is yet to be discovered within.
[[Image:hiddent2.jpg|thumb|Sweating Dynamite inside storage room]]

==Lost Scout==
September 22, 1989, Joshua Dennis, a 10-year old Blazer Scout, explored the mine with his scout troop. He was not given his own light to explore with, and while returning to the exit, some 2000' feet from the portal, became separated from his father, Terry, when he left Joshua to take another scout out of the mine. Finding himself alone, he crawled up a stope and remained on there for four days. Search and Rescue teams searched for those four days and were not able to locate Joshua, who didn't answer the calls of the Search and Rescue team. S and R and Sheriff's Department refused to allow anybody to help search for the boy outside their "professional" team. On the start of the fifth day, John Skinner, a local mine historian whos grandfather was the mine's superintendant, was allowed in. After checking two places that he thought they may find Josh, the third yielded the boy. He was disoriented and dehydrated but alive.[[Image:hiddent3.jpg|thumb|Ore Bins withing large opening in mine]]
In 1996, a road was plowed from Stockton to Jacob City to allow for drilling rigs to gain access to the area. Since this time, the area often sees several visitors a day through the summer months.

==Location==
40.388074° -112.271932°

----

<googlemap lat="40.388074" lon="-112.271932" zoom="14" width='800' controls="small">
40.388074,-112.271932, Hidden Treasure Mine
</googlemap>

Hidden Treasure Mine

2009-06-25T23:30:59Z

UnderUtah: /* Lost Scout */

[[Image:hiddent1.jpg|thumb|Rail system inside the mine]]
In 1865, the Hidden Treasure Mine was opened and the mining camp of [[Jacob City]] was established. It produced more profit than any other mine in town. For more than a century, the Hidden Treasure Mine in Tooele County, Utah, was the source of legends and dreams as it yielded silver, gold, and lead worth millions of dollars. It's 21 miles of tunnels, caves, and faults, were of great profit to miners, and a great adventure to those who explored through the veins of the Oquirr Mountains.

==History==

The Hidden Treasure Mine is owned by a family in Utah County, and has a chain and lock on the upper entrance, preventing any access to inside the mine. The main adit has been plugged by cement to hold people out. There are several ways into the Hidden Treasure from far below, in the old semi-ghosttown of [[Ophir]], and via the upper Ophir mine, The Buckhorn Mine (a cave in is preventing current access into the hidden treasure via this route, and would requite digging out) The entire mountain range is interconnected via the tunnels of the Hidden Treasure, Ophir Hill, and Buckhorn mines. Many artifacts still remain, and much is yet to be discovered within.
[[Image:hiddent2.jpg|thumb|Sweating Dynamite inside storage room]]

==Lost Scout==
September 22, 1989, Joshua Dennis, a 10-year old Blazer Scout, explored the mine with his scout troop. He was not given his own light to explore with, and while returning to the exit, some 2000' feet from the portal, became separated from his father, Terry, when he left Joshua to take another scout out of the mine. Finding himself alone, he crawled up a stope and remained on there for four days. Search and Rescue teams searched for those four days and were not able to locate Joshua, who didn't answer the calls of the Search and Rescue team. S and R and Sheriff's Department refused to allow anybody to help search for the boy outside their "professional" team. On the start of the fifth day, John Skinner, a local mine historian whos grandfather was the mine's superintendant, was allowed in. After checking two places that he thought they may find Josh, the third yielded the boy. He was disoriented and dehydrated but alive.[[Image:hiddent3.jpg|thumb|Ore Bins withing large opening in mine]]
In 1996, a road was plowed from Stockton to Jacob City to allow for drilling rigs to gain access to the area. Since this time, the area often sees several visitors a day through the summer months.

==Location==
40.388074° -112.271932°

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<googlemap lat="40.388074" lon="-112.271932" zoom="14" width='800' controls="small">
40.388074,-112.271932, Hidden Treasure Mine
</googlemap>

Jacob City

2009-06-25T23:24:27Z

UnderUtah:

Jacob City, UT was a small mining town, born in 1865, when several men discovered rich ore in Dry Canyon, just north of the city of Ophir. During Jacob City's prime times, there were an estimated 300 population, and the town had several stores, a hotel, a school, saloons, and gambling houses. The mines were successful for almost 40 years, when they began drying up in the early 1900's though one of the largest mines, the Hidden Treasure, was worked into the 40's.

The Dry Canyon road to Jacob City is steep, rocky, and narrow. A high clearance light 4x4 truck or ATV is required to access the town from this direction. The canyon is a beautiful haven in the desert landscape. Most of the canyon is open to public recreation, though several patented claims exist in the area. Please respect private property. There are two main ways to access Jacob City; just off the main road to Ophir, and out from Stockton. The Stockton route is much easier to drive, offering a climbing view of the valley as you rise into the mountains. Both routes are open and will take you directly into the city, provided the snow is not too deep.

The [[Hidden Treasure Mine]] was the first mine opened, and holds the greatest amount of history for the area. The Hidden Treasure Mine became famous when, in 1989, a 10-year old scout named Josh Dennis became lost in the mine. He was exploring without carrying his own light and became separated from his group. He blindly crawled up a stope to the roof where he sat for five days before finally being rescued by searchers accompanied and guided by John Skinner. Skinner's grandfather was the mine superintendent, and Skinner, a mining historian and explorer, had vast personal knowledge of the mine's workings. Skinner had been repeatedly turned-away by authorities though he was practically an expert on the mine. He even attempted to enter the mine from an adjoining mine in Ophir canyon but could not make the connection due to a missing 90ft. ladder. Finally he was allowed in, as a bulldozer sat idling in front of the mine portal waiting to bury Josh, dead or alive, inside the mine. Skinner and the searchers searched three locations John had identified as probable leads, and the third yielded the dehydrated and disoriented but very much alive Boy Scout. This event was also responsible for the permanent destruction of the haulage tunnel portal, and Josh became one of a few poster children for the dangers of abandoned mines.

==Location==
40.388956° -112.271941° @ 8500'

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<googlemap lat="40.388956" lon="-112.271941" zoom="13" width='800' controls="small">
40.388956,-112.271941, Jacob City, UT
</googlemap>

Mojave Underground USA Wiki:General disclaimer

2009-06-25T23:07:21Z

UnderUtah:

In order to help maintain a fun atmosphere, yet remain professional, we are requiring certain rules and regulations for all members of Mojave Underground. Please read them thoroughly and check back regularly for any updates. Mojave Underground is quite laid back in all our ways. While we do take all proper precations and planning required to make a safe trip, we personally enjoy relaxing and goofing off as normal people our age would.

Mojave Underground is in no way, shape, or form responsible for its members. While we do take precautions to ensure the best overall safety of its members, we shall not be responsible for accident, injury, loss, acts of nature, acts of God, or and other form of personal or property damage. We are not liable to any insurance company. Participants must be of or at least the age of 18. By participating with the group, you accept these terms.

Please provide your own equipment. This includes, but is not limited to:

*3 Lights (Headlamp white LED preferred) with a change of batteries for each light

*Safety Helmet

*Hiking gear

*First Aid Equipment

*Cell Phone

*Vehicle (Off Road capable preferred, we at times have seats available, however.)

*Backpack suitable for Hiking

*Camping Equipment

*Photo Equipment (Optional)

*Radios (Optional)

*Climbing Gear (Optional)

*Food and Water

When on a photo shoot, please be courteous to those who are shooting. Avoid lighting sources, cameras, tripods, and subjects while shooting is in progress. If you are in doubt, ask the photographers.

Difficulty
Each activity will be categorized by a difficulty level, 1-10. The rating of this number is determined by it's physical requirements and technical skill necessary. If ever in doubt over what you feel you are able to handle, please inform us. A 10 would be hiking Mt. Everest or rapelling deep into mine shafts. A 1 would be photographing a meadow. Most of what we do occurs outside of cellular range, so please inform a trustworthy person of where you will be going, and an approximate time of return.

Know that Mojave Underground is a clean and sober organization. There shall not be any use or consumption or participation of drugs and alcohol. Doing so while on a Mojave Underground even will result in a termination of your account and a refusal to allow any further participation with Mojave Underground.

If you are interested in certain activities, please post in the Forums. We will be keeping a record of all that is going on activity-wise there. Invite your friends! We are always looking to expand.

Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions, and please read the [[Mine Safety]] article before participating with us.

Mine Safety

2009-06-24T15:26:09Z

UnderUtah:

There are perhaps a dozen or so different ways that you can end up dead from exploring old mining areas including (but not limited to) obvious things such as steep drops, hidden vertical shafts, collapse, or the less obvious CO2 buildup, oxygen depletion from ammonia build-up, getting lost, bumping your head only to pass out and wake up with no battery juice and then really getting lost, animal attack, Hanta Virus, cyanide, lead or arsenic exposure, etc. So not surprisingly, a good solid whiff or two of hydrogen sulfide (a.k.a., sour gas) is just as effective as any of these above-mentioned ways.

Because of this, we do require that activity participants wear hardhats and backup lighting. A multigas detector, such as the Orion four gas detector that the group currently employs, aide in detecting any potentially harmful or explosive gasses or lack of oxygen. The presence of decaying wood or th lack of free flowing air can allow gasses to pool in low places or stratify based on their specific gravity. Walking into one of these areas can stir-up the gasses and cause potential hazards. Certain mines have are covered in a mud/rust/oil sludge mixture (a.k.a. Reesty Goo) Hiking through this is dangerous due to its very slippery properties. We recommend wearing gloves and coveralls that close over your socks. Good hiking boots are also an advantage.

Temperatures inside mines can vary significantly, from the low 50s to the 90s depending on air flow, depth, host rock permiability, and other factors. Water temperatures can be very cold or very hot. Standing pools of water should never be entered as it is difficult to ascertain their depth and potentially dangerous debris beneath the surface. Individuals should always be prepared for temperature extremes.

Please be in good shape for endurance. While most of what we do does not require extremely fit mountaineers and hikers, we do ask that you be willing to endure 6+ hours of physical activity if you wish to join us. Each activity will be classified as to its difficulty on a scale of 1-10.

Remember, we are not responsible nor can we assure your safety when attending activities. Those attending shall hold harmless Mojave Underground, Inc., it's officers, participants, and attendees. With that out of the way, in all reality, mines are not as dangerous and the media would have us believe. By using some simple safety skills, a mine can be an enjoyable and educational exploration experience.
Some safety tips:

1. Never touch supporting structures.
Supporting structures are usually wooden beams that hold loose rock against the roof and prevent collapses. Many of the structures were put in place under the direction of the mine engineer who deemed the surrounding rock unstable. Decades later, these structures are decaying and beginning to give away. They may be the only thing holding up a roof.

2. Never touch the roof.
Prying neat rock or using the roof for balance are not good ideas. Since these tunnels have been holding themselves up for decades, it may not take much for some of them to give way.

3. Keep your voice low, and avoid lower pitches and yelling.
Sound waves are vibrations traveling through the air. In a tunnel, your voice is reverberated off the hard rock walls. Loud voices cause stronger vibrations. Deeper voices cause a deeper penetrating and more powerful wave. By minimizing the vibrations you make, you help protect yourself from a cave in. Speaking softly also help an individual to concentrate and think more reasonably.

4. Always have at least one spare light and two spare batteries for each light.
A light going out is never a good thing. We've all heard stories of people getting out of caves with their cell phone or watch. Don't let this happen to you! A great advantage we have is the wonderful technology of white-LED. These bulbs don't burn out or break. Their power usage is nominal compared to Xenon and incandescent bulbs. However, things still do happen to them. If the hardware of the light fails, you've got a backup to get you out. The spare batteries are a must. If your light dies and you have no spare batteries, the red-LED uses much less power that the white, and you can usually get yourself out on that.

5. Never explore without a buddy.
Splitting up for any reason is a bad idea. If by chance a safety incident occurs, having another person with you may be what it takes to survive or get out if you're lost.

6. Keep tabs on your location.
There are some mines that are a simple one way adit that eventually dead end, and others that you can spend days in, much like the Ophir Hill Mine. Keeping either a visual or paper tab on your location can get you out of situations that you might not have been able to get out of otherwise.

7. Avoid potential cave in areas.
Areas where piles of ore and broken supporting timbers lie are usually some of the most dangerous areas of a mine. If you must cross these. use your best effort to follow the other rules outlined in these basic rules. Be smart!

8. Watch your floor.
On occasion, a miner would dig into the floor of another tunnel; or a shaft could be dug down and later closed with wooden planks. These floors are known as false floors and can give way when walked on. Keep tabs at all times what you are walking on. If you find you are on wooden floors, use extreme caution, and consider returning back to solid ground until you can investigate further.

9. Check your air. Use a multigas meter to sample mine air and be aware of the following items.
Make sure the air smells normal, and that throughout your exploration your breathing remains normal. Heavy or labored breathing may be a sign of low oxygen levels or high carbon dioxide levels. If you smell rotter eggs, photo-fixer, or similar, your are likely breathing the toxic gas of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). A concentrated pocket of this will and has killed miners. hydrogen sulfide is usually encountered in coal mines or near coal seams. Hydrogen sulfide has a high specific gravity, and is slightly heavier than atmospheric air. Stale air, or "black damp" is caused by a lack of oxygen and higher concentrations of carbon-dioxide. Respiration, decay of vegetation, animal, or other organic matter can cause CO2 to accumulate. Heavily timbered areas may be this way. CO2 has a high specific gravity, and will pool in low-lying areas with minimal or no air circulation. Keep a lighter on you. They help test which way airflow is moving, along with the concentration of oxygen in the area. Most of the open atmosphere contains 20.9% O2. Any concentration below 16% will extinguish an open flame and is very dangerous.(If in a coal mine, never light a lighter!! High amounts of methane and coal dust can cause quaking explosions!)

10. Research your areas.
If possible, learn the type of mine you are exploring, its rock composition, and a basic history of the area such as last date mined. This little extra information can help you determine the safety of the mine and allow you to use smarter logic.

11. Avoid breathing dust.
Dusty mines and mill tailings carry every imaginable heavy metal or potentially dangerous compound known in the mining industry. Dusty mines also contain silicosis-causing microscopic shards of rock dust. Mill tailings can contain cyanide from heap leaching. Waste rock may have heavy concentrations of arsenic, lead, or other dangerous compounds. Use care not to expose yourself to dust or tailings. Remove all exploration gear (coveralls, boots, soiled clothing) and place them in a plastic bag before returning home and rinsing them off outdoors. Taking steps to reduce even short-term exposure to potential toxins is good practice.

Last but not least, Always inform another trustworthy party where you are going, an approximation of when you will be back, and who to contact if you are not in contact with your party by a certain deadline.

While this list is a basic outline, mine safety is up to the individual. Use your God given logic and brains when entering a mine. Don't do anything that jeopardizes you or anyone around you. You are ultimately responsible for you own safety.

Mojave Underground Inc, and its leadership are not in any way responsible for any form of personal injury to individuals or damage to property.