An Iced Up Gold Mine Melts And Finally Reveal Its Secrets
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- Опубликовано: 14 сен 2021
- Exploring this iced up gold mine presented a unique challenge to us in that it required a lot of patience - many years of patience, in fact! As you might expect, this abandoned mine is found at a high elevation and in the middle of nowhere… So, it is quite an ordeal to reach it. The road in is quite rough (you absolutely need a 4WD and it had better be one that you don’t mind getting bashed up a bit and pinstriped from scraping against brush) and then one is compelled to hike for a long distance up steep, rocky mountain faces to finally reach the mine itself. However, ever faithful to the great promise of this mine, we returned every year like a battered lover returning to an abusive relationship, hoping for something to be different this time.
For years, we faced only disappointment. The only reward from the exhausting days would be the good company and good views. Progress was being made though. Painfully slow progress, but still progress... When I first laid eyes on this mine, the ice completely covered the portal like a glacier. A year or two later, the ice had retreated to where a tiny opening was visible into the adit. On the next visit, it had opened up a little more… Every time we visited, more ice had melted away.
Despite the great difficulties in reaching this mine, we would usually check on it once a year. It became a pet project for us - our baby - and we were excited about getting into a mine that we knew no one had been inside of for a very long time and that had certainly never been on video before.
And finally - finally!! - this year, we were rewarded for our patience and persistence. We were able to hammer enough ice down to be able to get in.
We thought that getting to the gold mine was the hard part. However, once inside the adit, we realized that that was just the start. It was much more difficult to get across that ice that was still in the mine than any of us expected! For starters, the clearance between the ice and the top of the adit was only about three feet - and far less in some places! The uneven surface meant that easily sliding on our butts (as I had naively anticipated us doing) was impossible. One could only crawl or crab walk. However, the surface of the ice was covered in water from the melting ice. So, aside from getting us soaked in ice water (literally), we were slipping and sliding all over the place, which was absolutely exhausting when working with such minimal clearance. The fun was compounded by dodgy ground above us for most of the way in… This created concern about accidentally brushing against the top of the adit, but, of more immediate concern, large sections of the ice were embedded with sharp rocks that had sloughed off of the top. Imagine crawling through a tiny pipe filled with slippery, wet ice that is embedded with caltrops and you’ll have the right picture.
After enduring approximately two thousand feet of that, we finally reached the end of the ice and enjoyed, at the most, a few hundred feet of relatively easy walking before encountering freezing, muddy water dammed up behind a caved section of the mine. I was too disgusted to even bother taking the camera out to film it… I’ve always said that I draw the line at swimming in abandoned mines. However, we had come too far and fought too hard to give up now. Plus, we were already soaked and freezing… What difference would another round make at that point?
We have never been able to locate much on the history of this mine. It’s in a mining district that dates back to the 1800s and the mine likely dates back to that era. However, it is one of those mines that was clearly worked off and on over the decades since then. If I had to guess, based on the equipment and artifacts still inside, I would guess that it was last worked in the 1930s.
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You can see the gear that I use for mine exploring here: bit.ly/2wqcBDD
As well as a small gear update here: bit.ly/2p6Jip6
You can see the full TVR Exploring playlist of abandoned mines here: goo.gl/TEKq9L
Several kind viewers have asked about donating to help cover some of the many expenses associated with exploring these abandoned mines. Inspired by their generosity, I set up a Patreon account. So, if anyone would care to chip in, I’m under TVR Exploring on Patreon.
Thanks for watching!
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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.
#ExploringAbandonedMines
#MineExploring
#AbandonedMines
Never ceases to amaze me how far back in the woods, how tall the mountain, the effort, ambition, persistence those men had to do that work. Thanks to the effort you guys put in we get to see it.
Oh no no mate, it was the combined persistence of the people who invest into these companies from the comforts of their offices and the miners are in it for the wages and they actually pay more with their health and risk of getting pinned down.
Look at diamond mines, African and Canadian. They are amazing and sad. There is an open pit gold mine in Utah I think that has now removed the entire mountain top.
what do expect? it's that kind of work or starve and be homeless
@@reggieos6945 that’s the point, it’s not worth someone’s life. Easy for me to say but it’s just a given and you’re right which makes it sad.
They just called it the woods I think
That was amazing! As an older guy who is now disabled and not physically capable of this kind of exploration (like when I was a kid, haha) you take us there with you. You show us the kind of things we would love to see in the places WE should not/could not go. I wonder if you know how much people appreciate what you do. Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Buffalo Forge wrote a book on Fan Engineering. Still reverent today. I have one on my desk at work.
Can you imagine turning the corner and a Levi factory outlet store is sitting there fully preserved lol
I N C R E D I B L E ! ! This is one of the most impressive abandoned mine videos I've ever seen. Thank you so much for braving the horrendous access issues to bring me there, it was well worth it!!
This mine had to of been a HUGE producer , just by virtue of the amount of lumber , especially with all the ore chutes . This is by far the best mine video that I've seen, and I've seen a lot. You guys are quite the champions to suffer through all the miserable conditions to make this vid. Congrats !
Thank you very much.
Look maw it comes wit your very oun swimmin pool
ha ha ha. The misery lies with the miners who dug that hole. How'd you like to be the one in charge of the ore buggy beneath that waterfall? Ore better yet the miners of the raise itself.
@@TVRExploring No, Thank You!!
Glad you stuck with this explore. That dynamite was in incredible condition given the moisture level of the mine. Clearly that ice blockage has kept the this mine from being explored much. Thanks for sharing!
That dynamite is in disconcertingly good shape.
@@Porty1119 shame it will most likely be looted soon, maybe on their way out lol
@@Aluttuh How to get Explosive in USA.. Just visit a old mine :P
@@Aluttuh is it better that the stuff stay and erode and decompose
Reminds me of those ww1 battlefields in Italy that were iced in and were preserved for centuries.
I can see why that mine won you over towards the end. The artifacts left behind are a fascinating look into the past. Thanks so very much for taking us along on this mine exploration adventure! Well done sir!
That was an epic mine, really enjoyed sharing the experience of exploring it with you. Love how the walls sparkle and glow in places.
In 1902, Willis Carrier, an engineer at Buffalo Forge, submitted drawings for what became recognized as the world's first modern air conditioning system. In 1915, he left the company to form Carrier Engineering Corporation.
Read that on Wikipedia too, it's pretty cool.
@@CrypidLore Sometimes I'm a little daft. I saw that blower and figured. "A blower. Makes sense in a drift. Buffalo Forge co. Kind of cool... Wait! Forge is the operative word. It's a blower for a forge. There's several images of that one on Google. I wouldn't think there'd be a blacksmith forge in a drift. Oxygen being in short supply. They used what would work, I guess.
Houston thanks him :)
Over 100 years later and now people don't invent anything close to being that important we've changed too much too lazy people maybe because of the internet
@@davidicousgregorian I would argue that the invention of the internet and all that comes with it is the greatest invention you’ll ever experience in your lifetime. The amount of enabling the internet does is astounding. We’re talking GPS that updates on the fly, video conferencing, digital currency protected from double spending by means of cryptography, literally youtube lmao. ac is fantastic and we love to see it, but you can’t deny the internet is an invention that allowed for explosive growth and interoperability between countries, companies, and the public at large.
You are one seriously dedicated, determined individual!!! Thanks for that tour!👍👍👍👍👍👍
Not sure why you were recommended to me but, I'm glad you were. Love how you don't disturb anything. I didn't see him touch a single item once. But it would be nice to open that vain in the ceiling
I really respect this kind of exploration. Just here for a look, don't disturb anything you don't need to.
What a literal and figurative gold mine. Must have been a blast finally managing to access it, despite the rough conditions. The things you endure to make these videos... makes them even more priceless.
Thank you for appreciating the effort behind these...
Very interesting mine! I'm glad you took time off your busy schedule to show us this one! Thanks!
Oh man such a cool explore ...... alot of work to get in there ..... my word !! Thanks for letting us Join you ❤️🙏
Absolutely incredible, never seen anything like that before. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe [ and warm ]
Awesome exploration. Your persistence and patience paid off big time.
"Annd so, having re-re-disposed of the ice and water monsters, exit our heroes, stage left!"
Excellent and intrepid explore, well worth the trouble and the wait!! 👍👍
😆
The most amazing thing is that all the work done was by hand, no type of machine would be able to fit in such confined spaces to remove material. Good video, Chanel the water to run down under the ice will help melt faster.
I'm sure jacklegs using compressed air were used. All old mines were this size
Maybe some small blasting in the face ?
This is absolutley stunning. Thank you for the amazing footage!!!!! The work that went into this had to be BACK BREAKING!!!
Always fun to watch these types of exploration video's into our history. Looks like a fun mine to explore. Be safe.
As it looks at the end of this video, there's a whole lot more mine here. That ladder at the skip looked awfully tempting. That dynamite looked to be in very good shape. Lots of artifacts! I'm with you, it looked bad in the beginning but it keeps looking better and better!
I believe that skip (with a hinged lower cover) could have carried either tools or a man up or down. It would beat using the ladder!
@@charlesyoung7436 You make a good point! Today with modern safety rules riding a skip may not be a good idea. Back then? It may have been frowned on but I bet many rode the skip. I would have.
That wood was so rotten that it was just mush... There was no way to climb up it.
@@TVRExploring Hi. I've just discovered your channel. Can you share the location of this mine or you want to keep it secret?
@@Terra-Incognlta Ha ha ha ... Nice try tho
Justin -- @13:42 , that's not a box of Pipe Fittings , but actually a box of ''Disposable'' DRILL BITS . With the old style Forged Head Bits , the cutting edges wore out long before the shank of the Drill Steel , which necessitated an almost daily re-forging of the Bit Head . Then someone came up with the idea of making the Bits replaceable on the Steel . The first ''Replaceable Bits'' were just Cast & Hardened Steel , and fastened to the Drill Steel Shank by means of a close-fitting Taper on the end of the Drill Steel Shank . When the Bit wore down the Miner would knock off the worn Bit using a Hammer or Rap Wrench and replace it with a New one . Finally , Tungsten Carbide was invented , and Cutting Edge Inserts were sintered onto the Bits , as Tungsten Carbide has a much longer wear life than Hardened Steel . Now , with the exception of Diamond Bits , almost all replaceable Bits have Tungsten Carbide inserts . --- < Doc , Miner for over 50 years > .
I know. I just glanced in the box as I was walking by. Didn't take a close look at what was inside... I work as an underground gold miner as well.
How many miners would be working in a mine that size on the average ?
@@metaljacket866 that's a great question and something I would also like to know.
@001DesertRat Given the type of equipment and features seen in this abandoned mine, when do you estimate it closed? As a non-miner, the only big hint I have is the danger sign posted by what was the old dynamite depot. I’d like a more “professional” opinion, y’know. I guess that it closed sometime in the 60’s or 70’s, mayyyybe early 80’s? The blower motor I saw was more modern than I thought the mine was, the design probably from the 60’s, but could’ve been manufactured any time after that.
Even carbide bits fit on the same tapered shaft. Usually a brass band was used between so the bit could be replaced.
Thanks for Sharing! ❤
The best mine video I have seen. So much still in there and it being froze off for years makes it so much cooler!
Man, you guys deserve a case of beer apiece after this one AMAZING! congrats in conquering this one. 😁👍
Great mine,I find it interesting that one stope is completely dry,while one 20 ft away is a torrent of water,thanks much for the episode!
You know im not a caver, or a mine explorer myself but i love watching these videos, and just stumbled upon this one. As cool as it would be to pick this stuff up and look at it more im really glad you just stayed with looking and respected the old site for others to enjoy aswell! Super cool man!
So cool! Thanks for taking us on your adventure. This looks fun.
You can see the brass cups where you'd add oil for that blower. A lot of our old machines at work have similar oil cups.
Yup. Awesome explore! Loved the artifacts, seeing the oilers on the blower fan is very cool.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks! I love seeing these old mines!
Cudos to your fortitude for pushing deep in this mine - top tier effort. And as you said, it turned out to be very interesting - most dynamite I've even seen in a mine video. Thank you for your efforts on this and reconditioning you're own mine :)
That was so worth being deprived of the Girard. So much to take in
but I just love the design of those old blowers @9:42 and that ice
was beautiful. Impressive persistence.
So the dynamite may to nitroglycerin-based. Problem is the niyrogylcerin weeps/migrates out of composition. This becomes extreme shock sensitive. Don't muck with it. Tell mine owners to get it removed by Roads.
Growing up and our dad taking us camping and mine exploring in the hills of 29 palms and elsewhere this brings back so many good memories. Thank you 👍
A Fine and Pleasant Misery Thank you for documenting it . Stay safe .
Normally I don't watch these all the way through, I usually just skip through them. This mine was quite the exception and I found I couldn't skip through it because you guys did such a fantastic job on the editing. As a new comer to watching mine video's now and then I was intrigued. I would ask a small favor, when you talk about Flue's, Stokes and the like, give the layman's explanation of what the purpose of those things are at least once in the video and preferably twice. Loved that you guys actually found equipment and even some Dynamite in the mine, how cool is that! So glad you guys braved the elements to share your cool adventure with all of us. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya
Can hear a voice whispering in the water noise at the very end.
It's called a stope. Google for the many types.
First time on this and already subscribed. This is really interesting, I do enjoy watching people explore, this is like, "Brent at Cera Gordo", Exploring his silver mines, now I've got two, to watch! :)
Best mine video I have seen !! You can tell he is the first person to be in that mine since the mining stopped.
If he wasnt the dynamite would be gone.
@@keithhatch56 I don't know much about old dynamite, but I would be afraid to handle something that old and possibly unstable!
Really am glad you got to do this and showing the old mine, considering how much water is flowing in it won't be to long before the whole mine is under water so it might very well be the one and only opportunity to explore it. Thx & congrats 👍
Holy mackerel! Your perseverance slays me! Worth the herculean effort I must say. Never say never, eh?
Fantastic video. Very interesting. And thoroughly interesting talk over too. Although,this must’ve been somewhat unpleasant for you guys mit makes for a great video 🙌👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
That was awesome!! The white/purple flows on those blast sheets were so cool. Thanks for creating this!
Great adventure….thanks for sharing 👏🏻👏🏻🇬🇧
Wow, that was such an interesting time capsule. Items left like a snow moved in that never let up. Amazing, thanks for that!
Hadn't thought of that, good possibility tho. I agree definitely looks as though everything left as though it was kinda hurried. I was wondering if striking serious water was the cause.
Nice find.... It's funny I get so much enjoyment watching you wade through all that muck and water..😆 The amount of water coming down is crazy. You need to find the upper level and check that out. Thanks for taking all that torture for our enjoyment....
What a magical mine! Lovely surprises!
Impressive. Job well done, thanks for doing what you do. Be safe. Cheers!
"And it doesn't look like it gets any better so of course, let's keep going." Yes indeed, I dig your style... no pun intended. Very cool mine
Those Gelex 2 sticks are likely from the late 40s. Thanks for dealing with the mung to show us this mine.
You so brave!!! Thank you, for your adventures, its very educational!!!✌😊
I hope you guys are all good.
You guys will be in my prayers because you guys are crazy going through the old mines where all kinds of different objects is fixing to fall from above.
Looks quite similar to some of the stuff we've got in these parts, and I know the feeling of being defeated by ice! Do be cautious getting wet in the cold, high elevation underground - got mild hypothermia once upon a time because I didn't give a shit and kept pushing it. Fun seeing that coffin skip, rare to find in situ. Was also impressed by how well that powder was preserved. This was a neat one sir, thanks for sharing.
I've only found one tool skip before. They're rare indeed!
Very cool mine and worth the wait for sure! Your commentary is priceless too! From the 19:40 mark or so your on top of a collapsed false floor, til you drop back down in the water. Wonder what's up above yall as far as artifacts!? The amount of water that was pourin out of that one spot was crazy, not to mention the ready to go dynomite!!! As always yall stay safe out there!
Cool video, thank you for sharing
Wow! This is incredible! I've never seen a video quite like it! Thank you gentlemen. Very cool..
Oh my it's so deeply dug into that mountain! ~ Such Amazing stuff!
As for you guys exploring and sharing your expedition with all of us, ty & more power to you for going into the depths of the unknown.
Smiles.
I appreciate your courage to explore that deeply into that mountain, with out knowing what's ahead in waiting for y'all.
Much felt excitement while watching, as well as some self puzzlement.
As I kept watching y'all continue deeper into the mine, I kept wondering how are these guys not going to get lost?
I was actually creating myself a bit of claustrophobic feeling sitting here watching too.
A bit scary, Giggles, but no for real,--
I was seriously wondering how in the hell are they going to get out of there.
I wouldn't do it myself I'm scared, but I enjoy watching others folks who can manage such feats. 💥
TY 😊✌️
Thank you for you bravery. That was an amazing experience for all of us who walked the whole length with you. keep it secret & keep exploring. Watch out for Bigfoot.
Thank you for climbing over the ice. It was worth it. Thanks again.
Amazing tour Thank you
Wow, that is an amazing cave, so many tools left behind and you even found a box of dynamite. That mining sure is some hard work. Don’t get lost in there.
The Buffalo Forge Company was formed in 1878 to manufacture blacksmith’s forges. Their product offerings were expanded to include drilling machines in 1883, and steam engines and pumps in 1889.
Best mine exploration video I have seen!
This is massively rad, dude. Watched all the way through. Just incredible. Good one.
Just lets you know how advanced they were back then to be able to do stuff like this. Puts a whole new spin on things.
Another beauty, thanks for sharing! Those small wood barrels in the mine are actually called nail kegs. Imagine going to the hardware store and bringing one of these kegs back to your mine on the back of a mule. Easy money!
What was the elevation on this mine? I cant get over the amount of ice you had to scramble over.
How big was the waste rock pile outside?
SPOOOOOKY !!!! thanks for sharing !
Cool mine, thank you for all your time you put into making the video
Now that's really interesting that those ties look preserved, almost new, then some shabby ones wed expect to see.
My thoughts exactly!
Looks like an Ice Dragon guarding the entrance to the mine
Really enjoyable. Thanks for uploading
That is insane……I’m glad you and your buddy went in there to show us…….I was getting claustrophobic just watching you guys…. I couldn’t look away the entire video. Thanks 😎
Wow, lots of gold left in that one. Looks like silver and lead were also present. That water was sure dirty. Probably from the timbers and minerals that came from the upper stopes. The iceberg was neat to see, reminded me of the BC mines in Frank's videos.
@jomax clux Not really almost all the gold and sliver has been mine all thats left is bread crumbs lol that way most mining companies go bust
Not to say that there ain't some good size deposit it just not worth it can't forget about the by products
At 15:00, nail or spike barrels. Used for transportation of bulk timber nails/spikes, weight based transport, sold by the pound. I can remember still buying nails in bulk from a rural hardware Supply store in the 60's by weight and they grabbed them by hand and put them on scales if you didn't buy the whole barrel.
This was definitely one of the more interesting mines I’ve seen. Thanks for the hard work!
This is crazy! Glad I watched the entire thing. Interesting. Great video.
Lol...."However, ever faithful to the great promise of this mine, we returned every year like a battered lover returning to an abusive relationship, hoping for something to be different this time". You gotta love this comment by TVR in the description box!
Yes absolutely lol. This quote needs to go down in history. But also this has a very sad undertone......
Main haulage creek and drainage chute))) Tool skip is awesome, never seen it before. I bet, it still can be operated from above. Unfortunately ladders are props (like most of the wood there), not a single chance to climb to the top. Looks like the portal is too high, so adit is not draining outside, which is pretty odd.
Wow! Amazing and inspiring!
Another fantastic video 👍, thank you guy's for sharing this with us 😊.
It’s was amazing how the ice was and then turned into water how cold was it inside the deeper part of the mine
If water is pouring through a drill hole, does that mean the drill broke into a cavity or fissure or another tunnel? Surely water cant percolate through solid rock with such force?
I would say fissures water will travel along way though the cracks in the ground
I worked underground for a few years on Tamrock drill rigs & we drilled into an underground lake or void the water coming out of the drill holes was a huge amount we had to stop for a week till it slowed enough for us to continue then once that 16f section was blasted there was a hole big enough to put 10 or 15 buses in plus the water was still running in around the walls so we had to put form work in then concrete it took us 3 months to get though that section cheers
@@waynebfr8953 Thanks, Wayne
Kinda cool. Watched the whole thing and felt like I was on an exploration. Good job!
What a great watch , ty
Wet mines like that fill me with paranoia, we have a tiny mine in the Ozarks and it has a choke point that if you don't get through fast enough it will attempt to drown you.
What I want to know is two things. Did YOU find any Gold and did the Ghosts of the mine allow YOU to leave with it all? Any paranormal situations you have found yourself in would be most welcome as well as any bit's of Gold you may have come across. Stay safe and thanks for sharing. UK
amazing mine ice preserved it well
Thank you for sharing your explorations with us. This video was very entertaining.
Ice and mud, so glad that muds wasnt deep like some other mines that you have explored, kinda surprised and glad you didnt stumble upon and winzes. Gotta hand it to you for never disappointing.
That blower appears to be bolted down to the "workbench". As there were electrical insulators and wire to the left as you approached the blower, my guess is that there was probably an electric motor bolted to the left end of the "bench" to drive the blower.
My thoughts exactly
I could swear I saw an old belt attached to the blower on the rock wall side of the blower. Looked to be about 2-3 inches wide. You can see it at 10:02.
Buffalo forge was founded to built blacksmith forges, and shortly thereafter produced drill Machines, and steam engines and pumps. William carrier was an engineer at buffalo forge when he invented the modern air conditioner prior to starting carrier corporation.
You may have just convinced me to start exploring mines again. I used to be super into exploring old mines. I live in Arizona and there are tons of mines in the woods behind my house. I used to explore a lot of them, but I just haven’t had a chance since my babies were born. Unfortunately it’s going to snow soon so they’re all going to be unreachable but maybe next spring I’ll explore some. It’s definitely important to document the history of these old mines. It seems every time I go out into the woods a new shaft has been plugged up…
What an amazing mine! Great video!
Very cool large quartz vein! Curious about the 'draining' ore chutes...
Lots of water percolating down from the snow in the winter...
Great video Justin! That wooden barrel was cool to see. As well as the brass oil cups on the air blower.
Great video to watch on bed. His voice tune and sound of water and being nice discovering the place. Make me feel sleepy 🤦🏻♂️🥰 I appreciate the upload. Btw a lot of dynamite boxes. And one fully loaded. Hope no one do anything crazy after this video. Love you all.
This is one of my favorites RUclips channel
27:00 Hey that dynamite is actually red! Never have seen such a fresh looking batch in a mine before.
I would've snagged it. Never know when it could come in handy when shit hits the fan
@@gtbowhunter9086 Yes... but a wise man wouldn't touch the stuff because that could kill him, or maim him for life ;-)
I will have to say that this was the coolest one I've seen. And the most dangerous. I wouldn't of been breathing around that dynamite.. The quartz viens where fantastic. Also a beautiful cut away view of the sulfites layered right there with a massive cleaned out area of some mega rich high grade material.. I would of loved to seen the gold that came from that one huge pocket at the sulfites wall area. Ha ha 🙂
Maybe they could all afford to quit after that hit and haul...
Really awesome..
Very interesting thank you !
Super amazing mine
I was pretty impressed with it!