Day 2: Crystal Mine was discovered in 1895 by Frank Cook, Barney Heins and Martin Olsen. Little was done till October 1900, when the men formed the Crystal Gold Mining Co. There was a 5 stamp mill at the site by December 1901. Milling began at the Crystal Mine in June 1902, with Frank Cook brining gold cricks into Juneau twice a month. The mill operated for 44.5 days and $5000 in gold was produced the first year. The mine operated and changed hands many times over the next 20 years. A total of 3441 oz of gold and 204 oz of silver were reportedly mine during its life time. All work stopped in 1925. The main part of the Crystal Mine has 2350 feet of workings, including 5 stopes, and a 175 foot upper adit with a stope. Today the Crystal Mine has an indicated resource of 9000 short tons with a grade of .21 ounces a ton gold based on vein material in sight. The Crystal Mine is one of my top 3 awesome mines in the Juneau Area. Super awesome tunnels, but also super hard to get to. 1 hour plus boat right, 2.5 hour hike up a very steep, mossy, and slimy gully. In several places in the mine the rock is fractured and unsafe at best. Was great to have this mining team from downsouth check it out with me. When we hiked back to the boat, our Capitan had a surprise for us. He had been halibut fishing and managed to get a 200+ pounder on the boat by himself! Fish for dinner tomorrow! Remember mine exploring is dangerous, never take anything from the mine or leave anything behind. Often these mines are owned by private parties and bad things happen to people who steal in Alaska. Thanks again for following along with us, more pictures than normal, it is just too hard to pick and choose.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 02:32:24 +0000
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