To learn more about the history of Mining in Maine, please visit:
Mining in Maine: Then and Now
Mining in Maine: Past, Present and Future by Carolyn A. Lepage
The Mining of Ore Mountain: Katahdin Iron Works
In 2004 Brownfield, ME passed a moratorium ordinance on mining, we hope to do this same here in Pembroke so we can study the mine question more carefully before mining begins. Here is the language of the moratorium passed in Brownfield.
Entrance to underground workings in "Bluff Pit" at the Wardwell Quarry in Albany. Photo probably taken in early 1960's. This locality is currently closed to collecting. Maine Geological Survey file photo.
Sinking a shaft at the Black Hawk Mine in Blue Hill during the mid 1960's. Maine Geological Survey file photo.
The most notorious development in Maine's mining history was the metal mining boom of 1879 to 1882. The origin of this boom is unclear, though it is said that men returning from the gold rushes in the West found a similarity between the metal-bearing rocks of Maine and ore deposits of the western states (Perkins, 1941). There was great excitement as mining companies were organized, buildings were erected, expensive machinery was installed, and in some cases mills, concentrators, and smelters were constructed. The stock certificate shown above dates from the period of this mining boom.
Loren Merrill at entrance to the largest pocket (20 x 12 x 7 ft) that he found at Mount Mica. From Bastin (1911).
Front page of the Maine Mining Journal.
All images and text are found from The Maine Geologic Survey , published through the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.