Was there mining in Montana?

Mining has been a part of Montana’s economy for centuries. Since the passing of the 1872 mining law, thousands of mines opened across the state. An estimated 2,000 – 4,000 from this period still exist as abandoned sites today.

How many major mines were there in Montana?

Mining Operations: Montana has twelve major hardrock mines within its borders at various stages of operation or reclamation/closure, employing 2,273 on site, according to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, representing 0.53% of the total employment in the state of Montana.

When did mining start in Montana?

1850s
Mining began in Montana in the 1850s, when traders for the Hudson’s Bay Company discovered gold near present-day Deer Lodge. Little came of these early diggings but the territory continued to attract hopefuls and the first big strike took place near Bannack in 1862.

What type of mines are in Montana?

Garnet Mines (Au, Ag) Grant Hartford Corp. Yellowstone Mine (Talc) Imerys Ruby Garnet Mine (Garnets) Ruby Valley Garnet, LLC. Pipestone Quarry (Stone, Railroad Ballast) Conda Mining Co. Highland Mine (Au) Timberline Resources/Butte Highlands LLC Black Friday Mine (Au) Mark Runkle Hardcash Mine (Au) Reclaim, Inc.

Is there still gold in Montana?

Today’s active Montana gold mines include the Golden Sunlight and Montana Tunnels. Some gold placers are also still in production such as the Confederate Gulch and Browns Gulch. Even several titanium mines produce gold as well for example East Boulder Project, Stillwater, and Lodestar.

Is there silver in Montana?

Butte. Montana’s leading silver district was Butte, which produced 716 million troy ounces of silver from 1880 through 2005. Mining halted at Butte in 1983, but in 1986, Montana Resources LLP reopened the Continental open pit just east of Butte, and so silver continues to be produced at Butte, as a byproduct.

What mineral is Montana most famous for?

Sources of information Montana is the only producer of palladium & platinum. Leads in talc production & is a major producer of copper/molybdenum, garnets, silver. It produces bentonite, common clays, construction sand/gravel, crushed/dimension stone, gold, lime, gemstones.

Where is gold found in Montana?

Many quality placer gold deposits can be found in the tributaries that feed the upper Little Blackfoot River. Some of the richest include Beaver Creek, Carpenter Creek, Ontario Creek, Gold Canyon Creek, Telegraph Creek, Snowshoe Creek, Ophir Creek, Threemile Creek, and Little Blackfoot River itself.

Is Butte Montana safe?

With a crime rate of 47 per one thousand residents, Butte has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes – from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 21.

Can you pan gold in Montana?

There has been mining in Montana as early as the 1850s, with the peak of mining taking place during the 1860s. In the mid-20th century bucket dredges worked many creek and rivers in Montana, resulting in millions of ounces in gold. Gold panning on Montana’s Rivers will still produce gold nuggets and fine gold.

Where is the most gold found in Montana?

Most gold in Montana has been found in the western part of the state near the border of Idaho. This part is filled with difficult terrain of rugged mountains along the Continental Divide; almost all the remaining parts of the state are flat land areas.

Is there still gold in Bannack Montana?

The creeks and rivers near the old towns of Bannack and Virginia City still have gold to be found. Missouri River near Helena, Montana, site of the Last Chance Gulch gold strike.

Was there mining in Montana? Mining has been a part of Montana’s economy for centuries. Since the passing of the 1872 mining law, thousands of mines opened across the state. An estimated 2,000 – 4,000 from this period still exist as abandoned sites today. How many major mines were there in Montana? Mining Operations: Montana…