A Mine Built Like a Termite Mound

This exploration takes us into an abandoned lead and zinc mine whose history is surprisingly difficult to untangle. Multiple historical maps place the mine’s name in different locations, while nearby workings are often labeled with the same name. Situations like this were common when several properties were consolidated under a single owner, but they tend to blur the individual stories of the mines themselves. We first visited this site several years ago, only to find the main workings sealed. On this return visit, we were surprised — and pleased — to find the mine open again, allowing us to finally see what lay inside. Underground, the layout is unlike most mines we explore. Drifts branch and curve in every direction, stopes open above and below the main levels, and winzes and ore passes drop away with little warning. Moving through the mine feels less like following a plan and more like navigating a human-scaled termite mound carved into the rock. Whether this maze represents exploratory work or the careful extraction of a particularly rich pocket of ore is open to interpretation. The density and persistence of the workings suggest that the miners were determined to follow mineralization wherever it led, ensuring that nothing of value was left behind. The mine itself is in fairly rough condition. Rock smashing down from above and relatively easy access for the locals over the years have taken their toll. Still, despite its battered state, the complexity of the workings makes it a fascinating place to explore and a vivid reminder of how varied underground mining can be. Even without a clear name or a tidy historical record, the experience of moving through this intricate underground network tells its own story — one shaped by persistence, uncertainty, and the relentless pursuit of ore. ***** You can view the full TVR Exploring playlist of abandoned mines here: https://goo.gl/TEKq9L ***** Several kind viewers have asked about donating to help with the many costs of exploring these abandoned mines. Thanks to their generosity, I set up a Patreon account. If you’d like to contribute, you can find me under TVR Exploring on Patreon. Thanks for watching! ***** Growing up in California’s Gold Rush Country made it easy to take all the history around us for granted. But abandoned mines face many threats—nature, vandals, scrappers, and government agencies. The prospectors and miners who once roamed these mountains and worked deep underground are fading into history as well. That reality inspired us to start documenting as many ghost towns and abandoned mines as we can—before this colorful piece of our past is lost forever. I hope you’ll join us on these adventures!