How much copper is left in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?
Orvana estimates that approximately one billion pounds of copper are present at their site, along with smaller quantities of silver. Studies indicate that 800 million pounds (360,000 metric tons) of copper can be extracted, as well as 3,456,000 ounces of silver. Production would last 13 years, based on those reserves.
Who owns White Pine Mine?
The White Pine Copper Refinery Inc and PM Power Group own and operate an industrial-scale copper refinery facility with the capability to refine and reprocess 170,000,000 lbs.
Where can I find copper in upper Michigan?
Michigan’s native-copper deposits are found almost exclusively in the Portage Lake Lavas. The lava “series” consists of over 200 lava flows with 20 interbedded conglomerates, sandstone and shale. The rocks strike parallel to the length of the Keweenaw Peninsula and dip to the northwest beneath Lake Superior.
Are there any active copper mines in Michigan?
Today, two iron mines remain active in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—the Tilden Mine and the Empire Mine, both in the Marquette Range. Industrial copper mining began in the 1860s. During the earlier years of the copper mining era, Michigan produced up to 90 percent of the nation’s copper.
When did the last copper mine close in Michigan?
1995
A way of life dating back more than a century appeared over in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula when the last copper mine closed in 1995, idling more than 1,000 employees and turning this once-thriving company town into a forlorn outpost.
When did the White Pine mine close?
The mine closed in 1997, having passed through multiple ownerships in its later years before being acquired by First Quantum Minerals Ltd. in 2013. Production from 1954-1995 was 198,070,985 tons containing 4,529,599,418 pounds of copper for an average grade of 1.17% Cu.
Is White Pine Mine reopening?
ONTONAGON –According to multiple sources, the White Pine mine is reopening. Highland Copper Inc. anticipates finalizing the purchase of the White Pine mine by the end of February, a company official said.
When did White Pine Mine close?
Where can I buy raw copper in Michigan?
The Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan has been nationally famous for over 100 years for its history of highly productive copper mining. The local basalt is criss-crossed with many thick veins of native copper that made up the main ore of many of the mines.
Where can I dig for copper?
The largest copper mine is found in Utah (Bingham Canyon). Other major mines are found in Arizona, Michigan, New Mexico and Montana. In South America, Chile, the world’s largest producer, and Peru are both major producers of copper.
Are there abandoned mines in Michigan?
This is a partial list of current and defunct mines in Michigan….List of mines in Michigan.
| Name | Champion Mine |
|---|---|
| County | Houghton |
| Years | 1899–1967 |
| Material | copper |
How deep is the Copper Range Company White Pine mine?
Mining at the Copper Range Company White Pine facility is conducted underground using standard room- and-pillar extraction techniques. The underground mine currently covers 25 square miles (5 miles by 5 miles). The mine extends down from the portal at the plant site to active mining at depths ranging from 1,500 – 2,700 feet.
What is the Copper Range Company?
The Copper Range Company was a major copper -mining company in the Copper Country of Michigan, United States. It began as the Copper Range Company in the late 19th century as a holding company specializing in shares in the copper mines south of Houghton, Michigan. The company was bought by Louisiana Land and Exploration in 1977.
What is the history of the White Pine copper company?
Copper Range spun off its wholly owned subsidiary White Pine Copper Co., which in 1955 opened the White Pine mine at the south end of the copper belt, at White Pine, Michigan, Ontonagon County. The White Pine mine contained a large stratiform body of chalcocite -impregnated siltstone and shale of the Precambrian Nonesuch Shale Formation.
What grade of copper is in white pine ore?
All mined material is considered to be ore and is crushed and beneficiated. White Pine ore grade averages between 1 and 1.1 percent copper. According to Copper Range Company personnel, at the time of the site visit the facility was mining lower than average grade ore because it is easier to access.