The Quincy mine, on Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, started about the same time as the California gold rush (mid 1800's) and remained in operation until 1931, when the price of copper dropped so low that it was no longer profitable to operate. Our guide told us that they estimate that there is still over half the copper left underground but because of the state of decay of the mine, the price of copper would have to go up by 10 times to make it profitable to dig it out today.
In the 1020's the mining company built Hoist House #2 which incorporated the world's largest steam hoist used to haul miners and ore nearly 10,000 feet underground.
Groundwater seeping into the mine was a constant problem and sumps were build to house the water so it could be pumped out once a week on Sundays when the mine production was shut down. Now water has risen so that levels 8 through 92 are all under water.
The steam engine and control room became a showplace for the company and was kept spotlessly clean - rumor being that workers had to wipe their feet before being allowed in the building. The two wheels shown below told the hoist operator where the car was underground. It was all manually calibrated and the story goes that a good operator could place a car within 3 feet of its target all the way down to 10,000 feet.
The mine tour took us down to the 7th level, the deepest we could go without scuba gear. The interior of the mine was a chilly 43 degrees and has not been much improved since the days it was an active mine (except for electricity). In the mining days illumination was provided by candles and carbide lamps worn by the miners.
During the early days everything was done by hand, but later on power drills were utilized. We were told that the noise level would be like running a jack hammer in your closet without any ear protection.
This is roughly how illuminated the mine would be for the workers. Accidents were commonplace and miners suffered from silicosis, a disease caused by breathing the mining dust. Death rates were high and miners died young.
In the hoist tower you can see examples of a water car and a people mover used to lower and raise miners to their work locations.
A facinating mine and tour - well worth a stop.
I found this on google, because I was researching how many people died in the Quincy mine (I live the area, and always wondered how many mining tunnels were underneath me, and how many people might have died there) thank you for posting this. Although I live here, I've never been in the mine. Thanks for the photos!
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