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E. Smith Property Mine
​1883 - 1906

TAY VALLEY, ONTARIO
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INFORMATION

This now abandoned, old phosphate property was first worked for mica from 1883 to 1906 by Edward Smith. The main pit is 90 feet deep, 65 feet long, and 5 feet wide. Several other openings have been carried to depths of 40 and 50 feet. Mica occurs with apatite and calcite in fissures in pyroxenite dikes which strike NW and cut granite gneiss at intervals of 15 to 30 feet. The mica is light silver amber to brownish amber and is of fair quality, some being crushed and impaired by calcite inclusions.

As of 2020 all shafts are now flooded, only 1 Adit was found to be dry and went 10-15 feet deep into the rock. We found animal carcasses floating in the pits as well as an abundance of millipedes. The rocks/ground around the pits are very unstable and very dangerous. We do not recommend entering the Danger Zones.

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POTENTIAL RISKS:
NO RESTRICTIONS

Cave In Signs Posted
​Barb Wire Fencing

Holes & Pits
Cliffs
​Ticks / Deer Flies

Unstable Adit Entrances
​Dangerous Cave-ins
​Unstable Rocks
UNSAFE
Note:
No one should attempt to explore an abandoned mine as there are many dangers such as cave-ins, bad air, and hidden shafts. Explore at own risk.​

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TERRAIN DIFFICULTY:
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FAMILY FRIENDLY:
No

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EQUIPMENT:
Flashlight
Waterproof Shoes
​Bug Spray

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TOURS:
N/A


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mapS:






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How To Get There:

Park your vehicle at the end of Powers Rd and walk towards the coordinates provided below using the Rideau Hiking Trail.

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​Coordinates: 44.813315, -76.270591
DOWNLOAD COORDINATES

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Estimated Travel Time: 01:15:00 from downtown Ottawa.

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Last Updated:  January 21, 2021
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