This mine was first prospected by the Kent Brothers of Kingston in 1903. By 1904, the mine was producing mica, which was being shipped along the Rideau Canal to Kingston, where it was cut and readied for market. This mine consists mostly of surface cuts, most of which were opened (using steampowered machinery) by 1905. By the mid-1910s, the mine had closed down, only to be reopened by the Pink's Lake Mining Company at the end of 1945. This company even ran a tunnel from the edge of the lake to the earlier surface pits, but this was the last gasp for the mine. It was closed by 1946, all the equipment was removed, and now only a keen eye can spot the earlier diggings.
Inside the mine is one to two inches of water during the summer season. The air quality inside the mine is full of floating mica flakes which may be inhaled and may attach itself to clothing and equipment (a mask is recommended). There are three open air shafts to the surface about three to four stories high. The rock structure inside the mine seems stable through out. Several personal items were found inside such as: a sleeping bag, an old camping gas lantern, and hats. This abandoned mine is one of the oldest most fully intact mines in the capital region. Location ID #CM0005
|
|
