Ophir Days / Emma Mine

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  • Mike
    Administrator
    True Mojave
    • Sep 2007
    • 1050

    Ophir Days / Emma Mine

    Just got back from Ophir Days today. Ophir Days happen once a year; people from all over gather together to celebrate the history and culture of Ophir. I spent some time talking to some locals and getting to know the town a little bit better. I was greeted by a kind lady in downtown who gave me a flier and some information about the museum they have there. After snapping a few photos and looking around some more, I was directed to head down to talk to a man named Grizze, who owns the Emma mine located near downtown. I spoke with Grizze and a friend of his, Ty, I believe, and learned a little bit about the mine on his property. Both were very kind and were a fun group.

    The Emma mine was mined until 1947 when miners extracting silver ore from the hardrock limestone hit water and flooded the 1500' level. The mine eventually died and has sat inactive ever since. Several natural caverns and fissures are found deep within and account for heavy airflow. The condition of the mine is excellent, with very few fallen rocks, a solid rail grade, and several structures.

    Thanks again for the tour of the mine!

    Remember much of Ophir is private property. Please respect land owners property!


    -Fish
    Mojave Mine Team
    MU Web Administrator

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  • iamsquat
    Member
    Mojave Teen
    • Jun 2008
    • 44

    #2
    That is pretty cool. Nice pics by the way :P. Were you able to secure permission to go on the trip on the 19th?

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    • Mike
      Administrator
      True Mojave
      • Sep 2007
      • 1050

      #3
      No permission yet. Not for Ophir Hill that is. The Emma mine will be part of our fallback plan. I asked Ty if we could come back and he tthinks it should be fine. Were still trying for permission for the other mines.
      -Fish
      Mojave Mine Team
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      • UnderUtah
        Advanced Explorer
        Mojave Outlaw
        • Jun 2008
        • 214

        #4
        You lucky monkey! Hope you made some friends up there!
        Did Grizz have a map of the Emma? how extensive was your tour?
        Miah
        Mojave Mine Team
        ____________________________________

        "...It's the only way... Go in, or go back..."

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        • iamsquat
          Member
          Mojave Teen
          • Jun 2008
          • 44

          #5
          Ok sounds good...I suppose some mine is better than none.

          Comment

          • Mike
            Administrator
            True Mojave
            • Sep 2007
            • 1050

            #6
            Originally posted by iamsquat
            Ok sounds good...I suppose some mine is better than none.
            lol we will get you in a good mine.

            Grizz has a map, one of the other guys I spoke with has maps from all over. Cool bunch of guys and gals. The tour wasn't bad. We walked in about half a mile with a single dusty old flashlight. Saw some interesting caverns and faults, a shaft, and a couple other interesting things. Should have skipped work Miah!
            -Fish
            Mojave Mine Team
            MU Web Administrator

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            • UnderUtah
              Advanced Explorer
              Mojave Outlaw
              • Jun 2008
              • 214

              #7
              Skipping work requires flying home from some forsaken corner of the continent and is not quite as easy as skipping-out of the office early! I only have so many skymiles you know.... Oh well, I would have probably forgotten my camera or helmet on such a trip or would have driven someone crazy with questions. Glad you were able to go to Ophir Days and make a few friends! Hoping that we can visit with Grizz for a while on our next outing, sounds like he has a wealth of knowledge and lore.


              Thanks Mike!
              Miah
              Mojave Mine Team
              ____________________________________

              "...It's the only way... Go in, or go back..."

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              • Derek
                Advanced Explorer
                Mojave Outlaw
                • Jul 2008
                • 340

                #8
                Mike were you able to get a glimpse of the mine right in town with the big metal door that I have told you about? Is the Emma mine on the north side of the road?
                -Derek
                Mojave Mine Team

                Comment

                • Mike
                  Administrator
                  True Mojave
                  • Sep 2007
                  • 1050

                  #9
                  This one is on the south side of the canyon. Same one as today's photo of the day.
                  -Fish
                  Mojave Mine Team
                  MU Web Administrator

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                  • Stuart
                    Administrator
                    True Mojave
                    • Sep 2007
                    • 828

                    #10
                    The Emma mine contains dual tracks in its main adit. It also has a fence around one of the shafts inside, something I have not seen before. I can't wait to go back and see the rest!

                    If anyone has any information about the Emma mine please let us know!
                    The owner would like to put up a little plaque with a brief mine history on it.
                    -Stuart Burgess
                    Mojave Mine Team

                    Project Manager
                    Burgess Exploration LLC
                    http://www.burgex.com

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