Fletcher Mine

The Fletcher Mine sits in West Fork, an unincorporated community in Reynolds County, MO, nestled in the southeastern part of the state within the Ozark Foothills Region. This area is part of the Southeast MO Lead District, commonly called the Lead Belt, a historically significant area for lead and zinc mining. Reynolds County borders Carter, Dent, Iron, Shannon, and Wayne Counties, placing it near the AR border, enhancing its regional importance. Nearby, other notable mineral localities include the Sweetwater Mine and Brushy Creek Mine, also in Reynolds County, known for their mineral specimens, making this a hotspot for enthusiasts.

The Fletcher Mine is renowned for its lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) deposits, featuring key minerals like:

• Galena (PbS): The primary lead ore, prized for its cubic, metallic crystals.
• Sphalerite (ZnS): The main zinc ore, often colorful and varied in crystal form.
• Fletcherite (CuNi2S4): A rare copper-nickel sulfide, with the mine being its type locality, making it a unique find.

Other minerals include bornite, calcite, cattierite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, covellite, dickite, digenite, dolomite, enargite, fluorite, gersdorffite, kaolinite, linnaeite, marcasite, polydymite, pyrite, quartz, siegenite, tennantite subgroup, tetrahedrite subgroup, vaesite, and wurtzite, offering a diverse collection for collectors.

The mine is hosted in the Bonneterre Formation, a sedimentary rock primarily composed of dolomite, a carbonate rock. The lead and zinc minerals were formed through hydrothermal processes, where hot, mineral-rich fluids deposited these ores in the rock, creating the rich deposits enthusiasts seek.

The Fletcher Mine has a storied past, part of MO's lead mining legacy that began in the early 18th century. It was previously owned by St. Joe Minerals Corporation, a major player in the industry, and is now operated by Doe Run Company, continuing its legacy. The mine likely uses underground mining methods, given its nature, and has been a significant contributor to the region's economy for decades, reflecting the area's industrial heritage.

West Fork and Reynolds County embody a rural culture deeply influenced by mining and the natural environment. The area's history is tied to the lumber industry and power generation, with landmarks like the Taum Sauk power station. The Black River offers recreational activities such as fishing for large and small mouth bass, and hiking in the surrounding forests, rich with wildlife like deer and turkeys. The community hosts events like VFW gatherings, reflecting a tight-knit, nature-loving culture, with the mining history adding a layer of industrial heritage.

Reynolds County enjoys a temperate climate, with hot summers and cold winters, typical of the Midwest US. Summers can reach highs of 95.6°F, while winters dip to lows around 27.1°F, with significant precipitation, especially in summer months. The ecology is characteristic of the Ozark region, with diverse flora and fauna, but the climate primarily affects mining operations practically, such as weather conditions, rather than the geological formation of minerals, which occurred over millions of years.