Tin Stope
Majuba Hill Mine, Antelope Mining District, Pershing County, Nevada, USA
Key Information
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The Tin Stope at Majuba Hill Mine is located in the Antelope Range, Pershing County, Nevada, about 50 miles north-northwest of Lovelock.
It is known for rare minerals like Clinoclase, with other minerals including Cassiterite, Chalcocite, and Chalcopyrite.
The geological structure involves volcanic rhyolite and breccias intruding Triassic sedimentary rocks, with mineralization in breccias and faults.
Mining occurred from 1916-1919 and 1943-1945, producing copper, tin, gold, silver, and lead, with discovery in 1907.
The area has a mining-influenced culture, with a high desert climate and typical desert ecology.
Location and Minerals
The Tin Stope is part of the Majuba Hill Mine, situated in the rugged Antelope Range, about 50 miles north-northwest of Lovelock, Nevada. This remote location offers a glimpse into the vast, arid landscapes of Pershing County. The mine is famous among mineral enthusiasts for its rare Clinoclase, a striking copper arsenate with deep blue to greenish-blue hues, alongside other minerals like Cassiterite, Chalcocite, and Chalcopyrite, each adding to its allure.
Geological Insights
The geological setting is a fascinating mix of volcanic and sedimentary rocks. A volcanic neck or plug, composed of rhyolite and breccias, intrudes into Triassic shale, with mineralization occurring in porous breccia bodies and along fault zones. Hydrothermal processes have left their mark, forming sericite, quartz, and tourmaline in the wall rocks, creating a complex tapestry for geological exploration.
Historical Context
Mining history at Majuba Hill began with the discovery of cassiterite float in 1907, with underground tin found by 1914. The Mason Valley Mines Company operated from 1916 to 1919, shipping 4,000 tons of 12% copper ore. Reactivated in 1943 by Greenan-Kerr Tin Mine Company, it produced 350 tons of 2-4% tin ore, and from 1943 to 1945, it yielded copper, tin, gold, silver, and lead, valued at over $275,000, reflecting its wartime significance.
Cultural and Environmental Notes
The Antelope Mining District’s culture is steeped in mining heritage, with ghost towns and tales of prospectors echoing through the hills. The climate is high desert, with hot summers and cold winters, supporting a resilient ecology of sagebrush, cacti, and desert wildlife, adapted to the arid conditions.