Iron Cap Mine

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Landsman Camp, Aravaipa, Aravaipa Mining District, Graham County, Arizona, USA

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Key Information

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  • The Iron Cap Mine is located in Graham County, Arizona, USA, near Aravaipa and Landsman Camp, in the Santa Theresa Mountains.

  • It produced lead, zinc, silver, copper, gold, and fluorspar, with rare minerals like Johannsenite and Manganbabingtonite.

  • The mine operated in the 1940s and 1950s under the Athletic Mining Company, with ores trucked to a concentrator near Klondyke.

  • The geological structure includes Pennsylvanian limestone and Cretaceous sedimentary rocks, associated with Copper Creek Granodiorite.

  • The area has a temperate climate at 5,000 feet elevation, with a mix of desert and mountain ecology, and a history tied to prospecting.

Location and Minerals

The Iron Cap Mine sits in the scenic Santa Theresa Mountains, about 2 miles northeast of Aravaipa, making it a picturesque spot for mineral enthusiasts. It's known for producing a variety of minerals, including lead, zinc, and silver, but stands out for rare finds like Johannsenite and Manganbabingtonite, which are prized by collectors for their uniqueness.

Mining History and Culture

Active in the mid-20th century, the mine was run by the Athletic Mining Company, reflecting the area's rich mining heritage. Local culture is steeped in stories of prospectors like Frank Landsman, whose camp near a spring adds a historical charm to the site.

Climate and Geology

At 5,000 feet, the mine enjoys a temperate climate, ideal for exploration, with summers warm and winters mild. Its geology, featuring ancient limestone and sedimentary rocks, ties into the broader Copper Creek Granodiorite, offering insights into the region's mineral formation.

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