Sweetwater Mine
Ellington, Reynolds County, Missouri, USA
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Sweetwater Mine is in Ellington, Reynolds County, Missouri, USA, part of the Ozark Highlands.
It produces lead and zinc, mainly from galena and sphalerite, with unique minerals like siegenite.
The mine’s geology involves sedimentary rocks, specifically the Upper Cambrian Bonneterre Dolomite.
Mining started in 1968, halted in 1983, restarted in 1987, with current status unclear.
Ellington has a rich local culture, tied to history and natural attractions like the Black River.
The climate is hot and humid in summer, mild in winter, with diverse Ozark Highlands ecology.
Location and Minerals
The Sweetwater Mine is nestled in Ellington, Reynolds County, Missouri, about 12 miles northwest of the city, in the scenic Ozark Highlands. This area is known for its natural beauty, with nearby attractions like the Reynolds County Museum, Blue Spring, and the Current River Conservation Area. The mine is famous for producing lead and zinc, primarily from galena and sphalerite, but also features unique minerals like siegenite, a cobalt sulfide, which might catch the eye of collectors.
Geological and Mining History
Research suggests the mine is part of the Viburnum Trend, with mineralization in the Upper Cambrian Bonneterre Dolomite, a type of sedimentary rock. The minerals formed through Mississippi Valley-type processes, where mineral-rich fluids filled collapsed rock spaces. Mining began in 1968 under Ozark Lead Company, part of Kennecott Corporation, halted in 1983 due to low lead prices, and restarted in 1987 by ASARCO, Inc. The current status is not clear, adding a layer of mystery to its ongoing story.
Culture and Environment
Ellington, a small town with a strong community, is rich in history, renamed after Sina Huff Ellington for her railroad contributions, and features a Civil War fortification at Barnesville. Missouri’s cultural heritage in music and arts likely influences the area. The climate is hot and humid in summer, mild in winter, with potential for extreme weather. The ecology, part of the Ozark Highlands, supports diverse forests, rivers, and wildlife, enhancing the region’s appeal.