Keeley-Frontier Mine
South Lorrain Township, Cobalt-Gowganda region, Timiskaming District, Ontario, Canada
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Keeley-Frontier Mine is located in South Lorrain Township, Cobalt-Gowganda region, Timiskaming District, Ontario, Canada, known for its silver and cobalt deposits.
It produced significant amounts of silver (19,200,000 oz) and cobalt (3,300,000 lbs), along with 43 different minerals, including rare specimens like erythrite and annabergite.
The mine features a deep vein system with notable secondary enrichment, part of the Canadian Shield's geological formations.
Mining operations ran from 1907 to 1965, now inactive, and it's famous for some of Canada's finest silver wire specimens.
The area has a rich mining heritage, with nearby ghost towns, and experiences a subarctic climate with cold winters and mild summers, impacting local boreal forests and lakes.
Location and Minerals
The Keeley-Frontier Mine sits in northeastern Ontario, Canada, within the Timiskaming District, a region famed for its mining history. It's near settlements like Temiskaming Shores and Cobalt, offering a glimpse into the area's past silver rush. The mine is celebrated for its silver and cobalt output, with rare minerals like erythrite (cobalt bloom) and annabergite (nickel bloom) adding to its allure for crystal enthusiasts.
Geological and Historical Context
Geologically, the mine is part of a vein system extending 1,455 feet deep, with the Woods vein notable for its oxidation zone and secondary minerals. Historically, it operated from 1907 to 1965, connecting two mines underground in 1962, and is now inactive. Its legacy includes producing some of Canada's finest silver wire specimens, a detail that might surprise enthusiasts expecting only bulk minerals.
Cultural and Environmental Notes
The surrounding area reflects a mining culture with ghost towns like Silver Centre, and visitors should note hazards like uncapped shafts. The climate is subarctic, with winters dropping to -3°F and summers reaching 76°F, typical of the boreal forest biome, though mining has left environmental impacts on local water systems.