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Mineral collecting at the Caledonia Mine
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Michigan's only active underground mine today (aside from Detroit's reactivated salt mine) is the Caledonia Mine, now producing for the collector specimen market. Many of the minerals and copper slabs sold today in Copper Country gift shops come from here. Richard Whiteman, who owns the mineral rights to this and several other area mines, will take individuals or small groups on underground collecting trips by appointment. This opportunity to go underground and collect is unique in the Upper Peninsula.
The hillside here is steep, so entry is through a horizontal adit rather than a vertical shaft. Participants collect along the mine's tunnels and stopes (enlarged mining areas, like rooms), where rock has already been broken. In some places minerals have formed in the interstices and bubble pockets of the ancient lavas here: mass copper, datolite, quartz, epidote, calcite, feldspar, and even silver can be found.
A minimum of ten people (often from different parties) is required for a collecting trip. Many participants are serious rockhounds, but novices can enjoy this, too. Richard says he will make sure everyone finds something worthwhile.
Trips begin with a history of the mine site and an introduction to its geology. In hands-on, half-day adventures for all ages, participants are taken to the tailings, where water helps reveal the minerals. For all-day collection underground, Richard supplies a hard hat and miner's lamp. He will advise about additional equipment for the all-day trip underground. It's nothing too technical: a masonry hammer with chisel tip, a small 2-pound sledgehammer, a hand cultivator, folding shovel, safety glasses, and gloves.
Wear boots and a jacket. The temperature is about 45°.
Collectors who don't want to go underground can buy a scoop of rock with high-grade ore deposited outside by the rock pile. Spray from a hose helps to make the minerals visible.
Richard had studied geology and mining engineering at Michigan Tech and worked for the White Pine Mine before developing this niche in mineral specimens. He instituted the Red Metal Retreat August rockhound week, now run by the Copper Country Rock and Mineral Club under the new name Keweenaw Week. See www.geo.mtu.edu/museum/.
The Caledonia Mine was first opened in 1863. Mining giant Calumet & Hecla purchased it in the late 1930s, subsidized by funding in anticipation of war. From 1950 to 1958 a government-funded pilot project connected it with the Mass Mine and removed six million pounds of copper.
The mine is a major hibernaculum for brown bats. An estimated quarter million to half million of them come from up to 200 miles away to spend the winter here. The mine entrance has been redone to make it easy-in, easy-out for bats, and to reduce disturbance by humans and by hungry raccoons.
Call (906) 296-9440 for reservations and directions. A map of the mine's location can be seen online at www.exploringthenorth.com/redmetal/maps.html
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