Old 79 Mine, Arizona

AIRVŪZ STAFF NOTE : As much as any state in the USA, Arizona's development was driven by mining. As was the case with most western states, prospectors were initially lured by gold deposits. The state subsequently became known more than anything for copper, of which it remains the largest producer in the country. In this video, contributor and drone pilot Keith Thompson gives us a drone's eye view of an Arizona mine which produced another base metal, lead. The Old 79 Mine, located near Hayden, was shuttered in 1962.

over 6 years ago

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Ninety miles north of Tucson history is slowly dissolving as the old mine crumbles to earth. The mine began its life in 1879 and ceased operations in 1962. For eighty three years this mine produced lead, today world class minerals are being found by the current owner. After a three mile drive over rocky terrain we encountered a locked gate. On foot we hike uphill and what we found is amazing. There inside a building with no roof was an old 100HP single cylinder engine made by Ingersoll Rand.