Skip to main content

White Pine Mine Photograph Collection

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: MS-627

Collection Scope and Content Summary

Photograph collection, 1952-1953, compiled by Edward Yarbrough of the White Pine mine. Contains photographs of the construction undertaken in 1952-1953 of the new "White Pine" project that would mine and mill the previously thought to be worthless chalcocite. Also includes photographs of the town and the mine.

Dates

  • 1952-1953

Access

Available for use in the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections.

Biography

Edward Yarbrough was employed as the manager of the Quincy Mine Hoist Association up until April 2008, but has also worked as historian for the Keweenaw National Historical Park. He holds a master’s degree in historic preservation from the University of Oregon as well as a B.A. in architectural history from the University of California at Berkley. At White Pine Mine, the underground mine was operated from the late 1800s through September 1995. Calumet and Hecla Mining Company was the first company to mine the White Pine Mine; however, a drop in copper prices closed the mine in 1920 and led to Copper Range Company's purchase of the property in 1929 at a sheriff's sale. Initial mining focused on native copper within the Nonesuch Formation. Between 1937 and 1950, activities at the mine focused primarily upon research and development of the ore body. In early 1952, when advances in mining processes verified that the copper mineral "chalcocite" could be successfully smelted, construction of the existing mine facility began and the first ore was mined a year later. Physical development and start of operations of the mill and smelting facilities occurred in 1954. The first copper from the new mine facility was produced in January 1955. In 1977, Copper Range Company was purchased by the Louisiana Land and Exploration Company. The refinery and continuous casting operations were added to the mine complex in 1981. Most of the operations were suspended in 1982 followed by a temporary shutdown in 1984 for approximately 12 months. Echo Bay Mines Limited purchased CRC in January 1985. In November of 1985, CRC employees, through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"), bought and operated CRC until May 1989. At that time, the majority of CRC stock was purchased by a wholly owned subsidiary of Inmet Mining Corporation (formerly Metall Mining Corporation). In February 1995, the smelting operations were suspended. In September 1995, both the conventional underground mining and milling operations were suspended, and in October 1996, underground mine dewatering was also discontinued.

Extent

0.07 Cubic Feet (1 manuscript box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Photograph collection, 1952-1953, compiled by Edward Yarbrough of the White Pine mine. Contains photographs of the construction undertaken in 1952-1953 of the new "White Pine" project that would mine and mill the previously thought to be worthless chalcocite. Also includes photographs of the town and the mine.

General Physical Description note

0.1 cubic feet1/4 manuscript box

Processing History

Elizabeth Russell,12/4/2009

Title
White Pine Mine Photograph Collection
Author
Finding aid prepared by Elizabeth Russell
Date
12/4/2009
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Description is in English

Repository Details

Part of the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections Repository

Contact:
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton 49931 U.S.A. US