Collection on the Osceola Mine Dewatering Project

Collection — sc_box: MS 1, Folder: 8

Identifier: MS-069

Staff Only

Collection Scope and Content Summary

Collection, 1954-After 1982, of manuscripts based on civilian diver Carl Peterson's account of his participation in the Osceola Mine Dewatering Project. Also included are copies of photographs of the project and an article "Unwatering the Osceola Lode" (Kramer, A.S. et al. Reprinted from Mining Engineering, April 1956).

Dates

1954-After 1982

Access

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

Biography

In 1954, the Calumet and Hecla Consolidated Copper Company, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, was in the process of re-opening its copper mines in the area. Those mines had been closed during the Depression due to unprofitable copper prices. In 1954, a surge in price made it feasible to re-open the mines. During the shut down years, ground water had continuously seeped into the mine shafts, ultimately balancing out at the water table. Divers Carl Peterson and Frank Hefling were hired to open drain valves located 362 feet below ground. Due to unforeseen problems, this approach proved unsuccessful and Calumet and Hecla opted to chisel out horizontal tunnel at the water's edge to receive the pumped out water from below, a much more difficult task.

Extent

0.01 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Collection, 1954-after 1982, of manuscripts based on civilian diver Carl Peterson's account of his participation in the Osceola Mine Dewatering Project. Also included are copies of photographs of the project and an article "Unwatering the Osceola Lode" (Kramer, A.S. et al. Reprinted from Mining Engineering, April 1956).