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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Utah Geological Association

Abstract


Environmental and Engineering Geology of the Wasatch Front Region, 1995
Pages 359-366

Reclamation of Abandoned Mine Openings Along the Wasatch Front

Louis A. Amodt

Abstract

The major ore bodies at the intersections of steep fissure veins with overthrust planes form a classic regional feature along the Wasatch Front not seen elsewhere in the state. There is a potential for additional commercial ore along thrust faults, within skarns along intrusive contacts, and at fissure-bed intersections. The subject area is now within an important watershed and recreation area thus reducing the probability of continued mining due to environmental restrictions. Hardrock mining began in the area in the early 1860s. The resulting influx of mining has left a legacy of abandoned and hazardous openings in an area of high recreation with visitation above 1 million visitor days per year. An ongoing hazard inventory beginning in 1989 and to continue into 1995 is underway to identify mine openings along the Wasatch Front. Vertical shafts, inclined shafts, and adits with associated winzes are the primary dangers. To date over 2,000 mine openings have been identified with over 600 closed or scheduled to be closed. The majority have been closed by hand labor utilizing adjacent backfill material with occasional use of a portion of the dump material. No tailings materials have been used as backfill material. A few mine openings have been closed utilizing a “jail bar” type steel closure to allow for wildlife use, ventilation, and re-entry. The remaining inventory of the high elevation sites extending from Parleys Canyon south to American Fork Canyon, from the foothills of the Wasatch Range east to the Park City/Midway area will be completed during the 1995 field season. A total of five reclamation projects have been completed in the subject area beginning in late 1983 and continuing through 1996. The total expenditures have exceeded $750,000 to close mine openings which are hazardous to the public.


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