Mine: Arcadian Mine, Ripley, MI

Several mines (see notes) → Arcadian Mine → Became

Operated for 39 years.

From: 1864

Owned by: Arcadian Mining Co (1864), then Arcadian Copper Co. (1898)

Produced: Copper Ore

Method: Underground shafts, adits

Railroad connection:

Stamp Mill/Smelter:

Until: 1903 (Two more attempts in 1909 and 1920)

Lifetime Production: 

Notes

An underground copper mine consisting of seven shafts and two adits near Ripley. The original Arcadian Mining Co. was organized in 1864, then reorganized as the Arcadian Copper Co. in 1898 after the consolidation of the Edwards, Douglas, Concord, Highland, St. Mary's, and Arcadian mines. After it was determined that mineralization was too erratic to make a profit, as well as falling copper prices, the mine closed permanently in 1903. Two more attempts were made at mining in the location in 1909 and 1920, but both were unsuccessful. The specimens that can be found here include copper wires, datolite, and prehnite. [MINDAT]

Time Line

1899. July 29. Barring unforeseen accidents, the Arcadian mine will begin producing copper today. The extension of the Mineral Range railroad, connecting the mine with the mill at Grosse Point, was completed early this week, and several hundred tons of copper-bearing rock have been shipped from No. 2 and 3 shafts to the mill, which is to start today with one stamp. The mill is to have three stamps as soon as the two additional heads can be received and set in place, and a second mill of equal capacity is now building and will be in operation sometime next year.