Mine: Alpha Mine, Alpha, MI

Began → Alpha Mine → Became Balkan-Judson Mine

Operated for 1 year.

From: 1903

Location: SE-SE Sec. 11 and SW-SW Sec. 12 of T42N-R33W, west of the Mastodon Mine.

Owned by: Balkan Mining Company until 1935.

Produced: Iron Ore, soft red, non-Bessemer.

Method: Underground and open pit.

Railroad connection: C&NW to Escanaba dock.

Until: 1903

Lifetime Production: - 1,370 tons.

Notes

[mindat.org] NE-NW Sec. 13 T42N-R33W

Alpha Mine was a iron ore mine located near the town of Alpha in eastern Iron County around 1881.

Explored in early 1880's but no record of shipments until 1903.

[LSIO-1950]

Photo Info: Top, an early view of the open pit mine at Alpha. 2nd photo, a 1913 view. [Mark Worrall collection]

Time Line

1887. April. The Alpha mine, located abut ½ of a mile west of the Mastodon mine will be at once unwatered and probably placed on the active list. The mine fee is for sale and a number of investors are interested. [DD-1887-0409]

1890. August. Spur tracks are being built to the Alpha, Hemlock, Crystal Falls and Hollister mines, giving employment to a large force of men. [DD-1890-0809]

1891. The South Mastodon, Alpha and Atlas properties near the Mastodon mine are at present inoperative. [DD-1891-0711]