Unoccupied Historic Mine
Mineral County
Circa 1916In 1916

Tungsten Deposits were discovered on the eastern slope of the Pilot Mountains which led to the founding of the Gun Metal Mine. Organized mining ensued and continued intermittently through 1956. In 1971 large deposits of Scheelite were found and plans were set to exploit the ore, until the price of tungsten fell dramatically. The plan was abandoned and the deposits were left and to this day remain an un-mined resource.Exploring the Gun Metal mine is a danger in itself. Deep inside its abandoned shafts are boxes of old dynamite dating back to the 1940’s. Probably to unstable to attempt removing. While skirting around inside the mine entrances, I found mining claim papers as recent as the 1990’s. Though no recent signs of activity exist, I’m sure it’s current owners are hopeful for the return of large mining company interest.

Lower Shaft of the Gun Metal Mine


Gun Metal Mine Nevada


Exploring the Gun Metal Mine