Early Mine Exploration and Development

Early Mine Exploration and Development. . Government land surveyors made the first recorded notice of the mineral deposit in 1846 when surveying the township lines (½ mile to the west), stating "...there appears to be an almost inexhaustible quantity of specular iron ore, the needle turning in almost every direction here... " (Field notes of John Burt, July 4th, 1846). Early mining exploration in the area began in 1854 and continued through the end of the 19th century., Numerous companies were formed to exploit the potential of various explorations. Other than the Republic mine, none developed into long term profitable ventures. As noted on the map, all the mines were located near the Michigammee River along an ore body called the Republic Trough. Iron ore types found were specular hematite and magnetite., Today, woodsmen will find their compasses less than trustworthy as ore bodies will pull the north needle 30 to 60 degrees from magnetic north. In places the compass will not function at all., Kloman Mine , Also known as Columbia Mine. Opened 1873, shipped 94,813 tons of iron ore between 1873 and 1883. Idle since 1883., Riverside Mine , Opened 1887. Shipped 16,160 tons of iron ore Between 1888 and 1893., Magnetic Mine , An old exploration. Shipped 292 tons of iron ore from stockpile in 1906., West Republic Mine , Also known as Toledo Mine. Opened 1881. Shipped 133,077 tons of iron ore from 1881-1889. Later incorporated into Republic Mine., Republic Mine , Open 1871. Shipped 8,430,093 tons of iron ore between 1872 and 1926. Greatest depth 2,910 feet., Erie Mine , Also known as Fremont Mine. Opened 1876, closed 1885. Shipped 9,194 tons of iron ore between 1876 and 1883., North Republic Mine , Also known as Metropole Mine. Opened 1888. Shipped 289 tons of iron ore in 1888., Chippewa , Exploration. No information available., Beria , Exploration. No information available., Cannon , Exploration. No information available., Standard , Exploration. No reported ore shipments., Northwest Republic , Exploration. No information available.