ODDS ‘N’ SODS — Mines in the middle of nowhere

Mines are found in some of the most inaccessible locations on earth. Although mineral operations seldom are situated in the heart of a large city,

they often evolve around mines.

The most outstanding example is Johannesburg, South Africa. There, on the high, open, grass-bearing plain, is a vast and thriving gold industry, which extends for miles across the picturesque countryside. Beneath and around the city, deep reefs of conglomerate rock enclose a treasure trove of gold that has been mined for more than 100 years. A multitude of headframes, tailings ponds, plants and waste dumps surround a thriving metropolis — an example of the blending of human effort and spirit with nature.

Then there are the huge copper deposits high in the Andes Mountains of Peru and Chile. Situated in the alto plano, these rich zones of copper mineralization have been feeding world metal markets for close to a century. To serve

them, railway systems sprang up, running through the rugged Sierra Mountains to connect busy ports with bustling mining centres situated within steep slopes.

Mines have also been developed in the most remote locations of Canada’s Arctic region. Situated beside pristine lakes (once visited only by musk-ox and caribou) are headframes, mills, shops and camps. Initially, access was possible only by canoe or float-plane. Much later, airstrips were developed so

that larger aircraft could service such growing centres of industry.

In British Columbia, many ore deposits were discovered on remote mountain tops and in deep valleys. The Dolly Varden, Anyox and Premier mines were found on a mountain near the town of Alice Arm, in isolated west-central British Columbia.

Later, prospectors uncovered asbestos on a remote mountain in the Cassiar area, where a mine of the same name evolved. In the remote locales of the southern interior, explorers exposed the famous lead-zinc ore zone at Kimberley and the copper deposits at Princeton. Huge orebodies were exploited, and

smelters, railways, roads and towns emerged.

When it comes to making mines, logistics and remoteness are not problems. In fact, to the adventurous and enterprising, the appeal of such an enterprise is the challenge. To leave safe havens and enter the rugged domains of nature to seek and uncover mineral treasures offers a reward far beyond the venture.

This country emerged when people challenged its remote frontiers.

— The author, a retired mining engineer, resides in Vancouver, B.C.