During April – June, 2010, ten abandoned mines in Mohave County in northwestern Arizona were blocked with iron gates or covered by bat-friendly cupolas with Stimulus funding. The ten projects were managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and funded at approximately $102,000.00. The Great West Mine Project was $18,600.00. BLM Kingman Field Office Geologist Paul Misiaszek served as the project manager for the ten projects.

The Great West gold mine was mined in the early 20th century and abandoned in the 1930s as the gold-bearing ore gave out. Shafts reached depths of more 200 feet following a 3-foot thick gold bearing quart vein. The ore reportedly graded from ½ to 3 ounces of gold per ton.

The ten abandoned mines in Mohave County in northwestern Arizona include the Great West, Porter, Fire Mountain, Times Vein, Mary Nevada, Gigi Girl, Thumb Butte, San Diego, Times Gulch, and Gold Hill Mines.

Prior to having them secured, the openings at the Great West Mine posed serious safety concerns for citizens who recreate on public lands – especially for the off-highway vehicle or all-terrain vehicle clubs. 

Public safety on abandoned mine lands is a priority for the BLM. Other American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects in northwestern Arizona are now underway.