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Contact - Abandoned Mine Lands Project


Site Narrative

The Contact Mine is situated in the West Mayacmas Mining District near the headwaters of Anna Belcher Creek. According to historical records the mine was located about 1870 and was intermittently active up to 1956.  The mine workings which are mostly caved consists of a main inclined shaft, two adits and a drain tunnel. Production through 1942 is estimated at 1000 flasks.   This site and the Sonoma Mine downstream may be contributing mercury-laden sediments to the drainage system which flows into the Russian River.

Previous/Existing Assessments

The locations and condition of  mine features were compiled in April, 2001 where high flow water sampling and retort tails were sampled.

Estimated Costs

Sampling costs so far at the site total about $1000. Additional costs to sample water and sediments downstream are anticipated during 2002 and 2003.

Risks:  Water Quality

AMLIS #:  CA013400007

Location:  N38 45 31, W122 45 47

Field Office:   Ukiah

Congressional District:  01


Abandoned Mine Lands
   Project Sites

Historic photo of Contact Mine
Historic photo of Contact Mine, circa 1920. The lower tailings pile is the same as the lower picture on this page.

 

Contact Drain Tunnel
Drain tunnel adit portal located below mine site. Water is flowing from portal at about 2 gpm.

Contact retort tails
Retort tailings at lower end of mine site. Pile is actively eroding into the headwaters of Anna Belcher Creek.