THE MARMORATON! EarthCache
Hidden : 9/28/2008
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

-- THIS IS AN EARTHCACHE, READ BELOW FOR LOGGING REQUIREMENTS --


The Marmoraton is Marmoras largest and most successful Iron Ore mines.

The Open pit mine reaches covers an 85 square acre surface, and over 200 meters deep. Since its closing rain and groundwater have seeped into the mine, and it is officially classified as a "lake" now. The spring water seeping through the ground has actually made the water in some spots over 120 meters feet deep.


The initial blast to open the mine in 1953


Although the area has been mined of copper, lead, silver, gold, talc, and dolomite significantly since the early 1800's, it wasn't until a 1948 that the Marmoraton deposit was discovered. An government Aerial survey of the area determined a huge magnetic disturbance beneath the ground, and drilling began in 1953. 120 feet of limestone covered the rich veins of iron ore. By 1955, Iron Pellets were being exported to Buffalo, New York to be made into steel.


The Marmoraton in 1960


The Average grade of the Ore was 10%. The Ore contained Magnetite, which was crushed and ground. An electromagnet seperated magnetic rocks from the limestone waste-rock; The result was a 65% iron concentrate. This concentrate was then heated to 2400 degree F in 4 vertical blast furnaces on site, creating the final product of the mine; Hematite Pellets.


The walls of the mine


The Pellets were loaded into 30-35 Train cars daily, then taken to Picton port for transport on an Ore boat to the Steel Mill. By 1978 the cost of quarrying the ore outweighed the profit being gained from mining it, and the quarry was closed. The water pumps that kept the spring and rain water out of the mine were turned off, and the lake began to form.


Remaining rock elevators on the edge of the open pit


Although the actual mine is fenced off, the town has built platform that overlooks the mine with an interpretive plaque giving the history and products that the mine produced. The Fence is broken in many spots but you still get a very good view, but please respect private property!

TO LOG THIS FIND:

  1. take a photo of yourself at the lookout, include photo with found log
  2. Walk along the rail trail (TRAIL HEAD AT N 44° 27.177 W 077° 39.315) in a North-east direction. Find a piece of Iron Ore, and take a picture of it with a magnet attached. Iron Ore will be rust coloured. include photo with found log

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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