Exploring Several Levels of an Abandoned Gold and Tungsten Mine Near Randsburg, CA

Come join us as we descend into the depths of this abandoned gold and tungsten mine in the California desert. This is the largest mine featured on my channel so far.

We entered this mine through an adit that was dug below the 384 ft. main shaft. Within this adit was a winze that provided access to the 90 ft. level of the mine. After exploring the 90 ft. level, we climbed down another ladder and squeezed through a collapsed area to reach the 120 ft. level. This level featured some interesting timbering and stopes. After this, I descended a pair of dangerous ladders to reach the 155 ft. level. This level connected to the shaft and served as the main haul level of the mine. All of the ore was sent down to this level, as the levels above do not connect to the main shaft. The 155 ft. level was also the most extensive level, and featured some interesting artifacts.

When I arrived on the level, I could see that the main shaft had experienced a significant fire. This fire was most likely started by vandals, and a few other mines in the area also feature burned out shafts. Unfortunately, arson has been the fate of many abandoned mines in recent years. Luckily, there wasn’t much timbering on the 155 ft. level so it remained in good shape. On the level, there was a stope down to 170 ft level. It would have been very easy to climb down it using two short ladders, but I opted not to do this as I figured I already put myself in enough danger. However, I really regret not exploring that lower level, so I plan on returning to this mine with better equipment. This is why I am not giving out the name of this mine, as the main shaft has already been gated. The BLM either missed the adit or decided it wasn’t much of of a danger. If they see a video that gives away this mine’s name and location they will probably gate it.

This mine was discovered in 1898 and was worked extensively up to the 1940’s. Mining reports describe around 500 ft. of horizontal workings, but there is definitely a lot more than that. Apparently, this mine was quite rich, producing several million dollars worth of gold and tungsten in today’s money.

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