Nevada Mine Tours

2015 Mining History Association Tour

Tour of Comstock Mining Company Operations

Tour Leader: Comstock Mining Company

June 13, 2015

PHOTO GALLERY – 1 of 1

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The Comstock Mining Company, Inc. (NYSE Symbol LODE) has brought a rebirth of mining to the Comstock. It is actively mining at the southern end of Gold Hill in the vicinity of the historic Justice underground mine. The company has an extensive land position and an active exploration program that has identified several potential new mining areas. The company has been an active supporter of historic preservation efforts in the area. Comstock Mining hosted the tour of its facilities.

Overview of the current mining area from the Comstock Mining Co. viewpoint. The historic New York Shaft is in the foreground. In the background the active surface mine (center) and a reclaimed mining area can be seen (right).

The historic Justice Mine was active in the late 1800s. Comstock Mining preserved the huge foundation blocks from the mine hoist before remining took place. They will be replaced at the Justice site when current mining is completed.

The current mining area is in the Lucerne Pit adjacent to the road from Gold Hill to Silver City.

One of our Comstock Mining guides, John, explains the heap leaching process.

Ore from the mine is trucked to the leach pad area where a stacker conveyor builds the heap. A liner system under the heap prevents the leaching solutions from leaking.

Leaching solutions containing sodium cyanide are distributed over the heap through pipes and a drip irrigation system. The solutions percolate through the heap dissolving the precious metals and are collected at the liners.

Overview of the Comstock Mining precious metals recovery plant. CLICK HERE to see how the leachate pond is covered with floating “bird balls” to protect wildfowl from the cyanide solutions.

Did someone ask how many MHAers want a souvenir gold bar?