(Above and Right) The Le Roi Mine was discovered in 1890 and was in production in 1891.Four large interconnected mines in Rossland, the Le Roi, Centre Star, War Eagle, and Josie, produced 98% of the 6.2 million tons gold-silver-copper ore mined in the district.Once a smelter was built in nearby Trail in 1896, the problem of costly ore transportation to distant smelters was solved.
MHAers going underground for the underground tour of the Le Roi Mine which is part of the Rossland Mining Museum. The museum is now called the Rossland Museum and Discovery Center. (rosslandmuseum.ca)
A huge rope-drive compressor is located on the grounds of the museum.It was used to generate compressed air for drills in the Rossland mines and later was used by COMINCO.It was initially powered by steam and later by electricity.
This bull gear has an interesting story told in the photo at the right.
Photos were not permitted on the tour of the Cominco smelter.This “drive-by” photo shows part of the plant site.
The complex at Trail is massive, containing several types of mineral processing processes. Additional information and another view of the smelter can be seen on the Rossland Meeting web page.
