San Rafael Swell Proposed Reclamation Study Pt.2, Emery County, Utah - Gold Rush Expeditions, 2009

Part 2 or a 4 part series. Travelling from the Hidden Splendor Mine to Tomsich Butte.
The Department of Oil, Gas and Mining, under the direction of the Office of Surface Mining, has determing that these remote historic site should be destroyed. These sites sit as testament to the tenacity of the American spirit. The area has been worked since the 1880s and if not for the miners we would have no idea what is out here, nor would we have the roads to roam the area. If you visit these sites, please be respectful and leave everything as you find it. This includes relics and any artifacts you may come across; the Antiquities Act of 1906 makes it a federal crime to move or disturb any relics or artifacts that could be of historical significance.

Since 2004, Gold Rush Expeditions has been working to save these historic sites as a part of Utahs heritage. Unfortunately, the state is against us, Utahs Governor, John Huntsman, Jr. does not think these sites deserve saving. His office has been contacted numerous times and still the destruction continues. Additionally, the BLM, and the Office of Surface Mining has disregarded our arguments. Please take a moment to help us save Utahs mining heritage, visit our website at www.goldrushexpeditions.com and click on the "Action Items" to send an email to all of the interested parties with one simple click

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• San Rafael Swell
• Tomsich Butte
• Hidden Spledor
• Delta
• Mine

[gneissrxs]

Seems pretty dangerous to keep abandoned mines open. There are a lot of people dying senselessly from falling down shafts or exposure to noxious gases. It's pretty clear the reasons for sealing them are because of public safety.

[goldrushexpedinc]

Just curious if you know of anyone who has died in an abandoned mine, because there hasnt been any deaths related to falls, gases or anything else in the Utah in the past 15 years. In fact, if you look nationwide, there are only 14 deaths in abandoned mines in the last 25 years.

So public saftey isnt the issue.

[forestranger989]

Just got back from there today. I grew up in that area and can remember running all over Buckhorn with my dad. That place is awesome. I'm taking my son up there this summer. I've panned a bit below a couple of these mines but didnt get anything more than a cap full of gold dust.

[StopSocialism101]

Hello Cory! It has been a long time since the Vernon and Jacob City expeditions. I am guessing that piece of equipment in the mine may have been some kind of compressor for running a drill.

Thanks for the cool videos!  These things are practically in my backyard. I will have to check them out this winter.