The mining newspaper for Alaska and Canada's North
The mining newspaper for Alaska and Canada's North
North of 60 Mining News - September 6, 2024
Located on the slopes of Mt. Rainey, Prosperity-Porter-Idaho was initially discovered in the early 1900s. Mined between 1929 and 1931, this high-grade silver mine produced roughly 27,123 metric tons with recovered grades of 2,542 g/t silver (73.8 oz/ton) – yielding approximately 2.2 million oz silver.
During the Klondike Gold Rush, newspapers like the Seattle Post-Intelligencer played a crucial role in spreading news – and sometimes rumors – of new gold discoveries.
In the rugged expanse of Northern British Columbia, where the slopes of Mount Rainey rise steeply above the town of Stewart, the Stewart Mining District has carved its legacy into a region rich with veins of silver and gold, witnessing the rise and fall of some of Canada's most significant mines and shaping the history and fortunes of those who sought to unearth its treasures.
During the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, tales of riches were met with just as many tales of villainy and subterfuge.
"Might was right; murder, robbery and petty theft were common occurrences," wrote Sir Samuel Steele, then a Superintendent of the North-West Mounted Police, during a visit to Skagway in 1898.
In such a climate, where fortunes and lives could be won or lost overnight, the allure of gold was matched by the danger of deception, with many prospectors falling prey to schemes and false promises.
During the Klondike Gold Rush, newspapers like the Seattle Post-Intelligencer played a crucial role in spreading news – and sometimes rumors – of new gold discoveries.
Amid the frenzy, a Seattle man named Burgess claimed to have found placer gold at the head of the Nass River, sparking a rush of eager prospectors who abandoned confirmed strikes for the hope of laying new claims of their own.
Their hopes were soon dashed when they found nothing but empty promises. The initial rush quickly turned to disappointment as the gold they sought proved to be nothing more than a fabricated tale.
Yet, this early setback did not deter those with a keen eye for opportunity. Among the determined few who remained was a seasoned prospector named D.J. Rainey, who recognized the potential hidden within the steep peaks and deep valleys surrounding the Portland Canal.
His persistence, combined with the arrival of the Stewart brothers in 1902, led to discovery of the rich veins of gold and silver that would eventually transform the area into a thriving mining hub.
As these first real strikes were made, Stewart shed its reputation as a site of false promises and emerged as a key player in British Columbia's mining history. The rugged landscape, long stewarded by the Nisga'a and Tsetsaut First Nations, transformed into a bustling frontier driven by the pursuit of precious metals.
Over the decades, the Stewart Mining District has seen cycles of boom and bust, with each new discovery drawing fresh waves of fortune seekers to this remote corner of British Columbia. Today, the legacy of those early pioneers continues to influence efforts to revitalize the district, as modern companies search for remaining deposits or the next great hidden lode.
As the early 20th century dawned, the region's mineral wealth began to reveal itself, setting off a series of developments that would transform the Stewart Mining District into one of Canada's most productive mining hubs.
Central to this transformation was the Premier Mine, which emerged as one of the district's most prolific sites following its development in 1918. For 35 years, Premier produced an impressive two million ounces of gold and 50 million ounces of silver from 4.7 million tons of ore.
The mine's success was instrumental in establishing the district's new reputation and laid the groundwork for further exploration and development.
Not far from Premier, roughly 14 kilometers (12 miles) northeast of Stewart, the Big Missouri Mine began operations in the late 1920s.
Perched above the Unuk River, Big Missouri became known for its substantial gold production during the 1930s and 1940s. Although the mine was initially discovered in 1904, significant development did not occur until 1927, when it was brought into operation.
Over its years of activity, Big Missouri yielded approximately 600,000 ounces of gold before closing in 1942 due to declining ore grades and economic challenges.
Meanwhile, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Stewart, the Granduc Mine emerged in the 1960s as a major player in the district, primarily due to its rich copper deposits.
Utilizing a 17-kilometer (10.5 miles) tunnel to transport ore through the rugged Coast Mountains, Granduc was a technological marvel of its time. Operating from 1964 until its closure in 1984, the mine produced approximately 420 million pounds of copper, providing a significant economic boost to the region during a period when many older mines were ceasing operations.
Roughly 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Stewart, the Scottie Gold Mine was another key site within the district. Operating from 1981 to 1985, Scottie produced approximately 95,000 oz of gold and 72,000 oz of silver. Although its operational period was relatively short, the high-grade ore it produced further solidified Stewart's status as a major mining hub.
In addition to these prominent sites, the Stewart Mining District was home to a multitude of other operations, including Big Casino, Dunwell, Hercules, Silverado, and a dozen other mines. These significant endeavors collectively contributed to the district's reputation, with the total number of mines in the area reflecting the intense interest in the region's rich mineral deposits.
Together, these mines collectively formed the backbone of the Stewart Mining District, transforming the challenging terrain into a source of immense wealth that drew people from across the continent.
As the fortunes of these operations rose and fell, the town of Stewart's population ebbed and flowed with the cycles of mining activity.
Throughout these fluctuations, Stewart endured, its identity as a mining town unwavering. From its early days as a bustling frontier hub to its more recent resurgence, Stewart's history is deeply intertwined with the mineral wealth that lies beneath its mountains.
Stewart's early years were marked by rapid growth as prospectors, miners, and entrepreneurs flocked to the area, lured by the promise of gold and silver. By the early 20th century, the town had become a thriving community, with a population that swelled to nearly 10,000 at its peak.
During these boom years, Stewart was a vibrant hub of activity, its streets lined with businesses catering to the needs of the miners and their families and boasting a range of amenities, including hotels, saloons, and general stores, creating a lively atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the remote and rugged surroundings.
However, as with many frontier towns, Stewart's prosperity was closely tied to the success of its mines. When the ore began to run out, and prices for metals declined, the town's fortunes waned.
By the end of World War I, Stewart had seen a significant decline in population, with many residents moving on to seek opportunities elsewhere. The once-bustling streets grew quiet, and the town entered a period of relative dormancy. Businesses closed, buildings fell into disrepair, and the vibrant community that had thrived during the boom years seemed like a distant memory.
Yet, Stewart was not destined to fade into obscurity. The discovery of new mineral deposits and the reopening of old mines in the 1920s and 1930s brought renewed hope and investment to the area.
The Premier and Big Missouri mines, among others, helped revive the town's economy, drawing in a new wave of workers and their families. The town experienced several cycles of revival; each one spurred by a new mining venture that temporarily restored its former vibrancy.
These periodic booms kept Stewart on the map, even as many other frontier towns faded away, succumbing to the challenges of their isolation and dependence on a single industry.
In more recent years, Stewart has embraced its rich history and unique location as part of its identity. The town has become a gateway to the Golden Triangle, a region renowned for its mineral wealth and scenic beauty.
Visitors are drawn to Stewart not only for its history but also for its access to some of the most pristine wilderness areas in B.C. The legacy of its mining past is evident in the preserved buildings, historical markers, and the enduring spirit of its residents, many of whom are descendants of the original pioneers.
The community has taken pride in its heritage, with local efforts to preserve the town's history through museums and annual events that celebrate its mining roots.
Today, Stewart stands as a testament to the resilience of small mining towns, weaving its story into the larger narrative of exploration, extraction, and the pursuit of prosperity in the rugged landscapes of Northern B.C.
Despite the challenges it has faced, Stewart remains a symbol of the enduring legacy of those who ventured into the mountains and valleys of this vast, remote region.
In recent years, the Stewart Mining District has seen a resurgence of activity, with several companies working to unlock the remaining potential of this historically rich area.
Ascot Resources Ltd. stands at the forefront of these efforts, with its Premier Gold project leading the charge. After acquiring the past-producing Premier and Big Missouri mines, Ascot has been diligently working to bring these sites back into production.
In April 2024, the company marked a significant milestone with the first gold pour from the Premier mill, signifying the rebirth of this storied mine.
The Premier mine's return to operation is a testament to the ongoing viability of the district, with Ascot planning to produce roughly 1.1 million oz of gold and 3 million oz of silver over the next eight years.
This modern operation, utilizing advanced mining and processing technologies, aims to build on the legacy of its predecessors while adhering to stringent environmental and social standards.
Beyond Ascot's efforts, other companies are also exploring and developing projects within the district. Scottie Resources Corp., for instance, is actively advancing the Scottie Gold Mine. The company's exploration has revealed high-grade gold intercepts, and ongoing drilling programs continue to expand the resource base, signaling the potential for future production.
Additionally, the Red Mountain project, situated about 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Stewart, represents another significant modern effort. While not a past-producing mine site, this newer discovery is proof that this district still has more to offer.
Managed by Ascot Resources, this project is on the docket to feed gold-silver ore through the mill at Premier. With more than 500,000 oz of gold and 1.6 million oz of silver in proven and probable reserves, Red Mountain is poised to contribute significantly to the district's mining future.
As these projects progress, they breathe new life into the Stewart Mining District, demonstrating that even after more than a century of exploration and production, this remote corner of British Columbia still holds untapped potential.
The efforts of these modern companies not only honor the legacy of the early pioneers but also pave the way for a sustainable future in mining, ensuring that the district's rich history continues to evolve.
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