Great Western Mine (Lake County, California)

The Great Western Mine was a mercury mine located in Lake County, California. It was one of the significant mercury producers in the Sulphur Creek Mining District, which itself was a major source of mercury in California and globally. The mine's history stretches back to the late 19th century and continued intermittently into the 20th century.

The primary ore mined at Great Western was cinnabar, the principal ore of mercury. The mercury extracted from the cinnabar was vital for various industrial processes, including gold mining (through amalgamation), and the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and explosives.

The Great Western Mine, like many mercury mines in California, contributed significantly to the state's economy, particularly during periods of high mercury demand. However, it also left a legacy of environmental concerns due to mercury contamination of soil and water resources in the surrounding area. Mercury mining practices often resulted in the release of mercury into the environment, posing risks to human health and ecosystems. Remediation efforts have been undertaken at various mercury mine sites, including those within the Sulphur Creek district, to mitigate the environmental impacts.

The mine's infrastructure included shafts, tunnels, processing facilities (such as retorts), and other equipment necessary for extracting and refining mercury. Details on the specific mining methods used and the exact output of the Great Western Mine can be found in historical mining reports and geological surveys. Records related to the mine's ownership, operation, and environmental impact are typically held by government agencies and historical archives.