California Tungsten Mine Doesn't Disappoint With Drifts, Stopes, Beautiful Minerals, and Winze Shaft

After a fun and challenging Jeep ride up Black Canyon, Julie and I explore two mines, both containing colorful mineral veins. The first is a tungsten mine, and the second is a gold mine. We had to make a short rock climb to get around the biggest bat gate I have ever seen at the tungsten mine. The workings were quite interesting the way they were dug and with the colorful minerals present.
To reach the second mine, we hiked up an old mine road until we came to a large outcropping of mineral rich rock. We had to fashion a bridge from a piece of lumber to get across an inclined shaft to gain access to the portal. There was an incredibly colorful mineral vein in this old gold mine. It was a fun day visiting these two old abandoned mines. Thanks for watching, and I hope you enjoy our visit to this area.
Here is a link to another Tungsten mine we think you will enjoy:
• Exploring Multi-Level ...

Пікірлер: 115

  • @highdesertbill
    @highdesertbillАй бұрын

    Great Video of this explore. Thank you for including me in this explore, You two are the best!

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Bill. Glad that you liked the video. Thanks for the kind words!👍😊

  • @micahgadoury6144

    @micahgadoury6144

    Ай бұрын

    @@TomandJulieMineExploringhey Tom, just to get your attention, I’m trying to find the entrance you went in at White Eagle mine. You think you could send me cords?

  • @lesleyrobbins1137
    @lesleyrobbins1137Ай бұрын

    With the right light, that blue rock in the first mine looked like it had snow on it. That was the biggest set of bat bars ever! The things you guys do to bring us with you! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Lesley. That's the biggest bat gate that I've ever seen. Tungsten minerals do have a different look to them. I should have had my UV light with me. Thanks for the comment!👍😊

  • @frankgaletzka8477
    @frankgaletzka8477Ай бұрын

    Hello Tom Hello Julie Thank you for the Video I wish you both a happy Weekend Greetings from Germany Yours Frank Galetzka

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hello Frank. You're welcome, and we hope you have a great weekend!👍😊

  • @ralphpatrick3071
    @ralphpatrick3071Ай бұрын

    You two had to play mountain goats to get to this one. You make my Friday mornings. Thanks, T&J! Enjoy the weekend!!

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Ralph. Yes, a bit of rock climbing is always a good warm-up. Thanks for the nice comment! Have a good weekend. 👍😊

  • @AZRob56
    @AZRob56Ай бұрын

    Tom & Julie, Good job. Another well done mine explore as we've all come to expect. Thanks for all your hard work and efforts on these videos often overlooked. It's appreciated.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Rob. Good to hear from you. Thanks for the kind words!👍😊

  • @chillislives
    @chillislivesАй бұрын

    Scenes like this are why I love the desert.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hey Chillis. Some people can't see the beauty of the harsh desert. I'm glad that you're not one of them. Thanks for watching!👍😊

  • @felipearellano8783
    @felipearellano8783Ай бұрын

    time for a nice cold bottle of suds 🍻

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Sounds good to me, Felipe!🍺🍺🍻

  • @jimmystockdale7555
    @jimmystockdale7555Ай бұрын

    Good explore today, I liked the colors in the last small mine. I didn't know y'all were rock climbers too. Julie looked at ease climbing up to that first mine. Y'all take care and bless you both.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Jimmy. Yes, the colors in that second mine were great. Julie is actually a pretty good rock climber. I have a video of her doing an actual sport climb around here somewhere. Thanks for the comment and blessing, we appreciate it!👍😊

  • @Smokintothemoon58
    @Smokintothemoon58Ай бұрын

    Tom and Julie, You two make our day. The challenge of getting into the mine, No Problem! And What's inside just blows our minds. You live "out of the box" and we all get to hang out with you. Thanks again for another great time spent with you. John and Catherine Elmore, Tacoma, WA

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi John and Catherine. We're happy that you enjoy our videos. You never know what you might see in these old mines. Thanks for watching and for the nice comment. We appreciate you!👍😊

  • @shantyshitter3163
    @shantyshitter3163Ай бұрын

    Very Beautiful and enjoyable mine explore. Have a great weekend and be safe.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi SS. Glad that you enjoyed the explore. Hope you have a good weekend, as well!👍😊

  • @lloydbaker6988
    @lloydbaker6988Ай бұрын

    Cool Old Mine,Thanks for taking us all along, Tom and Julie 👍

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Lloyd. You're welcome, and thanks for watching!👍😊

  • @casedoumasr656
    @casedoumasr656Ай бұрын

    Hello the rock climb was sweet must have been a rich mine no waste rock to the opening .Great explore .And that gated opening lots steel there Thank you for all your adventures and nice you explaine along the way ⛏️ later

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Case. That's right. There was not much of a waste pile. It's possible some of it was washed away. That gate is really something to see. You're welcome, and thank you for watching and commenting!👍😊

  • @jimmime
    @jimmimeАй бұрын

    Thank you, Tom & Julie! Lots of color in that last little explore. Take care, see ya next time!

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Jimmi. Yes, good color in the gold mine. See ya next time!👍😊

  • @chuckh630
    @chuckh630Ай бұрын

    Another fun explore. Thanks for taking us along!

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Chuck. Glad that you had fun. Thanks for watching!👍😊

  • @robertlyman9789
    @robertlyman9789Ай бұрын

    Feds waiting inside!😂

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Haha, not this time, Robert. Thanks for watching!👍😊

  • @user-jc1gi5lf6r
    @user-jc1gi5lf6rАй бұрын

    Good morning Tom and Julie, what a wonderful little explore, awesome colors in the vine material. It never cease to amaze me how tuff the old time miners were. Just imagine if you can a day in the life of these miners. Up early, hike to porthole, hike in, clime down many flites of ladder, hike to your assigned stope or raise, climb up into it. Stand on small wood beam or plank, drill vertically upward, set charges, climb down, set off charges, muck out material, by hand in many cases. Hand crank it up a raise, to get it out side, all in darkness only lite by candles, or carbide lamps. Hike down to camp, sleep, and do it all over again. Many thanks for documenting this work. Be well, be safe, and always be prepared. :) Matcat.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Matcat. You hit the nail on the head about how tough and hardworking the old miners were. Just to build a road to some of these mines is amazing. Thanks for the detailed comment!👍😊

  • @philrosasco5411
    @philrosasco5411Ай бұрын

    Thanks guys!!!

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    You're welcome, Phil. Thanks for commenting!👍😊

  • @tonyidle7813
    @tonyidle7813Ай бұрын

    thank-you for the great video, your camera does a real good job- nice and crisp and clear.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Tony. I have three of the same little Nikon cameras, and they are the only cameras I've not destroyed in the mines. Thanks for the nice comment!👍😊

  • @SueGirling68
    @SueGirling68Ай бұрын

    Hi Tom & Julie, two cool mines today, I hope you are both okay, we are finally enjoying some sunshine here. Thank you for sharing, much love to you both. xx

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Sue. It's nice for you that the sun is out. Glad that you liked the mines. Thanks for the comment!👍😊

  • @brianmarywapshott2593
    @brianmarywapshott2593Ай бұрын

    So that big steel door at the entrance did not deter you two so goddonya, an interesting mine with no real story to it but worth a look, keep them coming and stay safe. Cheers

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Brian and Mary. I'm sure there's a story if one wants to do the proper research. That huge bat gate is something special. Thanks for watching and commenting. We appreciate it!👍😊

  • @bruceheadrick9109
    @bruceheadrick9109Ай бұрын

    Amazing colors. Thanks for another great adventure!!

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Bruce. We love seeing the colorful minerals. Glad that you like them, too. Thanks for commenting!👍😊

  • @pmae9010
    @pmae9010Ай бұрын

    Hey guys, after a dusty day in a hole in the ground happy hour sounds pretty good. Thanks for the tour.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Mick. Yes, a dust busting beer always goes down well after being in a mine. Thanks for the comment!🍺🍺🍻

  • @jerryrichter4904
    @jerryrichter4904Ай бұрын

    thanks for sharing very cool

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Jerry. You're welcome! Glad that you liked it.👍😊

  • @moparedtn
    @moparedtnАй бұрын

    Another one in the books for all posterity, thanks to our intrepid explorers! Thanks as always you two, see you next one. - Ed on the Ridge

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Ed. Yes, another one in the books. You're welcome, and thank you for watching!👍😊

  • @MikeRoth-ex1wk
    @MikeRoth-ex1wkАй бұрын

    Always nice to go on an explore with tom and julie, thans for another one.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Mike. Happy to have you along on the explore. Thanks for the comment!👍😊

  • @MPWEST83
    @MPWEST83Ай бұрын

    I love me some tungsten mines! Thanks for posting 😊

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi MP West. Tungsten mines in my experience are more stable than gold, silver, or lead mines. They can also have some nice color to the mineral veins. So, we love us some tungsten mines, too. Thanks for watching!👍😊

  • @MPWEST83

    @MPWEST83

    Ай бұрын

    @@TomandJulieMineExploring That is an interesting tidbit of information! Dually noted!!

  • @waynehewitt3999
    @waynehewitt3999Ай бұрын

    Awsom views Tom and Julie. Love your videos.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Wayne. There is usually a good view or two when we're out in the boonies. Thanks for the nice comment!👍😊

  • @richardbeee
    @richardbeeeАй бұрын

    Cool mineralization. Nice explore. Thanks for sharing. 😊

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Richard. It's always fun to see cool minerals. That's the reason the miners were here. You're welcome, and thanks for watching!👍😊

  • @potatothorn
    @potatothornАй бұрын

    nice job finding a way around the gate... awesome explorations as always, thanks for sharing

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Thorn. That is the biggest bat gate that I've ever seen. I wonder how many thousands of dollars that cost. Thanks for watching and commenting!👍😊

  • @potatothorn

    @potatothorn

    Ай бұрын

    ​@@TomandJulieMineExploring / most people are not as safety minded as you are: the bat gate cost less than one rescue would cost put it that way....// also note it is better for the bats, i hope you take some precautions like cleaning your gear to prevent the spread of white nose /// i can't be opposed to the nps preventing people from entering these old mines, most people are not qualified to enter and cause problems. so many people who claim to be "the good guys" still think they need to take a souvenir, hammer at rocks, do all kinds of dumb stuff....

  • @captainwin6333
    @captainwin6333Ай бұрын

    Some wild colours in there.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Yes, there are some great colors in these mines, Captain. Thanks for watching!👍😊

  • @raiderman8431
    @raiderman8431Ай бұрын

    Wow, really awesome colors, you guys got in, great job! Stay safe!

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Raiderman.The color is always fun to see in the minerals. Thanks for leaving us a comment. We appreciate it!👍😊

  • @shariselove
    @shariseloveАй бұрын

    12:41 nice sparkle 😮

  • @shariselove

    @shariselove

    Ай бұрын

    14:04 the dust is even sparkly😮

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Sharise. Lots of sparkly minerals in these mines. I hope my lungs like the sparkle.👍😊

  • @shariselove

    @shariselove

    Ай бұрын

    @@TomandJulieMineExploring Right..lol!

  • @richardwarnock2789
    @richardwarnock2789Ай бұрын

    Those Color's were Spectacular could Smell any Sulfer !!!; )

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Richard. Yes, the colorful minerals were great. We didn't smell any sulfur that I can recall. Thanks for watching!👍😊

  • @bobterry2952
    @bobterry2952Ай бұрын

    Hello Tom and Julie. How are my two favorite desert rats today? That first mine was very interesting. Most tungsten comes in the form of wolfenite or shelight . I'm not sure what the bluish color was it may have been a form of copper called indigo oxide. But I couldn't tell from the video. But the second dig you two found was definitely rich in sulfide look to me like there could have been a lot of silver or Galena in there and possibly some gold there was a lot of iron stain in there and as they say gold rides and iron horse, but it was very metamorphosized. Anyway thanks once again for taking me along with you, I appreciate it very much. And as always please be careful and everything you do, looking forward to the next video see you then.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Bob. It seems like the tungsten from the mines in this general area comes primarily from sheelite, although I'm no geologist. I do think the second mine was mainly a gold mine from what I could find on it. Thanks for watching and commenting, we appreciate it!👍😊

  • @tonygaetani1892
    @tonygaetani1892Ай бұрын

    Good exploring today I love it. Very interesting minds.👍🇺🇸👍

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Tony. We're glad that you enjoyed the explore. They are a couple of nice little mibes. Thanks for watching and commenting!👍😊

  • @ExploringCabinsandMines
    @ExploringCabinsandMinesАй бұрын

    Good morning!!

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Mornin' Dave!👍😊

  • @garyjohnson1757
    @garyjohnson1757Ай бұрын

    Awesomeness hi Julie 😊

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Gary. Thanks for watching!👍😊

  • @Ed_in_Md
    @Ed_in_MdАй бұрын

    Some beautiful colors in both mines. Thanks for taking us along. Take care of each other and stay safe.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Ed. Yes, some beautiful mineral veins in both mines. Glad that you liked the video. Thanks for commenting!👍😊

  • @stevengill1736
    @stevengill1736Ай бұрын

    Oh boy, more tungsten! Could that vein towards the end be wolframite? I swear, a portable XRF machine would be awesome....

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Steven. Tungsten mines are usually pretty nice. I don't know much about XRF devices except that they analyze metal or other materials. Thanks for the comment!👍😊

  • @Ed_in_Md
    @Ed_in_MdАй бұрын

    Wow! Solid as a rock, as they say. Even your footsteps were echoing.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    That's correct, Ed. Most times, the tungsten mines that we have been in are very solid. ⛏️

  • @timothyexner
    @timothyexnerАй бұрын

    Great video. Definitely an activity for the brave, and in Tom's case, slightly crazy. As always, thanks for taking us along.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Timothy. Glad that you enjoyed the video. Mine exploring is kind of a crazy hobby, especially for someone my age. It's not the healthiest activity either with the dust and frequent minor injuries. Thanks for watching and commenting. We appreciate it!👍😁

  • @gmcnelly2468
    @gmcnelly2468Ай бұрын

    good climbing and very interesting mines!

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks Mcnelly. We're happy that you enjoyed the mines. Thanks for the comment!!👍😊

  • @GlenCannon239
    @GlenCannon239Ай бұрын

    Not much to see in workings but that was some interesting minerals. Glad you made it out safe.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Glen. The ballroom stope in the tungsten mine was pretty cool to see in person. Definitely some nice color to the minerals. Thanks for the comment!👍😊

  • @OdySlim
    @OdySlimАй бұрын

    One of my problems is wherever I may be, If I see old roads or buildings, I have to stop to see whats there. Have a nice weekend.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Yes, it's always fun to poke around old buildings and such. Thanks, and we hope you have a good weekend, Scott!👍😊

  • @stephenmiller5023
    @stephenmiller5023Ай бұрын

    Just wondering if you ever take any samples of minerals to get assayed Tom & Julie……. If not you could be walking away from a fortune …. 😉. Neat area 👍

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Stephen. We really don't do much for sampling. I don't want to be a claim jumper if there is an active mineral claim on a mine. Also, I know how hard it is to haul, mill, and process ore to get much from it unless it is very rich. Still, prospecting can be a very fun hobby, and I do a little drywashing.👍⛏️😊

  • @stephenmiller5023

    @stephenmiller5023

    Ай бұрын

    @@TomandJulieMineExploring Yeah , you make a good point about respecting someone’s claim . I wouldn’t want to be that person either , especially if it’s marked with a location claim. Was just curious though . Thanks again for sharing your adventures with us all . 😎👍

  • @Ed_in_Md
    @Ed_in_MdАй бұрын

    Pretty rock formations.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    👍💎😁

  • @davidgekler
    @davidgeklerАй бұрын

    Wow, that first mine was a big one, Second one looked more like "Golina" that they get Silver from, not gold?

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi David. It's a nice tungsten mine with a beautiful ballroom type stope. I think the second mine primarily produced gold, although I'm sure there were other metals taken, too. Thanks for your input!👍😊

  • @HikeCamp
    @HikeCampАй бұрын

    Now why would they close the main portal and not the small one? That second mine looked much older than the first.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Good question, Max. The BLM does some strange things. I believe you're correct about the age of the second mine. Thanks for the comment!👍😊

  • @JimCockerham
    @JimCockerhamАй бұрын

    Very colorful, some of those bridges looked pretty sketchy! Thanks for sharing Tom and Julie. You both seem so knowledgeable, do you have mining experience?

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Jim. It's always fun to see the colorful minerals. We both have some, but limited, mining experience. We have a good amount of mine exploring experience. The sketchy bridges and ladders are all part of the game. Thanks for leaving a comment!👍😊

  • @TBI-Firefighter-451
    @TBI-Firefighter-451Ай бұрын

    Hi Guys, it might interest you to know that Tungsten Orebodies are typically Gray to Black with White Swirls and Streaks whereas the Blueish Ore tends to yield mostly Sodalite (Silica) and sometimes Galena (Lead) and Silver. 8:22 Nice looking High Grade Tungsten Ore, The Dark Ore with White Swirls on the left. 10:06 Wow Beautiful, Wolframite Pillar (tungsten ore) 11:13 Also Wolframite. That was a Fun Explore

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi TBI. Thanks for chiming in on the tungsten ore. Always good to hear your thoughts on the mine workings. 👍😊

  • @TBI-Firefighter-451

    @TBI-Firefighter-451

    Ай бұрын

    Your Welcome​@@TomandJulieMineExploring

  • @karlmcgowan9375
    @karlmcgowan9375Ай бұрын

    Tom, Julie, have you ever been in a mine during an earthquake or tremor.

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Karl. We have never felt a tremor while inside of a mine. I'm sure it would be a little unsettling. Thanks for commenting!👍😊

  • @madeinyorkshire52
    @madeinyorkshire52Ай бұрын

    Looks like Julie is wearing her best dress or office shoes! I would have expected her to wear stout trainers; or proper trekking boots - especially as you both had to undertake some rock scrambling/ climbing!

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    She is wearing a pair of Brooks trail runners. They work well when you have some distance to hike in the hot desert. Your feet don't sweat like they would in a boot, and they are very durable. They are also good for rock scrambling as they have excellent traction. Thanks for the comment!🥾👟

  • @96chevydually6.5L
    @96chevydually6.5LАй бұрын

    I bet they went through a lot of dynamite

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    No doubt the tungsten mine took some blasting. It was very solid. Thanks for commenting!👍😊

  • @darknes7800
    @darknes7800Ай бұрын

    Hey Tom....did you switch your diet to beef, butter, bacon and eggs yet? Basically a zero carb diet. You will lose weight like crazy and feel better AND be able to start a weight lifting / cardio program! Time to reverse the AGING clock bro! Cheers !

  • @TomandJulieMineExploring

    @TomandJulieMineExploring

    Ай бұрын

    No, I haven't. If I didn't like carbs so much, I probably would. Thanks for the reminder.👍