Abandoned mines in Lewis and Clark County, Montana

1. Mine openings

   shafts, adits, air shafts, portals and vertical openings: the ways into underground workings
   257 13.0%
2. Prospect pits and trenches

   shallow exploration diggings that never became a mine
   1,485 75.3%
3. Mines and surface workings

   labelled mines, open pits, strip mines, placer and hydraulic workings
   55 2.8%
4. Quarries, gravel and borrow pits

   construction-material and industrial-mineral extraction
   61 3.1%
5. Dumps, tailings, spoil and gob

   what mining left above ground
   34 1.7%
6. Mills, tipples and facilities

   processing plants and hazardous structures
   20 1.0%
7. Other reclamation problems

   highwalls, subsidence, polluted or clogged water, fires, slides and gases in OSMRE's inventory
   59 3.0%

A name is the label printed beside the symbol on the map. "First mapped" is the earliest topographic edition that shows the symbol, which bounds the feature's age from above; it is not the date it was worked. Unnamed features (most prospect pits, adits and shafts carry no label) are in the counts above but not this list.

Problem types carry OSMRE's priority prefix: P1 and P2 are threats to health, safety and property, P3 is environmental. A problem area is a cluster of problems reclaimed as one project; several rows can share one location.

1. A/W SCREENING PLANT #1

   Surface metal/non-metal · Concrete Septic Tank Company · MSHA ID 2401978
   Abandoned 1998-03-06
2. Bald Butte Mine

   Surface metal/non-metal · Montana Molybdenum Corporation · MSHA ID 2402427
   Abandoned 2006-07-13
3. Baldy Mountain Mine

   Underground metal/non-metal · Baldy Mountain Mining · MSHA ID 2401791
   Abandoned 1985-11-18
4. Basin Creek Mine

   Surface metal/non-metal · Basin Creek Mining Inc · MSHA ID 2401850
   Abandoned 1995-04-03
5. Beaver American

   Surface metal/non-metal · Majic Gems · MSHA ID 2401444
   Abandoned 1981-11-10
6. Belmont Mine

   Underground metal/non-metal · Prometheus Gold Inc · MSHA ID 2401665
   Abandoned 1994-07-18
7. Black Hawk Adit

   Underground metal/non-metal · Treasure State Development Inc · MSHA ID 2401832
   Abandoned 1987-08-31
8. Black Widow

   Underground metal/non-metal · Leroy Mckellar · MSHA ID 2401526
   Abandoned 1980-08-21
9. Canyon Creek Mine & Mill

   Facility metal/non-metal · Montana Mineral Extraction Corp · MSHA ID 2401506
   Abandoned 1981-07-01
10. Caretaker

    Surface metal/non-metal · American Innovative Minerals · MSHA ID 2402622
    Abandoned 2014-10-01
11. Castles Sapphire Mine

    Surface metal/non-metal · Wesley & Ruth B Castles · MSHA ID 2401472
    Abandoned 1982-12-30
12. Century Silver Mines Incorporated

    Underground metal/non-metal · Century Silver Mines Inc · MSHA ID 2401253
    Abandoned 1981-03-13
13. Century Unit

    Underground metal/non-metal · Sparrow Resources Ltd · MSHA ID 2401577
    Abandoned 1982-02-18
14. Cherhill Resources Incorporated

    Surface metal/non-metal · Cherhill Resources Inc · MSHA ID 2401908
    Abandoned 1991-08-07
15. DANA'S BAR MINING INC

    Surface metal/non-metal · Dana'S Bar Mining Inc · MSHA ID 2402051
    Abandoned 1997-02-24
16. Dert Gulch Mine

    Surface metal/non-metal · Fulgham'S Dert Gulch Mine · MSHA ID 2401525
    Abandoned 1985-11-18
17. Dredge Tailings

    Surface metal/non-metal · Skinner Enterprises · MSHA ID 2402038
    Abandoned 1994-07-11
18. Drumlummon Mine

    Underground metal/non-metal · Drumlummon Gold Corporation · MSHA ID 2401079
    Abandoned 2014-08-28
19. Drumlummon Surface

    Facility metal/non-metal · Goldsil Mining & Milling Inc · MSHA ID 2401227
    Abandoned 1984-05-14
20. Dull Care Placers

    Surface metal/non-metal · Ophir Mining Company · MSHA ID 2401681
    Abandoned 1983-09-17
21. E Z Rocks 4 U

    Surface metal/non-metal · Nina Pullman · MSHA ID 2402259
    Abandoned 2003-12-29
22. Eldorado Bar

    Surface metal/non-metal · Gem Resources Management Corp · MSHA ID 2401878
    Abandoned 1992-10-07
23. Eldorado Bar

    Surface metal/non-metal · American Gem Corp · MSHA ID 2402052
    Abandoned 1995-06-12
24. Eldorado Gems and Precious Metals LLC

    Surface metal/non-metal · Eldorado Gems and Precious Metals LLC · MSHA ID 2402430
    Abandoned 2010-10-01
25. Eldorado Sapphire Mine

    Surface metal/non-metal · Eldorado Sapphire Mine · MSHA ID 2401478
    Abandoned 1991-06-03
26. Elizabeth Mine

    Surface metal/non-metal · Eden Mining & Reclamation Corp, Inc. · MSHA ID 2402760
    Abandoned 2021-02-05
27. Emma Miller Mine

    Underground metal/non-metal · Goldsil Mining & Milling Inc · MSHA ID 2401012
    Abandoned 1981-06-02
28. Erma

    Underground metal/non-metal · Larry Hillard · MSHA ID 2401856
    Abandoned 1988-06-22
29. French Bar Mine

    Surface metal/non-metal · French Bar Mine Inc · MSHA ID 2401695
    Abandoned 1987-09-18
30. Galilee

    Underground metal/non-metal · Nelson Mining · MSHA ID 2401870
    Abandoned 1988-09-22
31. Gold Crown

    Underground metal/non-metal · Normax Mines · MSHA ID 2401591
    Abandoned 1982-04-06
32. Golden Flag

    Surface metal/non-metal · Golden Flag Resources Inc · MSHA ID 2401756
    Abandoned 1985-05-22
33. Haley Mine

    Underground metal/non-metal · Haley Mine Company · MSHA ID 2401493
    Abandoned 1984-07-16
34. HSG Portable Screen Plant #2

    Surface metal/non-metal · Montana Mtls & Cons · MSHA ID 2400785
    Abandoned 2024-04-23
35. Humdinger

    Surface metal/non-metal · Leaco Mining Inc · MSHA ID 2401799
    Abandoned 1986-07-07
36. Itha D

    Surface metal/non-metal · Jefferson Mining & Company · MSHA ID 2401676
    Abandoned 1982-12-29
37. Jay Gould

    Underground metal/non-metal · Uranerz U S A Inc · MSHA ID 2401606
    Abandoned 1988-03-17
38. JAY GOULD

    Underground metal/non-metal · Fayram Engineering Company Ltd · MSHA ID 2402119
    Abandoned 1997-10-22
39. Johnny Be Good

    Surface metal/non-metal · John Fee & Don Carlson · MSHA ID 2401871
    Abandoned 1988-09-22
40. Kleeman Crusher/Screen

    Surface metal/non-metal · TMK Construction, LLC · MSHA ID 2402502
    Abandoned 2009-10-01
41. Klondike Ore #2

    Surface metal/non-metal · Big 3 Oilfield Service · MSHA ID 2401678
    Abandoned 1983-08-25
42. KODIAK 300

    Surface metal/non-metal · MISSOURI RIVER CONTRACTORS · MSHA ID 2402772
    Abandoned 2022-01-27
43. L A Construction Incorporated

    Surface metal/non-metal · L A Construction Inc · MSHA ID 2401486
    Abandoned 1988-06-24
44. Lark #1

    Surface metal/non-metal · Roy C Kinne · MSHA ID 2401845
    Abandoned 1987-09-22
45. Lewis And Clark Placer

    Surface metal/non-metal · Jefferson Creek Mining Ltd · MSHA ID 2401620
    Abandoned 1983-08-25
46. M L J Grizzly

    Surface metal/non-metal · Mark L Johnson · MSHA ID 2402091
    Abandoned 2011-12-01
47. MCCLELLAN CREEK QUARRY

    Surface metal/non-metal · Maronick Construction Llc · MSHA ID 2400018
    Abandoned 2001-10-01
48. Menth Excavating

    Surface metal/non-metal · Menth Excavating Inc. · MSHA ID 2402327
    Abandoned 2005-07-01
49. Moble

    Surface metal/non-metal · Tracy Fortner · MSHA ID 2402343
    Abandoned 2010-10-01
50. Montana Gold & Sapphire

    Surface metal/non-metal · Montana Gold & Sapphire Inc · MSHA ID 2401473
    Abandoned 1986-09-12
51. Nick And Dick Mine

    Underground metal/non-metal · John Byrd · MSHA ID 2401635
    Abandoned 1983-06-29
52. Noni #1

    Underground metal/non-metal · Crocker Unlimited · MSHA ID 2401513
    Abandoned 1980-06-13
53. Oregon Gulch

    Surface metal/non-metal · Rick Schipper · MSHA ID 2402631
    Abandoned 2012-12-06
54. Original Mine

    Surface metal/non-metal · M & M Mining · MSHA ID 2401724
    Abandoned 1983-06-29
55. Passage Placer

    Surface metal/non-metal · Modern Exploration Development & Mining · MSHA ID 2401869
    Abandoned 1989-05-09
56. Portable 2

    Surface metal/non-metal · Valley Sand & Gravel LLC · MSHA ID 2402601
    Abandoned 2026-03-13
57. PORTABLE CRUSHER

    Surface metal/non-metal · Wirth Excavating · MSHA ID 2402175
    Abandoned 2002-04-01
58. Portable Operations

    Surface metal/non-metal · Debco Construction · MSHA ID 1002110
    Abandoned 2024-08-15
59. PORTABLE SCREEN PLANT NO 1

    Surface metal/non-metal · Lewis & Clark County · MSHA ID 2401364
    Abandoned 2001-03-06
60. Portable Screening Plant

    Surface metal/non-metal · R & D Partners LLC · MSHA ID 2402540
    Abandoned 2021-08-16
61. Portable Screening Unit

    Surface metal/non-metal · Lewis & Clark County · MSHA ID 2401443
    Abandoned 1982-08-18
62. Pretty Girl Placer

    Surface metal/non-metal · Special Lady Mining Corp · MSHA ID 2401692
    Abandoned 1989-08-07
63. PUGMILL

    Surface metal/non-metal · S K Construction Inc · MSHA ID 2402060
    Abandoned 2001-03-08
64. Safe Haven Mine

    Surface metal/non-metal · J M Safe Haven A LLC · MSHA ID 2402359
    Abandoned 2012-06-06
65. Sapphires Ventures

    Surface metal/non-metal · G & L Mining · MSHA ID 2401474
    Abandoned 1983-06-29
66. Sauerkraut Placer

    Surface metal/non-metal · Clay A Lewis · MSHA ID 2401852
    Abandoned 1995-07-31
67. Screening Plant #1

    Surface metal/non-metal · Montana Portable Crushing LLC · MSHA ID 2402458
    Abandoned 2006-07-08
68. Seven Mile Placer

    Surface metal/non-metal · Bud Morris · MSHA ID 2401697
    Abandoned 1987-09-18
69. Silver City Sand & Gravel

    Surface metal/non-metal · Silver City Sand & Gravel LLP · MSHA ID 2402393
    Abandoned 2006-01-03
70. Six 0 Six Holding LLC

    Surface metal/non-metal · Six 0 Six Holdings · MSHA ID 2402758
    Abandoned 2021-02-05
71. St Joe Placer Mine

    Surface metal/non-metal · Special Lady Mining Corp · MSHA ID 2401819
    Abandoned 1989-08-07
72. State Creek Mine

    Surface metal/non-metal · Pioneer Matrix · MSHA ID 2401719
    Abandoned 1983-12-06
73. The Good Mine

    Underground metal/non-metal · The Good Mine · MSHA ID 2402545
    Abandoned 2009-10-01
74. Towhead Slate

    Surface metal/non-metal · Anson Slate · MSHA ID 2401468
    Abandoned 1982-12-28
75. Utopia

    Surface metal/non-metal · Mineral Developments Inc · MSHA ID 2401739
    Abandoned 1984-02-02
76. Valley Concrete Pit No 1

    Surface metal/non-metal · Valley Concrete Company · MSHA ID 2401307
    Abandoned 1980-06-10
77. Valley Sand & Gravel

    Surface metal/non-metal · Valley Excavating Sand & Gravel LLC · MSHA ID 2401851
    Abandoned 2012-08-14
78. Wendy O Mine

    Surface metal/non-metal · Rocky Mountain Mining & Development · MSHA ID 2401537
    Abandoned 1981-03-23
79. Western Fuel Incorporated

    Surface metal/non-metal · Western Fuel Inc · MSHA ID 2401571
    Abandoned 1988-04-29
80. Western Sand & Gravel

    Surface metal/non-metal · Western Sand & Gravel · MSHA ID 2401847
    Abandoned 1988-08-12
81. Wirth Ranch

    Surface metal/non-metal · Wirth Ranch · MSHA ID 2402717
    Abandoned 2022-07-28
82. Wolf Creek Quarry

    Surface metal/non-metal · Washington Construction Company · MSHA ID 2401357
    Abandoned 1979-01-16
83. Woodrow Wilson

    Underground metal/non-metal · Bloch-Irelan · MSHA ID 2401575
    Abandoned 1981-07-14

Status and date are as reported to MSHA by the operator. Each mine's own page carries its accident, citation and inspection record.

• Madison County 3,766
• Silver Bow County 2,397
• Jefferson County 1,973
• Broadwater County 1,418
• Beaverhead County 1,378
• Carbon County 769
• Powell County 741
• Granite County 719
• Cascade County 708
• Deer Lodge County 688
• Fergus County 550
• Meagher County 440

1. USGS, Consolidated Prospect- and Mine-Related Features from 7.5- and 15-Minute Topographic Quadrangle Maps of the United States (USMIN)
   597,612 point and area features digitized from about 106,350 historical topographic maps published 1886–2006; public domain (CC0). A feature is a map symbol, not a field-verified site, and the map does not say whether it was still worked.
2. USGS Fact Sheet 2025–3003, The Abandoned Mine Inventory of the United States
   States that as of 2025 there is no comprehensive national inventory of abandoned mine features, and that the detailed national database now being built will not be published.
3. OSMRE, Abandoned Mine Land Inventory System (e-AMLIS), public Problems layer
   One row per abandoned mine land problem in a problem area, with its type, funding program and reclamation status; mostly coal mined before the 1977 Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. Coordinates are the problem area's.
4. MSHA, Mines dataset (Mine Data Retrieval System)
   Every mine registered with MSHA since the 1970s; a mine reads Abandoned or Abandoned and Sealed when its operator reported that status. Refreshed weekly.
5. US Census Bureau, 2023 cartographic county boundaries (1:500,000)
   Each feature's county is assigned by its coordinates against these boundaries, not copied from the source file.
6. GAO-20-238, Abandoned Hardrock Mines (March 2020)
   Federal agencies had identified at least 140,000 abandoned hardrock mine features on federal land and estimated more than 390,000 more not yet captured in their databases.
7. Abandoned Hardrock Mine Reclamation (AHMR) Program, US Department of the Interior
   The program the USGS inventory is compiled for. Its appropriations and the 674,000 field-confirmed feature count on this page were provided by the program manager, Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance, and are cited with permission (2026-09-08).
8. IMCC-NAAMLP Hardrock AML Report
   Page 48 carries the two figures this page leans on: USGS estimates 633,181 of the 725,690 mine features it recorded from historic topographic maps, 87 percent, are hardrock; and state and federal agencies have submitted more than 724,000 AML features to the national database being built, already more than the historic maps hold. Year-by-year AHMR funding is on page 35.