When it comes to the formation of Colorado, there was no industry quite as vital and profitable as mining, which led to the migration of thousands of families to the newly-founded territory. Since most of these mines dried up some 100+ years ago, we are left with only the stories and remains of most, including the Pennsylvania Mine, which is deemed the most dangerous mine in Colorado. While most of us have never seen this toxic area, we now can, thanks to some stunning drone footage from YouTube’s Sean Ozz:
Located in Summit County, the Pennsylvania Mine was founded in 1879 and produced everything from gold to silver to lead, copper and zinc, making it one of the most profitable mines of its time.
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In 1893, the Pennsylvania Mine experienced its most significant and historic year, thanks to the whopping 7,000 tons of ore that were excavated and shipped, attracting even more miners and families to the area.
Flickr/Sheila Sund
The mineral veins in the Pennsylvania Mine continued to go strong until around 1908 when work began to slow.
Flickr/Scott Drzyzga Thanks to its continual decline, the Pennsylvania Mine was officially abandoned by the 1940s, leading to the mine’s previously mentioned toxicity.
After the Pennsylvania Mine ceased operation, “metals-laden effluent” began to flow from the area into the nearby Peru Creek and Snake River, polluting the water with acidic drainage that is - needless to say - too dangerous to consume.
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Because of the toxins coming from the abandoned Pennsylvania Mine, the Environmental Protection Agency has named both Peru Creek and the Snake River as some of the most impaired water bodies in Colorado.
Flickr/Scott Drzyzga They also noted that the mine is the “largest single anthropogenic source of heavy metals” for both bodies of water.
While clean-up of the water and area is underway, many of us have still never seen this historic area until now, thanks to this amazing footage from Sean Ozz.
YouTube/Sean Ozz
To check out even more of Sean Ozz’s awesome videos, be sure to subscribe to his channel on YouTube! Do you want to see even more aerial views of Colorado? Check out A Drone Captured Eerie But Inspiring Footage Of A Very Empty Denver During The Pandemic In Colorado.
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Flickr/Sheila Sund
Flickr/Scott Drzyzga
Thanks to its continual decline, the Pennsylvania Mine was officially abandoned by the 1940s, leading to the mine’s previously mentioned toxicity.
Google/MooseDeerLtd
They also noted that the mine is the “largest single anthropogenic source of heavy metals” for both bodies of water.
YouTube/Sean Ozz
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Address: Pennsylvania Mine, Colorado 80435, USA
