Star Mine — Burke, ID
Posted by: 
Dunbar Loop
N 47° 31.256 W 115° 49.030
11T E 589047 N 5263734
Starting back in the 1890s, the Star Mine was one of the hundreds of mines operating in Idaho's Silver Belt. The Star continued to operate until 1982, although there have been studies conducted to reopen the mine.
Waymark Code: WM10Y3T
Location: Idaho, United States
Date Posted: 07/09/2019
Views: 3
Burke Canyon is a silver ore rich valley. In an area slightly larger than Manhattan, it is recorded that over 340,000,000 ounces of silver were mined. As of 2019, this would have been a collective value of US$5.5 billion.
One of these mines was the Star Mine, which is still owned by the Helca Mining Company. It began operating in the 1890s and ran until 1982. But the mine is not finished yet. Helca has been conducting studies to reopen the mine if silver prices rise.
Most of the structures that remain on the site are from the 1920s. Essentially a rebuild from the devasting fire of 1923.
At one point the Star Mine was superlative having reached some 8100 feet in depth making it the deepest mine in North America.
Today you can see the many remaining mining structures from the road, but it is a dangerous site. Please keep the public road when visiting.
Mine Type: Abandoned Mine
Mineral Collecting: Not Known
Material Mined: Precious Metal
Operation: Underground Mine
Surface Features: Yes
KNOWN DANGERS:
Keep out of the mine site as it is still privately owned. The owners do not want injuries and/or fatalities from falling debris and collapsing tunnels.
Any associated website: Not listed
Any Other information: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Optional photograph welcomed.