MAPS OF COPPER MINES

Like all mines, copper mines require a detailed map of their underground shafts, adits and conduits.  The selection below, from UP copper mines, illustrates what these mines looked like, how deep they were, etc.

.The diagrams below show what a typical mine layout was like, below ground.  Again, note the dip of the rock (the "Sandstone" is probably Copper Harbor Conglomerate, on top of Portage Lake Lava).
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For the particular mine above, note the ADIT.  The adit is the avenue through which all the copper finds its way out of the mine.  Because the land in the Keweenaw Peninsula sloped so steeply, it was easy to start the mine at the top of the Peninsula, and run horizontally out to an adit on the side slope, down to Lake Superior.

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This material has been compiled for educational use only, and may not be reproduced without permission.  One copy may be printed for personal use.  Please contact Randall Schaetzl (soils@msu.edu) for more information or permissions.