It’s Just An Ore Bin…
One of many that dot Utah’s mining landscape. This particular one is located in Sec 4, T 34S R 1E, at the top of the intersection of Corn Creek Road with Main (Old Escalante) Road [about the middle of the Griffin Point 7.5 minute USGS Quad map at Lat 37.79128 Lon -111.79234--these coordinates might be 200 ft off as the mine according to DOGM map is 200ft to the NW of this coordinate] It was part of a coal mining operation in the area west of Escalante, Utah. The coal mine was “reclaimed” years ago by the Utah AMRP, part of the DOGM. UDOGM-AMRP claims to preserve what mining history they can, while ensuring public safety. However, in a recently released, then cancelled construction bid [PM 9002] the DOGM-AMRP is asking for quotes to remove this ore bin from the area. Public safety? The DOGM-AMRP documents suggest this collapsed ore bin was left in place after a previous reclamation and was safe then, but now, they want it removed.
A Fallen Ore Bin
Sensitivity to history? The bid document explains that this site is NR eligible, meaning someone has previously determined this site to be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Yet the bid specifications indicate that the contractor will be allowed to salvage and remove and/or dispose of this ore bin at the sole discretion of the contractor. In essence, the UDOGM-AMRP is giving the ore bin to the contractor. The wood, the metal fasteners, everything remaining of the ore bin is going to be the contractor’s property.
Since when is the UDOGM-AMRP in the business of giving away mining history? They claim it is at the request and with the landowner’s permission. In this case, it is the Dixie National Forest, USFS, Division of the Department of Agriculture. But in reality it is yours and mine. It belongs to the taxpayers of these United States. I didn’t give permission to donate my ore bin to an as yet-to-be-named contractor, did you? Has any city, county, or state agency been asked if they want this ore bin? [Granted, its condition is described as collapsed, but still, a relic is a relic.] If you or I tried taking it home and setting it up in our backyard, we would be arrested and charged with violating the 1906 Antiquities Act and possibly also charged with stealing “government” property. But under the terms of this contract, the successful bidder will be able to legally do exactly that which we cannot. Doesn’t any city, county, or state agency wish to salvage this tiny piece of Utah mining history for study and/or interpretation? If so, act fast, the bid may reopen and close again before you know it! Anyone interested in photographing this piece of history should do so now, before it’s too late.
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And next time the UDOGM-AMRP gives a presentation and claims to be sensitive to and in the business of protecting mining history, remember,
“It was just an ore bin….”
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