Golden Gate Mine and Mill, California

***Edit*** On the morning of August 29, 2020 lightening strikes caused a fire in nearby Slinkard Valley. The Slink Fire burned out of control despite extensive fire suppression efforts and all structures were consumed by flames. After road restrictions were lifted I visited and rephotographed the sight to document what was remaining. I complied comparison pictures in an article “Golden Gate Mill: A Devastating Loss to History”

Mono Mill Golden Gate Mill California Mono County Ghost Town Mining Camp Ten Stamp Mill — Ten Stamp Mill

In 1898, miners discovered veins of mineral bearing quartz at the foot of the eastern Sierras and struck a claim. The mine was expanded in 1900 when owners discovered a quartz lode they proclaimed “A producer of great merit.”

Mono Mill Golden Gate Mill California Mono County Ghost Town Mining Camp Ten Stamp Mill bunkhouse — Cook and Bunk House

Miners dug tunnels as deep as 1800′. Using a 2300′ aerial tramway, the ore was transported down the mountain to a water-powered mill. Mercury was then used to extract gold from the ore.

In 1883 the Sawyer Act outlawed hydraulic mining and stamp mills became popular. Stamp mills have wood or metal beams which crush the ore which is then processed with mercury or cyanide. Each beam is a “stamp” and lifted by cams on a horizontal rotating shaft.

This 10 stamp mill was built by Joshua Hendry Iron Works of San Francisco. The company built and shipped many mills to the eastern Sierras and Northern Nevada, including Pine Grove.

Stamp mills relied on gravity and most often were located on hillsides. As raw ore descended through the mill it was crushed into a powder. Freighting unprocessed ore could be cost prohibitive unless it was particularly rich. The milling process could increase the value of the shipping weight four to six times.

The eastern Sierras are prone to heavy snow. In 1907, an avalanche destroyed the mill and other buildings. The miners rebuilt 200′ from the site at the foot of a hill they thought safe.

Most mines utilized a single ore bin or ore bins that sit side by side. Golden Gate has a unique double ore bin where the bins face each other and are connected.

SNOWSLIDES DEAL DEATH ON HEIGHTS: 3 Villages in Sierras Are Buried.
The Oregonian March 10, 1911

In March 1911, another avalanche destroyed the bunkhouse, stable and water intake. No one died and miners sustained only minor injuries. A week later a third avalanche destroyed the boarding house. That winter was particularly difficult for many eastern Sierra mines and communities. Nine miners lost their lives in avalanches including the owner of Masonic.