Abandoned Mine in Northern Ontario
I had one heck of a time finding the Harcourt Graphite Mine, following directions from an old guide book only to discover that the directions were wrong. Simply put, the mine is only about 150 meters off highway 648 – just outside Harcourt. Being densely wooded, I wandered well past the old buildings and ended somewhere off in the middle of nowhere.
Amongst other somewhat unfortunate events that day I stepped on a rusty nail in the remnants of the old mill. I actually found the diggings by limping through the bush, imagining from clues how they would have situated the mill in respect to where they would have been digging their ore.
This is an example of the kind of mine that is better left un-explored. I went only as far as the adit entrance to get this picture. The roof looks like it needs scaling – just waiting for some errant explorer to bump a rock and down it all comes. I would imagine that the graphite is in the lighter coloured rock as the guide book says that ” yellow jarosite and and rusty goethite” are powdered over the graphite.
All good questions, but you mistake me for an expert. I wonder if you know more about this location? I would love to learn about it. This mine is up near Wilberforce (northern Ontario, details of its past are pretty sketchy)
Very interesting. If you find out that this is the connection, I would like to hear about it.
I was curious if anyone knows exactly how to get to the Harcourt Graphite mine? Know where the road to the mine starts? I have been trying to find this mine but directions are a bit sketchy in the old guidebooks. I am close but not close enough.
Thanks
Interesting nevertheless. I wonder if there is some truth in it?
Rockwatching, any details on the exact location of the caves? I have a cottage in the area and would like to explore the area, carefully of course.
Pierce, I have a feeling by looking at my search terms for the day that you are looking for a cave that you believe must be near Harcourt Ontario – Rover’s cave (also in the search phrase) is on Georgian Bay.
Is there supposed to be a Rover’s Cave near Harcourt?
The picture above is from the graphite mine just outside of Harcourt, is it not? You say; “about 150 meters off highway 648 – just outside Harcourt.” Just trying to find a more accurate location. My father is getting a bit old to be wandering the area. I appreciate the help, thank you.
- Pierce
There are tons of similar interesting locations around Bancroft – just be cautious of safety and private property.