Picher field underground mine workings of the abandoned Tri-State Lead-Zinc Mining District in the United States

Abstract

Mining began in the Picher field, in the Oklahoma and Kansas portion of the Tri-State Lead-Zinc Mining District in the United States, during the 1900s and ceased in the 1970s, producing an estimated 1.5 million metric tons (m-tons) of lead and 8 million m-tons of zinc. Over 400 historical maps of the underground mine workings were compiled into a single, easily editable map. This map was used to create 3D renderings for calculation of underground mine workings area and volume estimates. The workings have an estimated volume of 9,870 ha-meters (80,000 ac-ft), covering an area of 1,440 hectares (3,560 acres). The map and subsequent calculations should be considered to be based on the minimum extent of the mining field due to the likelihood that many historical maps were likely lost or destroyed. The format of the map allows for continuous updates as new information becomes available.

Keywords

• Tri-State Mining District
• Tar Creek
• mining map