02-12-2006
The Burra Burra Mine, entrance shown above, is located near
Ducktown, in eastern Tennessee. It was mined for its copper and
goes down approximately 1 mile (1.6 km). When the mine was being
excavated, timbers were needed for support, and many trees in the
vicinity of the mine were cut down. This caused a chain reaction
that nearly destroyed the surrounding landscape. Additionally, over
the years, excavated dirt and ore residue washed into streams,
fouling wetlands and destroying aquatic habitats. Though an effort
has been made to clean up the watersheds near the mine, 300 acres
of denuded land has been set aside as a memorial to the ecological
devastation. Though the mine is no longer active, garnet and pyrite
can be collected.
Provided by:
James Douglas,
