Mining of coal and metallic minerals in Washington began in the mid to late 1800s. Coal production in Washington hit a high in 2003 with an estimated total production of 6,232,000 short tons, yet production ceased in 2006. Metals mining during the same general time period occurred on both sides of the Cascade divide, but was largely concentrated in the northeastern portion of the state.
- Metallic Minerals
- Nonmetallic Minerals
- Coal
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Metallic minerals are elements or compounds that are generally hard, shiny, malleable, and usually have good electrical and thermal conductivity and high density. These characteristics make them desirable for use in most of the products we use every day.
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Major Metallic Minerals in Washington
Metals historically mined in Washington include gold, silver, lead, zinc, mercury, uranium, and copper.
Mineral Appearance Uses Gold yellow, malleable, soft jewelry, currency, electronics, aircraft windows, medicine, electroplating Silver gray, malleable, soft, highly conductive jewelry, currency, solar panels, utensils, disinfectants, medical instruments Lead gray, malleable, dense, poorly conductive ammunition, batteries, radiation shields Zinc dull, silver-gray, hard, brittle, conductive anti-corrosive, batteries, alloys, wood preservative Mercury silver, liquid at room temperature Used extensively historically, but use has diminished after negative health effects from mercury exposure became more well known. Uranium silvery white, heavy, radioactive, isotopes highly fissile ammunition, vehicle armour, explosives, and nuclear power generation Copper orange, malleable, conductive wire and cable, construction, anti-microbial application Magnesium gray, lightweight, reactive, flammable aluminum alloys, die-casting, steel refinement, titanium production, aircraft, automobiles, electronics Aluminum silvery-white, ductile, lightweight, corrosion-resistant, chemically reactive alloys, aerospace, transportation, packaging, household items, pyrotechnics Newer mines have produced gold, lead, zinc, magnesium, and aluminum. Currently, Washington has several permitted metal mines, but only one of them is operational—the Buckhorn Mountain gold mine in Okanogan County, managed by Kinross Gold Corporation.
The mines shown are by no means all of the metallic mines in Washington. The remainder of the mines existed prior to the Metals Mining and Milling Act was signed.
Significant Mining Districts
Most of the major metal-mining districts in Washington were active in the early part of the 20th century and are now inactive. Most metal mining was concentrated in the north Cascade Range and in the Okanogan geologic province.
As part of an effort to identify hazards and environmental impacts of inactive mine lands, the Survey has published about 50 reports on abandoned mines. Most of these reports pertain to metal mines.
Inactive and Abandoned Mine Lands
Many of Washington's metal mines are now abandoned, and the Survey has steadily made headway in inventorying the history, physical characteristics, and geologic and environmental hazards of over 60 abandoned mine sites or districts. Only the mines with more than 2,000 feet of underground development, more than 10,000 tons of production, or had a known mill site or smelter have been evaluated at this point.
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Historic survey plats showing former mine locations are also available from the Bureau of Land Management. Master title/use plats provide information about oil, gas, mineral and geothermal activities, and can be accessed via a township and range search feature or by selecting from a list of categories. The resource provides records dating back to the mid-1800s.
Metals Mining and Milling Operations Act
The Metals Mining and Milling Operations Act (chapter 78.56 RCW), passed in 1994, established a regulatory scheme that is specific to metal mining. Mines included under the Metals Mining and Milling Operations Act are defined as operations mining base or precious metals and processing the ore by treatment or concentration in a milling facility.
Milling is defined as the process of grinding or crushing ore and extracting base or precious metals by chemical solution, electrowinning, or flotation processes. The Act includes new or expanding mines and mills, but excludes existing mines and mills.
DNR's responsibilities are carried out through the Washington Geological Survey. Metal mine reclamation is regulated through the Surface Mining Act (RCW 78.44, chapter 332-18 WAC)
Additional Information about Metallic Minerals
There are several ways to get more information about metallic minerals in Washington. A GIS-based data compilation of metallic minerals is available through direct download, or can be viewed through the Washington Geologic Information Portal. One of the main functions of the Survey in the early half of the 20th century was to inventory Washington mineral resources and report production. Because of this, we have published a lot of information about minerals over the years. Our Publications and Maps page provides several options for locating mineral-related information.
