Death Valley

While reviewing YouTube videos about the Skidoo area in hope of obtaining some footage about my recent "Where Is This" thread I came across this gem produced by NPS Death Valley. It's a gem for me because I've never really delved into the mining process from A to Z just holding onto the general concepts of mining and ore processing. 

I found Rangers Alexandra Rothermel and Jeremy Stoltzfus onsite narrations most educational. For instance I had no idea how loud the stamping process was and also how immersed the miners were in toxic substances like mercury and arsenic. If they did not die early they ended up deaf. Geez! 

For you more advanced DEVA adventurers this is probably too basic but for me I've got much more appreciation for the sites I've so far visited: Lemoigne, Skidoo, Widow, Big Four, King Midas, Keane Wonder, Big Bell, Chloride, Lost Burro, Inyo, Eureka, Ashford, Monarch, Warm Springs, Harrisburg, Leadfield, Keane Springs, Panamint City, and Corkscew. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDWSRPjdxuU&t=30s

Here's a restored stamp mill in action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4liR_9-vt4s

Here's a cool tour of a working stamp mill:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdOdwddecYs

Thanks for the links. Should be some interesting watching.

After looking at a stamp mill, I could easily imagine the racket made when in operation.

David Bricker / SYR

Not to mention the dust ... Ugh! Reminds me of working in Trona ...