GRAYSILL MINE

Steve, Jennifer, Tristan, Cat, Mile & Jim

WesternGhostTowns.com does not encourage anyone to enter abandoned mines.   Our purpose here is to present a historical perspective and an entertaining viewpoint to the many old mines of the West.  Although we have been exploring old mines for more than 45 years, we are by no means experts in this field.   Some of the many dangers include deep, open vertical shafts, rotten or missing ladders, rotten or missing support timbers, loose rock, coller cave-ins, water, carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide, and explosives.   Even if someone were to survive a mine accident, the remote location of most mines causes lengthy delays in any rescue attempts.   All mines shown on this site were thoroughly examined, with all suitable precautions taken when documenting these sites.   We do not take responsibility for any injuries or death which may occur by visiting these mines nor will we provide any directions.

 


The U.S. government's call for uranium resulted in the establishment of the Graysill Mine in the rugged San Juan Mountains of Colorado.  The Graysill mine operated from 1945 until 1953.  At its peak, the Graysill area supported 450 working claims, but shipped only about 3,000 tons of ore a year to the mill in Durango.  The mill separated "red cake" (vanadium) from "yellow cake" (uranium).   Some of the Durango yellow cake was used in the development of the first atomic bomb.  Miners always faced harsh living conditions, but this "modern mining" added a new danger--- odorless, tasteless, radioactive radon gas.   Only a scant 20 men endured the bitter winters and radon gas to mine here throughout the year.   The area is well secluded and not far from a small lake on the west side.  The road from the west is shorter and in better contition than the road from the East.



this is in good condition
This is the only standing building remaining at the Graysill Mine

decent condition
This is a rear view of the same building.

living quarters??
Jennifer, Steve & Tristan look through the window at the interior

a pile of wood.
Remains of other buildings



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