Hendricks (Graeter) Mine Rehabilitation

Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks Bannack Park: Hendricks (or Graeter) Mine Rehabilitation

As part of the Bannack State Park: Hendricks (or Graeter) Mine Rehabilitation Project, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks contacted SubTerra, Inc. to evaluate and provide safety guidelines and recommendations to allow safe public tours of the Mine site.

Tunnel Design

Hendricks (or Graeter) Mine, located in the historic town of Bannack, Montana was the first major gold strike with historic, local production in the millions of dollars. This mine is part of ten underground mines that operated in Bannack District. Mine production began prior to the founding of Bannack in 1862. The majority of production occurred between 1902 & 1965, producing recoverable materials such as: ore, gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc.

Pror to 1862

Mine Production Began

2006

SubTerra’s Work Completed

1902 to 1965

Majority of Mine Production

$1,000,000+

Gold Produced During Gold Strike

Tunnel Specifications

In order to assess the potential safety concerns, SubTerra’s scope of work included the following:

Site visit to the surface and underground mines to gather data and information for input in the rehabilitation design;
Second visit to the Lewis & Clark Caverns to observe and to evaluate the state’s current practice for operating conditions underground tours;
SubTerra compiled data taken at the site along with historical data including mine layout and topography maps of the surrounding area were digitized to complete the existing conditions plan;
Complete design memorandum covering the following: Barricading beyond visitor area, ground support with floor covering, portal support, ventilation, and lighting;
Preparation of all operating procedures for the facility;
Prepare monthly and pre-tour inspections and tour procedures that are consistent with the State Mine inspector.