Argentina

The most complete guide to Southern Nevada's mining history.

Argentina Mine is located South of Las Vegas, Nevada. Nearest towns are Jean, Nevada, Goodsprings, Nevada and Sandy Valley, Nevada. Primary mining in the area included: copper, lead, silver, gold and zinc.

The forward ports of the Argentina Mine are now sealed. This area is known to be private property, but the approach is poorly posted. Any open entries are posted "Private Property" and should be considered trespassing and unsafe for entry.

The only forward open shaft requires rope for access and the internal access structures have been damaged by fire. We were able to locate the bottom of that shaft from a lower level. Fire damage is extensive at the bottom. Ladders leading up are no longer accessible and the large ore hopper below is a complete loss. At that lowest level we found the fire was set intentionally by someone throwing a fuel container down the shaft from above.

We've been able to explore and map five levels of the Argentina Mine, but we found a historic map indicating two more levels. One up and one six levels below the main adit. I believe we may have located the upper level, but the fire destroyed the ladders heading up to it. It's possible to rappel down from the collar at the surface, but the map didn't show much up there and ascending rope isn't as much fun as it used to be. It didn't appear to be worth the effort.

On our most recent trip to this mine, we were able to locate the deepest level we thought was inaccessible from within the mine. To access the lowest level, we climbed down the mountain to an open portal lower in the valley. That level was mostly undeveloped. It went about 50 yards into the mountain and straight up to the next level about 50 feet up. Reaching the next level up, it looked familiar. We'd already explored that level, but missed the adit connecting to the lowest level. We have now seen every level of this mine, but will still return. We see something new every time.

Argentina Mine (Argentena Mine). Goodsprings, Nevada.
35°48'42.12"N 115°28'3.14"W
USGS Full Report

Primary Mining: Zinc
Secondary Mining: Vanadium, Silver, Lead, Gold, Copper

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