Bernice

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

Bernice Mine is located Southwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. Nearest town is Primm, Nevada. Primary mining in the area included: Gold, copper, lead, silver, and zinc.

Located within the Mojave National Preserve, the Bernice mine has been made safe with a bat gate over the sealed shaft. Within the Mojave National Preserve, they've gone through great efforts to preserve the history. In the instance of this mine, they've restored the structures and reenforced it with new hardware and support cables.

Nearby mines were made "safe" by intentionally collapsing all structures, so seeing the effort to preserve the history was encouraging. Perhaps there has been a shift towards preserving history and not returning the lands to their natural state as we've seen in nearby mining districts.

Bernice Mine has been registered under a few names over the years. Among the other names were the Maynard Mine, the Rex Tin Mine and the Evening Star Mine. Within view and walking distance of this mine is the larger Evening Star Mine. Accurately, the last registered name at this location was the Evening Star Mine. As the Evening Star Mine became more prosperous, it purchased land and the smaller competing mines. To provide a little historical separation, I've listed this as the Bernice Mine.

Being within the National Preserve, access to this mine is extremely easy. Much of the way there is paved. You'll only be off road the last couple of miles which is accessible by any slow moving, high clearance vehicle. With the exception of the final approach to the mines, 4 wheel drive was not needed within the preserve.

Bernice Mine. Ivanpah, California.

35°21'39.92"N 115°32'34.97"W
USGS Full Report

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