Columbia Tecopa

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Columbia Mine. Tecopa, California.

35°49'35.00"N 116° 6'5.26"W
USGS Full Report

Primary Mining: Lead
Secondary Mining: Zinc, Copper

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

At first glance, this mine does not appear to have any depth and we didn't give it much attention. Upon further research, we found that this mine consists of two incline shafts spanning three lower levels. The on-site mill should have been a clue to us, but the many obvious large mines in the area made us quick to dismiss it and moved on.

We first attempted to find a way in from the forward incline shaft, but found any support structures to be collapsed or collapsing. We located a safer entry point just around the hill. That portal seemed relatively safe, but ended abruptly. That adit appeared to be intentionally collapsed and filled.

We returned to the collapsing incline shaft and made our way in, sometimes crawling. Just beyond the collapsing main portal, the mine widens, exposing wide open stopes. Because this area was also exposed to weather, any wood shoring at that point and beyond has been weakened. We didn't continue much further, but will likely return when the mine has time to dry out.

Columbia, Noonday, and War Eagle Mines are under new ownership. Access to these mines is now restricted to authorized only. Interior mine images presented on this site were captured prior to safety barrier installation and signage. Respect property rights. Do not alter or remove safety devices, barriers, or signage.