Umberci

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

Umberci 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.

While attempting to locate the pass trail from the I-15 to the Sandy Valley side. We missed a turn and instead came across the Umberci Mine which, at the time, we misidentified as the Copper Hill Mine.

The main portal of this mine has since been sealed with sturdy bat gates. As far as we've been able to research, these are the only interior pictures of Umberci Mine available online. Do not alter or remove mine safety devices. There is an incline and a collar shaft loosely covered with wire mesh, but neither looked safe. The incline is exposed to weather and showed signs of collapse.

There are plenty of old relics to view surrounding the mine including the cabin, hopper, foundations and an old truck. Also of interest are several junk piles. What makes the junk piles interesting is how well preserved most of it is. Manufacturers built equipment with better materials back then. Most of the equipment was unknown to me, so I had to turn and view the pieces to imagine their use.

The Umberci Mine claims extends East and North of the areas we've explored. Viewing from Google Earth, there appears to be extensive workings in both directions we have yet to see. We attempted to locate a way in from the North, but found the trails were cut by deep washes. According to our maps, we were still too far to hike. We'll try again, but it probably won't be until after Summer.

Umberci Mine is now within direct view of the Ivanpah Solar Farm. We we were over a mile away in what should have been temperatures in the low 60's. Even from a distance, there was an uncomfortable heat. Even without looking directly at the solar farm, prolonged time there whited out our vision for a few minutes after we left the area. There was noticeable eye fatigue. I can't imagine the discomfort when the desert reaches triple digits in the summer.

Umberci Mine. Ivanpah, California.

35°36'59.78"N 115°29'31.64"W
USGS Full Report

Primary Mining: Lead, Silver
Secondary Mining: Zinc

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