Mohawk Mine

• Location: Silver Peak Range, Nevada (37.72729, 117.81443)
• Travel Date: 7-13-2018
• Written: 6-3-2019

The Mohawk Mine is located in the Silver Peak Range southwest of Esmeralda County in the state of  Nevada. The remains of the mining camp can be found directly above the main mine portal which sits high on the mountain range at 8,200 feet of elevation. As the name of the mountain range implies, silver was the main mineral being mined followed by copper and gold. 

The mining camp features several structures scattered around the property. The Mohawk Mine was discovered around 1920 and most of the major production took place between 1952 and 1958. 

In October 1959, the mine suffered a major collapse that trapped 3 men inside. Recovery experts were brought in from all over the country in an attempt to recover the 3 men. The recovery efforts failed and it was decide that the shaft should be closed permanently.  Till this day, buried deep in the mine are the remains of the 3 miners. 

During our trip there, we explored the structures around the mining camp and out of respect for the deceased and their families, we chose not to explore any of the mine shafts. 

Getting there requires traversing many off road miles. The trail, Coyote Canyon Road, begins west of Goldfield and travels along the north side of the Red Mountains. The first 15 miles are mostly flat and graded but after passing the stone cabin, the road gets rough and bumpy. A 4×4 high clearance vehicle is highly recommended. Do not attempt this 50 mile loop by yourself. The area is very remote and not traveled often. 

Getting There

From the intersection of Cinnabar Way and Nivloc Road (37.752606, -117.636495), head west on Nivloc Road towards Coyote Road. At approximately 6 miles you will pass an old mining cabin (37.76318, -117.72596) on the right as you drive up the canyon. After about 13 miles you’ll come up to a unique stone cabin (37.80130, -117.84428) on the left. There’s a spring with fresh running water a short distance from the cabin. About 3/4 of a mile after passing the stone cabin (37.80922, -117.85062), you’ll make a left and begin climbing through the rougher portion of the trail. From the left turn, you’re still about 10-13 miles from the Mohawk Mine. The landscape will change drastically going from dry desert to mountains full of pine trees. Once you arrive at the mine, you could either return the way you came or continue straight on the loop for another 25 or so miles passing more breath taking landscape and an area full of obsidian. 

During our trip, we got stuck in the middle of a rain storm. The sky’s darkened and it was clear to us that a storm was heading in our direction. Since the weather was quickly changing, we decided that it was time to leave and were forced to cut our visit short. The lighting in the sky several miles out was something to be concerned about. We packed up and headed out. Soon enough the storm caught us and it was a treacherous downpour of water upon our caravan of 8 jeeps. 

We made it out safely but the weather caught us by surprise, especially being at such high elevations with the chance of rock slides and gushing water down the mountain. 

Timeline of Events

• 1921 – A Canadian company sank an inclined shaft on the vein to the 500 ft. level.
• 1951 – The property was optioned to E.R. Hines assigned to his principal, Avery Drundage, who formed “Bruhi” (Brundage-Hines) Enterprises.
• 1953 – Brundage optioned the Mohawk Property to the Sunshine Mining Company, who abandoned the option within the year.
• 1954 – Brundage decided to develop the mine and reconstruct the mill at Silver Peak.
• 1955 – The mill was completed and treated Mohawk ore until 1956 when the mine and mill shut down.
• 1956 – U.S. Mining and Milling Corp. bought the Brundage Mill in Silver Peak to treat ore from the Nivloc Mine.
• 1959 – Cave In occurred that killed 3 miners and the mine was temporarily closed.
• 1960 – Diamond drilling began by the Sunshine and Mid Continent Uranium Company.
• 1980 – Veta Grande CO., Inc announced an agreement to purchase Mohawk Mines Inc., and to expand the mines current capacity of 100 tons per day to 300 T.P.D. within the next 18 months.
• 1981 – The mine was listed as a currently active underground silver mine employing 29 persons.