The first image is from the book “De Re Metallica” showing the construction of how vertical shafts should be made. If you haven’t read it, it is an essential read if you are trying to understand how the Spanish used to think and locate and work different bodies of ore. I have noticed that this book has helped me to notice little things while in the field that has led me to some great discoveries.

The second image is of the old shaft (with new ladder) that is next to the road in Silver Meadows (soapstone). The construction of the shaft definitely appeared to be just like the book shows, and the entire way down it appeared very old. The next two are of the Springs Mines on Hoyt peak. Has anyone else seen shafts like these out there?

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