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Rest in Peace, Miner Tim

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Tim Miller, also known to many as Miner Tim, on December 14, 2025. Tim was an instrumental part of Iron Miners, contributing extensively through research and participation in many of our field trips. His deep passion for local mining history and knowledge, along with his attention to detail, was quite possibly unmatched.

Tim was present on many of our adventures, often out of frame yet constantly making discoveries, proposing thoughtful theories about how historic mining operations may have functioned, and bringing a warm, thoughtful presence and an intense sense of curiosity to all of our travels. As a member of the Canal Society of New Jersey, Tim’s interests in preservation and history extended even beyond mining, reflecting a broad and genuine commitment to preserving the past.

Tim leaves behind a son, Jacob, with whom he shared a love of hiking and many miles on the trail together. Tim passed with unfinished ambitions and an unsatiated passion for discovery, including plans to write a book about the Hibernia Mine.

Tim’s work and spirit live on through the contributions he made to Iron Miners and in upcoming content already planned for this site. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of exploring, learning, and wandering through the forests of New Jersey and New York with him, with a sense of awe and wonder.

When East Meets West: The Desoto Copper Mine

Iron Miners presents a detailed exploration of the Desoto Mine, a historic Arizona copper operation that reveals both striking contrast and unexpected similarity to the hard rock iron mines of the Northeast. While its rugged terrain and western setting mark a departure, Desoto’s internal layout—featuring a well-proportioned main adit similar in size and scale to that of the Hibernia Mine, and a branching system of tunnels and stopes comparable to those at Scrub Oaks—reflects familiar mining methods and scope. Explore meandering passages, cavernous stopes, and preserved industrial relics as Desoto tells its story in copper, offering both a sense of familiarity and a counterpoint to the many stories in iron.
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Iron Miners Returns for 2025!

After a long hiatus, Iron Miners returns in 2025 to resume its core mission of documenting the iron mines of New Jersey and New York. Keep an eye out for cosmetic updates and newly revised mine histories, presented with expanded research and greater detail. Kicking things off are the newly revamped Hoff Mine and Dolan Mine slideshows.

Iron Miners to Present for Canal Society of NJ

Iron Miners will be presenting once again for the Canal Society of NJ. Go underground virtually with Mike Hetman, as he guides you through some of the regions darkest secrets, our rich mining history. Anthracite coal from Pennsylvania and iron ore from New Jersey was shipped regularly along the route of the Morris Canal. This slideshow presentation will take you deep into the heart of this industry, witnessing the very places where miners toiled underground to help gain an understanding of this part of the canal’s “forgotten” history. The presentation will take place on November 16 at 7:30pm at the Morris County Cultural Center, 300 Mendham Road, Morris Township. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

Barnyard Bash 2017: Be There!

On Saturday, October 28, 2017, the annual Barnyard Bash returns to Connecticut for its terrifying Halloween themed mining event! All are welcome to engage and meet with fellow mine enthusiasts who share your passion of historic mine preservation. Arrive hungry and indulge on delicious home-cooked meals and alcoholic beverages while enjoying video presentations of the Iron Miners' latest discoveries. As always, the event is free, runs from 6pm to 11pm and will occur at 181 Hattertown Rd. Monroe, CT 06468.

Iron Miners Assists in Ely Mine Documentary

New Hampshire Public Television's program Windows to the Wild, premiers its latest episode, "Digging Into Vermont History", the story of the Ely Mine in Vermont. Host Willem Lange delivers a warm and informative narrative about what was once one of the most productive copper mines in the country. Iron Miners provides rare and never before seen photos to help bring to life this forgotten story.
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Barnyard Bash 2016 is Almost Here!

On Saturday, November 5, 2016, Iron Miners will again host the annual Barnyard Bash Halloween themed celebration. If you are interested in good conversation, home-cooked food and a hearty ale, or two, be sure to attend this once a year, unique event! Miners' chili, corn muffins and burgers will whet the appetite for the real treat, a surprise video presentation following the Iron Miners latest adventures. Event runs from 6pm to 11pm and is open to everyone, at no charge. The event will take place at 181 Hattertown Rd. Monroe, CT 06468.

Memorial Day Get Together on May 28, 2016

Iron Miners will be hosting a Memorial day get-together on Saturday May 28th from 7:00- 9:00pm. We will start off the afternoon with burgers and hotdogs served around 7:00. At 8:00 we will debut our documentary film titled, Mine Explorers: Stories in Stone. The film is 30 minutes long and we will have a Q and A about the film afterward. Anyone is welcome to attend, the event will take place at 181 Hattertown Rd. Monroe, CT 06468. Hope to see you there!
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Iron Miners to Guide Visitors Through Historic Trotter Tunnel at Sterling Hill

On Saturday, April 23, 2015, Iron Miners arrives at the Sterling Hill Mining Museum to once again lead the tour of Trotter Tunnel during the annual Super Dig. Learn about Charles W. Trotter's story and the many obstacles he faced while trying to work the southern end of the Sterling Hill deposit in the 1870's. Experience the lights out tour in the main mine, explore the NJ Zinc company facilities, collect minerals, and more.

Iron Miners Presents Video Documentary "Stories in Stone" for Canal Society of NJ

Iron Miners will premier its newest video documentary, "Mine Explorers: Stories in Stone" for the Canal Society of NJ. Follow host Miner Mike as he delves underground to uncover forgotten mine history. The sights and sounds of the mines come alive with never before seen footage of historic mines. Event takes place on Friday, March 18 at 7:30pm at the Morris County Cultural Center at 300 Mendham Road, Morris Twp, NJ.

Barnyard Bash 2015: Local Mining Celebration

Save the date: On Saturday, October 25, 2014, at 5pm IronMiners once again unleashes a fury of a mining celebration, the 12th annual Barnyard Bash in Monroe, CT. This year, IronMiners premiers its documentary, "Abandoned Mine Explorers: Footsteps in the Dark". This immersive presentation will be accompanied by mineral displays, a dinner buffet, drinks, and great company. No RSVP necessary and free to attend! 21 and over for drinks.
More information and directions »

Iron Miners to Guide Visitors Through Historic Trotter Tunnel at Sterling Hill

On April 25, 2015, Iron Miners will once again return to the Sterling Hill Mining Museum to lead tours of Trotter Tunnel during the annual Super Dig event. Walk through an historic tunnel driven by Charles W. Trotter from 1874 to 1876 and learn about his struggle to mine zinc and iron as others conspired to destroy his business. Tour the Sterling Hill mine with only UV illumination, collect minerals, and more. For registration information, please visit Super Dig Event 2015 page.

Iron Miners to Present for Canal Society of NJ

On Friday January 16, 2015, Iron Miners is "going underground" in an above ground presentation for the Canal Society of NJ. This lights out presentation will feature a slide show of never before published photos direct from the Iron Miners archives. Learn the basics of iron mining, once an important industry for the Morris Canal through first person photography and narrative. Event starts at 7:30pm at the Morris County Cultural Center at 300 Mendham Road, Morris Twp, NJ.

Barnyard Bash 2014: Meet the IronMiners in Monroe, Connecticut and Party On!

Save the date: On Saturday, October 25, 2014, at 5pm, IronMiners kicks off its annual Barnyard Bash in Monroe, CT. Experience the premier of "Portal to the Past", a documentary about early mining in Connecticut as well as a thorough documentary about the Shawangunk Mine in New York. Meet fellow historians who are eager to share their deep mining insight over a warm bowl of chili and oktoberfest ale! At 9pm, the lights go out, and the dance party begins! 21 and over for drinks.
More information and directions »

High Above the Desert, the Tuscumbia Mine

Nestled high above the desert plains, amongst the Bradshaw Mountains in Arizona, lies the Tuscumbia Mine. One of several primarily silver producers, the Tuscumbia Mine enjoyed success before eventual abandonment. The IronMiners discovered and documented this mine during a day trip under partly cloudy skies in 2008 before returning to the Crown King Saloon to reflect on the mission and chat with the locals. The mine has recently been claimed and operations may once again continue.
View photos and history »

Annual Meet and Greet on June 14, 2014

On Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 5pm, IronMiners once again invites you to attend its annual meet and greet event of mine history buffs! Open to the public with free admission, you can partake in gold panning, delicious food and ale (21 and over of course), watch exclusive videos and celebrate on the dance floor at 9pm! We are a friendly bunch and look forward to meeting new faces and enlightening conversations. The address is 181 Hattertown Road, Monroe, CT. See you there!
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Iron Miners Visits the Historic Gladiator Mine

After a 40 mile trek along unpaved roads, the IronMiners reached this desolate and abandoned gold mining operation in 2007. Here, a big strike was discovered in 1898 on the 700 foot level, a 5 foot wide mass of free milling gold. The mine operated sporadically well into the next century. In recent years a massive forest fire started here and even threatened to wipe out the nearby town.
View photos and history »

Annual Barnyard Bash Event Returns to Monroe, Connecticut for 2013!

On Saturday, November 2, 2013, beginning at 5pm, the Barnyard Bash returns to Monroe, CT. Free to attend and open to everyone, this exciting get-together is open to anyone interested in meeting like-minded mine aficianados or anyone who would like to celebrate the season while chatting it up with the premier team of mine researchers in the northeast. Arrive hungry as our mine chefs cook up an enticing miners meal accompanied by ale. Never before seen video footage will be shown and music and dancing begins at 9pm!
More information and directions »

Iron Miners Premiers Cranberry Mine Miniature Documentary

As the result of an ongoing effort to capture mining history on film, IronMiners premiers its first official video, a mini-documentary of the Cranberry Mine. Located in New York's lower Hudson Valley, this obscure yet ambitious iron mine has been all but completely forgotten by historians and geologists. Now, this historic iron mining operation gains a new perspective through the lens of contemporary filmography.
Watch the Cranberry Mine documentary »

Iron Miners to Lead 3rd Annual Tour of Trotter Tunnel at Sterling Hill Mining Museum

On April 27, 2013, the staff at IronMiners will lead its 3rd annual tour of the historic Trotter Tunnel at the Sterling Hill Mining Museum located in Ogdensburg, NJ. As part of the yearly Super Dig event, this underground tour will allow visitors the rare opportunity to explore a long overlooked piece of Sterling Hill's history. Learn about Charles W. Trotter's trials and defeats as he struggled to mine and market his ore. Other activities will include mineral collecting, a UV illuminated mine tour of the main Sterling Hill Mine, and a guided walkthrough of its associated mill. For registration information, please visit Super Dig Event 2013 page.

Come to the Largest Gathering of Mine Enthusiasts in the Northeast!

On Saturday, November 3, 2012, beginning at 5pm, IronMiners will host its annual Fall event, IronMiners' Barnyard Bash. This get-together is open to the general public and admission is free. Learn how to pan for real gold—and keep what you find! Enter a raffle to win an authentic flame safety lamp. Experience rare video footage and photos of historic mines, and handle real mining artifacts and minerals. Free dinner and ale will be served starting at 6pm. At 9pm, musical guest Elastic Pyramid performs their unique take on indie rock, featuring IronMiners co-founder, Mike Hetman on bass.
More information and directions »

Iron Miners is Proud to Offer for Sale, the Tom Swift Unpatented Lode Claim

Tom Swift Mine is a 20.66 acre unpatented lode claim located in the Slumbering Hills region of Humboldt County, Nevada. The claim is situated approximately 26 miles northwest of the city of Winnemucca, NV in the Awakening District. This district is notable for the famous gold strike at the nearby Jumbo Mine in 1935. The mine features an adit over 1500 feet in length that crosscuts through several quartz ve>ins.
More information »

Iron Miners Collaborates with Website BrainlessTales.com

IronMiners teams up with the popular website, BrainlessTales.com, to present a week long marathon of mining themed comics. Started in 2007, Brainless Tales is the brainchild of Marcus, a skilled illustrator and web designer who over the past 5 years, has amassed a loyal following of fans worldwide from his website at BrainlessTales.com and on Facebook. Through an intense brainstorming session with Marcus, IronMiners' Mike Hetman helped provided the content and humor that will be brought to life through comic illustration for the week of June 11, 2012.
View first day's mine comic! »

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Notable NJ Mine History

• Dickerson Mine
• Hibernia Mine
• Hoff Mine
• Mount Hope Mine
• Scrub Oaks Mine
• View Mines from A to Z