COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological Survey, has released a digital version of Map EG-3, Known Abandoned Underground Mines of Ohio, on CD-ROM.
Along with a PDF file of the map, which can be printed by users, the CD-ROM features geographic information system data on abandoned underground mines throughout Ohio.
Purpose
As part of the Division of Geological Survey’s continuing effort of maintaining database records of Ohio’s inactive mines, Map EG-3 shows the approximate locations and extents of abandoned mines throughout the state.
The new CD-ROM includes data on mine names, locations and elevations; abandonment dates; and names of the last known mine operators at each location, as well as a map viewer. The GIS data will be updated periodically.
Land planners and developers, government agencies, environmental groups and geotechnical professionals will find the GIS data particularly useful for construction projects, remediation efforts and engineering tasks. Mineral resource professionals also use abandoned underground mine maps when planning new mining and drilling operations.
Background
At 1:500,000 scale, Map EG-3 grew out of the underground mine interactive mapping system initiated by ODNR. Since 2004 the agency has increased its knowledge of Ohio’s thousands of historic abandoned mines — some dating from 1800. In total the division has archived more than 20,000 individual mine maps and detailed abandonment maps from 5,090 mines.
Map EG-3 is available in a print-on-demand, paper format for $15; the new CD-ROM is available for $25 (plus sales tax and shipping). To order, contact the Geologic Records Center at 614-265-6576 or visit the www.OhioGeologyStore.com.
The Division of Geological Survey estimates thousands of historic abandoned underground mines either were never recorded or their records were never submitted to the state. The search for these mine works is an ongoing mission of ODNR.
Website
More information about the AUM mapping program and access to the Ohio Abandoned Mine Locator interactive map is available via the Division of Geological Survey website at www.OhioGeology.com.
