abandoned mines

[BobOso]

I thought I would share some pictures of some abandoned mines near Ruby Arizona. Ruby is about 5 miles north of the Boarder.

The first is a mine called the Yellow Jacket, sorry I forgot to take my drone. The yellow Jacket is a patented claim, last worked in the 1990's and the equipment is left to decay. The other pictures are some old miners cabins in the area, the miners dry stacked rocks to make the walls, the guys were tough.

 

[laplander]

A lot of iron going to waste.

 

[Jim in Idaho]

I've always been curious about the abandoned mines. My question is, why does not BLM, or Forest Service force the claim holders to clean up when they're finished? Is it because the claims are still active? I can't imagine any other reason for allowing the public lands to be trashed.
Jim

 

[Johnho]

I've always been curious about the abandoned mines. My question is, why does not BLM, or Forest Service force the claim holders to clean up when they're finished? Is it because the claims are still active? I can't imagine any other reason for allowing the public lands to be trashed.
Jim

It may not be public lands, very well could be private owned land.