- Quarry
- Old Moose Mountain Quarry
- Sudbury, ON
- 46° 50′ 56” N
81° 2′ 12” W
Situated approximately 15 miles northwest of Capreol, Sellwood Mines stands as a testament to the evolution of mining operations and the enduring impact they leave on their surroundings. This article delves into the rich history of Sellwood Mines, highlighting its inception, growth, transformation, and eventual decline.
Founded under the stewardship of Mackenzie and Mann, developers of the Canadian Northern Railway, Sellwood Mines emerged as a mining complex encompassing both underground and open pit operations. Accessible via a short spur from the Ruel Subdivision of Canadian Northern’s mainline to Foleyet, the mine operated from 1901 to 1920. Initially featuring a modest crushing plant, Sellwood Mines swiftly upgraded to a concentrating and briquetting facility. The extracted ore was transported to Key Harbour on Georgian Bay for shipping.
The influence of Sellwood Mines extended beyond its operational endeavors. A company town flourished alongside the mine, embodying the interconnected relationship between the mining industry and the communities it sustained. This symbiotic connection endured until the 1950s.
The mid-20th century witnessed Sellwood Mines’ resurgence under the banner of Lowphos Ore. In a span from 1954 to 1956, properties around Sellwood underwent surveys and drilling. This resurgence culminated in the construction of a modern processing plant, reinvigorating the area’s mining landscape. In June 1959, processed ore shipments commenced, and by 1963, a palletizing plant with an impressive 600,000-ton annual capacity was established.
During this period, Canadian National reestablished track connections to the mine, utilizing much of the original roadbed. The ore was once again dispatched to Depot Harbour on Georgian Bay, from where it found its way to National Steel Corporation, the operation’s owner. This renaissance, however, was not destined to last.
As the 1970s rolled in, the decline of the steel industry cast a shadow over Sellwood Mines’ prospects. The mid-1970s marked the mine’s closure, a consequence of the challenges facing the steel sector. The track, which had been re-laid, was once again pulled up, serving as a physical manifestation of the mine’s transition from operational hub to historical relic.
Coordinates etch Sellwood Mines’ location at 46° 50′ 56” North, 81° 2′ 12” West, capturing the geographical essence of this once-vibrant mining complex. Sellwood Mines’ legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the ebb and flow of industry, the interplay between communities and resource extraction, and the transformative power of time.
