X-Ray Mine

Lander County

AKA: Camargo Mine, Eclipse Mine, Whitlach Union, etc.

This series of connected mines have gone by several different names over the years. It originated as the Eclipse in 1862. The Camargo was discovered at the same time, just to the west of the Eclipse. The discoveries that were made at these locations were said to have been amongst the first in the entire Reese River District. The Whitlach Union was discovered in the same vicinity in early 1863. In 1864, the Whitlach Union Company purchased the Eclipse. Both mines merged and were called the Whitlach Union mine. Prior to 1864, there was dispute over a vein between the Whitlach Union and the Camargo. A distinct 15-foot vein was set aside as segregated. Newspaper archives for the Reese River Reveille only go back to late 1863. Articles on the Camargo Gold and Silver Mining Company appear in the first archived issues. In 1866, the United Reese River Company bought controlling interests in all of these claims. The company implemented their plans at both mines. A May 1866 article stated that the Whitlach Union "has yielded some of the richest and most beautiful chloride ore in the district- its deep hues and delicate tints of blue, green and purple, making it much prized for cabinet specimens." Although the Whitlach Union and the Camargo sat on the same vein, most of the development, exploration and expansion occurred at the Whitlach Union. The article also stated that the ore "is a rich antimonial silver sulphuret, with a small portion of lead and copper, and slight traces of zinc." The ore value at the Camargo was returning on average at $140.00 a ton. Superintendent John Helm was praised for being a true miner and great developer of this operation. It was stated that the company should purchase the previously spoken about, segregated ledge and began work on it. In June of 1868, the Reese River Consolidated Mining Company made application for patent on two more large sections of the Camargo Lode and the Eclipse Lode. I do not know if this was in reference to the segregated section or not. In July of 1871, the Manhattan Silver Mining Company purchased over 40 different mining properties at a sheriff's sale. These properties previously belonged to the Reese River Consolidated Company and included the Whitlach Union. Reese River Consolidated had gone into debt with the First National Bank. A judgement was rendered in favor of First National Bank and the properties were sold for $860,000 to satisfy that debt. Some stated that this price was incredibly cheap and called it the most important mining sale in the history of the Reese River District. In 1908, advertisement was made against the Austin- Hannapah Mining Co. This was in reference to selling off their holdings at tax sale. Included in this sale were the Camargo and Eclipse claims... A USGS Report for the Camargo stated that it had ore that assayed as high $1,301 a ton in 1864. A report for the Whitlach stated that it had ore that assayed as high as $700 a ton in 1864. Another USGS Report on the Camargo lists this mine as being the same as the X-Ray Mine. The USGS Report for the X-Ray Mine repeats the same connection. I have not been able to find out much about when, why or how this mine took the X-Ray name. If I do find out, I will post it.

Last Trip/ Road Conditions: June 2022. This is a cool drive through what was once one of the biggest mining districts in Nevada. The roads are dirt and seemed good for the most part. They did have some questionable spots here and there. We were in a side-by-side, which makes it tough to judge or pay attention. When you're going over bumps and washouts with ease, as well as looking at all the sites and scenery, a person can forget to assess the road for regular truck travel.

Sources: USGS MRDS Reports- 10045202 Camargo Mine; 10295473 Camargo Mine; 10111453 Eclipse Mine; 10149805 Eclipse Tunnel; 10045252 Whitlach Mine; 10149501 X-Ray Mine; Reese River Reveille (Newspaper); Gold Hill Daily News (Newspaper); Carson Daily State Register (Newspaper).