Thursday, September 12, 2019

A look into history regarding the Sterling Mines of Stirling, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Sterling Mines was one of the many mines that operated in the country of Canada. In fact, Sterling Mines is one of the most forgotten historic metal mines of Canada. Not much history regarding Sterling Mines has been accurately preserved.

The Sterling Mines were established in 1872 southbound of Stirling Road in Stirling, Nova Scotia, Canada. This mine was operated by the Glace Bay Mining Company as a shaft mine. (Ref: https://www.mininghistory.ns.ca/lfrost/lfster.htm)

The Sterling mine belonged to deputy surveyor Thomas Peyton, Dr. William Stirling, and two other men. Thomas Peyton sold his portion of the mine to Dr. William Stirling later. (Ref: https://travelsdocbox.com/68166017-Budget_Travel/Special-volume-26-the-canadian-institute-of-mining-and-metallurgy.html)

A hydraulic system was installed to pump water to the mines during that time. These collieries were operated between 1872 and 1914. The water in this system is assumed to be at equilibrium with the outfalls, which are at approximately 5ft ASL. Sterling Mines were also known as Old Harbour Mine and Sterling Mine. (Ref: http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp01/MQ39671.pdf)

People made a lot of money working at mines panning for silver and zinc during the boom days. Many people worked at the Sterling Mines panning for silver and zinc. Old timers remember the boom days of panning for metals.

The mine dried up sometime in 1895. During that time, coal was discovered near the business section of town. This led to a decline in metal mining. Coal was becoming an in-demand natural resource for the town and Nova Scotia as well. A huge percentage of the Nova Scotia providence had coals mines scattered around. 

The Sterling Mines closed in 1896. Executives made a decision to abandon Sterling Mines during that time. Many of Cape Breton's natural resources had already dried up. Sterling Mines had produced 1,151,199 long tons of metal during its time of operation.

The Sterling Mines are located at Mine Road, Stirling, Nova Scotia, Canada. Look for the t-shaped intersection of Stirling Road (Sterling Road) & Mine Road. Postal address for Sterling Mines is Mine Rd, Stirling, NS B2J 1G2, Canada.

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