Ormiston Mining and Smelting Part 1


The Ormiston Mining and Smelting facility was truly in the middle of nowhere. It was always a delightful place to visit. It had a little to offer everyone. There were a dozen buildings varying from a few small houses, right up to the processing plant which was at least a hundred-thousand square feet. It had a main office full of old records, and old huge (locked) safe, even a couple computers lying around. It had a lab full of equipment, including a couple glass containers of Hydrochloric Acid, and lots of glass beakers that surprisingly survived a lot of years after being abandoned. This facility faired better than most that have been abandoned for at least 13 years.

I haven’t found a lot of information on this Location. I’ve never seen anything on the web about nor have I seen anything in any books. So all information is based on what we found for records and blueprints around the plant. The oldest records I found dated back to the 1920’s. Blueprints showed this facility once generated it own power, some of the original power generation equipment still remained at the facility. I found several newer records and blueprints showing that they had invested some serious money into this place in 1997. However it appears that it was too little too late as there is nothing here to indicate that this place was in operation at all in 1998 and beyond.

I was tipped off by another explorer moving through the area in 2005 about this place. I made never made it there till 2006. Although not really close to Regina I managed to make it out there at least 6 times over 3 years, it was always a great place to explore. I directed a well known explorer out there in Oct 2009 and he was the one who told me about its demolition. I heard nothing of it until then. Arilem, Phoenix Enigma, and I made a final visit in November 2009 and not much remained. Enjoy the photos!!


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Sampler Pack #1
The processing facility with office behind it


Ormiston Mining and Smelting
Some of the housing


Ormiston Mining and Smelting
Road leading to processing facility


Ormiston Mining and Smelting
More housing


Ormiston Mining and Smelting
Housing again - I couldn't help but notice that there wasn't any trees, however it makes sence because the of the high salt content in the ground.


Ormiston Mining and Smelting
Processing facility from the office


Ormiston Mining and Smelting
Processing plant again


Ormiston Mining and Smelting
The drag train that brought the sodium sulfate into the plant


Ormiston Mining and Smelting
Dredge in the distance


Ormiston Mining and Smelting
The hook room was a little creepy to say the least. However it was used to hang wet clothing and other personal belongings - this was used instead of lockers


Ormiston Mining and Smelting
Crate in the sink in the lab


Ormiston Mining and Smelting
More lab goodies


Ormiston Mining and Smelting
Hard to believe this glassware had stayed intact for over 10 years


Ormiston Mining and Smelting
More lab equipment


Ormiston Mining and Smelting
More glassware


Ormiston Mining and Smelting
Some of the original power equipment


Ormiston Mining and Smelting
This was in the newer electrical room that replaced the previous equipment. This was installed not long before the place closed.

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