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Bobtail Mine improvements take center stage

MINDY LEARY
Posted 1/29/25

BLACK HAWK – The Black Hawk City Council convened on January 22, 2025, at 3 p.m., with all council members present, including Mayor David Spellman and Aldermen Paul Bennet, Jim Johnson, Greg Moates, Benito Torres, Linda Armbright, and Hal...

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Bobtail Mine improvements take center stage

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BLACK HAWK – The Black Hawk City Council convened on January 22, 2025, at 3 p.m., with all council members present, including Mayor David Spellman and Aldermen Paul Bennet, Jim Johnson, Greg Moates, Benito Torres, Linda Armbright, and Hal Midcap. 

The meeting's focal point was the much-anticipated presentation by Black Fox Mining, LLC, on the Bobtail Mine Improvements Phase 2 Project.

Mining engineer and company president Matt Collins, together with underground superintendent Dennis Clark, provided an in-depth look into the ongoing efforts to restore and enhance the historic Bobtail Mine.

Clark, a fourth-generation miner from Idaho’s Silver Valley, shared his deep respect for mining heritage and the significance of this project.

The presentation detailed the mine's extensive history, dating back to its discovery in 1859 and its subsequent impact on the Colorado Gold Rush.

The mine was operated by Joseph W. Holman, who discovered it in October 1859 and operated it until 1864, during which time it produced over $4,000,000 in gold.

The Phase 2 project aims to expand the underground rail loop and improve access to key historical sections, ensuring both structural integrity and visitor safety. 

Tours were previously available ,from the 1950s to the early 1980s.

Tourists rode donkey-pulled ore carts deep into the mine, traveling 1,100 feet into Bobtail Hill to explore the main Bobtail gold vein.

Now, tours via a passenger rail loop are set to begin in 2025.

Spellman expressed enthusiasm, reminiscing about the sound of the ore carts echoing through the tunnels.

Collins highlighted key developments, including:

  1. Completion of Phase 1 rehabilitation efforts.

  2. Discovery of historically significant infrastructure such as old boilers and timber supports.

  3. Future plans to establish safer entrance and exit routes.

  4. Enhanced public access through guided tours set to resume in the summer of 2025.

The council voiced strong support for the project, acknowledging its potential to boost tourism and preserve Black Hawk’s mining legacy.

Mountain Heart Gallery moving to Black Hawk

Another significant topic of discussion was the approval of Resolution 11-2025, which formalized the commercial lease agreement for Mountain Heart Gallery, LLC, to occupy the property at 317 Gregory Street.

The gallery, owned by Debra Rice, is relocating from its current space in Central City’s B.P.O. Elks Lodge to Black Hawk’s Gregory Plaza. 

Rice plans to maintain the existing Mountain Poppy concept while integrating her gallery into the new location. The council approved the lease with the condition that the sale of the business be finalized before the agreement takes full effect.

New addition to Black Hawk Police Department

The meeting also welcomed a new member to the Black Hawk Police Department, Communications Officer Leslie Valle.

Originally from Kansas, Valle has been a familiar face in the community, having worked in Monarch Casino’s surveillance department for six years. She shared her excitement about transitioning to Black Hawk Dispatch and looks forward to contributing to public safety in her new role.

City Approves Key Resolutions

The council unanimously approved several resolutions, including:

Resolution 9-2025: Approving service agreements for public works, covering geotechnical, water rights, architectural services, horticulture maintenance, and electrical maintenance.

Resolution 10-2025: Authorizing the purchase of a Bobcat Skid Steer unit for $73,838.20 to enhance operations at the Hidden Valley Water Plant.

The meeting opened the floor for public comments, though none were recorded. With all agenda items addressed, the council adjourned into an executive session at 3:46 p.m.