Marfa museum hosts Shafter mine program

MARFA – The historic Shafter Silver Mine operated from 1883 until 1942 and produced over 30 million ounces silver.  After 70 years of closure, the mine has been re-opened and returned to production.

The original deposits, undiscovered by early Spanish explorers, were found by accident by John Spencer, a trader from Presidio. His discovery led to establishment of the town of Shafter and an industry which strongly influenced the Presidio County and regional economy for nearly 60 years.

The Marfa and Presidio County Museum Association will sponsor a special public presentation by Mr. Jack Burgess highlighting Shafter and the mines. The program will be held in Crowley Theater on Saturday, June 16, at 4 PM. Area residents and visitors are cordially invited to attend. Admission is free; a reception will follow the presentation at the theater.

Mr. Burgess will discuss the history of the Shafter mine, exploration activities since 1942 leading to further discoveries, and touch briefly on current development and future production plans for silver mining in Presidio County.

Burgess is a professional mining engineer with 60 years world-wide experience in the mining industry. He currently serves as an advisor to the Rio Grande Mining Company, the current operators of the Shafter site., and holds a position on the Board of Directors of the Chihuahua Desert Research Institute in Fort Davis.