Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, was once a thriving gold mining town like so many others in Alaska. Central to the industry of the area was the Alaska Gastineau Mill and AJ Mine. Constructed in 1913, the mill was a revolutionary gold production plant that was the first to utilize new technologies in the mining industry. A visit here will enlighten you on the realities of the era and the type of gold mining that was prevalent at the time. Explore Juneau’s mining heritage on a unique tour of what was once the world’s largest gold producing mill.
AJ Mine Gastineau Mill Tour
151 Mill Street
Juneau, AK 99801
This unique mine tour is fun and educational with both an exploration of the gold mine and a chance to pan for gold yourself. After an overview of the history of the mine, everyone gets a hard hat for their underground adventure.
AJ Mine and Gastineau Mill was located in Perseverance, about 4 miles east of Juneau. The Alaska-Gastineau Mining Company thrived and burnt out in a short, but epic period from 1915-1921.
The mine had an almost 2-mile-long shaft that led into Mount Roberts, accessing the most mineral rich soil. This rich deposit of ore helped the company grow to a great success. with a daily 6000-ton capacity!
After the closure, the facilities were scrapped and salvaged. What is left are the ruins of the great Alaska Gastineau mine that recovered 500,00 ounces of gold from 12 million tons of ore.
Before World War 1, this was the largest gold mining operation to date. In it's heyday, the Gastineau Mill was said to be the largest and most modern gold-crushing plant in the world.
Follow the tour underground into the conveyor tunnel through which crushed ore was transported to the mill. Your guide will lead you along a boardwalk and down the 360-foot-long tunnel.
The mining tunnel still has much of the original equipment and the knowledgeable guides will explain how everything worked to pull precious minerals out of the mountains.
After you are back above ground, you visit to the mill site where everyone can pan for gold and garnets from the tailings of the mine. Gold pans and a demonstration are all provided to get you gold-panning like a sourdough in no time.
Wander among the ruins and have some complimentary coffee or hot chocolate. This incredible peek into the history of the mining industry is fascinating. Don't miss the AJ Mine & Gatineau Mill when you visit Juneau.
