Did you know that several minerals were mined at Murphys Point over 100 years ago? Apatite, a green mineral rich in phosphorus, was used for making fertilizer since phosphorus is conducive to plant growth. It was ground and treated with sulphuric acid, making a fertilizer that was much more effective than barnyard manure. The mine produced around 1000 tones of apatite between 1903 and 1920, valued at around $7000!

Hungry to learn more? Take a guided tour of the Silver Queen Mine to see where apatite and other minerals were extracted over 100 years ago! ⛏️

Guided tours run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for the remainder of August. These tours begin at 10am in the Lally Homestead Parking Lot and require pre-registration with our gatehouse. Starting September 1 we have guided tours every Sunday at 10 am for the rest of the season, and these tours do not require pre-registration. Hope to see you there!