Title	Last Mine
Identifier	JPL10_622_008_a_L
Creator	Pottle, Lew; Bayless, Art;
Contributor	Simpson, Leslie, Post Memorial Art Reference Library; Joplin News Company, Joplin, Mo.;
Publisher	Joplin Public Library
Description	This card, which reputedly shows the last mine still operating in the Joplin area, may well represent the last hurrah of the industry to which Joplin owed its very existence. Mining activity slowed down considerably after the end of government subsidies following World War II. Thousands of workers found themselves without jobs. Mines filled up with water when the pumping stopped. By the 1960s, lead and zinc mining had ended in the Tri-State district due to increased operating costs and diminished profits plus growing environmental concerns. Zinc and lead could be imported from foreign countries at a substantially lower cost than in the United States. In 125 years of Tri-State mining history, an estimated half-billion rock tons were mined in the region, with a total processed value of over $2 billion. Two world wars helped the local economy with increased demand for lead bullets and zinc for brass shell casings. Peace time use of these minerals included lead for batteries, plumbing supplies, paints, high-octane gasoline, cable sheathing and bearings. Zinc was needed for galvanized iron and steel goods and zinc oxide for tires and pharmaceuticals. Other valuable mine output were cadmium, germanium, and sulfuric acid. Sources:Gray, Howard. "Eagle-Picher Becomes Mining Field Leader." Joplin Globe, Centennial Edition. April 1, 1973.Gray, Howard. "Joplin: Metropolis of Famed Tri-State Mining District." Joplin Globe, Centennial Edition. April 1, 1973.
Subject	Duenweg Mine (Joplin, Mo.); Mines and Mineral resources-- Missouri--Joplin; Lead mines and mining--Missouri--Joplin; Zinc mines and mining--Missouri--Joplin;
Language	English
Date-Creation	1953
Date-Current	8/23/2004
Type	Postcards
Collection Name	Joplin Historical Postcards
Source	From the collection of The Joplin Public Library
Coverage	Missouri -- Jasper County -- Joplin; Missouri -- Newton County -- Joplin;
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Contributing Institution	Joplin Public Library (Joplin, Mo)
County	Jasper County (Mo.) Newton County (Mo.)
Copy Request	Contact Joplin Public Library at 417-624-5465, or email jpl@joplinpubliclibrary.org