Buzz
You’ve likely heard about haunted houses and eerie hotels. Perhaps you’ve even come across tales of haunted castles. But what about haunted mines? Some ghostly mines are overtaken by lethal gases, while others remain eerily preserved, awaiting brave adventurers to explore them.
Many believe that the spirits of miners linger in these places due to unfinished business they must resolve before they can move on. Others, however, argue that there’s no solid proof of ghosts existing. While we’d love to put this debate to rest, we're sticking to our original plan: to highlight locations known for paranormal activity.
Here are 10 haunted mines that you can visit around the globe.
10. Lambi Dehar Mines
The Lambi Dehar Mines, located in the Mussoorie Range, were the first iron ore mines in India, situated in the Nagar district of Uttarakhand. Workers who lived near the mines succumbed to a lung disease caused by the toxic gases emitted from the mines, often dying after coughing up blood. Children of these miners would play hide and seek in the mines, and many contracted the same fatal illness. The mines were abandoned after being shut down in 1995.
There are chilling tales of individuals who ventured into these mines and never returned. If you plan to visit this place, make sure you go with a group. Going alone could lead to getting lost in the maze-like tunnels, leaving you unable to find your way out.
9. Ringwood Mine
The Ringwood Mine, located in Ringwood, New Jersey, was once one of the world's largest iron producers. Though abandoned since the early 1900s, the mine still attracts tourists eager to explore its dark, mysterious depths.
During its operation, thousands of workers toiled under perilous conditions in the mine, with many losing their lives in cave-ins and other deadly accidents. The mine was notorious for its unsafe working environment and meager wages. Miners were expected to endure hazardous work for less than a dollar a day.
Numerous locals claim to have witnessed paranormal phenomena at the site, such as hearing footsteps or voices emanating from the abandoned mines. Some even report seeing ghostly figures wandering around their homes, holding lanterns. Visitors have also described hearing footsteps, voices, or whispers while exploring the area.
8. Oaks Mining Pit
The Oaks Pit, located near Barnsley in West Riding, England, was the site of one of the deadliest mining disasters in British history. On December 12, 1866, a devastating explosion killed 361 men, boys, and rescuers over the course of two days.
The initial explosion was caused by firedamp—gases typically found in mines, including coalbed methane. This ignited an underground fire that lasted for several days. The explosion wreaked havoc over two days, destroying all wooden supports and equipment in the area. About 100 tons of coal collapsed into a massive crater at the mine's entrance.
Several years ago, a team of paranormal investigators visited this site in hopes of uncovering the mysteries surrounding its history. Their goal was to communicate with any lingering spirits from the past. After their investigation, the team concluded that the land itself was cursed.
7. Tonopah Mining Park
Located in the western part of the Wrangell Mountains, the Tonopah Mining District has been transformed into a museum. The park features several historic buildings from the early 1900s silver rush era, including a hospital, assay office, blacksmith shop, bunkhouse, and more. Knowledgeable guides are available to share stories about how miners lived, worked, and played in Tonopah, Nevada.
The region is rife with ghost stories, many stemming from its dark past. Some say that the spirits of prospectors who perished in avalanches or cave-ins still haunt the area. Others believe that Indian spirits haunt the region to ward off intruders.
The mineshaft has been meticulously restored, allowing visitors to experience what it was like for miners working underground. You can also join a guided nighttime ghost tour, where you’ll explore darkened buildings and hear tales of the spirits that others have claimed to encounter over the years.
6. Sterling Hill Mine
Situated in Ogdensburg, New Jersey, the Sterling Hill Mine is one of the most famous haunted mines in America. The mine stretches over 2,500 feet (762 meters) deep and contains a vast network of tunnels that extends for 35 miles (56 kilometers).
Mining operations at the Sterling Hill Mine began in 1897, with the Sterling Hill Mining Company hoping to find zinc or iron deposits. Unfortunately, their search fell short of expectations—but not before claiming the lives of many miners. During its 90 years of operation, the mine witnessed nearly 77 deaths due to accidents and explosions.
Many visitors to Sterling Hill Mine have reported chilling paranormal encounters. These include hearing footsteps, voices, whispers, and even seeing an apparition of a miner holding a lantern. Some visitors also claim to have felt unseen hands touch or push them. There are various haunted tours available online for those eager to experience the mine's ghostly history.
5. Vulture Gold Mine
The Vulture Mine opened in 1863 and became one of Arizona's first gold producers. By 1946, it was one of the state's most productive mines, yielding millions of dollars worth of ore. When it closed in 1917, it was among the wealthiest mines in the Southwest. The mine briefly reopened during World War II, producing $2 million in gold from 1942 to 1944 before closing again after the war.
Paranormal investigators from the Travel Channel’s reality show *Ghost Adventures* visited the site during one season, only to be driven away by locals who threatened they would die if they returned.
The team managed to spend only an hour inside before being chased out by locals who claimed they were trespassing on sacred land. In addition to witnessing apparitions inside the mine, Zak reported hearing what sounded like gunshots coming from above during his investigation on one of the upper levels of the mine shaft.
4. Nenthead Mines
The Nenthead Mines, located in the Lake District of the United Kingdom, were opened in 1737 and remained operational until 1961. These mines were used for extracting lead, zinc, and copper. The site is situated near the village of Nenthead in Cumbria.
Many laborers met their deaths in these mines due to deadly explosions and horrific accidents. After the first series of fatalities, the mine was abandoned, but when it reopened in 1864, even more workers perished. By 1868, the mine was permanently shut down, unable to recover from the loss of life and diminishing lead deposits.
Over the years, Nenthead has been the subject of numerous ghost stories. Reports speak of eerie occurrences, such as footsteps echoing through empty cottages. Some claim to have seen a ghostly priest wandering the village. While many paranormal investigators have explored the site, no one has yet uncovered solid proof of supernatural activity.
3. Black Diamond Mines
The Black Diamond mine is located in a ghost town in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the United States Forest Service.
Once home to several hundred residents, Black Diamond is now inhabited by only one family. The town earned its name because of the vast quantities of coal it produced. Established in 1857, it was originally called the Mount Diablo Coalfield before becoming known as Black Diamond.
The site has been inhabited since before the Gold Rush and once served as a key stopover along the pack trail connecting Truckee to Reno. Numerous ghost sightings have been reported around the graves of miners who perished while working in the Black Diamond mines. Many people claim to have seen apparitions in the cemetery at night, while others report hearing voices emanating from the graves when no one is around. Some even say they've spotted shadows moving along the ground while driving past the road below.
2. Atlas Coal Mine
Located in Alberta, Canada, the Atlas coal mine opened in 1936 and operated until 1979. The mine was primarily used for extracting bituminous coal, which was then used for electricity generation and heating.
The mine featured two shafts connected by a tunnel at their base. In addition to the mining operations, the company built housing for its workers and their families, as well as a school, library, and hospital. Despite the mine's closure in 1979, some of these buildings still stand today.
It is said that around eight people lost their lives in this now-abandoned mine. The ghost town surrounding the mine is shrouded in numerous legends, and many visitors who have ventured into the area report witnessing strange lights within the buildings or hearing unexplained sounds from deep within the walls.
1. Geevor Tin Mine
Located in Cornwall, the Geevor tin mine was one of the last active tin mines in the region and the final one to cease operations. Established in 1911, it remained open until 1990. At its peak, it was Europe's largest tin mine and held considerable importance throughout its years of operation.
While the mine can be accessed on foot, doing so is not advised due to the numerous hazardous holes and cracks in the ground. The site is often considered haunted, with its grim history and the chilling stories of ghosts lingering in the area.
Numerous accounts of paranormal activity surround the mine, with some visitors claiming to see or hear the spirits of miners who perished there. These “ghost miners” lost their lives either in the dangerous working conditions or due to fatal accidents while attempting to escape the treacherous underground environment.
