Overview
The East Tennessee complex consists of a processing plant and three underground zinc mines: Young, Coy and Immel.
Zinc mineralisation at the mine complex occurs in Mississippi Valley type deposits as open-space fillings of breccias and fractures within limestone and dolomites.
Ore from the three mines is processed into zinc concentrate at the Young mine site.
The East Tennessee zinc mine complex has a close association with Nyrstar’s Clarksville smelter.
Quick facts
Mine type: underground zinc mines
Products: zinc concentrate
Employees: ~440
Nyrstar East Tennessee Mines holds certificates for:
Location
The three mines are located in and around Tennessee’s Knox and Jefferson Counties.
All three mines are located within approximately 20 miles of each other and are 150 miles from the Middle Tennessee Mines as well as 250 miles from Nyrstar’s Clarksville smelter.
History
East Tennessee Mines’ rich history began in the 1850s when oxidized zinc ores were discovered along Mossy Creek in Jefferson City and small scale mining continued through the early 20th Century.
Since 1926, several operators have continued mining, development and exploration throughout the area.
Nyrstar’s acquisition and consolidation of the operation in 2009 took the three mines off care and maintenance to deliver consistent production.
