Ore Sand

This is another photo of Lyon Mountain village showing the huge pile of ore sand (iron ore tailings) that still looms over the village. Ore tailings consist of finely crushed rock that has been separated from the iron ore. When the mines were in operation, a large conveyor belt carried the tailings and deposited them into piles such as this. There was once a commercial use for these tailings, and many tons were shipped out of Lyon Mountain via the railroad. (Reference: A Century – Mining for Souls: 1875-1975, Ecumenical Edition by Parishioners from St. Bernard’s Church and Memorial Methodist Church, Lyon Mountain, NY; and St. Michael’s Church, Standish, NY)