| This is the Climax Molybdenum Mine which sits at 11,300 feet at the top of Fremont Pass. This mine has been in operation off and on since World War 1 when it was discovered that molybdenum was useful in hardening the steel used for military equipment. For many years, the mine employed hundreds of people from Leadville, Colorado. When it shut down for several years the residents of Leadville were severely affected. Currently the mine is back in operation on a limited scale and the economy of Leadville is based more on recreation and tourism than on mining. Mount Democrat, rising to 14,148 feet can be seen to the right of the mine. |
