Sterling Hill Zinc Mine, Ogdensburg

Sterling Hill Zinc Mine, Ogdensburg (2019)

The Sterling Hill Mine (along with nearby Franklin Mine) were the richest zinc mines on earth and are specifically known worldwide for the 90+ amazingly fluorescent minerals that emit wonderful colors under ultraviolet light. The Sterling-Franklin Mine District is officially known as the Fluorescent Mineral Capital of World (by an act of Congress). The Sterling Hill Mine was the reason the town of Ogdensburg was formed and provided jobs and zinc (used for the production of brass; galvanizing iron and steel, a safe ingredient in paint and rubber, etc.). During WW2, the mine never closed with three shifts around the clock providing zinc for the brass needed for bullet and artillery shells. The site was considered of vital strategic Interest and was protected by armed soldiers.