Deep beneath our feet lies a hidden world. It is a testament to Detroit’s industrial might. This is the Detroit Salt Mine.
The Detroit Salt Mine is not just a hole in the ground. It’s a sprawling subterranean city. It extends over 1,500 acres. That’s roughly two square miles.
Imagine a network of roads. These roads are 1,100 feet below the surface. They run under Detroit, Allen Park, and Melvindale.
The mine’s history stretches back millions of years. About 400 million years ago, this area was a shallow sea. The water evaporated. It left behind vast salt deposits.
These deposits remained undisturbed. They were until 1895, when rock salt was discovered. The Detroit Salt and Manufacturing Company started the ambitious project. It aimed to extract the salt.
The endeavor was fraught with challenges. It proved costly and dangerous. Six men died. The company went bankrupt.
But a new company rose from the ashes. It completed the 1,060-foot shaft in 1910. A second shaft followed in 1922. It allowed for faster salt extraction. It also enabled larger equipment to be lowered.
Miners descended into the depths. They rode in a tiny elevator. Once down, they used the room and pillar method. This method involved removing only 50% of the salt. The remaining half formed pillars. These pillars supported the mine’s structure. This prevented collapse.
To extract the salt, miners cut a large slice. It was between the floor and the salt section. They drilled holes for explosives. Blasting released about 900 tons of salt. Conveyor belts transported the crushed salt to the hoisting shaft. It was then lifted out in ten-ton loads.
The Detroit Salt Mine wasn’t always smooth sailing. It closed from 1983 to 1998. It reopened to produce road deicing salt.
Today, the Detroit Salt Mine primarily produces road salt. This salt helps keep our roads safe during icy winters.
The mine is a relatively clean place. There are no vermin. Smoking is even allowed in certain areas.
In 2010, the Kissner Group of Canada acquired the Detroit Salt Co. They continue to operate the mine. They ensure a steady supply of salt.
Though public tours are unavailable, the Detroit Salt Mine remains an important part of Detroit’s history. It reminds us of the city’s industrial past. It is still a vital resource today. The next time you drive on a snow-covered road, remember the Detroit Salt Mine. It’s a hidden world. It lies beneath your feet. It keeps you safe.