Domtar mine
Encyclopedia
The Domtar Mine, formed from the consolidation of Grand Rapids Gypsum Company mines 1 & 2, is an underground mine in Grand Rapids, Michigan
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. The original mine entrances were both north and south of Butterworth Drive, named after the pioneering mining magnate, R.E. Butterworth, who opened the first gypsum mines north of the Grand River in this area.
industries in 1981, and re-opened in 1984 as the Domtar mine.
Domtar sold their gypsum operations to Georgia-Pacific
, who closed the mine in 1999. It was the last operating underground gypsum mine in Michigan.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
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History
The Grand Rapids Gypsum Company was incorporated in 1860, but the mines pre-dates this incorporation. The mine is located in southwest Grand Rapids, north of the Grand RiverGrand River (Michigan)
The Grand River is the longest river in the U.S. state of Michigan. It runs through the cities of Jackson, Eaton Rapids, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Grand Haven.-Description:...
. The original mine entrances were both north and south of Butterworth Drive, named after the pioneering mining magnate, R.E. Butterworth, who opened the first gypsum mines north of the Grand River in this area.
Pellerito Cave
A small gypsum solutional cave, known as the Pellerito Cave, was discovered during the mining operations.Domtar purchase
The mine was purchased by DomtarDomtar
Domtar Corporation is the largest integrated producer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America and the second largest in the world based on production capacity, and is also a manufacturer of papergrade pulp....
industries in 1981, and re-opened in 1984 as the Domtar mine.
Domtar sold their gypsum operations to Georgia-Pacific
Georgia-Pacific
Georgia-Pacific LLC is an American pulp and paper company based in Atlanta, Georgia, and is one of the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of tissue, pulp, paper, packaging, building products and related chemicals. As of Fall 2010, the company employed more than 40,000 people at more...
, who closed the mine in 1999. It was the last operating underground gypsum mine in Michigan.