As early as 1897 the presence of hematite boulders on the shores of Steep Rock Lake led geologists to suggest that beneath its waters lay a substantial iron ore body. It was not, however, until 1938 that a drill set up on the ice by Julian Cross of Port Arthur led to actual discovery of the ore. Steep Rock Iron Mines, Ltd., formed in 1939, undertook to reach the ore by diverting the Seine River and draining the lake. In 1944, Steep Rock began mining, and in 1960, the Caland Ore company also came into production. By 1964, shipments by the two companies had totaled over 36 million tons.

Location

At the entrance to Atikokan Public Library and Centennial Museum, Burns and Main Streets, Atikokan

Themes

• Environment
• Industry and trade