Phil Persson explains the artistry behind extracting a copper specimen from the Phoenix Mine during his Keweenaw Mineral Days presentation on Monday at Michigan Tech's Memorial Union Building. Mary Christine Stevens/for the Mining Gazette

Phil Persson grew up near Franklin, New Jersey, known as the fluorescent mineral capital of the world. At age 7, he began collecting mineral specimens. This childhood hobby led him to obtain a B.A. in Geology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He fell in love with the Keweenaw when visiting a friend, who worked for the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum on Michigan Tech’s campus. 

“This talk is dedicated to you,” Persson said, as he began his Monday lecture on the history of the Keweenaw’s mines and minerals. “The people of the Copper Country, who make this unique place special and who give these minerals meaning.” 

Persson was invited to speak as part of the Keweenaw Mineral Days, an annual week-long celebration that honors the Keweenaw’s unique mineral properties, and includes sales, gem shows, and speakers such as Persson. 

Persson explained to the audience that Douglass Houghton first visited the Keweenaw in 1831. He became Michigan’s first State Geologist in 1837, and reported that the area could be mined profitably. Houghton’s announcement led to what Persson called the “first major mining rush in U.S. history.” 

He then introduced the audience to the Lake Superior Copper District. This area is the world’s most important example of basalt-hosted stratiform native copper deposits. The district produced 11 billion pounds of copper in total. 

Persson moved on to discuss a few of the Keweenaw’s most well-known and most productive mines; La Roche Verte Mine, Cliff Mine, Phoenix Mines and Copper Falls Mine. 

Cliff Mine was one of Michigan’s earliest copper mines, and the first to actually turn a profit. The mine paid dividends of over $2.5 million to shareholders who made an initial investment of $100,000. Miners used advanced technology such as the “man engine” to transport people in and out of the mines. Cliff Mine quickly became known for its superb native copper and silver specimens. 

Copper Falls Mine began in 1845, and operated until 1901. It had over 25 million pounds of copper, but was rarely profitable due to high operational costs. It was one of the earliest mines to open in the Keweenaw, and even had signs of Paleo-Indian copper mining. 

The Central Mine played a crucial role in the development of our area. It produced many large, blocky copper specimens that, today, sell for anywhere from thousands to millions of dollars. The A.E. Seaman Museum’s “mascot” copper specimen came from the Central Mine. 

Finally, Persson discussed the Phoenix Mine. This chain of mines is along the greenstone bluff that forms the spine of the Keweenaw. It opened in 1844 and operated until 1905. Miners collected almost 17 million pounds of copper, and 25,000 ounces of silver. 

“It’s legendary amongst people who collect copper specimens, and for good reason.” Persson told the audience. “These guys were not only miners, they were artists.” he added, in regards to how skillfully the miners were able to extract the minerals. 

According to Persson, one of the most famous copper specimens in the world came from the Keweenaw. It currently resides in Beirut. In its first sale, the copper sold for only $5. At its last auction, the piece sold for over a million. Persson thinks the original sale was so cheap because sellers weren’t aware of the specimen’s value. 

“I’m pretty sure it was actually a 2 for 1 deal, so the guy got something else, too.” Persson joked. 

Keweenaw Mineral Days 2024 runs until Aug. 11. A full list of events can be found at museum.mtu.edu.