Abandoned Mercury Smelter - New Idria

New Idria is a ghost town located in a remote area of the Coast Range of California (USA), outside the town of Hollister. It was once a center for mercury (quick silver) and asbestos mining. New Idria was at its peak well before the Gold Rush in California of the 1840's and 1860's. There are still high levels of mercury and asbestos polution in the area.

If you don't mind ignoring all the "no trespassing" signs, you can visit an amazing mercury smelter with four large "Gould" rotary furnances. This smelter was abandoned in the 1970's. All those photos were taken in May 2004.

Go to my New Idria photos for more photos and information about this place.