Latitude: 38°2'60"N
Longitude: 77°52'31"W
Miller and Craig (1997) provide the most comprehensive view available of this ore deposit. The Cofer ore deposit consists of 4 larger and 2 smaller massive sulphide lenses totaling approximately 1.5 MT. The ores appear to be a Kuroko type deposit associated with metavolcanics of the Chopawamsic Formation. The ores of the Cofer deposit are grossly similar to those of similar deposits in the area but contain a much broader assemblage of minor minerals. Like several other ore deposits in the nearby area the Cofer orebodies were characterized by gahnite, irregularly distributed but widespread in concentrations up to several percent (Sandhaus and Craig, 1986).
The deposit has been outlined by extensive drilling and by substantial underground workings completed during the early to mid 1970's. The operation was suspended prior to any production because of deteriorating economic conditions. It is likely that the discovery and extensive exploration of the Cofer deposit was the last mining activity in this region.
Since 2008, the Cofer prospect has become one of many former mine sites to be reclaimed. Based on descriptions of "The Cofer Mine Orphaned Land Project" the site has been sealed, bulldozed, treated with lime, covered and revegetated. Recent air photos make it clear that the site has been extensively reworked.
Mineral List
43 entries listed. 40 valid minerals.
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References
CRAIG, J.R., J.W. MILLER, AND D.K. HENRY (1977), COMPARISON OF MASSIVE SULFIDE MINERALOGY AT GOSSAN LEAD WITH THE COFER PROP€RTY, MINERAL, LOUISA COUNTY, VIRGINIA (ABS.): VA. MINER.: 23(3): 28.
HODDER, R.W., KAZDA, R.F., AND BOJTOS, P. (1977) A BASE METAL MASSIVE SULPHIDE DEPOSIT WITHIN A TURBIDITE SUCCESSION OF THE VIRGINIA PIEDMONT (ABSTR). MINING ENGINEERING, JANUARY, 1977
GAIR, J.E., (ED.) (1978), MASSIVE SULFIDES OF VIRGINIA FIELD TRIP GUIDEBOOK: INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGICAL CORRELATION PROGRAMME, PROJECT NO. 60, 112 P.
MILLER (1978) THE ORE MINERALOGY OF THE COFER PROPERTY, LOUISA COUNTY, VIRGINIA: A VOLCANOGENIC MASSIVE SULFIDE DEPOSIT. M.S. THESIS, VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY.
CALLAHAN MINING CORPORATION (1980), LETTER OF CORRESPONDENCE TO
R.C. BOWYER. SEPT. 8, 1980, P. 1, PLUS ENCLOSURES, 2 PP.
MILLER, J.W. AND CRAIG, J.R. (1997), ORE MINERALS OF THE COFER VOLCANOGENIC MASSIVE SULFIDE DEPOST, LOUISA COUNTY VIRGINIA, THE CANADIAN MINERALOGIST: 35: 1465-14__.
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF MINES, MINERALS & ENERGY, DIVISION OF MINERAL MINING, FINAL REPORT, AGREEMENT: 319-2008-12-PT, JANUARY 12, 2011
SANDHAUS., D.J . & CRAIG, J .R. (1986): GAHNITE IN THE METAMORPHOSED STRATIFORM MASSIVE SULFIDE DEPOSITS OF THE MINERAL DISTRICT, VIRGINIA, U,S.A. TSCHERMAKS MIN.PETR MITT.35,77-98.
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