The Unknown Miner

Dimensions: 1.83m x 2.44m x 0.46m (6’ x 8’ x 18”)

Best Viewed: On the River Road side of Silver Mine on Chemainus.

“Historical Series #42: The Unknown Miner”

In 2011, the Silver Mine on Chemainus commissioned local artist Terry Chapman to construct a 3-D mural.
The mural depicts a scene from Lenora Mines, nearest the base of Mt. Sicker; the local miner emerging from the mine’s black tunnel. His face and hat are cast in Hydro-Stone, a hard and strong gypsum cement.

The life-size mining cart, built of wood and steel, protrudes 45.72 centimetres (18 in) from the mural.

Sounds of a distant past echo from above, adding to the authenticity of the viewing experience. Mt. Sicker was a source of three mines, mining copper, silver and gold.

The total amount of ore mined, mostly copper and largely extracted by hand, was 207.75 tonnes (229 t). A fire at Lenora Mines was a mixed blessing – the burned area revealed a 9.14 metre (30 ft) wide outcropping of copper at the mountain’s 426.72 metre (1400 ft) level. The mine ceased operation in 1907.

(Please drop by the Chemainus Visitors Centre to buy your Official Mural Guide. Proceeds from the sale go to the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society).

For more information on this mural visit:
More about this project

Where to Find This Mural

Location: 9650 Chemainus Rd, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K3, Canada Get Directions