Leadville's last mine.

• Author: Stevens, M. Eastlake
• Position: Black Cloud Mine in Leadville, Colorado

Metals production ceased last month at ASARCO's Black Cloud Mine, marking the closing of Leadville's last mine and the end of an era. "We are down to a year of proven reserves," said Sid Lloyd, a 16-year veteran at the Black Cloud and unit manager since 1993. "While the price of silver is good, hovering at $4.75 to $5.25 an ounce, prices of gold, lead and zinc are at 11-year lows."

Leadville's last mine now retains 20 employees on stand-by status; ASARCO had lost more than $200,000 per month there since late 1993.

For the first time in...