Steep Rock Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Steep Rock Lake |
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 Steep Rock Lake
Location in Ontario
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| Location | Ontario, Canada |
| Coordinates | 48°47′N 91°40′W / 48.79°N 91.67°W |
| Type | lake |
Steep Rock Lake was once a large body of water. It was located near the town of Atikokan in northern Ontario, Canada. The Seine River originally flowed into and out of this lake.
During World War II, a big project began to drain the lake. This was done to reach valuable iron ore deposits hidden beneath the water. The river was moved, a process called diversion. This allowed companies like Inland Steel Company to start open-pit mining for iron ore.
By 1949, the mine was producing a million tons of ore each year. Experts believed there were about 500 million tons of ore still left.
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What Happened to Steep Rock Lake?
Steep Rock Lake was mostly drained to get to the iron ore. This ore was very important for making steel during World War II. The process of draining the lake was a huge engineering challenge.
How They Drained the Lake
To drain the lake, engineers had to change the path of the Seine River. They built new channels and dams. This moved the river away from the lake area. Once the water was gone, miners could dig for the iron ore. This type of digging, where they remove layers of earth from the surface, is called open-pit mining.
Mining for Iron Ore
The main type of iron ore found here was hematite. This is a rock rich in iron, which is used to make steel. Companies like Inland Steel and Caland Ore Canada worked in the mines. They dug huge pits where the lake used to be.
Interesting Discoveries at the Lake
Steep Rock Lake is known for a few interesting events and discoveries.
The UFO Hoax
In 1950, the lake was part of a famous UFO hoax. A hoax is a trick or a prank. This event created a lot of buzz at the time.
Ancient Caribou Antler
In 1957, something very old was found in the exposed lakebed. It was a caribou antler. Scientists believe this antler was left there at the end of the last ice age. This discovery showed that caribou once lived in this area. Today, these caribou are found much farther north.
Images for kids
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Early Mining Efforts at Steep Rock Lake
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Map showing the present flow of the Seine River and the Former course of the river prior to diversion.
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Errington Open Pit Mine
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Aerial of the Hogarth Open Pit located in the foreground.
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Dredge "Marmion" being moved during Operation Up and Over.
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View of mining in the Roberts Open Pit Mine.
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Aerial of Caland Open Pit Mine
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Aerial of Charleson Recreation Area
