Mining for Florida History: All Buried Treasure Is Not Owned By Pirates!

with Fred Pirckle, PhD

Buckman & Pritchard at Mineral City c. 1915

Reception 6:30pm | Program 7pm

“If it can’t be grown, it must be mined.” While today Florida ranks among the top-producing mining states in the nation, Florida’s mining history can be traced thousands of years. Some of Florida’s mining activities are obvious. For example, St. Augustine’s Castillo de San Marcos was built from coquina mined at the north end of Anastasia Island. But did you know that some of the world’s finest china is made from Florida clay? Or did you know that the nation’s top kitty litter brands are produced from Florida mined products? It’s a part of the Florida story you rarely hear, but will hear at the society’s annual meeting and program.

Fredric L. Pirkle, PhD, a Principal Geologist in Gannett Fleming, Inc.’s Jacksonville office and an expert on Florida’s mining history, began his career working for E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co. while attending graduate school (1972-1977) and as a contract geologist (1977-78). A highly published author in his field, Dr. Pirkle is a sought after speaker nationally and internationally. He graduated from Florida State University with a BS, from the University of Florida with a Master’s Degree, and from Penn State with a Ph.D., all in Geology. He is a Registered Member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc. (SME). He currently represents the SME on the International Mineral Valuation Committee and serves on its Valuation Standards Committee. He also belongs to the Florida Section of the American Water Resources Association, the Southeastern Geological Society where he has served as Vice President and President. He is immediate Past President of the International Institute of Minerals Appraisers.