The U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted a field reconnaissance of Sipsey Wilderness in the fall of 1978 and of the roadless areas in the spring and summer of 1979. Mines, quarries, prospects, exposures, and drill sites in and near the study area were examined. Fifty-three samples were collected during the field work; sample localities are shown in figure 3. Analyses and preliminary test results for all limestone, clay and shale, sandstone, and coal samples were reported by Mory and others (1981). Mineral resource potential of the Sipsey Wilderness and additions is reported by Schweinfurth and others (1982).
No mining activities are being conducted in the study area at present. Previous mining has been limited to small-scale production of limestone and coal. Two oil and gas test holes have been drilled inside the study area.