Lost mines

Lost mines are a popular form of lost treasure legend. The mine involved is usually of a high-value commodity such as gold, silver or diamonds. Often there is a map (sometimes called a "waybill") purportedly showing the location of the mine. Common reasons given for the mines being lost include:

Some lost mine legends have a historical basis; some have none. But the lure of lost mine legends is attested by the many books on the subject, and the popularity of publications such as Lost Treasure magazine.

Legends of lost mines are probably worldwide. Those listed below are just a sampling.

The Agatha Christie Poirot short story "The Lost Mine" features the topic of a map revealing the location of a lost mine in Burma being stolen in London, and its carrier murdered.

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