Burdock town was established after the discovery of uranium making it one of the mining towns in South Dakota. A local company by the name Triangle Mining Company would immediately be established to exploit the rich mines. Burdock town boomed like any other mining town of the heyday but was later deserted, abandoned, and left to decay. 

Burdock’s early days

Uranium metals were discovered in Burdock, South Dakota in 1952 which led to the Triangle Mining Company being established. Several other mining camps would later be established for the exploitation of the mineral. Although the mining began immediately after the discovery, the first Uranium ores were produced in 1954. Triangle Mining Company used the open-pit mining method in the extraction of uranium. The method was preferred because it was safe, fast, and efficient compared to other methods. Over the years an easier mining method was discovered by the Susquehanna Western company which involved digging of mining pits as shallow as 100 feet deep. This method was quickly aped by other competing mines as it reduced the chances of death due to the accidental collapse of the pits.  Over the years, the production of uranium increased with the principal mine producing over 199,000 pounds of uranium oxide. These attracted miners who established both temporary and permanent homesteads around the mines. After several decades of operation, the uranium mines were depleted which prompted the miners and their families to relocate for employment opportunities. The town of Burdock was deserted and is currently rotting in despair.

What remains of Burdock town?

The buildings in the townsite were left for Mother Nature to cut its share of destruction. Most of the temporary homesteads and stores have over the decades been torn down by wind leaving only the foundation. Some of the permanent structures have had their roofs blown away leaving only concrete walls standing in despair. The town of Burdock is not safe for visits as the several mining pits that were dung during its operational days were left uncovered. These pits are filled with water during the rainy seasons which possess even more danger of drowning.

Later in the early 21st century, a company, Azarga Uranium Company, took a proposal to the Bureau of land management to resume the mining activities in the town. It is not clear if the proposal was accepted or denied but all is clear is that the mines were never revived. The state government of South Dakota does restrict visits to the former townsite and mines but urge those visiting the region to be cautious at all times. One is advised to have some friends or families and emergency contacts to call in case of accidents.