Abandoned mine’s fill material shifts — and creates nearby sinkhole, Michigan city says

The material used to fill an abandoned mine shaft recently shifted, creating a sinkhole, according to Michigan city officials.

Authorities said the fill material shifted Thursday, April 13, in the city of Ishpeming. A sinkhole formed at the surface of the mine shaft.

“We are glad to share that no injuries occurred and no city services were interrupted,” city officials said in a news release.

The city has temporarily closed portions of roads in the area, including the Bluff and Jasper Street intersection, as crews work at the site, according to the release.

While public water service to the site was shut off, authorities said there is no impact to nearby residential and commercial users.

People are asked to stay away from the area until further notice from the city, according to WJMN.

Ishpeming’s history is rooted in mining.

“The mining of the area’s vast quantities of iron ore allowed the town to develop and thrive,” the city website says. “Roaming around Ishpeming, you will discover that the history in mining is alive. Mining ore cars decorate the streets and old mine shafts remain standing tall dominating the City. Commemorative museums display the rich history of the iron oreculture ... As the mining grew, the city did as well.”

Ishpeming is in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.