The mine ceased operations in 1972 and sold off the property in 1974. Since 1974, several different companies have owned, and then sold, the mining property at Idria. In 1982, a firm called the New Idria Land and Development Company claimed that they found traces of gold, silver, and platinum in the old mine tailings and began to defraud people by selling shares in the future mine. EMC Energies bought the property in 1984 hoping to develop geothermal power from the hot spring located in one of the mines, but the spring was not warm enough.The Futures Foundation acquired the property from the New Idria Association. The Futures Foundation entered into a lease-to-buy arrangement in 1986, and acquired title to the land in 1991.
Adjoining land is a popular destination with the motorized dirt bike recreation, and those activities are beginning to trespass onto the Idria property as they ride their bikes in complete disregard for erosion, the watershed, and the area's rich plant and animal life.
Smart Bench - 1969 - Copyright - courtesy Ashurst collection.