Cayuga Salt Mine
Welcome to the Cayuga Salt Mine Lansing, New York
Cargill Deicing Technology operates one of its three mines in Lansing, NY, providing customers with deicing technology and road salt that saves lives, enhances commerce and reduces environmental impact. Cargill acquired the mine in 1970 and annually produces approximately 2 million tons of road salt that is shipped to more than 1,500 locations throughout New York and the northeast United States.
History of the Cayuga Rock Salt Mine
In 1915, John Clute organized the Rock Salt Corporation on Portland Point in Lansing. In 1916, the shaft was sunk to -1,500 feet, but the salt was of poor quality. By 1918 the mine was still not producing well and was shut down.
In 1921, Frank L. Bolton and John W. Shannon bought the mine and further sank the shaft to -2,000 feet to a better vein of salt which was 99% pure. The operation was managed by Frank Bolton, and then his wife Lucie when he died.
The Cayuga Rock Salt company managed the Cayuga Mine until 1970 when Cargill purchased the mining rights. Cargill modernized the mine with new beltlines for salt haulage, ventilation updates, a new shaft, and new diesel-powered equipment.
Salt Mine Management
Shawn Wilczynski returned to the Cayuga Mine in 2013 as its mine manager. With more than 26 years of experience with Cargill’s mining operations, Shawn brings excellence to the operation through his leadership in engineering, management and community involvement. Shawn’s efforts continue the high safety standards which the Cayuga Mine is known for, and continued recognition for safety records are the result.
Shawn is originally from South Dakota and is a proud husband and father. He spent six years in the U.S. Department of Navy Nuclear Power Program. Shawn is very active in organizations focused on the growth and prosperity of the Lansing community. He serves on the Board of the Science Center and the Ithaca Area Economic Development organization. Shawn also has a passion for employee personal development. Since returning as mine manager, the volunteer rate for employees supporting the local communities has improved from 50% to 67% and includes over 1,000 hours of volunteer time each year.
Community Commitment
Currently, the Cayuga Mine employs nearly 160 full-time employees in operations, maintenance, engineering, finance, management and support positions.
Each year employees donate more than 1,000 volunteer hours to the community. The Cayuga Mine and Cargill has donated FILL to approximately 30 local and regional community organizations.