Mining Sector Summary

Wayne County has a number of natural resources requiring mining, from sand and gravel to crude oil and natural gas to coal. Coal has been primarily mined in the eastern portion of Wayne County, Ohio, largely in in Chippewa, Baughman, East Union and Salt Creek, though other townships have unearthed small portions as well. The most commonly known area for mining coal was in Chippewa Township in an area that came to be known as Rogues Hollow.

Salt has also provided a substantial reason for mining locally. In 1897, land was purchased in Rittman, Ohio by the Wayne Salt Company for mining and crystallizing salt. In the spring of 1898, the company changed its name to The Ohio Salt Company. In January 1948, the Ohio Salt Company merged with the Morton Salt Company. The Morton Salt Company still operates today.

Travelers on rural county roads might often spot small gas and oil wells dotting the landscape. Oil and gas drilling still has a strong presence in Wayne County, with companies such as Buckeye Oil and Santmyer Oil operating today.