Digital Map Reveals Coal Tunnels Under Red Lodge

Students at Montana State University Billings College of Technology have created a digital, three-dimensional model of coal mine tunnels crisscrossing under Red Lodge that give a much better picture than the century-old, ink-on-linen maps.

Red Lodge Mayor Brian Roat says that many people hadn't realized how vast the underground complex extended until viewing the computerized map.

Historians say organized mining began in the area in 1889 and persisted through the early 1980s. Roat says the tunnels have filled with water and aren't accessible.

Students Nicholas Andrews, James Duggins, Daniel Kamp and Christopher Grubs spent at least 1,000 hours during one semester working on the project.

Some Red Lodge homeowners have looked at the computerized maps to see if tunnels run under their homes.

Associated Press