The Scrub Oaks Mine is most likely the largest iron producer in all of New Jersey. Since 1939, an average of more than 200,000 tons of ore were mined each year up until 1950 when a total life long production of 3.7 million tons was attained. From this, it can be reasoned that over 7 million tons were produced by the time it was permanently abandoned in 1966.

The mine, first worked in 1856, was opened by a series of shafts. Operations ceased in 1873 but in 1880, they resumed in the form of a pit and adit. Although the ore was plentiful, it was also lean and for that reason, not that successful. It was not until 1917 that the mine reached any significant level of production. At this time, remarkable advancements were made in technology and more efficient mining methods were developed.

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