Southeast Missouri
Southeast Missouri and the Viburnum Trend
Located in Southeast Missouri, the Viburnum Trend is one of the world’s largest deposits of lead minerals. For decades, the world’s top manufacturers have relied on this region to supply valuable minerals and metals for their products.
Known for its natural beauty, the Viburnum Trend attracts residents and tourists to camp, hunt, hike, float and fish in the region. More than 1,200 employees live in nearby counties in communities such as Bunker, Ellington, Farmington, Park Hills, Rolla, Salem, Viburnum and Steelville, also known as the floating capital of Missouri. Download Our Community Resource Guide.
Mining has been a part of Southeast Missouri for centuries in areas like the Old Lead Belt and Viburnum Trend. Mine exploration teams discovered the Viburnum Trend in the 1950s. Doe Run has been operating in this area for over 60 years and is a vital part of the region by providing jobs, maintaining infrastructure and supporting local communities. The Viburnum Trend remains one of the world’s largest lead mines and a significant producer for the global market.
Southeast Missouri also is home to Resource Recycling, one of the world’s largest single-site lead battery recycling facilities. We’re proud to say that the lead mined in Missouri comes back during the recycling process. Nationally, lead battery recycling keeps 160 million tons of batteries out of landfills, making lead batteries the most recycled product in America with a 99 percent recycling rate.
Exploring Southeast Missouri
Southeast Missouri is our home. Our employees and their families choose to live here because of the close-knit communities, affordable cost of living and abundant recreation opportunities. Check out this community guide for information about our communities, schools, and favorite places. Download Our Community Resource Guide.
State Parks
Southeast Missouri is full of state parks and historic sites that invite everyone to enjoy the region’s beauty. Tom Sauk Mountain State Park, Mark Twain National Forest, Montauk State Park and Fish Hatchery, Elephant Rocks and Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park are just a few of the locations that promise year-round enjoyment. For more information, visit mostateparks.com.
Floating
The many rivers running throughout Southeast Missouri make it a popular destination for float trips in the summer months. Plan your float trip with resources at floatmissouri.com.
Community Involvement
Old Miners’ Days
We celebrate Old Miners’ Days with the Viburnum community every fall. The festival recognizes Southeast Missouri’s mining history. More than 100 Doe Run employees volunteer their time each year and help provide free underground mine tours, to make Miners’ Days a success.
Salem Rodeo
Every Labor Day weekend, Doe Run helps to sponsor the annual rodeo hosted by the Salem Chamber of Commerce. The event features bareback riding, calf wrestling, bull riding and fun children’s events.
Volunteer Opportunities
Doe Run and our employees volunteer and donate to many great volunteer organizations in our communities, including the Backpack Buddies program, Bunker Food Pantry, A Plus CDS, Disabled Citizens Alliance for Independence, Reynolds County Sheltered Workshop, Shriners, Bunker Missions, Lesterville Backpack, Salem Rodeo, Abou Ben Adhem Temple-Shriner Hospital Transportation Fund, Brant Sanders Memorial Foundation, Trash Bash and so many more.
Doe Run Scholarships
Doe Run offers scholarships to the Missouri University of Science and Technology and Mineral Area College. First preference is given to dependent children of Doe Run employees and those pursuing degrees in STEM education.
We also offer a nursing scholarship at the Salem campus of Southwest Baptist University to support health care careers in rural areas.
