The mining industry in Albert County has a long and interesting history, with the most unique mineral ever mined in the region being a shiny black hydrocarbon resembling asphalt. It was given the name ‘Albertite’, as Albert County was the only area in the world with deposits of sufficient quantity for commercial use. Originally, two brothers, Peter and John Duffy, discovered the mineral in the area in 1849 when a mill dame burst, clearing the surface to reveal the main seam. When the Duffy brothers were unable to develop a market, it was subsequently exploited as fuel by Abraham Gesner. Gesner would go on to invent kerosene through his experiments with Albertite, a discovery that would make him world famous. Prior to the discovery of kerosene, whale oil was the most commonly used fuel in oil lamps. However, over harvesting of whales had led to an increase in whale oil prices. Kerosene provided the world with an inexpensive fuel source for oil lamps, as it was easier and cheaper to produce than whale oil. 

From 1850 to 1880, Albertite was shipped in mass quanitities from Hillsborough to Boston, where it was used to light the Boston street lamps. The majority of Albertite mining took place in the Albert Mines between 1854 until 1884. In fact, according the pay sheets from 1879, the Albert Mining Co. sold 5,367 tons of Albertite for $94,096 that year. While the area today shows little sign of development, according to these same reports from 1880, there were once over 30 houses, a schoolhouse, and a church on the mining property.