The Placer herald., 1858-11-27
Success of new Amalgamating Process in
Quartz Mining.-.Won Results.

Success OF new Amalgamaung Process In
Quartz Mining---Wonderful Results.
Many of our readers will probably recol-
lect an announcement made in the papers Of
the State some months since, Of new pro-
cess for saving gold in quartz mining that
was about to be introduced here under the
auspices of Judge Chambers, formerly Of
the house of Page, Bacon Il Co.. of San
Francisco. We are now enabled to state
the first application of the process has been
made at the Bay State Quartz Mill, on Amer
lean Bar, in this county, with the most salts
factory results. We have it from excellent
authority that quartz taings have yielded
from $50 to $3.50 per ton; and this from
rock that has heretofore paid but from $40
to Sl5 to the ton.
As may be supposed, these favorable ac-
counts have attracted the general attention
of the quartz men in Placer, who are anx-
iously awaiting further developments.
Not having seen the operations by the
new plan, we are not prepared to give an
accurate description of the machinery used.
In addition, however, to the usual stamping
batteries, sett of mill stones are used to re-
duce the tailings to greater fneness; after
this operation the tailings are run through a
number of small mills or amalgamators,
where the great gold saving takes place.
Beside these certain chemicals are used,
which is the only secret of the new process.
The amalgamators cost about 500 each,
and the number required depends upon the
capacity of the batteries for crushing. The
chemicals are said not to be costly; and it is
claimed for the process that it is cheap and
effectual in saving the finest particles of gold.
The great cost to quartz companies in avail
ing themselves of the benefits of the discov-
cry, will be the large price demanded for its
use, as it is patented. 1t is to be hoped,
however, that if it is really as valuable to the
quartz miner as is claimed for it, the process
may be placed within the pecuniary reach of
every quartz company in the State.
A few Of the amalgamators were put up
at the Bay State Mill to experiment WITH
and more are now being added. Some time
may yet be required to demonstrate the full
value of the discovery, but enough has al
ready been done to inspire those Immediately
interested with abundant confidence
1t is authoritively stated that it has lately
been tried in the quartz mines of Virginia
with astounding success. Quartz, that from
the former modes of anal lgamation in vogue
there, only 81 and Sc to the ton were real
lied, now yield $500 and $4Oo to the ton.
This statement seems too flattering to receive
credence but letters have been received from
quartz operators in Virginia, declaring such
results to have been obtained.
We give the above from authority upon
which we place full confidence. Should the
expectations entertained for this new ANAL
gamation be realized, new era is about to
commence in quartz mining; and under it
the promised product of the gold harvest as
sumes magnfcence Of wealth dazzling and
bewildering to the mind.
On account of the great interest mani
tested for further information, we hope the
proprietors of the Bay State Mill will soon
give the public tie result of their expert.
ments.