The Wadsworth dispatch. [volume] (Wadsworth, Nev.) 1892-1899, 1897-12-08
MINE DEVELOPMENT.
A Profitable Industry. Sug-
gestion by j. W. Pinder,
Mining Engineer.

~ 1OthNS wv
inactivity of mine development to be
met?
| feel quite sure that the following
plan would be quite acceptable to all
thinking miners end prospectors, as well
rs the business men of the country. II
have a fine mine, but no money to de-
velop it," is too often expressed, and too
often a distressing fact; and this con-
dition OF affairs is what should be met.
The plan which seems most feasible
and likely to have the very best results,
is for Elko county to have her WI de-
~velopnlent company, made up OF mer-
chants, miners and | may say farmers
and ranchers, of this section of the state,
and that they enlist their friends else
where to take interest in working and
finding mines. %.
Were the matter taken up by some
active public spirited citizens, there can
be no doubt that fully 200 persons, and
more, may be enrolled who would sub
scribe So, $40, $25 or $50 each, per
month, for say six or eight months, to
the stock of such a company, according
to his means. which would be quite
ample to insure a successful beginning.
Let this local company appoint a COM
petent and reliable mining inspector,
having for his qualifications sufficient
practical experience, backed with a
scientific knowledge of geological for
nations, to be able to perform his duties
with judgment and intelligence, as well
as to do all ~assaying, surveying and other
such necessary labors. He, by the
sanction and approval OF the board OF
directors, to select the best of such pros
poets as may be offered for development,
on terms deemed just to both parties
the owner or n on the one side, and
the development company on the other.
To keep upthis spirit OF development one
OF the conditions of the contracting par
ties should be that after the completion
of a certain amount of work, or the ex-
penditure OF a given amount OF money,
presumably enough to open the mine,
then both should agree upon a value,
and have the niue disposed of.
Then more and greater capital would
be brought into the county for erecting
machinery, and, in turn, for the output
of a developed mine. A few such deals
as this would give great activity and
movement to all classes Of pursuits.
This local development company would
not be subject to the same feeling Of dis
trust as outside, or foreign companies,
from the TACT that they would be "home
folks" as it were, or acquaintances, at
least. To my notion, and abundant
proof is obtainable, by this expenditure
OF money in honest and legitimate min
ing development. there is probably more
certainty of vast profit than by any other
first class business, provided the affairs
Of the company are conducted with that
prudence, judgment and economy result
ing rom practical experience ard know
ledge of mining administration. The
sale OF one developed property by the
company would no doubt admit Of a
splendid advance on the investment,
and thus induce a further movement in
the same direction; and in time the
people OF the county, and one may say
state, would be building up their own
mineral industry.
Some may say that mining is too un-
certain. But here allow me to state
that mining of today is not what it was
twenty years ago.. Labor is cheaper
explosives are not only cheaper but
more effective; mechanical devices have
been perfected, and are cheaper, as wei
as all kinds Of mining supplies. Metal
lurgical science has made rapid ant
wonderful strides, making former diff
cult problems simple and easy and witt
all these electricity is distributing s
cheap and efficient power, whereas, il
the past, steam was expensive.
Though all these have tended to ad
vance the profits, yet they are only part
of tie great benefits hat science anC
time have been continuously doing fol
mining. Twenty years ago the average
Yield OF ore value Of all milling opera
tions did not exceed one-half. Toda,
the per cent obtainable, for at least one
third less expense, is from 50 to 95, anc
this is more easily secured than was 81
per cent twenty years age. Thus 1t |
reasonable to say that 40 per cent NOR,