The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-07-24
PRECIPITATrNG COPPER.
Recovery of This Metal From Bing-
ham Mineral Springs.

In reviewing the mining interests of
the camp for the week, the Bingham
Bulletin says:
Manager Lee is trying an experiment
at the copper springs below the mouth
of the Starlus tunnel that seems likely
to be attended with important results
He caused to be made a series of small
tanks, and, having filed them with
scrap tin, is running the spring water
through them. with the satisfaction OF
seeing a rapid accumulation of preclpl-
tant The water is Innocent looking
enough, no discolOration being percep-
tible but carries an average of one
fourth of l per cent copper. Within
u hours after the tin is immersed it
shows quite a heavy growth of ''whis-
kers,'' which, as they accumulate,
gradually slough off and sink. In
seven TO eight days the tin disappears,
being disintegrated by the action Of
natural sulphuric acid in the water.
AS a precipitating agent tin is. there
fore, superior TO naked iron, not enough
civilization taking place to interfere
with the process. The plant at present
consists of five tanks, each is feet long,
12X12 inches wide and deep, and one
four feet long, three wide and four
deep. At the rate of accumulation, be-
fore frost comes there will be several
tons of product. which contains about
IS per cent pure copper. Manager Lee,
however, is so pleased with the expert
ment that he contemplates an increase
of tank capacity this summer, and it
looks like the beginning of a highly
profitable industry. The wonder is
that the water has been so long al
lowed to run to waste.
Manager Strickley of the Montezuma
is arranging for a hoist and pump and
viii have them on the ground by Sept.
l. For the purpose a new winze is be-
ing sunk and station cut 250 feet from
the surface. The old Wine, 80 feet
further in, is showing a fine body of
ore, but operations had to be sus
pended on account of water. When
the Montezuma is provided with ma
chinery, and further developments be-
low tunnel level are made, it will
without much doubt rank among heavy
and profitable shippers.
The raise made from the drain tun-
mel of the Starlus to surface for air
was completed this week, and gives
thorough circulation. Curbed up at
the edge of the main road, it gives ont
an ice cold breeze that if located in
General Skaters tent. would be worth
more than the mine. The drain tunnel
has reached gravel and terminates in
stump. Work in the incline will be
resumed as soon as it is pumped out,
and the east drift of the $50 level is also
to be extended.
The cyaniding mill being erected in
connection with the Star group of
mines lin Pine canyon, and just over
the line in Tooele county,, is so far
completed that it will be ready to make
trial run about the LIST of August
The property is showing large bodies
OF cyan1ding ore, and an informant
who recently saw the layout believes
its operation will prove a fine success.
\ raise is being made for air from
the east drift of the Winnamuck 400
1t is in the big ore chute and will open
up large amount of STOPPING ground
The east drift is pushing ahead and
still in solid ore. From these points
considerable ore is coming out, and
there are 20 to so tons on the dump. It
is very heavy galena, evidently going
well uD in silver
The Badger company is soon to hold
a meeting to arrange for starting work
with a considerable force. The mine
is looking well and gives promise of be-
ing good shipping proposition before
the year is out.
Work has been resumed on the Lee
want, owned, owned by Governor Wells
and Eber Case, and we understand
considerable development work is to be
done this summer including extension
on the main tunnel.
Several of the Markham group claims
are being worked under lease. incIud-
ing the Hosford by Charlie Brink. Co
lumbia by NJ. Powers and Silver Hill
by H. F. Sampson.