The copper era. (Clifton, Graham County, Ariz.) 1899-1911, 1902-01-02
Great Alaska Copper Deposits.

Tacoma, Washington.-With the
building OF the proposed railroad
through the Copper River valley, the
devopment of Alasks's mineral re-
sources will commence on scale more
vast that anything heretofore attempt
ed in the north. Thi. is the conclusion
OF western mining men who base their
belief on the immensely OF the ore de-
posts OF southern Alaska and the fact
that they must necessarily be devel-
oped through large Investments OF cap
ital.
One OF the most impartial and trust
worthy reports yet made relative to
the value Of Copper River valley mines
is that given by Alfred B. lies, New
York mining expert, who recently re-
turned from an inspection OF properties
in the Copper River country for New
York capitalists. Mr.. lies says that
the highest grade ore, found in the
more remote districts. is not worth the
mining unless a railroad over which
the ore may be hauled is built.
What mining men term the Copper
River country" said Mr.. lies, covers
vast area. Properties over one hun
dred miles dstant from the stream are
classed q - Ha=-category. The
greatest{ -
those lying IN Ihe '-slGvrnIuy OF Iuttc
glacial streams, the kotsena, the Kus-
kulIena. and the Loknah. This coun-
try is many miles from Copper River.
Though the territory remains practi-
cally untouched by the miners, great
chunks of the native metal have been
found in the gulches, while below the
surface are found deposits of high
grade copper glance and bornite.
The richest properties so far To-
Gated are the famous Bonanza and
Jumbo Nos. !, >, and 3 claims. On
these have been found great boulders
of the native metal, weighing several
tons aud lying in plain view. | dis
tinctly remember seeing one hugh
body of which nine or ten tons were
visible. In smaller quantities the high
est grade ore is found all through this
district Thousands of tons OF ore.
averaging Il per cent copper, can be
found right on the surface. The only
mining tool needed is a strong crow.
bar with which to pry the boulders
from the ground. There was one area
OF about 10000 square feet which | ex-
am;ned with the greatest care. After
eliminating the high grade ore, the
body would average 81 per cent.
1.-The Kotsena country, which was
at first hsralded as one OF the richest
regions, will probably be one of the
last developed when mining begins in
earnest in the valley. The ore is of u
much lower grade than that found in
other districts, and is less plentiful.
"a feature OF the Copper River val
ley which has seldom beon spoken Of,
is its fertility. In travelling over sew
eral hundred miles OF the country,
noticed that the lowlands and hill
sides were covered with a rich grass,
often several feet in height. The soil
is riSh. aud as the summers are OF con-
'=>nlo1t .-. ------------------ ----------------
The one question upon which hinges
the entire development Of the coun-
try 10 that OF transportation. The
richest of the copper and gold deposits
are found many miles in the interior,
away from all points OF shipment.
The only method by which the ore
could be hauled to the sea is by rail
road. Although several men who have
studied the situation say a railroad is
impracticable [ am inclined to believe
that within few years one will be