The silver state news. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1907-1909, 1908-01-23
OGDEN WORKS FOR
INDEPENDENT
SMELTER
Ogden and Salt Lake Capitalists Have
Project on Foot for a Plant
at Ogden.

the independent smelter question has
taken firm hold of the mining men of
Nevada and Utah, and the press gene
rally is giving much space to this i'm.
portant matter, for it is indeed vital
to the successful operation of many
of the big properties of the great
West.
For some years there has been a
tactic acceptance of the onerous con-
ditions imposed by the American
Smelling and Refining Company from
the fact that at least some ore could
be reduced and nominal returns had
for operating expenses, even under the
adverse conditions which have prevail
ed, and it was with degree of hesi-
fancy that those who were favored
in this regard would care to take up
the matter soon, at least, as it was
possible to get a few tons treated
ut an unjust charge.
Vicious Discrimination.
Discrimination has been bad enough
against Utah operators, but positive
ly vicious against Nevada men, for
an arbitrary charge of $500 per ton
treatment in excess of those on ores
from elsewhere was entirely suffici-
ent to bring to the front that under
current of dissatisfaction which has
actually prevailed for some time.
When mining men pay a regular
charge for having their ores treated
they have the right to expect the full
values from the ores, yet, under a
special clause under the fve-year con
tracts. which are demanded of them,
half of the value of the minerals
abovea certain price shall be retain
ed by the American Smelling and Re
fning company. No good business
reason can be advanced for such de-
duction and further, the market price
Of either copper or lead is paid to the
producer. hence there is good reason
for dissatisfaction on the part of the
operators.
Good Results Certain.
1t is gratifying to note that the
Utah Mine Operators association has
seriously taken up the matter of inde-
pendent smelters and with such strong
operators, moving strenuously, no
doubt good results will be obtained at
an early date.
Certainly the mining industry is
greatly handicapped by lack of prop
er reduction facilities and once the
mining men take hold with the proper
spirit the remedy will be forthcom-
ing in the installation of plants at the
eligible points in Utah and Nevada.
There are many districts in these
states where plants can be located
with positive assurance of success,
for, while the transportation question
is absolutely necessary, this has been
settled in theaffirmative within the
past year or two by the construction
of railroad systems to such an extent
that the big producing districts are
easily accessible to fuel and all classes
of ore Hence the matter of location
of a large plant is not so material as
il was short time ago.
High Grade Base Ores.
There are millions upon millions of
tons Of high grade base ores which
can only be treated by smelling now
blocked out and in sight in themines
81 the west, and not only is this vast
sum of no use whatever to the pro
Queer, but from the fact that these
ores cannot be treated at the present
time thore is no inducement whatever
to further advance exploitation which
deprives many of hundreds of honest
miners from livelihood and thus di-
rectly affects business interests gene
rally
Strong men are taking the incentive
in the organization of the Utah Opera
tors association, and it would be en-
tirely proper for the mining men of
Nevada to act promptly on some such
aggressive and effective lines.
That Resolution.
The second meeting of the organza-
tion was held Saturday in Salt Lake
City and at that time C. f. Loose
offered the following resolution which
was unanimously adopted;
Resolved that this association
give to any Independent smelling pro-
ieet now in contemplation or that may
be contemplated, its moral, and, if
necessary, its financial support.
Standing committees of the assoeia-
tion have been announced as follows:
the first gentleman on each committee
being the chairman:
On smelters-C +. Loose, Thomas
Kearns and Willard f. Snider.
On ailroads-Willard +. Snider,
David Keith and G. +. Loose
On egislation-Harry S. Joseph,
George M. Lawrence and Reed Smoot.
On labor-Thomas Kearns, who will
appoint two others later
The organization started off with
the right ring in it, and the enthu-
siasm at the meeting Saturday night
is conclusive evidence as to the good
work which will be quickly performed
by the different committees.
The full strength of the organiza
tion will at all times be behind them,
which is entirely sufficient for success,
full action.
Independent Smelters for Ogden.
Ogden and Salt Lake people have
Tor several weeks been perfecting
plans for plant Of large capacity to
De located at Ogden, and one of the
active spirits is now on his way to
New York In furtherance of the pro-
geet. Full particulars Of the men
interested, Of course, cannot be given,
a