The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1910-12-05
MONTANA MINES
HAD GOOD YEAR
ANNUAL REPORT OF STATE MINE
INSPECTOR SHOWS coNDl-
TONS TO BE GENERALLY
SATISFACTORY.

Helena. Mont. Dec. 5.-William
Walsh, state mine inspector, has sub
mitted his annual report TO Acting
Governor w. r. Allen, and il shows
satisfactory general condition, the
price of metals considered.
The report also contains the review
of Deputy Inspector w Il. Orem, who
las charge of the Butte district. Mr..
Orem says that despite the depression
which has prevailed, the Butte mines
have produced their usual output Of
former years Development work was
suspended by most of the new COM
panies The few exceptions have be-
come producers thereby charging the
district and encouraging other devel-
opment companies operating in the
same locality.
The deputy says that the year just
closed has witnessed some wonderful
developments in the large properties
at the lower levels, showing continu-
alton of ore bodies and the veins still
maintained. Large zinc deposits are
being developed. Some of the ore car
ries lead and iron, which are neces-
scry for the furnace treatment
Continuing, the report says:
~ great boon to the mining indus
try is the cheap power now afforded
by the development of the WATERPROOF
er of the state, which is used TO gener-
ate electric power. Electric power is
used in nearly all of the Butte mines,
and is used for pumping. hosting and
compressor plants. 1t is also great
help in vetilation in underground
workings by doing away with the heat
caused by steam pumping"
1880 Tons Daily Production.
The report states that the product of
the district amounts to about 1880
tons a day on an average. 10000 Of
which goes to Washoe. the rest 20
Great Falls for treatment. In addition
the West Butte is treating 225 tons
daily.
Referring to the industry in general
the report says that a slight decrease
is to be noted in the number Of men
en.ployed, although various new COM
punies have been launched in several
districts throughout the state. opera
lions are not as extensive in great
many districts as in former years,
owing TO the depreciation in the value
OF the various ores found in Montana.
However this is Offset in a measure
by the fact that better methods have
been employed i'm the recovery of val
ues in the ores in mining. milling cy-
aniding and their combination.
The result of the improvements in
this direction are of incalculable bene-
fit TO the chief industry of the state
and as a result several old mines, after
q long period of inactivity. have again
resumed operations and are yielding
handsomely from a class OF ore that
was considered worthless in the early
days.
Zinc Ores Studied.
During the year more attention was
paid 10 values Of zinc ores and to a
study of the processes for their profit
able treatment. A plant for the re-
duction and treatment of the several
ores containing zinc would be a great
benefit TO the mining industry of the
state.
The Clark experiment plant at Butte
has proved a success. This is Of more
than passing importance to the Butte
district and the state as there are sew
eral districts where the ores exist.
Electric Equipment Best.
The inspector touches upon the LA
bnity of mine owners for injuries TO
their employees. quoting from a recent
supreme court decision on the subpect
He also refers to the advantages of an
electrically equipped mine, but calls
attention to the necessity for the en-
pIoyment of experts in its handling
and "A guarding against exposed wires.
He issues a warning against the pur-
chase Of stocks in mines until an ex-
animation of the property has been
had 10 guard against losses in wild
cat" properties.
Ffty-One Fatal Accidents.
During the year there were fifty
one fatal accidents, forty-eight of
which occurred at Butte. as against
three in the other nineteen counties in
which mining operations are conduct
ed. Thirteen non-fatal accidents were
reported also.
The inspector estimates that 14500
men are engaged in the mining indus
ira and the ratio OF fatal accidents per
1000 men is therefore about 3.6.
The report refers TO the renewed ac-
tivity in placer mining In Madison am
Lewes and Clark counties, both scenes
Of early day placer discoveries while
new placer fields are being successful
~ developed in Missoula and Lincoln
counties.
While extremely difficult 10 give ex-
act figures for the production for tho
calendar year, the inspector estimate:
that Il will be in the neighborhood 81
s55, 600. 900. with cooper. OF course a,
the chief continent.