Tonopah daily bonanza. [volume] (Tonopah, Nev.) 1906-1929, 1912-04-20
BoNANzAs ON THE wANE.

Eminent mining experts tell that the day of
the so-ealled popular bonanza is waning. The
mining problems Of the generations to are
to be centered in the re-working of what form
generations were unable to because of the
lack of equipment and skill and the further real
izaton that the big milling deposit thoroughly
known and determined possesses much less of a.
risk than the BonanAest of bonanZas.
''The major part of future mining, says Vie
tor c. Anderson, of the Colorado School of Mines,
in discussing this project, like that at the
Honestake and the Alaska Treadwell will be done
on large bodies of well-defned low grade ore. The
work will partake of the character of straghtfor-
ward business, wherein a reduction in the cost
of operation is equivalent to increase in the
value of the ore Consequently the most modern
methods Of business the latest and best methods
of accounting, will find place in the mining in
dustry.
Inasmuch as the great bulk of mining in the
future will be done on low-grade ores, it follows
naturally that preliminary treatment close to
the mine will be necessary in order to condition
the ore to stand the freight and smelter charges,
except in eases like that of cyanidation where
the treatment IS complete
The early problems in mining were sim
plicity itself but since 1859 the problems have
been growing more and complete requr-
ing greater and greater engineering skill. When
only 800 ore could be treated at profit, vast
quantities of lower grades were left IN the mines
or IN the dumps WIN improved processes OF
treatment with reduced cost of supplies, and with
cheaper methods of transportation, the zone of
profitable treatment has steadily gone down,
until even - can be treated at a steady profit.
Such results only possible by cheap methods
of handling due to advanced chemical knowledge.
In 1868 the average smelling charges about
$50 per ton. Then years ago the saving of the
values in sulphide ores varied from 30 to %
percent but now the percentage has reached 90
- In the metallurgy of copper the chief econ
omy of late has been the general adoption of
basc-lined converters. by means of which the
cost of producing blister copper has been mate
rally reduced
'The fire treatment Of ores for the purpose
Of extracting the valuable contents is q highly
complex chemical problem The men at the head
Of this branch Of the industry are invariably
highly trained specialists who understand every
detail Of the work At the present time the only
improvements that seem possible matters OF
detail and increased refinements OF operation.
'NepotSm should find no place in the mining
industry Many failure can be charged TO the
desire Of some stakeholder 70 place WORTHLESS,
nephew in charge Of mining property With
out experience training technical skill h.
assumes control. only 10 waste money. g0uge ihs
mine. and ruin AL Too often. also the promoter
is made the manager. with subsequent miSmanage
ment and loss There are plenty Of men 81 Ions
practical experience. wise eounseling mining en-
giucers and well trained technical engineers ant
metallnrgists that no company need he without
the hest technical and professional advice II i
almost criminal 10 put inexperienced men IL
charge 81 mines or mills -