Bisbee daily review., 1912-06-02
METAL PRICES
 BUOYANT
(Minlng Science.l

(Mining Science.)
 Reports from western districts in dicate that the advance in the price of metals is stimulating preparations for renewed production at many mines. The price of copper is one of the gratifying conditions which has come somewhat unexpectedly, and many operators of relatively small properties are relying upon the con | tinuance of a substantial figure for the metal. So long as copper is sell | ing as high as l5 cents a pound, the output is certain to be improved, not only from the great deposits of Mon tana, Utah, Nevada, Michigan and the | Southwest, but from the numerous sources that are scattered throughout rthe western states. The principal fac 1 tors in the control of the copper trade are clearly aware of these probable results. If the outlook for heavy con sumption of the product, both in this country and abroad. were not bright the sharp advance in price should cause apprehension. The fact is, how ever, that the domestic consumption is now the best ever known and it is increasing The worlds visible sup plies have been cCt in half during the last 12 months. According to the last monthly statement of the associated producers. the increase in the domes- tic stocks was less than 3000,00O lbs, while these stocks are at the lowest point since the publication of month ly statements began. The worlds vls- lble supply is equal to only six weeks production of the United States re- fineries.
 Aggressive steps to enlarge the out put of the principal districts are now the rule. The AnaConda Copper Co. which has hitherto consistently fol lowed the curtailment nolicy inaugur- ated nearly two years ago, is return ing to what may he called it's normal
 production and preparing for the most
 economical regime in its history. The
 Utah Copper Co., IS ready to reap the fruits Of consolidation and improved
 business conditions, waile the DOT Iphyry" mines of Arizona and New
 Mexico are entering upon the long
 expected period of enormous yields ! The smelling companies are also in
 position 10 furnish increased out
 puts as a mere incident to the greater dtJlNliF HIlOiS tht many ohidlA bib critics, which have been encouraged by the improved metal prices.
 The price of silver last week reached a new high record for the past four years, advancing 10 above
 61 cents. The last previous high price
 for this period was in February
 when the metal touched co 3-S cents This gain of one cent over the Feb ruary record is ascribed largely to tho political and industrial situation 1T
 China, and the expectation is tha'
 50 cent silver will be with Us fol
 some time to come That the highel Iprice will stimulate the production O
 ores in many western districts zoe.
 without saying Indeed. the effect:
 are already being noted. The bes . known lead-silyer districts are II brine shape to respond 10 the greater ' profits implied in the advance, whll'
 the districts iG which silver is th'
 primary product. such as Tonopah
 are in line for the most prosperous snowings With the settlement Of thu . political differences in Mexico, tn
 mines of that country will be greatl. = benefited, while il is needless to men .tion the improved profits of the Co Ilalt producers.
 Shelter is still nigh with little .n mediate change IT prospect With tn preparations for large production, l
 will not be surprising if the eXcoT
 tionallv high price is reduced some what