The Goldfield news and weekly tribune. [volume] (Goldfield, Nev.) 1911-1947, 1914-02-07
Nevada Mine Operators

The status of the mining industry in the state of Nevada, and espe-
ciany in its relation to the feeling existing between the operators and
their employees, should be a matter for congratulations on all sides
During the past few years this great industry has made unusual strides
in the way of systematic management and the economical handling OF
ores, with the result that a larger number of men are assured of per-
'manent employment at good wages than would be possible under no other
conditions. To a certain extent the prospector has given way to the
corporation, but that could not be avoided. Millions of dollars were
expended in this state before a dollars worth of the low-grade porphyry
copper ore could be handled at a profit. For years in the Fly district
thousands of men have been given steady employment at good wages
This would have not been possible if men had gone at the work single
handed.
In a somewhat lesser degree this has also been true of the mining
of precious metals. When the cream has been SKINNED and the hand
ling of low grade orebodies has become really a manufacturing PROPOSE
ton, the world will not be further enriched unless it is possible to bring
great capital to bear in the effort to extract the ores. Many instances
could be cited where this condition exists today in Nevada to the profit
of all concerned--to the operator and the employee. Iii a happy condi
ton.
In Reno the other day the min operators of Nevada held their
annual meeting and discussed important matters bearing upon the in
dusry. A good idea of the accomplishments and objects of this Or
ganization was set forth in an editorial in the Reno Gazette, which said
An organization such as that perfected by the mine operators
of Nevada cannot fail to prove of great benefit, not only to the
mining industry but to the entire state. 1t is not in any sense a
trust, OF a combination in restraint of trade. 1t could not be, for
the product of the precious metals mines is established in its value
by the market of the world at large, while as to gold, the value
of all other things is simply expressed in figures of comparison
with the accepted value of this metal Nor was this association
formed in opposition n antagonSm to any other organization, in
dustrial, trade or labor. Its relations with all are harmonious.
The members of this association, and the association itself,
have done much for the amelioration of the condition of the work
ers. Safety devices are being installed even more complete and eff
fectve than those required by law. The industrial commission,
which assures recompense for injury and mitigation of loss by
death more full and complete than was the rule in the past, is sup
ported by the operators, and commended in its work. Since the
organization has been formed and its real purposes have come to
be known and recognized, it is meeting with almost universal a-
proval and cooperation from men engaged in every branch of
mine development, from the mucker to the general manager. 1t
is also receiving the most cordial encouragement from those en-
gagged in other lines of endeavor.