Weekly journal-miner., 1916-01-12

In the same belt as the Major is sit uated the Black Diamond, which also went into the active class during the Tall of 1915. Machinery has been in stalled. and sinking from the old shaft al depth Of 50 feet is now under way. This mine had lain idle for 50 years. the last arastra run being made in 1865, when the base ores came jr and it closed down.
 The Big Ledge.
 In the Spring of 1915, the Big Ledge Development Company entered the unexplored field cast of Humboldt, about two miles distant, and started a line of extensive prospecting with two core drill machines. Results were satisfactory, and double com partment shaft is now being driven to reach the copper zone determined il initial exploration. At five points on the large dyke drilling has solved another copper belt at various depths, and this system of prospecting Is to be carried out indefinitely. Associat- ed with the operations of this com pany was the deal closed by which were acquired the old Henrietta gold, and the Butternut copper, both being situated within two miles of each oth- CT on Big Bug creek. There arc two camps in an active state, and reports would indicate both are proving at tractive properties. The Butternut is the oldest known copper mine in this section of Arizona. and was originally worked in the '70s It had lain idle for over a third Of a century. The Big Ledge, according to reports, is negotiating for another group, and the deal will probably be closed in few weeks. This company disburses monthly over S12,OOO among its min CTS, the largest sum known in tlis field on basis Of paying out and not producing a cent.
 Commercial Mining Company.
 That division of this operating com pany. situated in Copper Basin, made its most noteworthy determinations in copper mining during the year of 1915, and as shipper reached to 100 tons per day during last December. Production has steadily increased since Summer. Orc bodies ready for breaking are estimated at fully 20.0OO tons ahead Of freighti1g teams. The Commercial resumed in June of 1915, and its developed mineral has placed 1t beyond speculation as to its future rating as one of the biggest copper propositions in the State.
 Lcma Prietta.
 December of 1915 will go down ill mining history of Copper Basin as re- leasing that field from harboring but one copper of material rating, by a strike made on the Loma Prietta, that gives it remarkable considera- ton among mining men of practical ability. insofar as development has been given. At a depth of only SO feet a chalco-pyrite condition of over eight feet in width mas developed, which in grade ran to 24 per cent in copper This property was revived during the Fall months, and is situat- ed within d stones throw of the Com mcrcial workings.
 Arizona-Portland Mining Go.
 The reorganization plans of this proposition were perfected during De- ccmber of 1915. and initial work was inaugurated by additional capital be- coming interested. Machinery began to arrive. and preliminary work was started. This property also is situ- ated in the Copper Basin field, and adjoins the Loma Prietta.
 Tiger Gold Co.
 The rcsumi1g of the Tiger Goli, in inc Bradshaw mountains, occurred during the Fall of 1915. in which Ne vada operators assumed charge, un der q bond and lease. The old work ings were unwatcrcd, the 20-stamp mill was repaired. and stamps started to drop during December
 Octave Gold Mining Company
 After several years Of idlcness the Octave early in 1915, resumed with Boston capitalists i1 charge. A line of extensive exploration continued un- intcrruptcdly during the year, with determinations that are reported as satisfactory. and with every indication of a productive property being as sured for this year. On the ground is an immense plant to treat the out put.
 Maricopa Queen Oil Company
 This California syndicate entered the Yavapai field during 1915. taking over the Rut.'. New State. Elk and Perry mines of Iassayampa district. and mas pursued a practical line of de