The Wallace miner. [volume] (Wallace, Idaho) 1907-current, 1917-04-12
SEATTLE STATION WORK
OUTLINED BY DR.. LYON
USE OF ELECTRICITY IN REcov-
cry OF METALs-MoscoW
SUH.STATioN.

Work at the mining experiment sta
ton at Seattle is to be divided into
three main divisions. Dorsey A. Lyon
the superintendent Of the station
Classics the work as follows:
/. Determining how far it may be
profitable and feasible, to use electric
ity in the recovery of metals from
their ores by electro thermic and cleo
trolytic processes.
2. A study of the Goals of the
northwest and of the west and south
west coast of Alaska, for the purpose
of (a) determining how they may be
mined with the least possible waste,
and CD the beneficiation of low grade
Goals SO as to render them suitable
for fuels for domestic and industrial
use.
g. A study of the problems con-
nected with the treatment of the ores
of the northwest and of the west and
southwest coast of Alaska, in so far
as such problems may differ from
those now being studied at other sta
lions of the bureau,
Since national interest is being
manifested in the conduct of the new
mining experiment stations, officials
of the bureau of mines are particu-
larly anxious that the public have
clear outline of the work. 1t Is ex-
pected. that similarly concise state
ments of the work at the other min
ing experiment stations will be forth
coming shortly.
Electric Treatment of Ores.
The greatest interest is evident in
the use of electricity in the treatment
OF ores. For this reason the work at
Seattle is certain to be watched with
the greatest interest by the entire
metallurgical industry.
The impression seems to have been
gained that the Seattle station was to
be devoted entirely to metalliferous
work. Since Mr.. Lyon puts the coal
work of the Seattle station in second
place. it can be seen that this portion
of the stations activities are not to
be neglected. The western portion of
Alaska is included in the territory to
be surveyed by the Seattle station,
and the coal mining industry in that
portion of the territory is certain to
develop into a very important one.
On the development of the Goals Of
western Alaska the prosperity Of a
considerable portion Of the peninsula
depends.
George s. Rice, chief mining engi-
neer of the bureau of mines, is very
much encouraged by the results of the |
laboratory work conducted by Prof. E.
]. BabcOck on Goals from Nenana
field. Prof Babcock has demonstrate
ed that this coal can be briquetted |
successfully. The briquettes which |
he has made have been found to be
equal to the good grades OF steam
coal. There Is every reason to think |
that the laboratory tests were con-
Quoted under such conditions as to |
insure the production of briquettes on |
commercial scale. Owing to the |
prohibitive prices to which wood has
risen In eastern Alaska, 1t is essen
tial to the continuance of many min
ing operations that the Nenana Goals
and lignites be made available for
fuel. In the light Of Professor Bah
cocks work, Mr.. Rice is very hopeful |
that one of the most serious problems
that has confronted the mining indus
try in a very highly mineralized ter
ritory soon will have been solved.
Organization Of Station. IL
The Pacific Northwest Mining and /
Metallurgical experiment station, bu-
reau of mines, department of the in
terror. has by this time been organic
ed and commenced work on it's var
ious problems. The personnel of the
staff is as follows:
Dorsey A. Lyon, metallurgist and |,
of station.
( George Watkin Evans, coal mining
engineer.
Francis C. Ryan, electrometallur-
gist.
Harlan A. Depew. chemist.