The Wallace miner. [volume] (Wallace, Idaho) 1907-current, 1918-08-15
OF CAROM|1E
WILL Be INVESTIGATED
S. L. SHONTS APPOINTED FOR
IDAHO AND EASTERN
OREGON.

Sidney l.. Shonts, of this city, has
entered the war service of the govern
ment under the official designation of
mining engineer for the bureau of
mines. His appointment was made
upon the recommendation of Albert
Burch, who is we'll known in this dis
trict and who is the general represen-
tatve of the government in its ef-
forts to increase the production of
chrome in the western states In this
capacity Mr. Burch has divided his
large territory into districts which
will be covered by mining engineers
appointed by the bureau of mines. The
district assigned to Mr.. Shonts in
cludes the entire state of Idaho and
eastern Oregon, and his duties will be
to investigate deposits of chromte
for the purpose of encouraging the
production of the mineral. Since re-
ceiving his appointment Mr.. Shonts
has received numerous letters from
him to inspect their properties and
he will leave for that section some
time next week, or as soon thereafter
as possible So far he has heard Of no
deposit of chromite in Idaho, but it is
not improbable that discoveries will
be made under the spur of urgent
government demand. Mr. ShOnts will
receive an allowance for expenses and
a nominal salary while actually en-
gagged in the work, and in accepting
the commission he is actuated by a
desire to be of service to the govern
ment in this emergency.
Chromite on tho Firing Line.
Chromite is the source of the met
al chromium, which, as an alloy Of
chrome steel and in several chemical
compounds, occupies an important
place in our battle front on land and
sea. 1t Is used as pigment in dying
the soldiers khaki clothes and tan
the leather of their shoes. 1t is used
as an alloy of steel in the manufact
ure of armor plate, making it hard,
and serves the same purpose in armor-
piercing prOjectiles. 1t is a necessary
element in stellite, which is largely
used in the manufacture Of high speed
tools for cutting steel. 1t is also used
in the manufacture of axles for auto
mobiles, in carriages for heavy guns,
and in making chrome bricks for fur
mace lining. In a bulletin issued last
June the United States geological sur
vey estimated that the government
would require 10000 tons Of chrome
ore during the year 1918. In 1917 the
domestic production was only 43,725
tons, most of which came from Cali
fornia. Oregon produced 1905 tons
and smaller amounts came from Alas
ka. Washington Maryland, North
Carolina. Imports of chromte come
chiefly from Rhodesia and New Gale
donia.
Must Increase Production.
The enlarged demand for chromite
made by the war and the shortage Of
ships In which to transport the foreign
supply have rendered it imperative
that the domestic supply be largely
increased, and this accounts for the
activity of the government in encour-
aging production There is money in
mining chrome at present prices. Con-
sumers are paying $1.25 per unit for
35 per cent ore, or s47.50 per ton on
the Pacific coast. For 80 per cent ore
65 cents a unit is offered. or $3.50 per
ton Lower grade ore should be con-
centrated If possible.
A pamphlet has been published by
Albert Burch on "Chromite," describ-
ing it's occurrence in nature, methods
Of production and marketing a copy Of
which may be obtained free upon ap-
plication to Mr.. Burch, Crocker build :
ing, San Francisco.