The Alaska daily empire., 1919-12-22
REVIEW MADE
 OF MINES AND
 DEVELOP PMENTS
Gov. Riggs in His Annual Report Touches Upon Conditions and the
 Remedies and Needs
(From Annual Report of Gov.
 Thomas Riggs, Jr.)

Mining in Alaska has never before been conducted under such adverse conditions. The gold placcrs. heretoe- fore the backbone of the industry, are the principle sufferers. Wages, costs of equipment and supplies. hign rates of transportation shortage of of labor, together with the depletion of the known rich deposits, have all conspired to reduce not only the pro duction of placer gold, but have also prevented contemplated development of the lower-grade deposits. For simi- lar reasons the great low-grade lode of the Gastineau Channel have not been able to operate to any marked profit, although all modern devices for reducing costs are being employ ed Gold mining in Alaska is no long CT business to attract heavy invest changed and gold is put on a com modity basis and receives the benefit of market demands. Gold mining should receive every possible help from the government.
 A new gold and silver camp attract ing attention is the Portland Canal district Tho mineralized zone closely follows the international boundary with so far the best showing in British Columbia, although excellent prospects are found on the Alaska side The mines and prospects of the Salmon River, both in Alaska and British Columbia, are all tributary to the Alaska town of Hyder, while everything from the Bear River must pass through Stewart, British Columbia. One mine, the Premier, just across the boundary in British Columbia, has shipped several hund- rcd tons of phenominally rich gold and silver ore and within year should be a steady producer. At this mine no attempt is made to ship ore valued at less than $l00 to the ton
 It is interesting to note that Col. Alfred H. Brooks, of the United States Geological survey, has long predicted the finding of mineral de- posits lying along the formation and extending the full length of the coast of southeastern Alaska. I look for extenisve future development not only on Portland Canal but also up the Unuk and Iskoot Rivers. Willow Creek, near the line of the Government railroad, is forging stead fly to the fore. and persistent rumors of large refractory deposits in the vicinity sof Broad Pass raise hopes for increased railroad tonnage. In Prince William Sound, Valdez is once more creating excitement in new lode discoveries and reported platinum finds
 Copper
 Owing to the lack of transpOrta- ton during 1918 and governmental demands during tho war for the higher grade copper ores, practical ly none of the low-grade. copper mines were enabled to continue normal shipments to the great distress of the operators. During the first six months of 1919 the low price of copper was another deterrent feature. Complaints have been lodged with me by shippers of low-grade ores that the slag loss charge of 26 pounds per ton is not. warranted, as such Joss in reality is not more than { pounds or pounds at the most. There are a great unmbcr of low grade copper mines and prospects in Alaska, which would seem to offer an attractive field for investment for parties capable of bearing the cost of installation of concentration plants Chrome
 Chrome ore of good quality was mined at Port Chatham and a con- siderable plant investment made. but the owners were unable to pro. cure transportation when this metal was in demand. and in consequence suffered severe loss. have made a careful investigation. and believe that operations were instituted in good faith. in the understanding that they would be protected by the Gov ernment The chrome producers should be recompensed against loss, Coal
 From present indicatioins l am <Nc-xS~o>A c~ n~-> ~-oA