Bisbee daily review., 1919-01-05
MAGMA INTERESTS TAKE OVER MINES NEAR PATAGONIA
Gum Thompson Purchase Well Known Santa Cruz County Copper Producer; Large Possibilities in Deal

| TUCSON, ArlZ., Jan. 1.-Ihe most important mining news received in To- cal circles in some time came in cir culation yesterday with report of the conclusion of negotiations for the pur- chase of the Three R mine at Pata- gonia by the Gunn-Thompson mining interests.
 The purchase price of S750,00 and the recognized merit of the property in ore possessions and possibilities are points of minor importance in this deal in comparison with the fact that the purchase is made by an organiZa- tion of the large capacity and highly established reputation for mining sue cess that the Thompson inter- ests represent.
 At the present, time the Gum Thompson interests are operating the Magma Copper company property at Superior, in connection with which de- yelopment and operation covered in the last several years has at times been attended by the spectacular. Magma at a couple stages in the game was little less sensational than Uni. ted Verde Extension, and stands to- day in mining view as one of the won derful properties of the continent. Prior to opening up Magma, the Gum Thompson interests pioneered the way with Inspiration, developing that prop erty and thereafter putting up on k the gigantic organization of today.
 The Gunn-Thompson interests have had the Three R property under con- sideration and investigation for 9 number of months, in the course of which detailed sampling and general geologic examination were carried out. This work has been under the general direction of W. C. Browning, general manager of Magma, who for some years has looked after the greater part of Gunn-Thompson exploratory operations in Arizona and who on the side has carried through the highly successful development of Magma.
 Magma was picked up by the Gum Thompson interests in much the same manner as the Three R property is now being taken over. Magma had not been operated successfully for years and was a good deal of an open question in the minds of mining engi- neers. The majority, indeed, were open in declaration that a bad buy had been made and that Magma would never make a real mine. Considerable of the same manner of feeling has been entertained toward the Three K at various times. So far as the Gunn- Thompson interests are concerned, however, that feeling is definitely dis posed of Otherwise they would not be taking the property over.
 Gunn-Thompson methods of develop ment in the past have been attended by the making of haste slowly and it is not probable that their acquisition of the Three R mine will be attended by any rapid program of exploitation It is certain, however, that no time will be lost in arriving at decision as to what it is best to do and that this will be done with all speed that thor oughness will permit. Whatever ex- penditures may be necessary will be forthcoming promptly and whether it is more milling facilities, a smelter or what not that the Three F may need to get going to best advantage. it will be provided the minute that ir is determined that the decision is the last word in the particular require ment that may be under considera- tion.
 The Three R mine has been a sen sational performer at different times in the production of high grade metals It has also been much in the public eye by reason of litigation, the latter now dispOseds of. The property has promise of develoAnent of both i'm portant silver and copper areas. It has never had the advantage of the systematic and extensive develop ment which it will now come under at the hands of some of the most ca pablo engineers in the mining world That it will develop large copper bodies, which will have the advantage of high silver and gold content as by products. is considered a certainty For the Patagonia district at large. where there are many small operators now making excellent headway. the entry of Gunn-Thompson is a most for tunate incident and will mean a great deal of general advancement