The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1923-01-11
REPORT OF BUREAU
MADE BY THOMSON
SALIENT ACCOMPLISHMENT IN
MINING WORK OF IDAHO in
SUMMARY.


Salient accomplishments of the
state bureau of mines and geology
since its creation in 1919 are out
lined in a brief summary report pre-
pared by Dean Francis A. Thomson
of the Idaho school of mines, execu-
tive secretary and director of the
bureau, to be submitted to the leg1S-
lature. The state bureau is non
salaried ex-officio board consisting OF
the governor, state mine inspector,
dean of the school of mines and pre-
Esident of the Idaho mining associa-
| ton
The work of the bureau, as told in
the report, has consisted of stimulat-
ing mineral production by geological
and metallurgical investigation and
broadcasting of results; attracting
outside capital to develop the vast
undeveloped mineral resources of the
state; aiding the prospector and
small mine owner by giving reliable
technical advice and assistance; as
sisting agriculture, cities and state
institutions by geologic investigations
of artesian water possibilities; and
directing attention to petroleum pos
sibilities.
Three Year Summary.
Following is a summary OF work
accomplished by the bureau since its
creation a little over three years
ago:
A geological survey of the Seven
Devils, Heath. Hornet, Hoodoo, and
Deer Creek copper districts has been
made. The bulletin on this area, con-
tanning 100 pages and IL maps, has
attracted much attention to the area,
and development is going forward.
Further study is being given to this
area.
The cIays of the state have been
studied and 73-page report issued.
This has shown that Idaho contains
some of the finest clay deposits in
the world and capital is being at
tracted to their development. The
of clay products will
be one of the greatest
industries of the state 25 years from
now.
The gold and silver deposits of
Thunder Mountain, Big Greek, Sea
Foam, Stanley Basin, and Sheep
Mountain have been surveyed and
brief report published, calling atten-
ton to their possibilities. Capital has
already been drawn to this area as
result of the report
Boise Basin Investigated.
The geology and treatment of the
gold ores of the Boise basin have been
Investigated and report is practf-
;ally ready for the printers.
The silver, lead, and zinc ores OF
he Pend d'Oreille area have been in
treatment have been described to the
operators One of these, the Talache
Mines Co., has since erected large
mill which is operating continuously.
Reported gas and oil discoveries in
he northern part of the state have
,een investigated and through press
eports and individual advice the pro-
noters have been advised as to con-
Illusions Most of this advice has been
# a negative character and much
money has been saved to the public
" frank statements of facts.
The geology and gold resources OF
central Idaho, north of the Salmon
liver, have been thoroughly investi-
,ated and a report is being prepared
which should draw attention to this
reat potential gold producing area
Development WORK Mdue.
Topographic maps, essential for
work, highway and railway
ocation, irrigation, logging and all
orms of development, have been
published covering the st. Maries,
clearwater area the Seven Devils
quadrangle, and the Snake river Quad
angle.
The artesian possibilities of Goose
reek, Bruneau river, and Pahsimerof
alley regions in southern Idaho and
Lewiston valley and Moscow region
! northern Idaho, have been investi-
ated, reports prepared and press
ulletins issued.
The oil and gas possibilities Of
Idaho have been care
lily studied and report is in pro-
ass of preparation This shows pro-
ability of natural gas supplies in this
rea.
Metallurgical Investigations of the
eparation of zinc and lead in the
3mDscx ores of the state have been
lade ana reports thereon have been
ublished. This work has been mainly
\ flotation concentration.
Concentration Study Started.
Investigations in the efficiency OF
ravity concentration in the Occur
Alene area have been begun and a
udy of classification practice is In
'ogress-
The great phosphate deposits of the
ate have been studied and popular
llletin calling attention to this, Ida
IS greatest potential asset, will be
lady for the printer in the spring
The geology and ore deposits of the
end d'Oreille area have been studied
Id a report is now being written on
is important mining section.
The ore deposits of the Alturas Saw
9th quadrangle have been studied
Id bulletin with maps has been
sued calling attention to this pro-
ising area.
The oil producing possibilities OF
Idaho have been investi-
ted and bulletin and press report
which has resulted in much
omising activity in this area
Reliable Information Given.
" In addition to these specific pro-