The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1937-04-16

The total mineral production of
Montana for 1886 was in excess of
$64, o 900, according to DR.. Eugene
S. Perry, head of the department of
geology at Montana School of
Mines, who addressed an all-MOn-
tana meeting of Montanans, Inc,
at Helena recently. This figure,
which is about rs percent higher
than the 1885 figure of $51, SOC, 900
va compiled by Uuno M. Sahinen,
statistician of the state bureau of
mines and geology, from prelimin-
ary estimates issued by the United
States bureau of mines. Metals ac-
percent of the total value of min
eral production in the state in 1886.
Although statistics on many products are
not vet available the figures are complete
enough to indicate the general trend of the
mineral industries in Montana.
METALICs
Gold production increased again in 1896
Placers accounted for % percent of the out
put, and two dredges: Porter Brothers float
ing dredge at Helena and Humphreys dry
second as individual producers. Other large
producers were the Pioneer dredge on Colo
creek, Winston Brothers placer near Clancy
Eldorado placer in Powell county, and the
Ruby Gulch, Gould, Spring Hill, Little Ben,
Golden MESSENGER. and Comet lode mines
Butte mines produce relatively small amounts
of gold as q by-product.
Silver is largely a by-product of copper,
lead, and zinc mining in Montana, and in
1886, 68 percent Of the output was produced
from copper and lead-zinc ores in the Butte
district. Other producers were the Trout
Comet, Flathead, Granite-Bimetallic, Lone
Pine, and Argyle Silver mines. The average
sales price for the year was II cents per
ounce.
Lead is the most important of the major
metals produced in Montana. In 1886, IS
percent of the production came from but
five mines. the Orphan Girl. Emma. Jack
Waite, Comet, and Trout mines.
Copper accounted for about 81 percent OF
the total value of the mineral production for
1886. Nearly all the states copper was pro-
duced from the mines at Butte. The average
sales price increased from 8.3 cents in 1885
to 90 cents in 1896.
zinc was the only major metal to show a
decrease in the quantity produced. dropping
10 percent; however the value Of the output
showed a slight gain due to the increase in
average sales value from "A cents in 1885
to 40 cents in 1896. The principal producers
OF lead-zinc ore, which accounted for IS
percent Of the output. were the Orphan Girl.
Considerable zinc is produced at the Stag
Tuning plant at East Helena.
In addition to the major metals enumerated
United States output Of manganese ore. Butte
and Philipsburg are the only districts ex-
plotted for manganese. Philipsburg producing
practically all of the high-grade battery ore
manganese dioXide) mined in the United
states. Montana also produces cadmium and
small amounts of platinum. and tungsten.
but figures on 1886 production are not
available.
Nonmetallics
Montana's list Of nonmetallic' mineral prod
ucts is gradually becoming longer and pro-
duction is yearly becoming more and more
important. Reserves OF certain raw materials
are enormous, and development is retarded
only by lack of suitable markets.
.Arsenious oxide is produced as a by-product
OF copper smelling at Anaconda and Of gold
mining at Jardine. It's uses as insectYcide and
wood rreservative are well known.
Asbestos mining ID. perhaps Montana's new
est mineral industry. It u being mined south
OF 0allatin Gateway, and il Manufactured