Veins and Development.
Rich float has always been found on this section of Gold Hill, now the property of the American Con. Mines Company, and when development was commenced it could have but one result, the finding of the veins or ore bodies from which the rich float originated.
View of Twining, New Mexico—1¼ Miles from the “American” Mines. Showing the Fraser Mine and Reduction Plant.
The main vein of this group traverses the Berry, Berry Extension and American lodes, which has been opened up in various places along its course, and proves it continuous for at least three thousand feet. This vein is strong and well defined and at the different openings is from eight to twelve feet wide. The quartz is rich in gold and copper with small values in silver, and carrying iron and copper pyrites more or less throughout it. Mill tests from this vein show values in gold and copper of $22.40. Two tests recently made by Mr. E. C. Woodward, assayer, Colorado Springs, Colo., show values as follows:
| Gold oz. | Value | Copper, per cent. |
|---|---|---|
| 1.32 | $26.46 | 15.2 |
| 2.81 | 56.20 |
One test for copper on December 31, 1902, gave 14.8 per cent. or values of $29.60 in copper.
The Dewey claim is intersected by numerous quartz dykes, carrying good values in gold and copper. Surface indications point to large bodies of high grade gold bearing ore. Recent tests from shallow workings upon this claim gave values of over $60.00 in gold to the ton, which leads us to believe that shoots of very high grade ore may be expected when this vein series is cut at greater depth.
Development has progressed steadily during 1902 and on January 1, 1903, inspection of the property showed 550 feet of tunnels, drifts, shafts, etc. The main or No. 2 tunnel was in 211 feet with an approximate depth of 133 feet.
There has been erected all necessary buildings such as bunk and boarding houses, tool house, blacksmith shop, etc. The tunnel has been equipped with cars and track and the necessary roadways, logways, etc., have been built. In fact all the preliminary work connected with mining has been completed and everything is in the best of shape for careful and economic mining. Work will be prosecuted with all speed and when greater depth is gained a crosscut will be run from the main tunnel and the vein series of the Dewey lode will be opened up and developed at great depth.
Pictures of the “American” Mines.
No. 1 Tunnel.
Mines Working in the Main or No. 2 Tunnel.
Tunnel House and Blacksmith Shop at Entrance of Main Tunnel.
Bunk House.
Boarding House.