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.
Present Conditions.
A recent communication from our general manager, Mr. O. H. Stanley, reads as follows: “Development is progressing in a very satisfactory manner, and recent assays prove that my estimate, given in a former report, as to the average value of our ore was very conservative, and we may reasonably expect increased values as more depth is gained.”
(Following is an extract of the report referred to in the above.)
A mill run made some time ago showed values as follows: $16.40 in gold, 1½ per cent copper and 60 cents silver per ton, a total value of $22.40 per ton. Taking this conservative estimate as the average value of the ore, and counting only the ore available between the two points opened up upon the “Berry” and the “Berry Extension” workings, above the level of the “Berry Extension” tunnel, would give sufficient ore to keep a 100-ton plant working day and night for over 10 years. This large quantity of ore would be taken out without the use of hoisting or pumping machinery. This, together with every natural facility, such as water power, cheap fuel, and an abundance of timber, makes this an ideal location for the economic handling of ores.
I would estimate that with a 100-ton reduction plant in operation, that the total cost of mining and reducing 100 tons of ore to 10 tons of concentrates, and the transportation, smelting and refining of same would be as follows: