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•TAI.AL 1 ITIC I.IMONITI-, 1 K(iM IKoN MdlNTAlX MINK, SHASTA COUNTY. 
 
CALIFORNIA STATE MINING BUREAU. 
 
 Ferry Building, San Francisco. 
 
 BULLETIN No. 23. San Francisco, April, 1902. 
 
 THE 
 
 ^ai/, 
 
 er l^ 
 
 COPPER RESOURCES 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 By 
 LEWIS E. AUBURY, 
 
 State Mineinloght. 
 
 cOMPt'vieMfS 0# 
 
 By authority of »w • ' ■ a.» A^lB# 
 
 IIEXRY T. GAGE, Governor of CaUfoy%tf/^^ msn%^*^^ 
 
 W. \V. SHANNON, 
 
 SECOND EDITION. 
 
 SACRAMENTO: 
 
 SUPERINTENDENT STATE PRINTING. 
 1905. 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 UNlVERSn Y OF CALIFORNIA 
 
coxri-A'TS. 
 
 Faoe. 
 
 CONDITION OF Till'. INOrSTRV .... 9 
 
 HISTORICAL NOTKS --...- 23 
 
 SHASTA COUNTY 39 
 
 Thk Copper Bi;i,'r ----.. 43 
 
 Geology ok thk Copper Belt - - - - 53 
 
 Shasta Coi'NTv Copper Mines . - . 66 
 
 COAST RANGE DEPOSITS 97 
 
 Siskiyou Cointy --.... 102 
 
 Del Norte Cointy - - - - - - iii 
 
 Trinity County - - - - - - 117 
 
 Humboldt County --.... 126 
 
 Tehama, Glenn, and Colusa Counties - - 129 
 
 Mendocino County - - - - - - 134 
 
 Lake County ...... 138 
 
 Napa County ........ 139 
 
 Sonoma County --.... 140 
 
 Marin County --..... 143 
 
 Alameda County ...... 144 
 
 Merced County --..... 146 
 
 San Benito County ..... 146 
 
 San Luis Obispo County - •■ - - - 147 
 
 THE SIERRA NEVADA COPPER BELT ... 149 
 
 Plumas and Sierra Counties ... 152 
 
 Neyada County ...... 162 
 
 Yuba County ....... 171 
 
 Placer County - - - - - - 172 
 
 El Dorado County ...... 174 
 
 Amador County ...... 182 
 
 Calayeras Cointy .... - 187 
 
 Alpine County ...... 199 
 
 Tuolumne County ...... 200 
 
 Mariposa Cointy ...... 203 
 
 Madera County ...-.-- 217 
 
 (3) 
 
 92T^iO 
 
4 CONTENTS — LIST OF ILLl'STRATIONS. 
 
 THK SIERRA NEVADA C0I'PI;R BELT— CoNTiNiKn— page. 
 
 Fresno County ------- 224 
 
 Tulare County ...--- 233 
 
 Kern County ------- 237 
 
 SOUTHERN AND EASTERN DEPOSITS - - - 242 
 
 Mono County ------- 242 
 
 Inyo County ------- 243 
 
 San Bernardino County ----- 249 
 
 RiYERSiDE County ------ 255 
 
 San Diego County - - - - - - 259 
 
 Los Angeles County . . . - - 260 
 
 APPENDIX -------- 263 
 
 The State Minini; Bureau . . - - 263 
 
 California Miner a i. Statistics . - . - 274 
 
 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 Page. 
 vStalactitic Linionite from Iron Mountain Mine, Shasta Co. Frontispiece. 
 
 Bully Hill Mines and Smelter, Shasta County - - - 11 
 Calcining furnaces of the Mountain Copper Company, Keswick, 
 
 Shasta County - - - - - - - '3 
 
 Mountain Copper Company's Smelter, Keswick, Shasta Co. - 15 
 Surface mining plant of the Mountain Copper Company, in Slick 
 
 Rock Canon, with Iron Mountain at the right - - 32 
 
 Blister copper from Bully Hill Smelter awaiting shipment - 33 
 
 Tunnel entrance at Sugar Loaf Copper Mine, Shasta County - 35 
 
 View of Bully Hill Copper Mines from the north - - 47 
 
 Bullv Hill, Shasta County, showing original tunnel opened in 1863 - 49 
 
 Geological sections according to available data, etc. - - 59 
 
 Sketch showing ore deposits of Iron Mountain Mine - - 62 
 
 Sketch showing ore bodies of Balaklala and Shasta King Mines - 64 
 
 Smelter of the Mountain Copper Company, Keswick, Shasta Co. - 69 
 McDougal roasting furnace, Keswick Smelter, ISIountain Copper 
 
 Company, Shasta County - - - - - 71 
 
 Roasting stalls at Bully Hill Smelter, Shasta County - - 76 
 Smelter at the Bully Hill Mines, Shasta County - - 77 
 Chute between Tunnels Nos. 2 and 3, electric power house and tim- 
 ber sheds, Bully Hill Mines - - - - - 79 
 
 View of Bully Hill Smelter from mouth of No. 3 Tunnel - 79 
 
 Shasta King Mine of the Trinity Copper Company, Shasta Co. - 83 
 
LIST OF ILLl'STRATIONS. 5 
 
 Pace. 
 Gossan croppings and tunnel, Balaklala Mine Shasta Co. - S5 
 
 Ore (lump and tunnel, Mammoth Copper Mine, Sliasta Co. - S9 
 
 Uom Paul Claims, j^ossan croppings, Shasta County - - 91 
 
 Blue Ledge group of copper mines, Siskiyou County - - luS 
 
 Preston Peak group of copper mines, Siskiyou County - 1 10 
 
 Low Divide District, Del Norte County - - - - 113 
 
 Granite Group, Trinity County - - - - - 121 
 
 Croppings 60 feet wide, Lsland Mountain Copper Mine - - 123 
 
 Croppings 130 feet wide. Island Mountain Copper .Mine - 123 
 
 Bowlder of copper ore 60 feet across hase, 30 feet deep, 25 ftet across 
 
 top, Island Mountain Copper Mine, Trinity County - - 125 
 
 Bowlders of copper ore on north bank of Eel River, from outcrop 500 
 
 feet distant, Island Mountain Copper Mine, Trinity Co. - 125 
 
 Gray Ivagle Copper Claim, Colusa County - - - - 13^ 
 
 Redwood Copper yueen Mine, Mendocino County - - 137 
 
 Copper croppings, Williams Claims, Genesee, Plumas County - 157 
 Mountain on which is located the Duncan group of copper mines, 
 
 Genesee, Plumas County, near Floiirnoy's - - - 157 
 
 Ideal cross-section of Spenceville formation - - - 164 
 
 Plant of the Spence Mineral Company, Spenceville - - 165 
 
 Sketch map of Mineral Hill group of mines - - - - 16S 
 
 Cosumnes Copper Mine, HI Dorado County - - - 179 
 
 Contraband Tunnel, HI Dorado Countv - - - - J79 
 
 Union Copper Mine, Copperopolis, Calaveras County - - 191 
 
 Peiin Copper Mining Company's Mine, at Cainpo Seco - - 193 
 
 Smelting works of the Penn Mining Company, Campo Seco - 195 
 
 Napoleon Copper Mine, Calaveras County - - - - iy6 
 
 Green Mountain Copper Mine, Mariposa County - - 205 
 
 Dump of the Green Mountain Copper Mine, Mariposa County - 205 
 At the Green Mountain Copper Mine, Mariposa County - 207 
 
 Lone Tree Mine, Mariposa County ----- 207 
 Pocahontas Copper Mine, Mariposa County . - - 209 
 
 White Rock, Mariposa County - - - - - 211 
 
 White Rock Mine, Mariposa County - - - - 211 
 
 La Victoria Mine, Mariposa County - - - - - 214 
 
 Buchanan Copper Mine, Madera Count\- - . - 219 
 
 California Copper Company's property, Daulton ranch, Madera 
 
 County -.-.-... 221 
 
 California Copper Company's Smelter, at Madera - - 223 
 
 Mining plant of the Copper King Mining Company, limited, Fresno 
 
 County -------- 227 
 
 Shipping station of the Copper King Mining Company, limiteil, at 
 
 Deering, on S. P. R. R. - - - - - 229 
 
 Smelter of the Copper King, limited, at Seal Bluff Landing, Contra 
 
 Costa County .-....- 229 
 
 Converter furnaces in course of erection, Copper King, limited, 
 
 Seal Bluff Landing, Contra Costa County , - - - 231 
 
 Copper Mountain Mining Company's claims, Tulare County - 235 
 
6 LIST OF ILLL'STRATIONS. 
 
 rAGE. 
 Greenback Copper Mine, Kern County - - - - 239 
 
 Vertical section through stope in Greenback Copper Mine - 240 
 
 Croppings of Copper King Mine, Ubehebe District, Inyo Co. - 247 
 
 Copper croppings at Dodd's Springs, Ubehebe District, Inyo Co. - 247 
 Ferry Building, San Francisco, one half the upper floor of whicli is 
 
 occupied by the State Mining Bureau • - - 264 
 
 Mineral Museum, California State Mining Bureau - - - 266 
 
 Library and free reading-room, California State Mining Bureau 267 
 
 Laborator)-, California State Mining Bureau - - 269 
 
 Draughting Department, California State Mining Bureau - 271 
 
 . MAPS (Folders). 
 
 Relief map of California. 
 
 Map showing location of tlie copper deposits of California. 
 
 Map of a portion of the Shasta County Copper Belt east of the 
 
 Sacramento River. 
 Map of the Shasta County Copper Belt west of the Sacramento River. 
 Geological map of the western portion of the Shasta County Copper Belt. 
 Geological map of the east-central portion of the Shasta County Copper 
 
 Belt. 
 Island Mountain Consolidated Copper Mines, Trinity County. 
 Green Mountain Group of Mining Claims, Mariposa County. 
 
LETTER UP TRANSMirTAL. 
 
 To His Excellency, Hexry T. Gage, Governor of the State of 
 California, and the Honorable Board of Trustees of the 
 State Mining Bureau: 
 
 Gentlemen: I have the honor to transmit the results of a 
 portion of the recent work of the State Mining Bureau as 
 embodied in Bulletin No. 23, entitled " The Copper Resources 
 of California." 
 
 This is the first of a .series of bulletins on special features of 
 the mining industry of California to which the energies of the 
 State Mining Bureau have been largely turned during the cur- 
 rent fiscal year, and the first to be completed of the four for 
 which material has so far been gathered. The great and 
 slightly realized extent of the copper resources of California, 
 the new activity which has recently come to the copper industry 
 of this State, and the great possibilities and promise of its 
 future, make timely and appropriate the attention here given 
 to our mineral product of second rank. 
 
 The purpose which has guided the field and office work of 
 which this bulletin is the product has been primarily that of 
 setting forth the practical and economic facts that could most 
 readily afford to the people of the State, and to others elsewhere, 
 a comprehension of the extent of our copper resources, the con- 
 dition and prospects of our copper industry at this early stage 
 of its development, and the opportunities open to capital and 
 enterprise. In pursuance of this policy, the purely scientific 
 and technical phases of the subject have been given but small 
 and incidental attention. The value that would attach to the 
 results of special research in the geology and mineralogy of the 
 widely distributed and much varied copper deposits of the State, 
 
 (7) 
 
8 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 
 
 and to expert expositions of technical features, is fully recog- 
 nized, but a fair apportionment of the time and resources of the 
 Bureau did not permit the work to take this direction. What 
 has been sought is to giv^e a general understanding of the status 
 and significance of the copper industry and a brief descriptive 
 account of the principal copper mines and prospects that seem 
 worthy of present attention. It is hoped that the chief object 
 of this bulletin, that of stimulating the development of our 
 copper resources by both home and foreign enterprise, will be 
 in a measure gained. 
 
 The field work on this bulletin began in July, 1901. During 
 the succeeding months, field assistants visited every county in 
 the State. Every facility was granted the assistants in making 
 inspection of mines and prospects, except at a few of the larger 
 properties, and the obtaining of necessary information regard- 
 ing the latter and of supplementary information along various 
 lines caused the issuance of the bulletin to be delaj-ed some- 
 what. The assistants who have gathered the data here pre- 
 sented were P. C. DuBois, F. M. Anderson, J. H. Tibbits, G. A. 
 Tweedy, Marion Anbury, and J. O. Denny. 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 LEWIS E. AUBURY, 
 
 State Mineralogist. 
 April 5, 1902. 
 

 THH COPPF.R Rl^SOrRCES OP 
 CALIPURNIA. 
 
 CONUITIUN UF THE INDUSTRY. 
 
 Copper has recently risen to the pUice of second importance 
 in the annual record of California's mineral production, and 
 has assumed a new and large significance in the industrial life 
 of the vState. With an output of 34.93 1.985 pounds, valued at 
 $5,501,782, in 1 901 California is the fourth copper-producing 
 State of the Union. While Michigan, Montana, and Arizona 
 ver>- greatly exceed this output, the figures of the world's 
 production show California to be one of the important sources of 
 the world's copper supply, and an intelligent measure of the 
 copper resources of California and of the condition and pros- 
 pects of the copper industry shows that the State will undoubt- 
 edly soon assume a much larger importance as a copper field 
 and that it will long remain a strong factor in the industry. 
 
 The copper industry- is an old one in California. Many thou- 
 sands of tons of rich ores were shipped for reduction from San 
 Francisco to the Atlantic Coast and Europe between 1861 and 
 1868; but thereafter for many years the industry remained at 
 a low ebb, and copper was one of the minor mineral products 
 of the vState. In 1896 came the discovery of the possibilities 
 of the large copper belt in Shasta County, the result of the 
 opening and successful operation of the mine of the Mountain 
 Copper Company in Iron Mountain. This mine soon took 
 high rank among the great copper mines of the world, and its 
 output is now exceeded by but six mines in the United States 
 and by but eight in the world. The further exploitation of the 
 Shasta County copper belt soon followed the early success of 
 the Mountain Copper Company, and in 1901 another great 
 
 (9) 
 
10 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 property, the Bully Hill, entered the field as a producer, 
 equipped with a modern smelting plant. Its reduction facilities 
 and output are expected to be doubled during 1902, when the 
 product of the Bully Hill is likely to equal that of Iron 
 Mountain. 
 
 The Mountain Copper Mine is the only new mine in the 
 world with a very large output that has become a producer 
 within nearly a decade, and the Bully Hill promises to soon 
 achieve a similar distinction. Two or three other properties 
 of this belt are now undergoing exploitation, with prospects of 
 becoming large producers within two years. In other parts of 
 the State are several smaller producing mines, and quite a 
 number that are undergoing development promise to contribute 
 more or less to the State's output in the future. California's 
 copper resources thus command interested attention at the 
 present time, not only because of their relation to the material 
 prosperity of the vState, but because of their wider significance 
 as a comparatively new and a very important source of the 
 world's copper supply. 
 
 California's copper deposits have a remarkably wide distribu- 
 tion, being scattered over the length and breadth of the State 
 and occurring in practically every one of its fifty-seven coun- 
 ties. Thousands of deposits have been subjects of mining 
 locations at different times, and hundreds have yielded at least 
 a few tons of merchantable ore as a result of superficial pros- 
 pecting. There is hardly a county in the State which has not 
 at some time made at least such small contributions to the 
 copper supply. Such deposits, usually small as far as revealed 
 by slight development, are scattered at varying intervals along 
 the borders of the State and throughout every section of it, 
 except in the detrital deposits of the valleys. 
 
 The deposits of economic importance, however, are mainly 
 concentrated in certain belts and districts Avhich require chief 
 consideration. For convenience, the copper deposits of the 
 State are in this bulletin grouped in four geographical divis- 
 ions: Shasta County; the Coast Range; the Sierra Nevada 
 range; and the general arid region of southeastern California. 
 
 The leading copper district of California, and the one that 
 promises to remain of overshadowing importance for a good 
 while in the future in total output of metal, is that of Shasta 
 County, in the north-central part of the State. Here is a 
 
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 11 
 
12 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 series of copper deposits forming a curved belt nearly 30 miles 
 long, and a copper district which must soon rank with the few 
 great individual copper districts of the world. 
 
 Of second importance is the copper belt of the western slope 
 of the vSierras, which in territorial magnitude is not rivaled in 
 the world. Here is an almost continuous series of copper 
 deposits stretching north and south for about 400 miles. In 
 this belt the principal copper mines of the State in former 
 3'ears were developed, and along it there will undoubtedly be 
 many producing mines developed in the future. 
 
 While the Coast Range displays copper deposits throughout 
 its length of 500 miles, its iniportant copper districts are in its 
 northern portion, extending for about 150 miles southward 
 from the Oregon line. Except in Dsl Norte County, in the 
 northwestern corner of the State, where several mines were 
 productive of considerable quantities of shipping ore nearly 
 forty years ago, the deposits of this range have not been 
 developed l)2yond the most superficial prospecting in a few 
 instances, l)ut surface indications point to the widespread 
 existence of cupriferous veins of sufficient size and value to 
 warrant development and the expectation that this great 
 mineral region will include profitable copper mines among its 
 industries. 
 
 Many copper deposits are widely scattered throughout 
 Southern California, especially through the mineralized desert 
 region of the southeastern part of the State. These deposits 
 much resemble those of Arizona in their character. 
 
 THE COPPER ORES. 
 
 The principal commercially useful copper ores found in 
 California are the sulphides, carbonates, and silicate of copper. 
 The most common of th^se. and ths one that may virtually be 
 found throughout the entire mineral belt of California, is 
 
 Chalcopyrite. — Sometimes designated as copper pyrite. 
 This mineral is a double sulphide of copper and iron, of a 
 brass yellow color, giving a greenish-black streak. It has a 
 hardness of 3.5 to 4 in the mineral scale, and a specific gravity 
 of 4.1 to 4.3, with a metallic luster which is sometimes tar- 
 nished, showing iridescence. It is usually auriferous and 
 argentiferous. It is found, both in crystal form and massive, 
 
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14 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 in gneiss, crystalline schists, serpentine, etc., associated with 
 iron pyrite, zinc blende, quartz, calcite, and barite (heavy spar). 
 It is composed, when pure, of copper 34.6, iron 30.5, and 
 sulphur 34.9. 
 
 Bornite. — Also known as erubescite, horseflesh ore, peacock 
 ore; is, like the former, a double sulphide of copper and iron, 
 of a metallic luster, with a purple red to pinchbeck brown 
 color on a fresh fracture, tarnishing speedily to iridescence. It 
 gives a pale grayish-black streak. It has a hardness of 3 and 
 specific gravity of 4.9 to 5.4, and contains copper 55.5, iron 16.4, 
 sulphur 28.1. It has been found in Pluraas, Fresno, Shasta, 
 Santa Clara, Calaveras, and Inyo counties. 
 
 Chalcocite. — Copper glance; is a sulphide of copper, of a 
 dark lead-gray color, often green on the surface, with a metallic 
 luster and blackish lead-gray streak, often tarnished blue or 
 green. The hardness is 2.5 to 3, and specific gravity 5.5 to 5.8. 
 It contains 79.8 copper and 20.2 sulphur, with sometimes a 
 little iron and silver replacing part of the copper. It has been 
 found in Inyo, San Bernardino, San Diego, Los Angeles, San 
 Luis Obispo, and Plumas counties. 
 
 Covellite. — Is a cupric sulphide, of an indigo blue or darker 
 color, with a lead-gray to black shining streak, and sub- 
 metallic luster when cr3stalline, but dull when massive. The 
 hardness is 1.5 to 2, and specific gravity 4.59 to 4.63. It con- 
 tains 66.4 copper and 33.6 sulphur. This ore is the result of 
 alteration from other copper ores, especially chalcocite. It has 
 been found in a few localities in California. 
 
 Azurite. — Is a hydrous carbonate of copper, of an azure blue 
 color, vitreous luster and a light blue streak. The hardness is 
 35 to 4, and .specific gravit}' 3.77 to 3.83. It is transparent to 
 subtranslucent. This is a valuable copper ore, and is found in 
 Calaveras, Inyo, and Monterey counties. It carries 69.2 copper 
 oxide, 25.6 carbonic acid, and 5.2 water. ,. 
 
 Malachite. — Is the green carbonate of copper; the color is 
 bright green, giving a pale green streak; the hardness is 3.5 
 to 4, and specific gravity 3.9 to 4. It is found commonly mas- 
 sive, but also incrusting, with a delicate fibrous silky structure. 
 It contains 19.9 carbon dioxide, 71.9 cupric oxide, and 8.2 
 
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 (15) 
 
16 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 water. It is a valuable copper ore, and when found massive 
 is used for ornamental purposes. It is found in numerous 
 parts of California, but hitherto not massive. 
 
 Cuprite. — Red oxide of copper; is an oxide of copper of 
 various shades of red, from cochineal red to almost black. It 
 has an adamantine or submetallic to earthy luster, and a 
 brownish red, shining streak. The hardness is 3.5 to 4, and 
 specific gravity 5.85 to 6.15. It contains 88. 8 copper, ir.2 
 oxygen, and is a common mineral in California, having been 
 found with native copper in Del Norte and Plumas, also near 
 St. Helena in Napa County, further in Kern, Tulare, Shasta, 
 Mono, Colusa, Placer, Trinity, and Nevada counties. 
 
 Native Copper.-— This is pure copper, containing often 
 some silver, bismuth, mercury, etc. The color is copper red, 
 giving a metallic shining streak, and showing a metallic luster. 
 It has a hardness of 2.5 to 3, and a specific gravity of 8.8 to 
 8.9; and is found rather sparingly in California accompanying 
 the various other copper ores, especially in the vicinity of 
 igneous rocks, although it is also found in clay slates and sand- 
 stones. It has been found in Calaveras, Plumas, Amador, 
 Santa Barbara, and Shasta counties. 
 
 Chrysocolla. — This mineral is a silicate of copper, with an 
 opal-like or enamel-like texture. It varies in color, passing 
 from a mountain green and bluish green to sk}- and turquoise 
 blue; if impure, it may be brown to black. It has a vitreous, 
 shining luster, and the streak (when pure) is white. The 
 hardness varies from 2 to 4; the specific gravity is 2 to 2.238. 
 As it is an alteration product, it is found in connection with 
 other copper minerals, more especially' in the southern portion 
 of the State, though very handsome specimens have been 
 found in Plumas County. It contains 45.2 copper oxide, 34.3 
 silica, and 20.5 water. It is a good copper ore. 
 
 Among the less frequent copper ores found in California we 
 may note: 
 
 Melaconite. — Black oxide of copper. It is formed by 
 decomposition of chalcopyrite and other copper ores. It is 
 found earthy black, massive, with a specific gravity of about 
 5, and consists of 79.8 cupric oxide and 20.2 oxygen. It has 
 been found in Calaveras, Shasta, and Kern counties. 
 
STATISTICAL TABI.KS. 17 
 
 Chalcanthite. — This is a native sulphate of copper (blue 
 vitriol), and results from decoraposition of copper sulphides. 
 It occurs usually as an efBorescence in old copper mines. It 
 has been found in California in the Peck mine, Shasta Countv; 
 also in L,ake and Nevada counties. 
 
 Tetrahedrite. — Gray copper ore (fahlore). This mineral 
 has a gray to iron-black color and streak, with metallic luster, 
 a hardness of 3 to 4.5, and a specific gravity of 4.4 to 5.1. It 
 contains 23.1 sulphur, 24.S antimony, and 52.1 copper. The 
 antimony is sometimes replaced by arsenic, when the ore is 
 named Tennanite. These ores frequently carry some silver. 
 
 STATISTICS. 
 
 The oldest consecutive record of the copper production of 
 California having the stamp of official authority begins with 
 1882, when the United States Geological Survey began its 
 mineral statistics. "Mineral Industry" began its annual min- 
 eral record with 1S92. The California State Mining Bureau's 
 careful yearly compilation of the amounts and values of the 
 vState's mineral products began in 1894. There are radical 
 disagreements between the records of the U. vS. Geological 
 Sur\-ey and those of " Mineral Industry" as to some of the years 
 succeeding 1891, and between these records and that of the State 
 Mining Bureau as to some of the years succeeding 1893. The 
 following statistical record of the copper product of California, 
 in fine pounds, for 1882 and following years, is made up of the 
 record of the V. vS. Geological Survey for the years preceding 
 1894 and of the record of the State Mining Bureau for the 
 succeeding >'ears: 
 
 Vcar. Fine Pounds. Year. Fine rounds. 
 
 1882 826,695 1892 2,980,944 
 
 1883 1,600,862 1893 239,682 
 
 1884 876,166 1894 738,594 
 
 1885 469,028 1895 225,650 
 
 1886 430.210 1896 1,992,844 
 
 1887 1,600,000 1897 13,638,626 
 
 1888 1,570,021 1898 21,543,229 
 
 1SS9 151,505 1899 23,915,486 
 
 1890 23,347 1900 29,515,512 
 
 189I 3,397.405 I90I 34,931.985 
 
 2— BuL. 23 
 
18 
 
 THE COPPER RESOURCES OE CALIFORNIA. 
 
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20 
 
 TH1-: COPPKR KKSOUKCES OK CALIFORNIA. 
 
 California's Copper Production in 1901, by Counties. 
 
 ProUucl. in 
 
 County. Fine Pounds Value.* 
 
 Alameda 13,728 $2,162 
 
 Alpine 8,377 ^,3^9 
 
 Amador 52,0(X) 8,190 
 
 Calaveras 1,701,589 268,000 
 
 Fresno 1,159,672 182,648 
 
 Inyo 8,566 1,349 
 
 Kern 429,248 67,606 
 
 Madera 108,430 17.077 
 
 Mariposa 191,622 30,180 
 
 Merced 79.071 1 2,453 
 
 Mono 1,938 305 
 
 Nevada 39.588 6,235 
 
 Placer 11,200 1.764 
 
 Sacramento 2,007 3^6 
 
 San Bernardino 50,000 7.875 
 
 Shasta 30.990,781 4,881,048 
 
 Stanislaus 79.330 12,494 
 
 Trinity 4,838 761 
 
 Total 34.931,985 15,501,782 
 
 * Values estimated at 15.75 cents per pound as the average price for 
 the year at San Francisco. 
 
 Relative Proportions of the Total Values of Leading Mineral Products 
 of California in 1900. Total Mineral Output, $32,622,945. 
 
STATISTICAL TABI.IIS. 
 
 21 
 
 The Progress of the Copper Industry in the United States, as shown 
 by the Production by States, in pounds, in the years 1885, 1890, 
 1895, and 1900. 
 
 Source. 
 
 Lake Superior 
 
 Montana 
 
 Arizona , 
 
 California 
 
 Utah 
 
 Colorado 
 
 Wyoming 
 
 New Mexico 
 
 Nevada 
 
 Idaho 
 
 South Dakota 
 
 Maine, New Hamp- 
 shire, Vermont, 
 Tennessee, and 
 Southern and Mid- 
 dle States 
 
 Lead desilverizers, 
 etc. 
 
 Total domestic cop- 
 pei . 
 
 From imported ores 
 and pyrites 
 
 Total 
 
 1885 
 
 72,147,889 
 
 67,797.864 
 
 22,706,366 
 
 469,028 
 
 126,199 
 
 1,146,460 
 
 1890. 
 
 1S95. 
 
 1900. 
 
 101,410,277 129,330,749 
 
 112,980,896 190,172,150 
 
 34,796,689 47.953.553 
 
 23.347 218,332 
 
 1,006,636 2,184,708 
 
 3,585,691 6,079,243 
 
 79,839 
 8,871 
 
 40,381 
 
 850,034 143.719 
 
 87,243 1,425,914 
 
 442,449 
 910,144 
 
 165,875,483 
 5,086,841 
 
 378,840 3.105,036 
 
 4,643,439 
 
 145,461,498 
 
 270,738,489 
 
 118,317,764 
 
 28,511,225 
 
 18,354,726 
 
 7,826,949 
 
 4,203,776 
 
 4,169,400 
 
 407,535 
 290,163 
 
 15,147 
 
 259.763,092 380,613,404 
 6,017,041 5,300,000 
 
 4,820,495 
 3,000,000 
 
 606,117,166 
 36,380,000 
 
 170,962,324 1 265,780,133 j 385,913,404 642,497,166 
 
 Average Annual Price of Lake Copper in New York since i860. 
 
 Cents per I,b. 
 22.25 
 
 19.12 
 
 25-75 
 
 32.S7 
 
 46.25 
 36-25 
 
 Year. 
 
 i860. 
 
 1861.. 
 
 1862 . 
 
 1863.. 
 
 1S64. . 
 
 1S65.. 
 
 1866 31.75 
 
 1867 25.12 
 
 1S68 23.62 
 
 1869 23.37 
 
 1870 20.62 
 
 187I 22.62 
 
 1S72 33.00 
 
 1873 29.00 
 
 Year. Ceiils per I,t>. 
 
 1874 23.25 
 
 1875 22.50 
 
 1S76 21.00 
 
 1877 1S.62 
 
 1S78 16.50 
 
 1879 17.12 
 
 1880 20.12 
 
 1881. 
 
 1882 
 
 1883. 
 
 1S84. 
 
 1885 
 
 1S86. 
 
 1887. 
 
 18.12 
 18.50 
 15-87 
 13-87 
 .11.12 
 , 11.00 
 11.25 
 
 Year. Cents per Lb. 
 
 1888 16.66 
 
 18S9 13.75 
 
 189) 15-75 
 
 I89I. I 2. 87 
 
 1892 11.50 
 
 IS93 10.75 
 
 1894 956 
 
 1895 10.76 
 
 1896 10.88 
 
 1897 11.29 
 
 1898 12.03 
 
 1899 ... 17.61 
 
 1900 16.52 
 
22 THE COPPKR RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Table showing the Position of Copper among the Principal Mineral 
 Products of the United States in 1900. 
 
 I'roducts Exceeding $10,000,000 in Value. ' Quantity Value. 
 
 Coal tons 263,735,265 j 5306,891,364 
 
 rig Iron, spot value . . . .long tons 13,789,242 I 259,944,000 
 
 Copper, value at New York pounds 606,117,166 98,494,039 
 
 Gold, coinage value .troy ounces 3,829,897 79,171,000 
 
 Silver, coinage value troy ounces 57,647,000 74,533,495 
 
 Petroleum barrels 63,362,704 75,752,691 
 
 Stone 48,008, 739 
 
 Lead, value at New York •. short tons 270,824 23,561,688 
 
 Natural Gas 26,606,463 
 
 Cement barrels 17,231,150 13,283,581 
 
 Brick Clay 12,000,000 
 
 Zinc, value at New York short tons 123,886 10,654,196 
 
 Total value of all mineral products in 1900. . .$1,067,605,587. 
 
HISTORICAL NOTES. 
 
 The history of the copper industry of California is naturally 
 dividedinto three periods. The first extended from iS6o to 
 I.S6.S, and was a period of active and widespread development 
 and operation of copper mines, some of them on a considerable 
 scale, and of the shipment of many thousands of tons of copper 
 ores by sea to reduction works at Baltimore, New York, and 
 Boston on the Atlantic coast, and to Swansea in Wales. The 
 second period was one of depression and, in fact, of almost 
 complete prostration, extending from the practical cessation of 
 all development in 1.S68 to 1895. The third and present 
 period is that beginning with the operations of the Mountain 
 Copper Company in Shasta County in 1895, marked by the 
 discovery and development of the immense ore bodies of the 
 copper belt of Shasta County, and by a general revival of 
 interest in the industry throughout the State as a consequence 
 of the successes won at the north and of the recent period of 
 high prices for the metal. 
 
 The widespread occurrence of copper in California had been 
 known for many years before the industry began its productive 
 career, but without attracting more than incidental attention. 
 Old records state that as early as 1840 copper had been noted 
 near Soledad Pass in Los Angeles County, and that a])Out 
 1854 the deposits afterward worked there were discovered by a 
 Frenchman named Maris. About 1855 a small deposit of 
 copper ore was found in Hope Valley, Alpine County, by 
 "Uncle Billy" Rodgers, and the specimens from it attracted 
 considerable attention on account of their beauty and richness, 
 but the discovery was soon forgotten. Dr. J. B. Trask, who 
 acted as vState Geologist from 1 851 to 1854, discovered copper 
 minerals in nearly every county in the State, but his reports 
 thereon appear to have had no influence on the later beginning 
 and progress of copper mining in California. 
 
 Available historical material is so fragmentary and often 
 
 (23) 
 
24 THK COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 unreliable and conflicting that the actual beginning of the 
 industry can not be fixed. A valuable and lengthy paper in 
 J. Ross Browne's official report on the Mineral Resources 
 of the States and Territories West of the Rocky Mountains, 
 made in 1S67, identifies the beginning with the discovery of the 
 Napoleon mine in Calaveras County, late in i860, by Hiram 
 Hughes. This is essentially an error, as other records show 
 that several copper mining companies, mainly of Del Norte and 
 Calaveras counties, were incorporated in that year, some of 
 them in the spring. Langley's State Register for 1859 says, 
 in part, regarding the copper resources of the State: "The 
 ore from the vicinity of the Pitt and McCloud rivers, Shasta 
 County, is said to excel in richness the celebrated Arizona 
 mines, and to contain in addition a considerable quantity of 
 gold. Ore of exceeding richness has also been found in 
 different localities in El Dorado County, and a vein on the 
 Cosumnes has yielded over seventy per cent of pure metal. 
 There is a vein of copper on the middle fork of the Cosumnes 
 River, Mountain Township, El Dorado County, now being 
 worked by machinery propelled by water. The mill has three 
 stamps attached, and has so far yielded a handsome return to 
 the proprietors." 
 
 The last reference is believed to be to the old Cosumnes mine 
 of that county, which was opened chiefly as a gold mine. The 
 evidence indicates that, at the close of the decade of the fifties, 
 practical attention was just turning to some of the known 
 copper deposits of the State, and that modest plans for their 
 exploration were being quietly formed. 
 
 However, that discovery by Hiram Hughes late in i860 
 appears, from all historical data here available, to be entitled 
 to the honor of being regarded as the real beginning of the 
 notable period of copper mining that quickly ensued, because it 
 does not seem to have resulted from what had been known or 
 done before, and because the copper excitement of that day 
 was a direct consequence of this and related discoveries. Mr. 
 Hughes, according to J. Ross Browne's report, had lived and 
 mined for gold for some years in the region of his discovery in 
 the Gopher Hills, in the low foothills of the western end 01' 
 Calaveras County. When the first Washoe excitement broke 
 out he joined the rush to the famous new silver field of Nevada, 
 and later joined the returning procession of the unsuccessful. 
 
HISTORICAL XOTKS. 25 
 
 His observations of the Comstock lode had awakened his 
 interest in rocks he had often seen near home, and on his 
 return he began prosj>ecting for silver. He found the gossan 
 cap of what became the yuail Hill No. i mine, found it rich in 
 gold, and began working it as a gold mine. Soon after he 
 found the gossan of what was soon the Napoleon mine, and 
 finding no gold, sent some of the ore to San Francisco for assay. 
 It was reported to carry 30 per cent copper, and to be worth 
 $120 per ton. A local excitement broke out, the lode was 
 traced and located for a number of miles, and hundreds of 
 claims were staked out. 
 
 Among the local people who joined in the search for rich 
 copper ores like those of the Napoleon, were W. R. Reed, 
 Dr. Blatchly, and Mr. McCarty, who in June, 1861, made the 
 important discovery and location of the Copperopolis lode, a 
 few miles east of the Napoleon lode. McCarty had rained and 
 farmed there in the Salt Spring Valley for ten years, and in 
 1852 had sunk a prospect shaft on the lode he now helped to 
 locate. Finding no gold he quit, throwing away rich surface 
 copper ores of what was to be the productive Keystone copper 
 mine. Copper ores had in fact been familiar but worthless 
 rocks to these local miners for many years. The men named 
 located 11,250 feet of the Copperopolis lode, and the Copper- 
 opolis mine soon appeared richer than the Napoleon. New 
 life was given the local copper excitement, and more hundreds 
 of claims were staked out along and near the Copperopolis lode 
 for twenty miles. 
 
 The copper excitement thus started quickly spread, and in a 
 few months it filled the vState, running its cour.se after the 
 natural manner of popular mining excitements, and expanding 
 into adjoining vStates and Territories. The furor and specula- 
 tive excitement lasted as such for about two years. Pros- 
 pectors by hundreds visited Copperopolis, and went home or 
 elsewhere to search for similar ores and formations. 
 
 The period of 1862-63 was marked by a speculative mania, 
 the organization of hundreds of copper mining companies, and 
 the wildcat exploitation of slight surface prospects. Copper 
 operators soon realized the fact that money, skill, and legiti- 
 mate development were necessary to success, and the boom 
 suddenly burst, leaving legitimate mining companies to here 
 and there throughout the State pursue their efforts to make 
 
26 THK COPPKR RESOl'RCKS OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 money from the development of mines and the shipment of 
 ores. The following notes concerning the active period of the 
 sixties are furnished by Thomas Price of San Francisco, a 
 metallurgist who has been intimately associated with the Cali- 
 fornia copper industry almost since its inception: 
 
 It was well on in the year iS6i before anything considerable had 
 been done in the development of the newly discovered copper deposits 
 of California, but at this time small shipments were made to Boston 
 and Baltimore, and one small lot was sent to Swansea, Wales, by way of 
 New York. By the spring of 1S63 the shipments of copper ore from 
 California to other parts of the United States and to Great Britain had 
 assumed very considerable proportions. 
 
 During this period the most important copper mines were near the 
 towns of Copperopolis, Campo Seco, and Laucha Plana, in Calaveras 
 County, and the principal mines were the Union, Kej-stone, and Empire. 
 The Union mine, the most extensively developed property in the State, 
 was operated on a very considerable scale for several years, and from it 
 several thousand tons of ore were shipped. The mine was opened up to 
 a depth of something like 600 feet, and the vein of solid pyritic ore 
 averaged about 14 feet in width, assajang from 12 to 25 per cent copper. 
 In depth, however, the vein was found to be considerably mixed with 
 slate, and the grade fell off from 6 to 8 per cent. 
 
 The mines at Campo Seco and Lancha Plana shipped several thousand 
 tons of chalcopyrite ore, but the grade was not as high as in the mines 
 near Copperopolis. Between 1863 and 1869 several hundred tons of ore 
 were shipped from the Napoleon and Quail Hill mines, two mines 
 situated some six miles to the west of Copperopolis. From near the 
 surface to a depth of about 200 feet the ore in the Napoleon averaged 20 
 per cent copper. The Quail Hill yielded large quantities of carbonates 
 and oxides of copper, and carried, in addition to the copper, consider- 
 able gold and silver. Several years after it had ceased to be worked as 
 a copper mine, a forty-stamp mill was erected on the ground and an 
 attempt was made to operate it as a gold and silver property, but the 
 sanguine expectations of the owners were far from realized. 
 
 By stains and other indications the copper belt in Calaveras County 
 can be traced for fully thirty miles, and during the early sixties literally 
 thousands of claims were staked out along its course. There is no 
 doubt but that systematic work would result in the development of 
 many valuable copper properties along this belt, in addition to those 
 now known and in process of exploitation. 
 
 In Amador County, the old Jackson, afterward known as the Newton 
 mine, which was discovered in 1861, yielded, down to a depth of 200 feet, 
 a high grade of chalcopyrite, running from 25 to 35 per cent copper, 
 with small quantities of gold and silver. Several thousand tons of ore 
 were shipped from this mine, most of which went to Great Britain; but 
 as greater depth was attained the grade of ore decreased, and it ceased 
 to pay for shipment under conditions and prices which then prevailed. 
 
 From the Newton mine the copper belt extended north to the 
 
HISTOKICAI, NOTICS. 27 
 
 Cosuqines River, and near the river a low-grade deposit was opened up, 
 but it proved too poor to stand the expense of shipment. Both Mari- 
 posa and Fresno counties, as then known, i)ro(luced some copper ore. 
 The Buchanan mine was the largest property in that section, and some 
 hundreils of tons of ore were shipped from it. 
 
 Based upon the early day prospects, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Madera, 
 Merced, Stanislaus, I'resno, and Tulare counties should prove large 
 producers of copper when their resources in tliis direction shall have 
 received proper attention. The Santa Cruz Mountains yielded several 
 hundred tons of ore in the year 1S67. 
 
 Earlier than this considerable very high-grade ore, carrying as much 
 as 48 per cent copper, with 2 ounces of gold and 40 ounces of silver per 
 ton, was shipped from Genesee Valley in Plumas Count)', the means of 
 transportation being 1)y teams to Marys ville and thence by boat to San 
 Francisco. 
 
 During the period extending from 1S62 to 1S65, Del Norte County 
 ranked second only to Calaveras in the production of copper ore. The 
 largest mine in Del Norte was known as the Low Divide, next to which 
 came the Union, while the Occidental and other mines produced com- 
 paratively small quantities of ore. In Del Norte the copper belt 
 extended north and south for a distance of about ten miles. 
 
 The old Zinc House mine, near the Knipire ranch, in Nevada County, 
 shipped considerable quantities of high-grade carbonates and oxides, 
 but no large quantities of chalcopyrite, as in the case of most of the 
 mines then shipping. The mine, however, contained large quantities of 
 pyritic ore, but the percentage of copper contained was not sufficient to 
 make it a shipping proposition. Subsequently tiiis low-grade material 
 was very successfully worked by open-air roasting, leaching, and pre- 
 cipitation of the copper on iron. 
 
 In Shasta County copper was discovered and mined at Copper City, 
 then known as Williams, as early as 1862. In 1863 some 250 tons of the 
 ore were shipped to San Francisco, but on sampling it was found to con- 
 tain only 8 per cent copper, and was, therefore, of no value. On being 
 assayed further, it showed a value of j^o per ton in gold and $20 in 
 silver. It was shipped to Swansea, and gave a small margin of profit. 
 
 Small (luantities of copper ore were shipped to San Francisco from 
 Colusa County during the period from 1862 to 1864. Some of the ore 
 mined from near the surface was very rich in copper, but the grade 
 deteriorated very rapidly with depth. 
 
 It was well known in these early days that copper deposits existed in 
 San Bernardino County and other southern counties, Ijut their distance 
 from shipping points rendered them valueless at that time. 
 
 During all this period the product of our copper mines had to be 
 transported first to San Francisco and thence shipped to Boston, 
 Baltimore, or Swansea. From 1862 to 1865 the price of copper ranged 
 from $4 to $5 per unit; that is, an ore containing 20 per cent copper was 
 worth from $80 to $100 per ton of 2376^^ pounds, delivered at anj' of 
 these three points. Nothing was paid for any gold in the ore below one 
 ounce per ton, and from the silver contents a deduction was made of 
 
28 THE COPPER RESOURCES OK CALIEORXIA. 
 
 three-fourths of an ounce for each one per cent of copper. After com- 
 mencing to fall, the price of copper soon reached a point as low as $3.20 
 per unit. It was this, coupled with the natural lowering of grade as 
 depth was attained, which sank the copper industry of California into 
 tlie ])rofound slumber from which it is only just awakening. 
 
 The following pro forma statement of a shipment to Swansea maj' 
 prove interesting at this time. The copper ton there is 21 hundred- 
 weight, or 2352 pounds, to which must be added, on foreign ores, 3^ 
 pounds draftage per 3 hundredweight, or 24'< pounds per ton, making 
 the ton, as reckoned, 2376)^ pounds. 
 
 Assay 21.30 per cent copper. 
 
 Less 1.30 
 
 Net 20.00 per cent. 
 
 100 tons (of 2376^^ lbs.), at $5 per unit f 10,000.00 
 
 Freight from mine to Stockton, at fS per 
 
 ton of 2000 lbs. $950. 40 
 
 Freight from Stockton to San Francisco, 
 
 at|i.25 142.76 
 
 Sampling and assaying, San Francisco, 
 
 at $1.50 178.20 
 
 Commissions, San Francisco, 2^ per cent. 250.00 
 Freight from San Francisco to Swansea, 
 
 at $20 per 2240 lbs 2,120 00 
 
 Insurance, 3 per cent 300.00 
 
 Expenses at Swansea: 
 
 Sampling, $1.50 per 2240 lbs 17S.20 
 
 Attending sale and guarantee, 3 per cent 300.00 
 
 Harbor and town dues 26.70 
 
 Stamps, stationery, etc 10.00 
 
 4,456.26 
 
 Net value $5,543-74 
 
 To smelt copper ore at the mine was, in these early days, simply out 
 of the question. The first smelting works in California consisted of a 
 small reverberatory furnace, erected under the direction of the writer at 
 Antioch, in Contra Costa County, in the year 1863. The fuel was coal 
 from the Mount Diablo mines, for which $3 per ton was paid, and 
 although lignite is not a very good fuel for reverberatory furnaces, with 
 a step grate fairly good results were obtained, and no difficulty was 
 experienced in producing a matte carrying from 45 to 48 per cent copper. 
 Roasting was almost entirely dispensed with, as there was an abundant 
 supply of low-grade oxidized ores to mix with the sulphides. These 
 works were of a purely experimental capacity, not over ten tons per day, 
 and although several thousand tons were smelted, the subsequent fall in 
 the price of copper gave no encouragement to an increase in their capa- 
 city, and they finally ceased operations. At the Union copper mine, 
 Copperopolis, a small blast furnace was erected under the direction of 
 Constantine Heusch, and this produced considerable quantities of a very 
 high-grade matte. At the Campo Seco mine, Calaveras County, several 
 
IIISTOKICAI, NOTKS. 
 
 29 
 
 thousand tons of ore were treated by kernel roasting, and with some 
 success. A reverbcratory furnace was erected on the Cosumnes River, 
 and produced considerable matte of fairly good quality. 
 
 This period of activity practically closed in i86S with a fall 
 in the price of copper, increased cost of raining and lessened 
 values as depth was attained, and the persistent faihire of most 
 properties to pay dividends. The report of J. Ross Browne for 
 1867 was made near the end of this productive era, and the 
 statement there given of the shipments of copper ore and 
 regulus (matte) is approximately complete for that decade. 
 The following table is taken from that report: 
 
 Copper Exports from San Francisco, 1 862-1867. 
 [Tons of 2376 pounds.] 
 
 Vkak. 
 
 1 
 
 ' To Ni:\ 
 
 ( )rcs. 
 
 86 
 '.337 
 4.905jg 
 4.1462'fl 
 9.962A 
 2,633 
 
 23.0702^ 
 
 V ^■()RK. 
 
 kcguliis 
 
 i 
 
 To Boston. 
 
 1 
 
 To i:n( 
 
 .1,.\N-I). 
 
 Total. 
 
 
 Ores Uijriiliis 
 
 Ores, j 
 
 Kegulus. 
 
 Ores. 
 
 Kegulus. 
 
 1862. .. 
 
 3,574j(i 
 
 
 1 
 
 ' 3.66oJ{; 
 
 1 5.553J0 
 ' io,234i\) 
 
 1863.... 
 
 4.2o8y 
 5.064 
 
 Q.OSO 
 
 
 2642^0] 
 
 2,591 is 
 
 >2,384JS 
 
 1 ,878 1 
 
 SoJS 
 141J8 
 
 222j^ 
 
 
 1864.... 
 
 i 
 
 "'"' 
 
 
 1865.. .. 
 
 25 
 
 422 
 
 178 1 
 
 •5C 
 
 1866.... 
 1867.... 
 
 4. 536 J 3 
 
 
 26,883JS 502J8 
 1 4.51 ' .V9J8 
 
 
 ' 
 
 Totals 
 
 625 
 
 26,4342^' 
 
 i7,i26ja 
 
 68,631 2-^, 
 
 S47A 
 
 The report of J. Ro.ss Browne on the Mineral Resources of the 
 United States West of the Rocky Mountains for 1868 gives the 
 following statement of the noteworthy smelting plants for the 
 reduction of copper ores which had been erected in California: 
 
 Location. 
 
 County. 
 
 St vie of I'urnace. 
 
 Ksti mated 
 Co.st. 
 
 Antioch 
 
 Contra Costa . 
 Calaveras .... 
 riumas 
 
 Welsh 
 
 525,000 
 75,000 
 30,000 
 20,000 
 20,000 
 20,000 
 10,000 
 6,000 
 30,000 
 
 Copperopolis 
 
 Genesee Valley 
 
 German 
 
 Local 
 
 Haskell's 
 
 Haskell's 
 
 Haskell's.. . . 
 
 Haskell's 
 
 Haskell's 
 
 Welsh 
 
 James Ranch 
 
 Mariposa 
 
 Mariposa 
 
 ^lariposa 
 
 Placer 
 
 Colusa 
 
 Calaveras 
 
 Bear Valley 
 
 Hunter Valley 
 
 Near Placerville 
 
 Near Asliton 
 
 Campo Seco 
 
 Total 
 
 Ji236,ooo 
 
 
 
 
30 THE COPPER RESOURCES OK CALIFORNIA. 
 
 There were at the same time two in Oregon, one in Nevada, 
 and one in Arizona. The following comment is made: 
 "Several concentrating and roasting works have also been 
 erected near some of the copper mines at considerable expense. 
 The concentrating works at the Keystone mine at Copperopolis 
 cost $50,000. It is quite fair to calculate that $500,000 has 
 been expended in th^ construction of smelting and con- 
 centrating works on this Coast during the past four years, 
 nearly all of which has proved a loss for the reasons stated." 
 
 There are wide discrepancies among the currently recorded 
 estimates of copper production for this and the succeeding 
 decade, and, in fact, for the entire time up to 1894, when the 
 State Mining Bureau' began the compilation of annual mineral 
 statistics. It has been found impossible to present any record 
 of California's total copper production worthy to be dignified 
 as statistics, but such figures as are here presented serve to 
 give a general comprehension of the productive course of the 
 industry. Of such value only is the following statement of 
 copper exports from San Francisco, compiled by a San 
 Francisco paper in 1875: 
 
 Tons. Value. 
 
 1861 1,759 $122,581 
 
 1862 3-389 293,194 
 
 1S63 5-933 512,925 
 
 1864 14,315 1,994,660 
 
 1865 25,830 1,821,360 
 
 1S66 19,813 1-383,852 
 
 1867 7.833 421,546 
 
 1868 5,077 227,925 
 
 1869 2,542 117,133 
 
 1870 2,254 113-732 
 
 1871 2,552 121,950 
 
 1872 2,193 115,970 
 
 1873 1,832 114,852 
 
 1S74 1,352 67,400 
 
 Total 96,674 $7,439,080 
 
 The above statement does not inform us what ton was used 
 as a basis of calculation for a period when the short, long, and 
 Welsh tons were variously so used, and it does not distinguish 
 between copper ores and copper matte. It, however, corre- 
 sponds in a general way with the annual condition of the 
 industry'. When transcontinental railroads were established 
 
HISTORICAL NOTES — SHASTA COUNTY. 31 
 
 copper shipments liegan to be also made by rail, and the 
 statistics of exports by sea became still less a reliable measure 
 of production. From the beginning shipments by sea from San 
 P'rancisco also included ores and some matte from adjoining 
 States and Territories, including British Columbia, Oregon, 
 Nevada, and Arizona, but the bulk of the shipments was from 
 California mines. During the decades of the seventies and 
 eighties the copper industry was practically at a standstill in 
 this State, and the production of cement copper by the leaching 
 of old dumps provided most of the output, the product in the 
 main going East for the manufacture of mineral paint. 
 
 SHASTA COUNTY. 
 
 The histor>' of the copper industry in Shasta County is part 
 of the history of the base-ore belt now known as the copper 
 belt; but that history for the period previous to 1895 is the 
 history of attempts to mine the base surface ores for their 
 precious metal values, and copper cuts but a very small inci- 
 dental figure in the story. 
 
 The occurrence of rich copper ores in this mineral belt of 
 Shasta County was noted early in the decade of the fifties, the 
 discovery of copper being in fact practically contemporaneous 
 with that of gold and silver, and copper ores were frequently 
 noted through the succeeding years, but they caused no effort 
 at their exi:)loitation as such. Such ores were encountered in 
 small quantities in tunnels which were opened in the search 
 for gold and silver in the base-ore deposits of the middle and 
 eastern parts of the belt, and a few tons, quite rich in copper 
 and the precious metals, were shipped at different times to vSan 
 Francisco, but no deposits were ever opened or regarded as 
 valuable chiefly for their copper. For over a generation there 
 was not only no recognition of copper as the element of main 
 importance in this mining district, but there was no general 
 recognition of the metal as one of the important mineral 
 resources of the county. In 1893, but two years before the 
 beginning of the career of the Mountain Copper Company, 
 copper was not even mentioned in a review of the .mineral 
 resources of Shasta County in a local paper. The discovery 
 that great bodies of sulphide copper ores lay buried below the 
 gossan cappings of the belt followed the first thorough pros- 
 
32 
 
 THK COPPKK KKSOURCKS OK CALIFORNIA. 
 
 pecting of the Iron Mountain property, whicli begins the real 
 history of the copper industry in this district. The past histor}-- 
 of the belt itself is one of gold and silver mining and of nearly 
 forty 3'ears of failure thereat, but the importance which copper 
 has suddenly assumed makes this related history pertinent and 
 of interest. 
 
 The surface placers of Shasta County were still rich, and its 
 placer mining camps were prosperous when prospectors first 
 noted both gold and copper in the vein formations of the belt. 
 
 SURF.\CE MINIXG PLANT OK THE MOUNTAIX COPPER COMPANY, IN SLICK 
 
 KOCK ca5Jon, with iron mountain at Tin-; right. 
 
 Some of these placer districts closeh- flanked the copper belt, 
 and had gained the gold in their gravels partly from the ores 
 in the belt itself and partly from the gold quartz veins adjacent 
 to the belt. There appear to have been no attempts at mining 
 the ores of the belt until in the decade of the .sixties. As 
 early as 1853 placer gold was discovered in the region of Bully 
 Hill, which became known as the Pittsburg district, by a man 
 named Watson, with whom were associated Riggs, Hughes, 
 and Silverthorn. With this discovery began a stampede which 
 
HISTORICAL NOTKS — SHASTA COrXTV. 
 
 33 
 
 resulted in the location of a large number of placer claims, 
 most of which were of little value. Although some small 
 placers are still worked in this district, active interest had 
 lapsed long before 1870. 
 
 In 1862 gold was discovered in the surface rock of the 
 Excelsior claim, near the present site of Copper City, by Jack 
 
 BLISTER COPPER FROM THE BULLY HILL SMELTER AWAITING SHIPMENT. 
 
 Killinger and J. P. Williams. The ore was found to contain 
 silver as well as gold, and another rush into this district was 
 begun for the location of the supposed rich veins of gold and 
 silver. The hills were covered by locations for many miles. 
 It was in the spring of 1862 that the ground now covered by 
 the Bully Hill and adjoining claims was first located by 
 Alexander San ford, and the stor>- of the Bully Hill mining 
 3— BuL. 23 
 
34 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 property was begun. The Killinger and Williams company, 
 which was incorporated, sold stock and began the operation of 
 their mine, which was continued until 1865. A shipment of 
 ore was made to Swansea, and realized a fair profit; but as 
 later shipments were less fortunate, they were not long con- 
 tinued. At the same time was organized the Baxter Mining 
 Company', which operated on adjoining ground. Meanwhile, 
 at Bully Hill, O. R. Johnson & Co. had acquired some of the 
 claims located by Sanford and begun operations under the 
 corporate name of the Bully Hill Gold, Silver, and Copper 
 Mining Company. No attempt at reduction was made, but 
 exploitation was begun on the east face of the hill at the site 
 of what is still Tunnel No. i of the Bully Hill mine. The 
 work was not successful, and the claims were eventually 
 abandoned. In this period, in the early and middle sixties, 
 Copper City, which was the result of the discoveries and the 
 mining life of this district, enjoyed a lively boom and looked 
 forward to a long and great career. These mining enterprises, 
 dealing with very base surface ores at an early stage in the 
 development of lode mining in the State, and at a long distance 
 from ore markets, soon demonstrated the impossibility of 
 realizing profits, the bottom dropped out of the mining boom 
 and little was done for another decade. 
 
 It was early in the decade of the sixties that Iron Mountain 
 began to cut any figure in the stor}-. William Magee, a 
 United States land sur^-eyor, noted the enormous capping of 
 gossan on the mountain, and in association with Charles 
 Camden secured the property as an iron mine. It was idly 
 held as a simple iron deposit of possible future value until 1879. 
 
 The decade of the seventies brought a revival of interest and 
 activity to the Pittsburg district. The claims in Bully Hill, 
 which had been abandoned by the Bully Hill Company, had been 
 relocated by T. M. and J. W. Popejoy, who sold them to Alvin 
 Potter & Co. in 1877. Potter reopened and retimbered the 
 old tunnel (No. i), and at the same time carried on other 
 developments. Soon the property passed to the Extra Mining 
 Company, which built the first mill at Copper City in 1877. 
 A tramway was built at an enormous expense to convey- ores 
 from Bully Hill by gravity to the mill. During the few years 
 (perhaps three or four) in which the company operated, it was 
 said to have extracted as much as $640,000 from these ores, 
 
y. 
 
 X 
 
 y. 
 
 y. 
 y. 
 
 (35) 
 
36 THK COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 and interest on borrowed money, a part of the principal, and 
 dividends were rapidly paid, but the property was finally 
 turned over to creditors. The Extra Mining Company worked 
 only the surface ores from these mines, having no successful 
 process for the reduction of the baser ores, though an attempt 
 was made at roasting. The mill was run for some years for 
 the creditors, though not very successfull}-. Later Messrs. 
 Potter and Hall obtained possession of the mill and tramway, 
 purchased the Jenny June claim from H. C. McClure, and 
 successfull}' worked these ores for a time, but the base ores 
 finally caused them to abandon the work. 
 
 Iron Mountain makes its entrj' as a factor in the industrial 
 story of the belt in 1879. In that 3'ear James Sallee, whose 
 name was thenceforth to be prominently associated with the 
 development of the copper belt, visited Shasta County and 
 incidentally Iron Mountain. His assays of surface ores 
 revealed the presence of silver and gold, and the outcome of 
 his discovery was the acquirement of a one third interest in the 
 property by himself and Alvin Potter, under whose direction 
 the mine began the second period of its evolution. 
 
 This discover}' was soon noised abroad and a characteristic 
 stampede to the region ensued. The popular effect is well 
 shown in a news letter to the Mining and Scientific Press 
 from a Whiskeytown correspondent in June, 18S0. He writes 
 in part: "At this particular time, in this part of Shasta 
 County, the silver boom is up high, and such expressions as 
 'the most extensive and the richest silver ledge the world has 
 ever seen' are frequent. Some five or six miles from the 
 ancient town of Shasta was known to exist Avhat was called 
 Iron Mountain. Nothing was expected of it and no one 
 prospected there. A curious expert came from the city and 
 has been secretly looking at its formations, assays have been 
 made of his finds, and now the whole country' is wild and 
 claims are staked oflf for miles. A new silver belt has been 
 discovered, the assaj's of which go away up into the hundreds." 
 
 Sallee found his gold and silver values in the gossan crusts 
 of the surface, and this material constituted the ore that was 
 subsequently worked. Under the direction of Sallee and 
 Potter, ore was transported by pack train and wagon to 
 Redding and from this point was shipped by rail to reduction 
 works in Denver, Colorado. The ore was of sufficient value, 
 
HISTORICAL NOTKS — SHASTA COUNTY. 37 
 
 however, in spite of this laborious method of handling, to pro- 
 vide the means of constructing a wagon road from the mines 
 to the railroad at Middle Creek, a distance of eight or more 
 miles. With the completion of this wagon road the handling 
 of the ores was to some extent simplified and the expense of 
 its reduction was correspondingly lessened. The exact results 
 of this method of work are not known, although it was kept 
 up for some years, evidently with some profit. 
 
 In 1884, John O. Earl and Charles Ellsworth, representing a 
 Honolulu company, bonded the property with the intent of 
 buying it, and proceeded with the negotiations to the point of 
 making a payment of $30,000 and completing its equipment 
 with an elaborate plant. The equipment of the mine included 
 a 20-stamp mill, 125-horse-power engine, boilers, pans, and 
 settlers, and in addition a small sawmill. Before any produc- 
 tion was effected, however, the entire plant and mine were 
 returned to the original owners for a consideration of $10,000. 
 James Sallee, as part owner and superintendent of the newly 
 equipped mine, undertook its operation and worked it success- 
 fully until it was sold to the present owners, to whom it 
 appeared as an immense deposit of valuable copper ore. 
 
 The first recognition of the possibilities of this mine as an 
 available copper deposit was by Hugh McDonnell, who called 
 it to the attention of Judge N. F. Cleary. The bond obtained 
 by McDonnell was transferred to Cleary, who, through the 
 influence of Alexander Hill of the Rio Tinto mine, was suc- 
 cessful in effecting its sale to the Rothschild and Fielding 
 people of London and New York. These factions combined in 
 its purchase, paying for the property the sum of $300,000, and 
 establishing a working capital of $200,000. This deal was 
 consummated in the early part of 1895. The new company 
 incorporated as the Mountain Mining Company and began at 
 once the development of their deposits, the building of a 
 railroad, and the erection of a suitable reduction plant. In 
 September, 1895, a formal transfer of the Fielding interests 
 was made to the Mountain Mining Company, Ltd., which 
 continued its operations under the management of Mr. Hill. 
 In January, 1897, the property was transferred to the present 
 Mountain Copper Company of London, which has a capital of 
 $6,250,000. 
 
 The history of the Peck and Afterthought mines in the Cow 
 
38 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Creek district has been in many respects parallel to that of the 
 Iron Mountain and the Bully Hill. The earliest attempts at 
 operation were made for the extraction of gold and silver values 
 from the oxidized surface ores. Later an effort was made to 
 work the baser ores by a process of roasting and milling. 
 C. M. Peck, who had erected the first ore mill in the vicinity of 
 Copper City, also put up the first furnace for smelting in 
 Shasta County. Having obtained for a nominal sum the 
 property after^vard incorporated and known as the Peck mine, 
 and now included in the Afterthought mine, he began its suc- 
 cessful operation upon the oxidized surface ores. In 1875, he 
 erected a small reverberatory furnace, in which wood was to 
 be used as a fuel in the reduction of the baser ores. Naturally 
 this attempt was not successful, as these ores have since defied 
 more rigorous methods. Upon the advice of a Mr. Williams, 
 a second furnace, of the water-jacket pattern, was built, in 
 which charcoal was to be used. The refractory character of 
 the ore, which occasioned repeated freezing and other difficul- 
 ties which could not then be surmounted, proved to be too 
 much, and this attempt also ended in failure. It was claimed, 
 however, that a continuous and fairly successful run of seven 
 days was made at one time. The quantity of charcoal required 
 amounted to nearly 1000 bushels per day. Subsequently, 
 John Williams, father of the former superintendent, and after- 
 ward a man named Gerrish, made other unsuccessful attempts 
 to reduce the ore in the same furnace. 
 
 Later on this property was acquired by Joseph Cone and 
 others of Red Bluff, who erected the furnace that now stands 
 on the property'. This is a small water-jacket furnace of 25 
 tons capacity. Two attempts were made with this furnace, 
 both of which terminated without success. During the period 
 in which Peck operated in this district, he had discovered the 
 Donkey mine, which he sold to A. J. Cook for the sum of 
 $1100. The ores of this mine are similar to those of the After- 
 thought. 
 
SHASTA COUNTY. 
 
 Shasta County commands first and chief attention in a 
 survey of the present condition of California's rising copper 
 industry. In its great copper or "base ore" l)elt, which curves 
 as a thirty-mile string of ore deposits through its west central 
 part, are the two mines and smelting plants which yield most 
 of the current copper output of the State, and the various 
 extensive ore bodies whose exploitation gives the chief promise 
 of an early and marked increase of copper production. While 
 the copper industry is directly confined to one definite mineral 
 belt, the county as a whole presents various features contrib- 
 uting to the exceptionally favorable conditions surrounding 
 the industry. 
 
 The county lies in the mountainous region about the head 
 of the Sacramento Valley, nearly equally distant from the 
 western, northern, and eastern boundaries of the State, and is 
 about 90 miles in length and 60 miles in width, having an 
 area of 3675 square miles. The western border of the county 
 is along the Trinity range summit, and the county reaches 
 eastward high up the slope of the Sierra Nevada range, which 
 bears westward and merges with the Coast Range in Shasta 
 and Siskiyou counties. Short, irregular ranges fill the greater 
 part of the county between the main ranges to the east and 
 west. The Sacramento Valley thrusts its rapidly narrowing 
 northern end a short distance up into the southwestern part, 
 affording the principal agricultural and horticultural region of 
 the county and meeting the long caiion of the Sacramento 
 River a little above Redding, about 20 miles above the 
 southern boundary. 
 
 In the southeastern corner of the county is Lassen Peak, an 
 extinct volcano, the lavas from which have blanketed the 
 eastern portion of the county nearly to the Sacramento River. 
 From the valley and lower foothills of the southern part of 
 the county the surface increases in ruggedness and elevation 
 northward, as well as eastward and westward, until altitudes 
 of 5000 to 6000 feet are reached. The copper belt occupies a 
 position between these extremes, the altitudes of mountain 
 
 (39) 
 
40 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 summits and canon floors along the belt generally ranging 
 between looo and 3600 feet. 
 
 Nature has given this county a splendid water-supply. The 
 rainfall, occurring chiefly in the winter, exceeds forty inches 
 as a rule, and the snows of the higher ranges maintain the 
 streams throughout the summer months. The principal 
 streams are the Sacramento, McCloud, and Pitt rivers, the first 
 two rising in the mountains above the northern boundary, and 
 the last in Modoc County. The Sacramento flows southward 
 through the western half of the county in a deep, sinuous, and 
 exceedingly picturesque canon, crossing the copper belt a little 
 above the apex of the Sacramento Valley plain. The torrential 
 Pitt crosses the axis of the Sierra range through heavy forests 
 and deep canons to join the Sacramento in the midst of the 
 copper belt. The no less picturesque McCloud discharges into 
 the Pitt amid the gossan cappings of the copper deposits. 
 Tributar}^ creeks, prominently identified with the copper belt, 
 also cross it on both sides of the Sacramento, and are valuable 
 sources of water-supplies. There is thus a general convergence 
 of the important rivers and creeks of the county in and through 
 the chief mineral region. 
 
 The streams afford exceptionally valuable power resources. 
 Their fall is rapid, their volume reliable, and the opportunities 
 for the utilization of their waters for generating electric power 
 are many. The Pitt presents many falls and cascades, and 
 Fall River flows over a precipice sixty feet high just before 
 joining the Pitt, high in the mountains. Important electric 
 transmission plants are now in operation or in process of 
 installation. 
 
 The county has almost inexhaustible supplies of timber in 
 heavy forests of yellow and sugar pine and fir, clustered in the 
 higher ranges about the upper courses of the chief rivers, those 
 along the Pitt being especially available. Most of the timber 
 and wood now used in large quantities by the principal mining 
 companies is floated down from these sources. Elsewhere 
 through the county, and adjacent to the mining districts 
 generally, the timber supplies are scant or inferior, as a rule, 
 though on the higher ridges, and on the more moist northern 
 slopes of others, the yellow pine is here and there found in 
 satisfactory abundance, and is extensively utilized. In the 
 foothill zone the forest growths comprise mainly black, white, 
 
SHASTA COUNTY. 41 
 
 and live oaks and "digger pine," and there are widespread 
 growths of underbrush (chaparral), along with scrub oaks and 
 small pines. 
 
 The California and Oregon line of the Southern Pacific rail- 
 way system crosses the county and the copper belt along the 
 course of the Sacramento River, and this important mining 
 field thus has the advantage of close proximity to a main com- 
 mercial highway. Several efforts have been made to accom- 
 plish the construction of a railroad westward from Redding 
 through Trinity and Humboldt counties to Eureka on the 
 Pacific coast, and this needed enterprise, so strongly invited 
 bj^ commercial and industrial conditions, will undoubtedly be 
 carried out sooner or later, opening up a splendid mining 
 region in the Coast Ranges, and providing Shasta County with 
 a competitive transportation route by sea and rail. 
 
 While the copper belt, with which this bulletin is chiefly 
 concerned, is now by far the leading feature of Shasta County's 
 mineral resources, those resources are varied and quite widely 
 distributed elsewhere. The eastern half of the county being 
 generally buried under lava deposits which effectually hide the 
 minerals that undoubtedly exist, the mining industry is con- 
 fined to the western portion. The crescent-shaped copper belt 
 presents its eastern end a little south of the center of the 
 county, the belt, as indicated by exposures, being prolonged east- 
 ward into the lava sheet; but with this exception, the county's 
 mining industry is confined to the western third of the county, 
 and mainly to the portion west of the Sacramento River. 
 
 There were rich early placers in this region, and extensive 
 recent and ancient auriferous gravel deposits remain, affording 
 opportunities for various forms of placer mining, including gold 
 dredging. Quartz mining was of slow development, owing to 
 the base character of the ores in most of the districts in which 
 gold-bearing veins were early discovered. Several quartz 
 mining districts have been more or less successfully exploited, 
 the most noted one being the French Gulch district at the 
 western side of the county, in which the important Niagara 
 and Gladstone mines, yielding free-milling ores, were developed 
 many years ago. Other quartz mining districts are distributed 
 along the western side of the county for sixty miles. The ores 
 of these districts are free-milling in some places, but are usually 
 base and they are variously characterized by the presence of 
 
42 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 gold, gold and silver, and gold, silver and copper, in associa- 
 tion with baser metals. To these districts mining enterprise 
 is newly turning, giving promise of important new discoveries 
 and developments. 
 
 The recent exploitation of the copper mines has placed 
 Shasta far in the lead of the mineral-producing counties of the 
 State. Its total mineral output in 1900 was $5,574,026, nearly 
 $3,500,000 in excess of its nearest rival. Of this output, ■ 
 $4,166,735 was in copper, the product of the Mountain Copper 
 Mine. The gold and silver carried by the copper ores smelted 
 and the silicious ores used as fluxes, together wnth the output 
 of placer and quartz mines in districts outside the copper belt, 
 afforded $1,369,107 in the precious metals, of which S733.467 
 was in gold and $635,640 (coinage value) in silver. This 
 makes Shasta also the leading silver-producing county of the 
 State. In 1896, just before copper production began, the total 
 mineral output was but $813,593. While the mineral statistics 
 for 1 901 have not been compiled at this writing, it is estimated 
 that the j^ear's production will exceed $7,000,000, further 
 increasing Shasta's mineral preeminence. Various mineral 
 products are minor features of the record. 
 
 The following table, giving the annual values of the chief 
 three mineral products and the total annual mineral produc- 
 tion from 1894 to 1900, inclusive, shows the expansion due to 
 the recent development of the copper industr5^ Besides the 
 value of gold, silver, and copper, the totals include the minor 
 mineral products, embracing $1500 in iron in 1894, chrome in 
 1895 and 1900, and mineral waters, lime, limestone, and brick 
 in most of the years. The gold increase is small, owing to the 
 closing of several important gold mines at about the period 
 that the Mountain Copper Company began producing gold as 
 a by-product. The large increase in silver in 1900 is partly 
 due to its being measured in coinage value for that year 
 instead of in commercial value as in preceding years: 
 
 Gold. Silver. Copper. All Minerals. 
 
 1894 $617,436 $5,032 $715,769 
 
 1895 781,696 28,417 811,233 
 
 1896 599209 24,233 $184,208 813,593 
 
 1897 569-071 96,869 1,535.966 2,224,700 
 
 1898 " 860,180 171,868 2,465,830 3,510,728 
 
 1899 873,719 196,213 3,565,023 4,661,980 
 
 1900 733.467 635,640 4,166,735 5,574,026 
 
 $5,034,778 $1,158,272 $11,917,762 $17,464,809 
 
SHASTA COl'NTY — THE COPPER BELT. 
 
 43 
 
 As these figures indicate, copper is the cHtf product and 
 the chief basis of the mining prosperity and prospects of the 
 county. All of the silver is produced by the smelters from 
 ores mined chiefly for their copper; and in the temporary- 
 absence of production in some important mines, the gold 
 output has, until recently, been sustained in the same way. 
 
 At the present time several prominent independent gold- 
 producers are being operated, and the output, exclusive of gold 
 produced by ores mined chiefly for copper, is as great as it has 
 been at any time during the past ten or fifteen years. 
 
 THE COPPER BELT. 
 
 Shasta County's copper belt is composed of a series of ore 
 deposits arranged in the form of a crescent, which bends 
 through the low mountains and foothills directly north of the 
 head of the Sacramento Valley, and which spans a distance of 
 about twenty-five miles between the eastern and western 
 horns. The apex of the Sacramento Valley plain and the 
 city of Redding are near its western end and but a little south 
 of the chord of the arc described by the belt. Iron Mountain, 
 at the end of the western horn, is about ten miles northwest of 
 Redding, in a direct line, and the eastern horn, in the Furnace- 
 ville district, is about twenty miles north of east from the same 
 point. The length of the belt is approximately thirty miles, 
 and the width from one-half to four miles. 
 
 The term "belt" is used with the broad meaning which it 
 properly carries, and not as synonymous with "lode." The 
 ore deposits do not mark a practically continuous fissure 
 system in which directly related vein formations have resulted, 
 but occur as disconnected masses, or groups of vein formations, 
 forming individual lodes and districts. These groups of 
 deposits vary in form of occurrence from massive, flat-lying, 
 lenticular beds of sulphides on the west, to irregular vein 
 formations in the eastern half of the belt, and they also vary 
 in their mineralization; but they are successively ranged, with 
 considerable regularity, along the cur\-ed line described, forming 
 a belt three or four miles wide in places. In several ways this 
 series of deposits presents features of unity and individuality, 
 which enforce its conception as one definite mineral belt, and 
 
44 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 which set it apart from other ore deposits in that part of the 
 State. 
 
 The belt is throughout superficially marked bj- massive 
 exposures of the gossan which nearlj' everywhere caps its 
 mineralized formations. Upon the elevations between the 
 canons cut by the streams, these dark croppings of the iron 
 oxides resulting from the decomposition of surface sulphide 
 ores stand out in places with striking boldness. A cursory 
 survey of the belt as a whole shows these ferruginous surface 
 formations to be practically continuous throughout, but in an 
 irregular and disjointed way, and coursing in varying direc- 
 tions. Especially striking is the great gossan cap of Iron 
 Mountain, with which the belt worthily begins, or ends. The 
 ridge forming this mountain rises nearly a thousand feet above 
 Slick Rock and Boulder creeks on either side, over a mile apart, 
 and at the top the gossan formation, 300 feet wide, displays 
 nearly perpendicular walls that rise high above the top of the 
 slope into which the tunnels of the Mountain Copper Company 
 open. Southerly from Iron Mountain but two or three known 
 copper deposits, widely separated, occur, the mineral formations 
 of the belt being succeeded through the adjacent regions by 
 gold quartz veins. 
 
 For ten miles northeasterly from Iron Mountain and nearly 
 to the Sacramento River, the belt is outlined by a quite con- 
 tinuous succession of both gossan outcrops and important 
 groups of copper claims, in many of which exploration is 
 steadily proceeding. For the distance named, the belt, as 
 indicated b}^ the distribution of copper mining claims, exhibits 
 a width of approximately three miles. Between Boulder 
 Creek, at the northern side of Iron Mountain, and the Sacra- 
 mento River, the belt is cut through by three deep creek 
 canons. 
 
 The belt intersects the Sacramento River at about the point 
 where it receives the Pitt, and for nearly ten miles eastward it 
 exhibits its gossan croppings on both sides of the latter stream, 
 but mainly on the northern side. About four miles east of 
 the Sacramento the Pitt is joined by the McCloud River, which 
 thus ends in the midst of the copper belt. Farther eastward 
 the belt is entered by the Pitt where it turns on its final west- 
 ward course, and it is crossed by streams tributary to the Pitt 
 and Sacramento. Through the whole course of the belt a 
 
SHASTA COUNTY — THE COPPER BELT. 45 
 
 multitude of gulches help give a very rugged character to the 
 regiou. These gashes made by the waters in the "iron hat" 
 of the belt further diminish its apparent continuity, the gossans 
 having here and there been eroded away or covered by surface 
 wash, and being found principally on the elevations. 
 
 The geology and mineralogy of the belt are specially treated 
 of in the succeeding section. The ore deposits are compo-sed 
 mainly of sulphides occurring in eruptive formations. West of 
 the Sacramento the deposits are in the form of irregular lenses 
 in flat or inclined positions. They have been shown, in some 
 cases, to be several hundred feet in length and breadth, with 
 thicknesses of 50 to 300 feet, displaying contents amounting in 
 the Iron Mountain and Balaklala mines to quantities exceeding 
 a million tons, and indicating similarly large proportions in 
 other properties of smaller development. In the central and 
 eastern portions of the belt the ores occur in vein formations. 
 
 The ores all carry gold and silver. West of the Sacramento 
 River the percentages of the precious metals are small, though 
 constituting an important element of the ore values. The Iron 
 Mountain ores are stated to yield about $1 in gold and two 
 ounces of silver per ton, and these quantities are probably 
 characteristic of the ores of the other deposits of that part of 
 the bell. These ores carry very low percentages of the baser 
 metals, as zinc, antimony, arsenic, etc. In the central and 
 eastern districts of the belt the gold and silver, as well as the 
 copper values, are frequently much higher than in any large 
 ore bodies developed to the west, and they carry the baser 
 elements in much greater quantity and variet}'. Throughout 
 the belt, the most important copper properties have in past 
 years been worked for the gold and silver values remaining in 
 the decomposed portions of the deposits near the surface and 
 above the copper sulphides to which attention is now directed. 
 
 Adjacent to different parts of the belt are gold quartz dis- 
 tricts, in which are many veins carrying low, medium, or high 
 grade ores, which are base, as a rule, and can not be efficiently 
 and profitably reduced by milling processes. The western horn 
 of the belt is practically surrounded by such veins. They 
 occur notably in the region of the old town of Shasta, four 
 miles south of Iron Mountain, and are distributed for several 
 miles south and east of this end of the belt through the Shasta 
 and Flat Creek districts, the latter lying between the belt and 
 
46 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 the Sacramento River. Eastward from this portion of the belt, 
 across the Sacramento River and within and without the chord 
 of the belt's arc, is the Old Diggings district, presenting groups 
 of quartz claims extending over several miles. Some impor- 
 tant quartz mines have been developed in these districts, includ- 
 ing the Mount Shasta in the Shasta district, and the Texas 
 Consolidated in the latter. Other quartz districts similarly 
 attend the belt at other points along its course, and gold quartz 
 veins are abundant in close proximity to the belt generall)-. 
 These silicious ores thus provide abundant and convenient 
 fluxing materials for use in smelting the sulphide copper ores. 
 In turn, the smelters have created a market for these ores and 
 enabled the development and mining of a number of quartz 
 properties. The stimulus thus afforded quartz mining in 
 this region is one of the important local benefits of the develop- 
 ment of the copper industry. Gold ores are not only supplied 
 from closely adjacent districts, but are hauled bj- teams and 
 shipped b}' rail from quite remote localities, including points 
 in Siskiyou and Trinity counties, the ores being rich enough to 
 stand the large transportation costs. 
 
 Other fluxing materials are equally plentiful and convenient. 
 Iron ores and limestone are also used for fluxing. Limestones 
 are the most abundant, and are found along large belts near 
 the smelters. The supply is practically inexhaustible. Iron 
 ores, both magnetite and limonite, have been used for some of 
 the more refractory sulphides, but the former has not been 
 found to be suitable for such uses. It is now believed that a 
 mixture of ores from this belt can be made that will obviate 
 the use of iron ores. 
 
 The copper belt thus presents many favorable conditions for 
 copper mining and smelting. There are distributed through a 
 long mineral belt massive ore deposits whose quantities, as 
 well as values, are attractive to conservative mining capital. 
 These deposits are usually embedded in great hills, and can be 
 economically explored and mined through tunnels. Water is 
 especially abundant, and desirable sites for reduction works 
 are conveniently available. Opportunities for the generation 
 of electric power are widely present. The belt is bisected by a 
 main railroad line, and highways reach the various districts. 
 Climatic conditions are all favorable. The wood and timber 
 supply is ample. At the Keswick smelters wood now costs 
 
a: 
 
 f. 
 y. 
 
 (47) 
 
48 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 about $4.25 per cord. Alabama coke, carrying 16 per cent 
 ash, can be delivered at Redding for about $13 per ton. 
 Belgian coke, with 15 per cent ash, has been obtained for 
 $12.20 per ton. 
 
 In a suiA'ey of the present status of the industn- along the 
 belt, the attention is chiefly claimed by the producing localities 
 of Iron Mountain at the extreme western end, and Bully Hill 
 east of the middle of the belt. From the Iron Mountain mine 
 the Mountain Copper Company has extracted, since 1S96, 
 about 825,000 tons of ore, which has been carried b}' a narrow- 
 gauge railwa}' eleven miles down the cafion of Slick Rock 
 Creek to the company's smelting plant at Keswick, one mile 
 west of the Sacramento River. The matte and blister copper 
 here produced and shipped to the company's refinerj- in New 
 Jerse}' have produced about 120,000,000 pounds of fine copper 
 to January' i, 1902. Dividends to December 31, 1900, amounted 
 to considerably over 50 per cent of the capital stock of $6,250,000. 
 With very large ore reserves, with a recently enlarged and 
 improved smelting plant of about 1000 tons daily capacity, 
 with a total force of about 1 200 men, and with annual local 
 expenditures of about $2,000,000, the Mountain Copper Com- 
 pany is a large factor in sustaining local industrial prosperity, 
 and has a considerable future period of profitable operations on 
 a large scale insured. 
 
 Near the middle of the belt is the Bully Hill mine and 
 smelting plant, which have within a year assumed great 
 prominence as a rich and promising mining property. Next 
 to the Mountain Copper, the Bully Hill is by far the most 
 extensively explored and developed mine of the belt, the tun- 
 nels and drifts in the Bully Hill mine proper aggregating over 
 two miles in length. Several other groups of adjoining claims 
 help make up the extensive holdings of the Bully Hill Copper 
 Mining and Smelting Compan}-. Favorably situated near the 
 mine is the splendid modern reduction plant, which has a 
 present capacity of 150 tons of ore per day. During the ten 
 months of operation succeeding the beginning of production 
 in May, 1900, the smelter is credited with reducing 50,000 tons 
 of ore averaging 10 per cent copper, affording 5000 tons or 
 11,200,000 pounds of copper, with an equal value in the 
 precious metals. This is an unofl&cial estimate, but is believed 
 
1 
 
 is 
 
 y^ 
 
 
 % 
 
 j 
 
 ■'-m. 
 
 k' 
 
 vvvvV-XV.S 
 
 >:^^^ 
 
 ^^^S^ 
 
 i-Zd 
 
 MAP OF A PORTIOI 
 TH 
 
 X 
 
 \ A 
 
 
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 ■!«r :%"ir: 
 
 oviiauj 
 
 >^. T .i.'ii u.'iiri^ia jA 
 
MAP OF A PORTION OF THE SHASTA COUNTY COPPER BELT EAST OF THE SACRAMENTO RIVER, INCLUDING 
 THE BULLY HILL DISTRICT, SHOWING THE PRINCIPAL MINING PROPERTIES. 
 
fri 
 
 
 -^.i 
 
L^ul:. 
 
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 u 
 
 \3 TJ 03 AT8AH2 aHT HO MOITWOq A HO ^AM 
 
 IT OMIWOHP T ilHT2ia IJIH YJJUa 3HT 
 

 
SHASTA COUNTY — THE COPPER BELT. 49 
 
 to be approximately correct. The output will probably double 
 within a year. 
 
 The succes.s and promise of the Bully Hill mine have been a 
 strong additional stimulus to the exploitation of other deposits 
 of the belt, to which attention was first directed by the strik- 
 ing success of the Mountain Copper Company. As a result of 
 the encouragement thus given to local holders of important 
 prospects, and of the interest thus awakened in Eastern and 
 foreign promoters and investors, a number of groups of claims 
 are steadily undergoing exploration by the owners or by the 
 
 >v -I'.-^Jv^-v;':.?'::. 
 
 - jJm' .ojL^fc* "I.- 
 
 BULLY HILL, SHASTA COUNTY, SHOWING ORIGINAL TUNNKL OPENKD IN 1863. 
 
 holders of options. It is on the development of some of these 
 prospects into producing mines, and on the expansion of its scale 
 of operations by the Bully Hill Company, that the expected large 
 increase of output and mining activity along the belt depends. 
 The Bully Hill Company is exploring additional properties, 
 owned or bonded, adjacent to its chief developed one, and this 
 and the amount and value of the ore bodies which have been 
 discovered in the Bully Hill have inspired the general belief 
 that this company will soon greatly increase its plant and 
 production and the scope of its operations. 
 4— BuL. 23 
 
:c^ 
 
 s 
 
 iN 
 
 "•^ 
 
 — / 
 
 o ^-^ - 
 J > 
 
 
 5; |\^r 
 
SHASTA COUNTY — THE COPPER BELT. 
 
 49 
 
 to be approximately correct. The output will probably double 
 within a year. 
 
 The success and promise of the Bully Hill mine have been a 
 strong additional stimulus to the exploitation of other deposits 
 of the belt, to which attention was first directed by the strik- 
 ing success of the Mountain Copper Company. As a result of 
 the encouragement thus given to local holders of important 
 prospects, and of the interest thus awakened in Eastern and 
 foreign promoters and investors, a number of groups of claims 
 are steadily undergoing exploration by the owners or by the 
 
 
 ■i^r-^^^- 
 
 — •*— -VJ 
 
 BULLY HILL, SHASTA COUNTY, SHOWING ORIGINAL TUNNEL OPENKU IN 1863. 
 
 holders of options. It is on the development of some of these 
 prospects into producing mines, and on the expansion of its scale 
 of operations by the Bully Hill Company, that the expected large 
 increase of output and mining activity along the belt depends. 
 The Bully Hill Company is exploring additional properties, 
 owned or bonded, adjacent to its chief developed one, and this 
 and the amount and value of the ore bodies which have been 
 discovered in the Bully Hill have inspired the general belief 
 that this company will soon greatly increase its plant and 
 production and the scope of its operations. 
 4— BuL. 23 
 
50 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Prospecting activity is especially noticeable along the west- 
 ern portion of the belt, where in size, position, and nature the 
 ore deposits so much resemble those of Iron Mountain. As 
 before obser\-ed, groups of claims are closely ranged for ten 
 miles northeast from Iron Mountain, embracing broken and 
 wooded cafions, hillsides and elevations, and covering widths 
 of three miles in places. They vary greatly in the extent to 
 which explorations under the massive gossan croppings have 
 extended. From the Sacramento River eastward for about 
 eight miles, to the neighborhood of Bully Hill, there is a suc- 
 cession of mining claims yet but little explored. From the 
 Bully Hill district on to the Afterthought and Donkey mines 
 at the eastern terminus of the belt there is a similar gap 
 of several miles displaying no prospects of much present 
 importance. 
 
 The Balaklala, Mammoth, and Shasta King mines on the 
 western side of the river, and the McClure adjoining the Bull}'- 
 Hill, are the developing properties in which interest is now 
 mainly centered and which seem to warrant the anticipation 
 of Shasta County that the}- will become producing mines in 
 the not distant future. 
 
 The Balaklala comprises about 60 claims, and 3000 feet of 
 tunnels and as many feet of diamond drill holes have developed 
 low-grade ore bodies estimated to contain over 2,000,000 tons. 
 The latest developments indicate that this quantity is to be 
 greatly exceeded in the property and that possibly this will 
 prove the greatest deposit of the belt. It is being further 
 explored under bond by a company of Chicago and Pittsburg 
 capitalists, who are understood to contemplate production on 
 a large scale. 
 
 For about two years public interest in the future has been 
 centered on the operations of the Trinity Copper Company, 
 headed by Thomas W. Lawson, of "Boston. Its chief property 
 is the Shasta King, about four miles east of Iron Mountain, in 
 which there has been opened up a body of low-grade ore 
 reported to exceed 1,200,000 tons. Development is actively 
 proceeding under the management of Austin H. Brown. The 
 company has secured a smelter site a half mile from Kennet, 
 to which a spur railroad is being built. The reported intention 
 is to proceed with the erection of a smelter of 500 tons or more 
 capacity and to build a railroad from the mine to the smelter. 
 
SHASTA COrXTV — TMl-: COPPER BKLT. 51 
 
 The company also owns the King Copper in this portion of 
 the belt. 
 
 The Mammoth, comprising nearly looo acres of land on the 
 belt, likewise displays a large body of low-grade ore, and it is 
 being extensively developed by Eastern capital, with ])roduc- 
 tion rather than promotion as the object in contemplation. 
 
 The Monnt Shasta Gold Mines Corporation, composed 
 mainly of Chicago capitalists, which owns the Mount vShasta 
 gold mine in this county, entered the copper field in 1901 and 
 has secured some copper properties, the most important being 
 the McClure group on Bully Hill. The veins of the Bully 
 Hill mine enter this property, and developments are reported 
 to make a very valuable showing of ore similar to that of the 
 adjoining producer. The company has bought the townsite of 
 Sallee for a smelter site and has announced its intention of 
 erecting a reducing plant and beginning producing operations. 
 These plans, or any of them, if carried out, will largely increase 
 the copper and precious metal output of the belt. Companies, 
 syndicates, and individuals are exploiting other properties, 
 usually composed of quite a number of mining claims. 
 
 The vState Mining Bureau's register of the mines of Shasta 
 County lists fifty-seven copper properties belonging to the 
 copper belt. A summary of some of the data relating to them 
 may help give a general idea of the conditions and the present 
 state of development. Tunnels have been opened or started in 
 forty-five of these properties. Aside from the thou.sands of 
 feet of tunnels and stopes in the Iron Mountain mine, the total 
 length of tunnels run is about 32,200 feet and that of the drifts 
 is 7600 feet, giving a total of 39,.Soo feet. Eight properties 
 have tunnels aggregating 1000 feet or more each. The Bully 
 Hill is credited with 8000 feet of tunnels and 5500 feet of 
 drifts, or 13,500 feet of mine opening.s. The adjoining Baxter 
 and Winthrop group, belonging to the Bully Hill Company, 
 has 3000 feet of tunnels and 1000 feet of drifts, giving the 
 Bully Hill Company 17,500 feet of exploration and develop- 
 ment work accomplished at practically one point. Six other 
 properties have tunnels as follows: Afterthought, 1000 feet; 
 Balaklala, 3000 feet; Black Diamond, 1500 feet; Michigan, 
 1575 feet; Northern Light, 1200 feet; Shasta King, 2400 feet. 
 No other properties have 1000 feet of openings. 
 
 Shafts cut a noticeably small figure along the copper belt. 
 
52 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 and they may be practicall)' regarded as non-existent. They 
 have nearly all been early prospect shafts sunk in preliminary 
 surface exploration. Throughout the belt development and 
 mining are conducted through tunnels, which the topography 
 so generally favors. Twentj'-one properties have been opened 
 by shafts, but only seven are lOo or mote feet deep, and the 
 deepest, that of the Afterthought, is 300 feet. The record of 
 development work includes but six open cuts, aggregating 400 
 feet. The openings here noted have been supplemented in the 
 work of exploration along the belt by thousands of feet of 
 diamond-drill borings, chiefly made by the Mountain Copper 
 Company in its own and in bonded properties. 
 
 Tunnels and drifts 'have reached depths of more than 250 
 feet below gossan outcrop in eleven properties, and more than 
 500 feet in four. The deepest point reached has been in the 
 Bully Hill, 700 feet below the top of the gossan on the hill. 
 The Afterthought has reached 635 feet in similar depth, the 
 Iron Mountain 600 feet, and the Sugar Loaf 670 feet, the last 
 having 700 feet of tunnel openings. The copper belt has thus 
 not reached the stage of "deep mining." The deepest ores 3'et 
 displaced are above the floors of the creeks and gulches about 
 them. What lies at greater depths in the veins of the central 
 and eastern parts of the belt must be reserved for future 
 reports. 
 
 The range of the altitudes credited to the mines is wide, and 
 illustrates the rugged nature of the country. The highest 
 properties are in the elevations west of the Sacramento ^iver. 
 The top of Iron Mountain is 3000 feet above the sea and 2400 
 feet above the Sacramento River. The Marshall and Waters 
 group, two miles north of Iron Mountain, includes a point 3500 
 feet in altitude, and the Summit group, farther north, lies at 
 3000 feet. The lowest property is the Hotchkiss, 750 feet, a 
 little south of Bully Hill, which rises to 1400 feet. Forty-four 
 properties are above 1000 feet, twent}' above 2000 feet, and 
 fourteen are at altitudes below 1000 feet. Redding, on the 
 Sacramento River, is 550 feet above the sea. 
 
 The latest record showed 1800 men directly employed in 
 mining, smelting, and exploration at thirty-four properties 
 along the belt. The Iron Mountain mine and smelter gave 
 work to 1 200 men, and 350 were employed by the Bully Hill 
 Company. The remaining 250 were engaged mainly in 
 
SHASTA COUNTY — GEIOLOGY OF COPPER BELT. ^' 
 
 exploration work. The Balaklala mine employed 60 men, two 
 mines employed 20 each, and ten 5 or more each, driving 
 tunnels requiring but a small force. 
 
 The development of water powers and electrical plants, the 
 building of towns and branch railroads, the stimulation of 
 gold mining, lumbering, manufacturing, and other industrial 
 enterprises, and increase of population and of general pros- 
 perity are among the features incidental to the progress of the 
 copper industry and mainly consequent on it. A branch rail- 
 road along the Pitt River from near Kennet to the neighbor- 
 hood of Bully Hill and probably on into the timber region 
 promises early realization. The smelting town of Keswick 
 has a population of 1800. Kennet, on the Sacramento River, 
 is a small town that expects to grow and prosper with 
 promised developments. The small ancient town of Copper 
 City, near Bully Hill, with a population of about 100, antici- 
 pates another revival. In and about the new town of Delamar 
 at Bully Hill there is now a population of about 1500. 
 Redding, the county .seat and the distributing point for a large 
 region of Northern California, has a population of over 4000 
 and is experiencing marked growth and prosperity. 
 
 GEOLOGY OF THE COPPER BELT. 
 
 It would not be possible to include in this report a discussion 
 of the geological features of the copper belt that would be in 
 any degree complete. Only brief statements can here be given 
 regarding the various classes of rocks more directly connected 
 with the ore deposits. 
 
 The oldest sedimentar\' rocks that are encountered here are 
 those of the Devonian age. They are found especially along 
 the western districts, extending at intervals northward from 
 Clear Creek to the Big Backbone, or beyond. They have been 
 found also to the east of the Sacramento River, in the vicinity 
 of Baird and perhaps farther south. These rocks are mainly 
 metamorphic, often becoming schistose or crystalline. They 
 include the limestones and their underlying slates, or schists, 
 near Kennet and Copley, and at the lime quarr>' on Clear 
 Creek in the vicinity of Horsetown. Probably the schists 
 entangled with the eruptives throughout the western districts 
 are of Devonian age. 
 
54 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 The next succeeding period represented among the sedi- 
 mentary rocks is that of the Carboniferous. This period is 
 represented by the conspicuous limestone belt east of the 
 McCloud River, near Baird, and extending in a southerly 
 direction toward the Great Vallej' to the south of Pitt River. 
 Bass's ranch, on the old Oregon road, is a classical locality for 
 Carboniferous fossils in California. The Carboniferous beds, 
 like the Devonian, include both limestones and slates, both of 
 which are in a large degree metamorphic. The thick lime- 
 stones are underlain by dark slates, and both are very fossil- 
 iferous. These beds will be referred to again in connection 
 with certain metalliferous deposits in the vicinity of Pitt River. 
 
 Succeeding the Carboniferous period, the next oldest sedi- 
 mentary rocks in this region are those of the Triassic age. 
 These occur still farther east in the vicinity of Squaw Creek 
 and Bear Mountain. They consist for the most part of dark, 
 thin-bedded, silicious slates, overlain in some places by lime- 
 stone, which is usually very fossiliferous. The Triassic strata 
 are much less affected by metamorphism than either the Car- 
 boniferous or Devonian rocks. The limestone is highly crystal- 
 line, but the slates are rarely if ever schisted, though they are 
 much disturbed in their position, being usually more or less 
 tilted. 
 
 The lower portion of the Triassic beds contains thick beds of 
 fragmental volcanic rock of an andesitic character, resembling 
 beds of volcanic tuf? of a much younger age. These are 
 especially noticeable near the bridge on Pitt River east of 
 Copper City. It is curious to note the general resemblance of 
 the sediments in these three distinct periods. In each case the 
 lower beds are of a slaty nature, v/hile the upper are of lime- 
 stone. The limestones to the north and east of Bulh* Hill 
 belong to the Triassic period, and have furnished not only an 
 abundance of marine shells, but also the bones of extinct 
 saurians. ' 
 
 The last important sedimentary- beds that require mention 
 are those of the Cretaceous period. These beds are confined to 
 the lower foothills of the copper belt, and to the valley floor. 
 They occur near Horsetown, Redding, Sand Flat, Dr>- Creek, 
 and Cow Creek, forming an irregular belt or zone extending in 
 a northeasterly direction toward the low country north of 
 Lassen Peak. They are of Upper Cretaceous age, and are 
 
SHASTA COUNTY — GEOLOGY OK COPPER BELT. 55 
 
 generally fossiliferous. The beds are of shale and sandstone, 
 which have a relatively slight dip to the south or east. It is 
 this series which has been prospected for petroleum during the 
 last year. 
 
 The Cretaceous beds, and in fact .some of the older beds of 
 the foothills, are overlain 1)\- beds of volcanic tufif which were 
 once more extensive in their distribution than now, and also 
 by accumulations of alluvial gravels. It is impossible in the 
 limited space of this report to give more than a mere outline of 
 these deposits, but it is important that at least a few para- 
 graphs be selected from the geological history of the region in 
 order that there may be a better comprehension of the para- 
 graphs which follow. 
 
 THE IGNEOUS ROCKS. 
 
 More vitally connected with the ore deposits of the copper 
 belt are the igneous rocks embraced in its area. Those which 
 are directly concerned are either of one class, or they belong to 
 classes closely related and are probabh- of about the same age. 
 The geological age to which they seem referable can not be 
 younger than the Cretaceous nor older than the Triassic. 
 Their approach toward the surface of the earth as intrusions 
 covering an extensive territory was no doubt very gradual, 
 though in its late stages it was doubtless accompanied by erup- 
 tions of lavas and the formations of dikes that were of more 
 sudden creation. Most of these rocks are of an acid character, 
 or in other words, high in their percentage of silica. It would 
 be interesting to note the relation of these igneous rocks to the 
 topographic features of the country, to the older sedimentary 
 rocks, and to the ore deposits themselves, but this would carry 
 the discussion beyond the limits of the present paper. A little 
 may be said, however, regarding the structural features of the 
 country and the classification of these rocks. 
 
 In the main, eruptive or igneous rocks have the appearance 
 of underlying all of the sedimentary' rocks, including those of 
 Devonian as well as those of Cretaceous age. In all the larger 
 streams, and in many of the smaller ones, erosion has cut down 
 through the overlying sedimentary rocks and exposed the 
 eruptives along the valley bottoms. As extensive intrusions 
 
56 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 which have risen into the old sedimentary rocks, there are 
 many variations, and no less variety also in the flows of vol- 
 canic rocks that finally resulted. The deep-seated phases of 
 these eruptions include granite, granite porphyry (quartz 
 porphyry), and diorite, including quartz diorite. These rocks 
 are either coarsely or finely crystalline, and of a light gray 
 color, greenish or dark, varying with locality. 
 
 Rhyolite, trachyte, and andesite are names properly given to 
 surface flows of volcanic rocks, and such flows occur through- 
 out the copper districts, associated with tuffs and breccias of a 
 similar age and character. These flows doubtless correspond 
 in character to the deep-seated rocks already mentioned, and 
 represent the outpourings that followed their action. These 
 volcanic rocks, including both the flows and the fragmental 
 rocks, are especially seen near Iron Mountain, the Shasta 
 King mine, Bully Hill, and the Afterthought. The term 
 porphyry should perhaps be applied only to dike rocks, and 
 some of these are found along the copper belt. There are cer- 
 tain dikes, however, which cut the limestones in the vicinity 
 of Baird, which should be classed as diabases. These accom- 
 pany the iron ores and the occurrences of magnetic pyrite. 
 
 METAMORPHIC ROCKS. 
 
 A third and important class of rocks that are frequent in 
 the copper belt includes most of the crystalline limestone, and 
 certain "slates" and schists near Copley, Redding, and Clear 
 Creek. These rocks are largely of Devonian age, and appear 
 to be partly of an igneous origin. Truly metamorphosed 
 sedimentary rocks are very often involved in the eruptive and 
 volcanic rocks along the copper belt, and are not always 
 easily distinguished from them, where the metamorphic action 
 has been intense and the weathering considerable. 
 
 In the main structural features, therefore, the copper belt 
 consists of a number of north and south folds, or belts, of sedi- 
 mentary rocks, which belong to a succession of periods, and 
 beneath which extend the rocks of the great granitic intru- 
 sion. Dike rocks have been found penetrating both the 
 eruptives and the overlying sedimentary rocks. A clear 
 knowledge of these structural features in a measure simplifies 
 many things relating to the ore deposits. 
 
;■ 
 t 
 7 
 1 
 
 e 
 e 
 
 )- 
 it 
 i. 
 
 e, 
 e, 
 :a 
 
57 
 
 belt, that 
 are quite 
 ood, both 
 II, though 
 ipper ore 
 :eption in 
 great size 
 occurring 
 :ks. It is 
 found in 
 in fact in 
 not com- 
 )ly defined 
 ora ore in 
 :h there is 
 small per- 
 not often 
 sometimes 
 xtent and 
 r material 
 or vertical 
 that such 
 of the ore. 
 ent to the 
 lis are only 
 f the most 
 le ore l)ody 
 owed for a 
 
 ontains the 
 '. The ore 
 ects unsur- 
 
 by 500 feet 
 nt develop- 
 kness of at 
 ascertained, 
 ssed as ore, 
 ve sulphide, 
 
 the Shasta 
 
57 
 
 belt, that 
 are quite 
 ood, both 
 II, though 
 jpper ore 
 :eption in 
 great size 
 occurring 
 :ks. It is 
 found in 
 in fact in 
 not com- 
 )ly defined 
 ora ore in 
 :h there is 
 small per- 
 not often 
 sometimes 
 xtent and 
 r material 
 or vertical 
 that such 
 of the ore. 
 ent to the 
 lis are only 
 f the most 
 le ore body 
 owed for a 
 
 ontains the 
 '. The ore 
 ects unsur- 
 
 by 500 feet 
 nt develop- 
 •kness of at 
 ascertained, 
 ssed as ore, 
 ve sulphide, 
 
 the Shasta 
 
SHASTA COUNTY — GEOLOGY OF COPPER BELT. 0/ 
 
 ORE DEPOSITS. 
 
 The deposits of copper ore belonging to the copper belt, that 
 are now attracting so much attention in this county, are quite 
 unlike the usual quartz veins as ordinarily understood, both 
 as to their forms as ore bodies and as to their origin, though 
 probably they are not different from bodies of copper ore 
 occurring elsewhere. There is considerable misconception in 
 this regard. As a rule these ore bodies are of very great size 
 and consist of large bodies of massive sulphides occurring 
 along the borders of or within areas of eruptive rocks. It is 
 rarely that any considerable bodies of ore have been found in 
 this belt inclosed in unaltered sedimentary rocks, or in fact in 
 metamorphic rocks other than schists. They are not com- 
 monly separated from their inclosing rocks by sharply defined 
 boundaries, but fade out by gradual transitions from ore in 
 which there is more or less waste to rock in which there is 
 more or less ore, and finally into rock with only a small per- 
 centage of disseminated sulphides. They are not often 
 bounded along the sides by definite walls, though sometimes 
 one wall is in evidence, emphasized as to its extent and 
 importance by a selvage of clay and other similar material 
 which testifies to a certain amount of either lateral or vertical 
 movement. It does not always appear, however, that such 
 walls have had any connection with the genesis of the ore. 
 The ore bodies are not conformable in their extent to the 
 directions of these walls, and it may be that the walls are only 
 planes of shearing developed secondarily. One of the most 
 clearly defined walls is along the eastern face of the ore body 
 in the Shasta King mine, where it has been followed for a 
 distance of at least 400 feet. 
 
 The western section of the Sha.sta copper belt contains the 
 largest deposits of ore yet discovered in the county. The ore 
 bodies of the Balaklala group are in some respects unsur- 
 passed. The larger body extends over a space 700 by 500 feet 
 in its greater dimensions, as proved by its present develop- 
 ment. It lies in an inclined position, with a thickness of at 
 least 50 feet, but its real extent has yet to be ascertained. 
 Not all of the contents of this space is to be classed as ore, 
 though the tunnels often extend through massive sulphide, 
 with but little waste, for loo or even 200 feet. In the Shasta 
 
SHASTA COUNTY — GEOLOGY OF COPPER BELT. 57 
 
 ORE DEPOSITS. 
 
 The deposits of copper ore belonging to the copper belt, that 
 are now attracting so much attention in this county, are quite 
 unlike the usual quartz veins as ordinarily understood, both 
 as to their forms as ore bodies and as to their origin, though 
 probably they are not different from bodies of copper ore 
 occurring elsewhere. There is considerable misconception in 
 this regard. As a rule these ore bodies are of very great size 
 and consist of large bodies of massive sulphides occurring 
 along the borders of or within areas of eruptive rocks. It is 
 rarely that any considerable bodies of ore have been found in 
 this belt inclosed in unaltered sedimentary rocks, or in fact in 
 metamorphic rocks other than schists. They are not com- 
 monly separated from their inclosing rocks by sharply defined 
 boundaries, but fade out by gradual transitions from ore in 
 which there is more or less waste to rock in which there is 
 more or less ore, and finally into rock with only a small per- 
 centage of disseminated sulphides. They are not often 
 bounded along the sides by definite walls, though sometimes 
 one wall is in evidence, emphasized as to its extent and 
 importance by a selvage of clay and other similar material 
 which testifies to a certain amount of either lateral or vertical 
 movement. It does not always appear, however, that such 
 walls have had any connection with the genesis of the ore. 
 The ore bodies are not conformable in their extent to the 
 directions of these walls, and it may be that the walls are only 
 planes of shearing developed secondarily. One of the most 
 clearly defined walls is along the eastern face of the ore body 
 in the Shasta King mine, where it has been followed for a 
 distance of at least 400 feet. 
 
 The western section of the Shasta copper belt contains the 
 largest deposits of ore yet discovered in the county. The ore 
 bodies of the Balaklala group are in some respects unsur- 
 passed. The larger body extends over a space 700 by 500 feet 
 in its greater dimensions, as proved by its present develop- 
 ment. It lies in an inclined position, wHth a thickness of at 
 least 50 feet, but its real extent has yet to be ascertained. 
 Not all of the contents of this space is to be classed as ore, 
 though the tunnels often extend through massive sulphide, 
 with but little waste, for 100 or even 200 feet. In the Shasta 
 
58 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 King mine a series of tunnels, approximately on one level, 
 ha\e penetrated an ore body which is shown to have a longi- 
 tudinal extent of more than 400 feet, and a width near the 
 apex of 100 feet, but whose depth has yet to be learned. 
 
 There are three types of ore deposits within the copper belt 
 that require notice in this report, differing not only in their 
 mineralogy and form, but also in their mode of origin, to a cer- 
 tain extent. These are: (i) Deposits of magnetic iron (mag- 
 netite), with pyrrhotite and pyrite; (2) Massive deposits of 
 pyrite, chalcopyrite, and other sulphides; (3) Vein-like deposits 
 of mixed sulphides, including a relatively large percentage of 
 gold, silver, zinc, antimony, etc. 
 
 The first class of deposits occurs most abundantly to the 
 north of Pitt River near the mouth of the McCloud. One and 
 a half miles southeast of Baird very large deposits of mag- 
 netic iron occur, carrying a small percentage of iron sulphide, 
 with some value in gold. Associated with them are smaller 
 veins of copper ore. The largest deposit of magnetic iron ore 
 at the head of Potter Creek can be easily traced for more than 
 half a mile, and undoubtedly has a width in some places of 
 more than 100 feet. Considerable bodies of this ore are strongly 
 polarized. It is associated with bodies of actinolite and other 
 iron-bearing silicates representing intense local metamorphism. 
 The iron ores are for the most part connected directly with the 
 diorite near its contact with the massive carboniferous lime- 
 stones, though in some cases the ore is found in narrow dikes 
 inclosed in the limestone itself. These ore bodies are evidently 
 of eruptive origin, and probably represent extremely basic 
 segregations from the eruptive mass. 
 
 The deposits of the second class are those of mixed pyrite, 
 chalcopyrite, and other sulphides, which form the principal 
 deposits of copper ore lying west of the Sacramento River. 
 This class includes the ore bodies of Iron Mountain, Squaw 
 Creek, Backbone Creek, etc. They are inclosed either partially 
 or wholly in the metamorphic schists of the western districts, 
 and are usually closely connected with the acid eruptives 
 involved with them. These deposits appear to have been one 
 of the results of metasomatic action attending the intrusion or 
 extrusion of the acid eruptive rocks. Some of the deposits are 
 found closely connected with rhyolitic flows. 
 
 The ore deposits of the third class are represented by those 
 
SHASTA COUNTY — ClKOLOGY OF COPPER BELT. 
 
 59 
 
60 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 of Copper City, the Bully Hill, Afterthought, and other mines. 
 In form they have some resemblances to irregular veins with 
 a succession of ore shoots arranged along certain lines. 
 Although in the manner of their origin and occurrence they 
 are not thought to be different from the preceding, yet they are 
 much more limited in extent, and are characterized by the 
 presence of larger percentages of gold, silver, zinc, and anti- 
 mony, and sometimes copper, together with barites as a gangue 
 mineral. They have also a correspondingly low percentage 
 of iron. 
 
 The alteration of these ores, especially those of the latter 
 classes, is of special interest. Where surface erosion has 
 exposed or truncated the ore bodies, there has usually been a 
 large amount of oxidation and destruction of the sulphides. 
 The oxidation and the formation of soluble sulphates have 
 resulted in a leaching of certain metallic contents, which have 
 been carried either downward or outward according to the 
 direction of the drainage. Residual accumulations of metallic 
 oxides is the rule, often forming thick crusts of masses of 
 "gossan," or else only staining the rocks upon which it is 
 deposited. The chief metallic element of the gossan is of 
 course iron, though it very often contains a small percentage 
 of copper, and it has often formed an ore of gold and silver, 
 as in the Iron Mountain, Bully Hill, and Afterthought mines. 
 
 The term "gossan" appears to be onlj^ vaguely understood, 
 and it has generally been applied in Northern California with- 
 out discrimination between the thicker crusts of limonite and 
 the more or less aecayed rocks which are only stained with 
 the same material. At Iron Mountain the iron oxide which 
 has resulted from the decay and leaching of the ores has formed 
 in some cases crusts of limonite many feet in thickness. These 
 crusts have a bedded structure characteristic of materials 
 deposited by water. There is comparatively little rock or 
 earthy matter in some of these deposits, and it is evident that 
 they are accumulations of iron oxide carried by means of water 
 from ore bodies of considerable extent. Furthermore, it is 
 evident that iron is one of the chief elements of the ore. 
 
 At Bully Hill the surface indications are very diSerent, 
 although the term gossan is likewise applied. Instead of thick 
 crusts of limonite the surface is largely covered by broken and 
 stained masses of rock, often light colored, but containing 
 
SHASTA COUNTY — GEOLOGY OF COPPER BELT. 61 
 
 generally some metallic oxides, perhaps including antimony or 
 zinc. The rock is extensively decomposed and earthy, forming 
 what is often termed "soft porphyr>'." Such croppings do not 
 indicate an ore that is very high in its percentage of iron. 
 The quantity of gossan found on the surface is generally taken 
 as an index of the quantity of sulphide that has been affected 
 by weathering, and accordingly of the quantity of sulphide 
 that may be expected to be found by development. 
 
 As an index to the location of ore deposits, the material 
 termed "gossan" is of great importance to the prospector, and 
 a word may be added as to the forms in which it commonly 
 
 occurs. 
 
 (i) There are residual masses of iron oxide in place, which 
 have not been removed from the position of the decomposed 
 
 sulphide. 
 
 (2) Iron oxide is carried by circulating waters toward the 
 surface or elsewhere, and deposited as crusts or beds of 
 limonite. 
 
 (3) Iron oxide may merely stain the more or less altered 
 country rock, becoming very deceptive as to the quantity and 
 quality of the sulphides from which it has been derived. The 
 sulphates that result from oxidation of iron sulphides react 
 strongly on the country rock, reducing it to the form of white 
 clay and fine white silica, but the oxide of iron may also stain 
 this material to a brownish or dark color. 
 
 (4) Much of the so-called "gossan" of Bully Hill is only 
 decomposed rock, consisting of silica and clay which is often 
 only slightly stained with iron oxide. 
 
 Secondary enrichment in these ore deposits is very frequent. 
 The leaching of the surface ores results in the formation of 
 soluble sulphates and perhaps other compounds of the metals 
 which are carried downward into the lower portions of the ore 
 body, where richer sulphides are again precipitated. This 
 appears to have been the origin of much of the chalcocite and 
 of the chalcopyrite and other richer ores which are found below 
 the zones of complete and partial oxidation. Such richer ores 
 commonly have a banded structure showing clearly their 
 secondary deposition, which the unaltered sulphides do not 
 appear to have. The depth to which this secondary enrich- 
 ment has extended varies with the conditions, no doubt. In 
 the deposits of the Iron Mountain mine it extends to a depth 
 
62 
 
 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 of 300 to 400 feet. Ill the Bully Hill mines the depth is 
 .possibly even greater. Below the zone of secondary enrich- 
 ment the ores are usually of lower grade, consisting largely of 
 the unaltered sulphides, which in themselves often become 
 
 more sparingly distributed. The banding of the ores, that is 
 the alternating darker and lighter bands that are often found 
 in them, is probably the result of secondary action within the 
 ore body, subsequent to the formation of the ore body itself. 
 The much talked of ore deposits of Iron Mountain deser\'e 
 
SHASTA COUNTY— GEOLOGY OF COPPER BELT. 
 
 63 
 
 to be particularly noticed in several of their aspects. The 
 principal one of these lies on the southern slope of the ridge to 
 the north of Slick Rock canon, where its position and extent 
 are superficially indicated by an impressive outcrop of gossan. 
 This gossan consists of various materials, the most noticeable 
 one naturally being the iron oxides. The oxides of iron occur 
 as thick beds or crusts of liraonite, or as infiltrations or stains 
 mingled with more or less rock and earthy matter. The 
 limonite accumulations have at some points a thickness of 
 
 more than 30 feet. 
 
 As an ore body this deposit of sulphide is roughly lenticular 
 in form, standing in a steeply inclined position, the upper 
 border of which has been truncated by the slope of the hill 
 under atmospheric erosion. The longest dimension of the 
 ore body conforms to the strike of the rocks in which it is 
 inclosed, and approximates a length of about 600 feet. Its 
 course is northeasterly. Its vertical depth is something over 
 300 feet, and its greatest thickness about 250 feet. It has been 
 described as being "egg-shaped," with its smaller end down- 
 ward, but this is true only in cross-section. There is com- 
 paratively little waste rock contained within its boundaries, 
 and for the most part it could be described as homogeneous 
 sulphide. Therefore, its total tonnage of sulphide has probably 
 exceeded that which has commonly been reported, yet not all 
 of this is to be regarded as ore. In the several levels in which 
 this ore body has been explored the sulphide is not of uniform 
 grade. In an intermediate zone or level, generally spoken of 
 as the "copper level," the ore consists of mixed pyrite and 
 chalcopyrite, and has an average grade probably not below 
 7 per cent of copper; indeed, some portions of it carry a value 
 above 12 per cent or even 15 per cent in copper. Above this 
 zone is that of partial or complete oxidation, from which the 
 copper contents have been largely removed by leaching. 
 Below the "copper level" the ore is likewise of lower grade in 
 copper, but in this case from a different cause. The "copper 
 level" is a zone of secondary enrichment, below which such 
 action has not been effected. The ore carries considerable 
 value in gold and silver, its gold values ranging above $5 per 
 ton for large masses of ore. Probably none of the sulphide is 
 without its gold content, even when it contains only a trace 
 of copper. 
 
64 
 
 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Of the Other ore bodies upon this property l)ut little can be 
 said. On the Hornet claim lying across Boulder Creek a large 
 body of pyritic ore has been found which is of rather low grade. 
 It has a thickness of over 150 feet, and lies in an inclined 
 
 position, as elsewhere shown. Regarding the formations in 
 which these deposits occur, all that can be said now is that 
 they appear to be inclosed in a somewhat talcose metamorphic 
 schist, with which are associated granite-porphyry and old 
 
SHASTA COUNTY — GEOLOGY OF COPPER BELT. G5 
 
 flows of rhyolitic lava. In some places the rhyolitic rocks have 
 a decidedly brecciated character. 
 
 The mineralogy of the ore deposits is a topic for fruitful 
 investigation. The deposits of the eastern and the western 
 districts differ to some extent in their mineralogy as well as in 
 the richness of their ores. Most of the ores of the western 
 district are of lower grade than those worked at the Bully Hill 
 mines, though at the same time they are of much larger 
 dimensions. Large bodies of ore characterize the western 
 district, while high-grade ores are more frequent in the eastern. 
 
 The ores of the Bully Hill mines are usually of a dark lead- 
 gray color, in which the dark sulphides of copper and zinc often 
 form the predominating elements. The same is true of the 
 ores found in the workings near Copper City and in the mines 
 of the Afterthought group. The ores contain zinc blende, 
 chalcocite, bornite, chalcopyrite, tetrahedrite, melaconite, and 
 carbonates of copper, with some native copper, silver, and gold. 
 The gangue minerals are barite, calcite, quartz, and residual 
 clay silica and iron oxide. 
 
 Ill the western district, the ores of the Balaklala, Shasta 
 King, Mammoth, Summit, and Golinsky groups, and also of 
 some others, are an intimate mixture of pyrite and chalcopvrite, 
 with occasionally a little zinc blende and some carbonates. 
 In the ores of Iron Mountain there are some of greater value 
 including bornite and chalcocite. The gangue includes silicious 
 materials, commonly known as quartzite, both east and west; 
 but as the ores are not always connected with sedimentary beds, 
 the silicious material is perhaps largely of a .secondary nature. 
 
 The Iron Mountain ores comprise the oxides at and near the 
 surface and the deeper-lying sulphides. The oxides carry but 
 a very small percentage of copper, their main values being in 
 gold and silver, for which these ores were at one time worked. 
 They consist principally of ferric oxide, accompanied by a 
 little silica and alumina. Analyses of trial lots have afforded 
 the following: 
 
 Sulphur 13.41 2.49 
 
 Iron in FeS., n.40 2.09 
 
 Ferric oxide 48.22 70.88 
 
 Zinc. . 0.24 0.21 
 
 Silica 9.45 8.57 
 
 Alumina 0.60 1.39 
 
 Water 14.00 13.43 
 
 5— BuL. 23 
 
66 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 The sulphides, which carr>- as much as lo per cent of copper 
 
 in some parts of the mine, are much poorer in gold and silver. 
 
 One lot of sulphide ore, consisting of 754 tons, smelted in 
 
 1896, assayed partly as follows: 
 
 Sulphur 45.66 
 
 Iron 36.97 
 
 Zinc 3.41 
 
 Silica 5.60 
 
 Alumina 1.57 
 
 The total of these figures being only 93.21 per cent, it may 
 be inferred that the remaining 6.79 per cent consists mainly of 
 copper and the precious metals. 
 
 Regarding the composition of the ores of the Bully Hill mines 
 less is known, but it is clear that their content of iron is com- 
 paratively low, rendering a ferruginous flux necessary, and 
 there is a corresponding increase in the percentage of zinc, 
 with barytes as a gangue mineral. Antimony and arsenic are 
 also present, though to what extent is not known. 
 
 The ores of the Peck, Afterthought, and Donkey mines in 
 the Cow Creek district, which in manj- respects resemble those 
 of the Pittsburg district, are described as being "very refrac- 
 tory." William Kemp, who superintended the last attempt to 
 smelt the Afterthought ores, states that of the 200 tons of ore 
 which was smelted in 1896, 60 tons contained 6)4 per cent 
 zinc and 11 per cent heavy spar; 100 tons contained 16 per 
 cent zinc and 6 per cent antimony; and that about 30 tons of 
 partly oxidized iron and copper ore contained 10 per cent zinc. 
 He adds: " From this ore there were 32 tons of copper matte 
 produced, containing, according to the sample and assay, 
 * * * the following contents: copper, 37 per cent, forty-five 
 ounces of silver and $7 gold per ton." The average grade of 
 this ore was about 5.9 per cent copper, and did not therefore 
 represent the better ores of the district. 
 
 MOUNTAIN COPPER MINE. 
 
 The Mountain Copper Mine, sixth in rank in the United 
 States in point of copper production and the pioneer copper 
 mine of the Shasta County copper belt, is the old Iron Moun- 
 tain Mine, in the familiar mountain of that name, located 
 between Slick Rock and Boulder creeks, a few miles west of 
 the Sacramento River, in Sec. 34, T. 33 N., R. 6 W. The 
 
SHASTA COUNTY — MOUNTAIN COPPER MINE. 67 
 
 property included in the mine proper embraces a number of 
 patented mining claims on the top and sides of the mountain 
 and in the creek cafions. The mountain is here about 7000 
 feet wide, between the creeks named. The summit of the 
 ridge has an altitude of 3000 feet, and Slick Rock Creek is 
 700 feet lower. On the apex of the mountain stands a bold 
 outcrop of gossan 300 feet wide, and wide branches of these 
 croppings of iron oxides occur in irregular belts extending 
 laterally toward Boulder Creek. 
 
 These gossan ores, from which the copper has been leached 
 out, carry the silver and gold values which prompted and 
 sustained the long and costly efforts at precious-metal mining, 
 of which an account is given in the historical chapter of this 
 bulletin. The quite extensive development of the mine in 
 former years had silver mainly in view, and the tunnels then 
 run had not quite reached the copper sulphides, which 
 remained to be discovered by later explorations. It was as a 
 silver mine that the property was long on the market until 
 taken hold of in 1895 by a syndicate of London people, who 
 incorporated the Mountain Mines Syndicate, Ltd. This com- 
 pany extended one of the prospect tunnels, encountered and 
 developed a great body of sulphide copper ore. and proceeded 
 to operate the property as a copper mine. Capital was liberally 
 invested in mining facilities, a smelting plant, and a refinery 
 in New Jersey, and the property was, in less than two years, 
 in profitable and successful operation. This discovery and the 
 success that early followed the large-scale operations, first 
 called wide attention to the copper resources of the great 
 mineral belt to which the mine belongs, and were the start of 
 copper mining in Shasta County. January i, 1897, the entire 
 property of the Mountain Mines Syndicate was transferred, for 
 $5,750,000, to the present Mountain Copper Company, of Lon- 
 don, composed of practically the same individual interests, and 
 with a capital stock of ;^i, 250,000, or about $6,250,000. 
 
 The ore deposits of Iron Mountain, specifically described in 
 the section on "The Geology of the Copper Belt," consist of 
 immense lenticular masses of sulphides, mainly underlying the 
 gossan, but in places in and under rhyolite, with no surface 
 indications above. The principal ore mass developed lies in 
 the southern side of the mountain above Slick Rock Creek, 
 and from it the larger portion of the ore mined has come. 
 
68 THK COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 This ore body was found to l)e approximately 800 feet long, 
 100 to 400 feet wide, and 600 feet deep at its greatest depth 
 below outcrop, and was estimated to contain about 1,700,000 
 tons of ore of all grades. On the opposite side of the mountain 
 a somewhat similar ore body has been partially developed, and 
 it is reported that the latest developments show that these 
 bodies are connected by ore extending clear through the moun- 
 tain. At the date of the transfer to the Mountain Copper 
 Company the ore reser\-es in sight were estimated at 1,333,183 
 tons, and other ore bodies have since been developed. The 
 total tonnage of ore mined aggregates nearlj^ 1,000,000 tons, 
 and the existing reser\'es, indicated by present development, 
 are reported to exceed 1,000,000 tons. The ores are massive 
 iron pyrites carrying an average percentage of copper, which, 
 in the ore smelted to date, has declined from 7.45 in 1897 to 
 5.77 in 1900, and a little less than 5 in the first six months of 
 1 901. The decline in the average is due partly to the partial 
 exhaustion of the ores in the zone of secondary enrichment and 
 partty to the mining of lower-grade ores formerly left in the 
 mine and now made available by increased eflfiiciency of mining 
 and reduction and the enlargement of the capacity' of the 
 smelting plant. The ores carry a large percentage of sulphur, 
 a small amount of silica, and are exceptionally free from 
 arsenic, bismuth, and other elements detracting from the elec- 
 trical conductivity of the copper. The average precious metal 
 values are understood to be a little less than $1 in gold and 
 approximately 2 ounces of silver per ton. 
 
 The mine is opened by thousands of feet of tunnels driven 
 from points high up the sides of the hill, and the ore has been 
 stoped from a large portion of the ore body on the south side. 
 The resulting chambers, instead of being timbered, have been 
 filled with waste rock taken into the mine from the surface 
 as fast as the ore was removed, and the mine timbering has 
 been thus practically limited to the working tunnels. Three 
 diamond drills are included in the equipment, and they have 
 been extensively used in explorations both in Iron Mountain 
 and in adjacent properties owned, or prospected under bond, 
 by the company. The numerous buildings at the mine used 
 for all purposes are grouped in Slick Rock Caiion below the 
 mine. The mining plant includes air-compressors for operating 
 power drills, and an electric railway for transporting the ore 
 
•J. 
 
 ■r. 
 
 
 (69) 
 
70 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 from the mine to the bunkers at the mine terminus of the 
 steam railroad running to the smelting plant. The latter road 
 is a narrow-gauge line equipped with five locomotives, neces- 
 sary cars, and a complete repair shop. It is eleven miles long, 
 extremely tortuous in its course, and descends a grade of 
 nearly 2000 feet between the mine and smelter. At the latter 
 place the ore-cars dump from a trestle twenty feet above the 
 level of the yard. At the mine the cars are loaded in a tunnel, 
 into which chutes lead from ore-bunkers on the hillside. About 
 250 men are employed at the mine. 
 
 Owing to the topography of the country no location suitable 
 for a smelting plant could be found nearer to the mine than a 
 point several miles down Slick Rock Creek, and a little over a 
 mile west of the Sacramento River. Here the company at the 
 start established the reduction plant, which has been expanded 
 to its present scale and about which the flourishing town of 
 Keswick has grown up. The private railroad extends to the 
 Southern Pacific line at the river. The smelting facilities 
 include five water-jacket blast furnaces, one brick hot-air 
 stove to supply hot-air blasts, one Ropp roasting furnace, 
 eleven Wright circular calcining furnaces, three briquetting 
 machines, a three-stand converter plant, a sampling plant, and 
 other necessary adjuncts. An extensive foundry and machine 
 shop are among the other features. The present capacity of 
 the plant is 1000 tons of ore per day. Most of the 1200 
 employes of the company are employed at the smelter. 
 
 When reduction was first attempted in 1896, the pyritic 
 method was tried, under the direction of Herbert I^ang. This 
 method was soon abandoned and the ordinary blast furnace 
 method in general use in Montana was adopted. The new 
 plant was installed by H. A. Keller. The capacity was at 
 first 250 tons per day. This has been quadrupled by successive 
 enlargements and additions, and to-day the plant is a model of 
 modern and efficient equipment and practice. 
 
 The ore, as it comes from the mine, carries about 45 per 
 cent of sulphur. Until 1899 the raw ore was roasted in stalls 
 to remove a large percentage of the sulphur, but in the year 
 mentioned heap roasting in the open air was substituted and 
 has since been the practice. The time allowed for heap roast- 
 ing is usually from 60 to 70 days. This leaves about 16 per cent 
 of the original sulphur content in the ore, making the roasted 
 
SHASTA CULXTV — MOUNTAIN COPPKK MINE, 
 
 71 
 
 ore carry about 7 per cent of sulphur as it goes to the furnace. 
 A large percentage of the ore, including the fines, is roasted in 
 the mechanical rotary calcining furnaces which are the patented 
 invention of Lewis T. Wright, who has been general manager 
 of the properties and operations of the Mountain Copjier Com- 
 pany in California for five years. 
 
 The roasted ore in the outdoor heaps is loaded into cars with 
 steam shovels and transported to the blast furnaces. The plant 
 is arranged on the one-lev'el plan, the site not permitting the 
 terrace arrangement which facilitates the handling of material. 
 
 McDOUGAL ROASTING FrRNACH. KKSWICK SMKr.THK, MOUNTAIN' COPPER 
 
 COMP.\XV, S1IAST.\ COL'NTV. 
 
 The ore floors, cupolas, roasters, etc., are all upon one plane, 
 and hydraulic elevators are used for hoisting to the charging 
 floors, though some of the ore is conveyed directly to the 
 cupolas on elevated tracks. The ore cupolas produce a low- 
 grade matte, probably containing 20 to 30 per cent of copper, 
 and this is in part subjected to another roasting before going 
 to the matte furnaces for still further reduction. The fines 
 from the calcining furnaces, together with the flue dust and 
 other similar material, are bricked by the briquetting machinery 
 for reduction in the various furnaces. Until recently the matte 
 finally produced was shipped as such to the company's refinery 
 
72 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 at Elizabeth, New Jersey, and the grade of the matte produced 
 by the furnaces has steadily risen, through improved processes 
 and repeated concentration, from 45 or 50 per cent in 1897 to 
 about So per cent at the present time. At about the beginning 
 of the present year a bessemerizing plant was completed and 
 put in operation, and the final product now sent to the refinery 
 is blister copper, probably 98 per cent fine. 
 
 Early in 1902 electric light and power for both smelter and 
 mine began to be supplied by the Keswick Electric Light and 
 Power Company from its generating plant on Mill Seat Creek, 
 40 miles southeast of Redding, and about 55 miles from the 
 mine. Crude petroleum has for a good while been used for 
 generating steam power and in the hot-air blasts. The cost 
 delivered is about $1 per barrel, and about 300 barrels per day 
 were used before electric power was installed. The company 
 owns a large area of timber land on the Pitt River 65 miles 
 from Keswick, and the timber and wood supply is floated down 
 the Pitt and Sacramento rivers to near Keswick. Water for 
 use at the smelter is pumped from the Sacramento River. The 
 company has also extensive holdings of land in the general 
 region of the mine and smelter. Some of it was acquired for 
 its timber, some for its possible mineral values, and some on 
 account of the destructive influence on vegetation of the sul- 
 phur fumes from the burning ore-heaps and the smelter. These 
 fumes have killed vegetation through a large adjacent region 
 and this has given the company some trouble; but in justice to 
 the industry it may be said that the destruction is less serious 
 than it would be in many other districts, owing to the trifling 
 extent to which agriculture is carried on in that particular 
 neighborhood and to the small size and low value of the trees 
 of the region. 
 
 Many details of interest are necessarily absent from this 
 sketch of the Mountain Copper Company's properties and 
 operations, owing to the limited information afforded the public 
 by the company and its rule that the officers shall not discuss 
 its business. Its annual reports, however, afford a general 
 knowledge of its operations and give the financial information 
 which measures its success. Production began early in 1 896, 
 and during that year 5663 tons of fine copper were produced. 
 
SHASTA COl'NTY — MOUNTAIN COPPER MINK. 73 
 
 The copper production of the four following years is stated 
 by these reports as follows: 
 
 1897. 1898. iSgq 1900. 
 
 Ore extracted, tons 165,060 221,895 203,965 179,694 
 
 Ore smelted, tons 97>iy5 168,514 176,689 207,571 
 
 Copper matte, tons 7.238 10,721 10,664 i'.978 
 
 Copper refined, tons 5,958 8,273 ii.3«8 ii,443 
 
 Copper sold, tons 6,025 8,273 9.647 10,558 
 
 Average per cent copper in ore. 7.5 6.33 6.04 5.77 
 
 It was semi-ofhcially reported that during the first six 
 months of 1901 the amount of ore smelted was 172,783 tons, 
 which would represent something over 8000 tons of fine 
 copper. The quantity of ore smelted during the first half of 
 1 901 was over 80 per cent of the total quantity for the previous 
 year, and had this rate of production been continued through 
 the year a very large annual increase would have resulted. A 
 fire in the mine and other circumstances caused a large falling 
 of? in the output of the last six months, however, and the total 
 record for the year, when officially announced, will probably 
 be about equal to that of 1900. The available figures indicate 
 a total of approximately 925,000 tons of ore smelted during the 
 six years of operation, with an approximate total output of 
 54,195 long tons of fine copper. This is equal to 121,396,800 
 pounds. 
 
 Custom smelting has been practiced at Keswick since the 
 earliest operations, but mainly upon silicious gold ores. Only 
 to a limited extent have copper ores found their way to these 
 works, except from adjoining counties. Most of the custom 
 work has been for the purpose of obtaining the silicious 
 material required as flux by the smelters themselves. Gold 
 concentrates have been treated generally, but this patronage is 
 not solicited. The following advertised custom tariflfs of the 
 Mountain Copper Company show the charges on different 
 grades of ore: 
 
 According to the grade of the ore, the following per cent of 
 the gold assay value of gold quartz ore is returned: From $2 
 to $15, 75 per cent, with no smelting charges. From $15 to 
 $25, 77}^ per cent; no smelting charges. From $25 to $50, 
 90 per cent; smelting charges, $3.50 per ton, wet weight. 
 
74 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 From $50 to $75, 90 per cent; smelting charges, $5 per ton, 
 wet weight. From $75 to $100, 90 per cent; smelting charges, 
 $7 per ton, wet weight. From $100 to $200, 90 per cent; 
 smelting charges, $10 per ton, wet weight. Less than 5 ounces 
 of silver per ton not paid for. For high-grade concentrates, 
 90 per cent of the assay value in gold and silver is returned, 
 with an additional charge of $12 per ton for smelting. 
 
 In receiving copper ores, from the electrolitic copper assay, 
 one unit, or one per cent, is deducted to cover losses, and then 
 on the basis of the reduced assay the tariS is fixed according 
 to the grade of the ore and the market value of copper. In 
 all cases a smelting charge is made according to the character 
 of the ore, and an additional charge of $3 is attached for ship- 
 ments in less than carload lots. Silicious gold or copper ores 
 are always in demand. The ores sent to the smelter from a 
 single district in the vicinity amount to not less than 600 tons 
 per month and probably more, mainly silicious gold ores. 
 About 75 per cent of the silicious ores used for fluxing are 
 custom ores. About twenty mines ship regularly, half or more 
 of them being in the Old Diggings district across the river. 
 The ore is carried across the Sacramento River by a cable 
 tramway, and is thence taken by rail to the smelter, at a cost 
 of about 25 cents per ton. Cheap transportation to a con- 
 venient smelter here permits the profitable mining of relatively 
 low-grade ores. 
 
 Owing to the exceptionally low percentages of arsenic, 
 antimony, etc., the refined product of the Mountain Copper 
 smelter commands a premium in the market for electrical 
 uses. Its conductivity is rated at loi, or more than the 
 standard previouslj- fixed for copper commercially recognized 
 as pure. A paper by Edward Keller, in Mineral Industry- for 
 1900, affords an analysis of a sample of copper matte from the 
 Mountain Copper Company's smelter, giving the following 
 composition by percentages: Copper, 57.83; sulphur, 22.47; 
 iron, 15.28; nickel and cobalt, .005; zinc, 2.09; lead, .0719; 
 bismuth, .0014; antimony, .0719; arsenic, .013; tellurium and 
 selenium, .006; silver, 13.4 oz. per ton; gold, .51 oz. per ton. 
 This matte, of course, carries the products of fluxing 
 materials. An analysis of the refined product is not available. 
 
SHASTA COl'NTV — HUI.I.V HILL MINE. '^ 
 
 BULLY HILL MINE. 
 
 This property, situated nearly twenty miles in a direct line 
 north of east from Iron Mountain and well toward the eastern 
 end of the copper belt, is the second producing copper mine of 
 Shasta County, and the second in importance in the State. 
 The Bully Hill is an old property, which, like the Mountain 
 Copper, was long ago and for a good while mined, with little 
 or no success, for the gold and silver in the gossan near the 
 surface. During the first years of the operations of the 
 Mountain Copi>er Company this property underwent extensive 
 exploration, which developed important ore bodies justifying 
 the expensive further development and the installation of 
 mining and smelting plants which followed. 
 
 The Bully Hill property includes seventeen lode claims and 
 one placer claim, all patented, aggregating 213 acres. It 
 stretches for about two miles in a northeasterly direction, close 
 to Squaw Creek and but a little north of Pitt River. It is in 
 Sees. 15, 16, 21, 22, and 28, T. 34 N., R. 3 W. It is near the 
 old town of Copper City, and the new town Delamar adjoins. 
 About three years ago. on the strength of the showing made 
 by tunnels driven by James Sallee, the property was bonded by 
 J. R. De La Mar, and after further development was purchased 
 by him for $225,000. In 1901, the property was transferred to 
 the Bully Hill Copper Mining and Smelting Company, of 
 which Mr. De La Mar is president. 
 
 The owners give but little detailed information about the 
 mine. It is in a zone containing irregular vein-like formations, 
 capped with gossan, the veins trending east of north. Their 
 dip is nearly vertical. The principal Bully Hill veins occur as 
 fissures in meta-rhyolite as classified by the U. S. Geological 
 Survey. Two main parallel ore bodies have been exploited in 
 the lode claims and one in the Popejoy placer claim. The 
 width of the veins varies from 4 to 100 feet, and averages 30 
 feet. The ore lies in lenses connected by narrow seams of ore. 
 Four tunnels have been driven into the hill, and the openings 
 comprise several thousand feet of tunnels and drifts, with 
 extensive stopes and upraises. The lowest tunnel level is 
 about 600 feet below the outcrop, and through this level. No. 3, 
 most of the ore mined is taken to the surface. The tunnel is 
 dri\-en as a cross-cut, and encountered the main vein at a point 
 
o 
 
 X 
 
 ■r. 
 y. 
 
 r. 
 
 (76) 
 
y. 
 
 ( i I 
 
78 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 about I TOO feet in. This level is connected with the upper 
 workings, and the vein has been developed by means of drifts 
 on the main levels for fully 800 to 1000 feet. At the point 
 where the vein has been encountered on No. 3, a station 100 
 feet square has been cut, and extensive hoisting and pumping 
 machinery is being installed for the purpose of continuing 
 exploration at greater depth. A shaft has been started from 
 this station on No. 3, and is down over 100 feet. In drifting 
 from this shaft northeasterly a body of ore, which is develop- 
 ing into unusual importance, was encountered. The ore at 
 this depth is a chalcopyrite, and will supply the iron which, 
 until this depth was reached, was inadequate for the proper 
 smelting of the product of the mine. In the upper levels, 
 copper oxide (cuprite) and copper carbonates (malachite) occur. 
 In these levels, however, the so-called "black ore," a copper 
 glance, predominates, and supplies most of the ore at present 
 reduced. It is believed that the ore encountered in the drift 
 from the shaft below No. 3 approximates what will prove to be 
 the unaltered character of the ore. 
 
 The mine is timbered by the square-set system. Mining 
 timbers are floated down Pitt River from the timber region to 
 the northeast, as is most of the cordwood used for fuel at the 
 power plants and in the roasting stalls. The values of the 
 ores are not reported, but it is stated on good authority that a 
 large amount of ore of high grade in gold and silver as well as 
 copper has been developed, and that the precious metals con- 
 stitute about half the value of the matte so far produced. 
 The ore is base, carrying zinc, antimony, etc. While there is 
 much high-grade ore in the mine, it is understood that the ores 
 are mixed and reduced on a basis of an average copper value 
 of 10 per cent. 
 
 The lowest tunnel is connected by a railway with the well- 
 equipped smelting plant one mile distant, which began opera- 
 tions in May, 1901. The raw ore is first roasted in stalls built 
 on the hillside near the smelter. The series of stalls constitute 
 a stone structure 39 by 310 feet, with a brick stack 90 feet 
 high connecting with the stall flues. The smelting plant cost 
 about $200,000, and includes one water-jacket blast furnace, 
 two calcining furnaces, five converters in two stands for 
 bessemerizing the matte, a machine shop, etc. The furnace is 
 42 by 1 20 inches in size. The furnace charge usually consists 
 
CHiTi-: hi-;t\vi;i:n tinnki.s nos. 2 and a. hi.kctric r(»\vi;K ikusk, and 
 
 TIMHKK SIIi;i)S, Hn.I.V Mil, I. MINKS. 
 
 VIKW OK ini-I.V nil, I, SMKI.TKR T'ROM MolTH >)I" No. :'. TINNKL. 
 
 (79) 
 
80 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 of about one half raw and one half calcined ore, the percentages 
 varying with the nature of the ore. The charge carries H to 
 ID per cent coke, 2 to 3 per cent limestone, i to i}4 per cent 
 ironstone, and the balance ore. Limestone and ironstone for 
 fluxing are obtained on the McCloud River about six miles 
 distant. Sufficient silica is obtained from the mine. The 
 furnace produces a matte carrying from 35 to 55 per cent 
 copper, which is taken directly to the converters in a ladle 
 handled by an electric crane having a capacity of 20 tons. 
 The converters are 68 by 98 inches in size, and have a capacity 
 of 5 tons. The product of the converters is blister copper, 
 about 98 per cent fine, which is cast into large rectangular 
 slabs for shipment to the new refiner}- built by Captain De La 
 Mar on Kill von Kull, near New York City. Mining and 
 reduction costs, values, and output are not o])tainable. The 
 capacity of the smelting plant is about 150 tons a day. The 
 smelter is arranged on the terrace system, and throughout the 
 process the material is economically handled by the aid of 
 gravity. 
 
 The Bully Hill Mining and vSmelting Company has pur- 
 chased and bonded other properties on the belt, and it is 
 reported that its plans include a large expansion of its scale of 
 operations. Its most important additional property is the old 
 Baxter and Winthrop group near Copper City. This property 
 ranks fourth along the whole belt in the amount of develop- 
 ment, and as soon as railroad connection with the smelter 
 makes the economical transportation of the ore possible, 
 active operations on these properties will be resumed. 
 
 OTHER PROPERTIES. 
 
 The remaining properties of the copper belt are noted 
 successively, beginning at the western end. 
 
 Mineral Mountain. — This property consists of six unpat- 
 ented claims about three miles south of Iron Mountain, in 
 Sec. 13, T. 32 N., R. 6 W., and is thought to mark the south- 
 western terminus of the belt. No other mining claims carrj'- 
 ing copper deposits worthy of any note are known to exist 
 south of the Mountain Copper mine in Iron Mountain. The 
 Mineral Mountain group is owned by D. T. Callahan et al., 
 
SHASTA COUNTY — COPPKR MINKS AND CLAIMS. 81 
 
 and about 200 feet of tunnel shows sulphide ore. There are 
 surface indications of other l)odies. 
 
 Sugar Loaf (Galvin) Group. — This property is located 
 immediately northeast of the holdings of the Mountain Copper 
 Company, and shows the first prominent outcrop on the belt 
 after leaving the Iron Mountain mines. The property consists 
 of fourteen claims located in Sec. 26, T. 33 N., R. 6 \V. Sugar 
 Loaf Mountain, which is covered by these locations, is one of 
 the most prominent landmarks of the copper belt. The forma- 
 tion is the same as that encountered elsewhere on the belt. 
 Large cappings of gos.san indicate the presence of ore bodies 
 in the rhyolitic rock, the main outcrop being over 400 feet wide. 
 The property has been developed by a .series of tunnels aggre- 
 gating 1300 feet in length. The main development is on the 
 north slope, where sulphide ore of a good grade has been 
 encountered. On the southerly slope a tunnel 200 feet in 
 length is near its objective point. Sugar Loaf Mountain 
 undoubtedly contains large bodies of sulphide ore. It is 
 situated directl)' on the main copper belt and the surface 
 indications are very extensive. C. D. Galvin, owner. 
 
 King Copper Group. — The King Copper group, consisting 
 of twenty-two claims in Sees. 23, 24, 25, and 26, T. 33 N., 
 R. 6 W., adjoins the Sugar Loaf on the northeast and is the 
 property of the Trinity Copper Company. It is located two 
 and a half miles south of the Shasta King, the main Trinity 
 Copper Company holding. The development so far done con- 
 sists mainly of assessment work and approximates 1000 feet 
 of openings in the aggregate. No ore in place has been 
 developed as yet. 
 
 Jumping- Jack. — Five claims adjoining the King Copper 
 on the east, in vSecs. 24 and 25, T. 33 N., R. 6 W., owned by 
 William Kendrick, of Copley. No development. 
 
 Giant Consolidated. — Thirteen claims on the eastern edge 
 of this part of the belt, north of the Jumping-Jack, in Sec. 24, 
 T. 33 N., R. 6 W., and Sec. 19, T. 33 N., R. 5 W. Little 
 development. Owned by \V H. Soderberg et al., San 
 Francisco. 
 
 King, — Four claims in Sec. 24, T. 33 X., R. 6 W.; owned 
 by J. R. King, of Copley. No development. 
 6— BuL. 23 
 
82 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 United Copper. — Eighteen unpatented claims in Sec. 23, 
 T. 33 N., R. 6 W., adjoining the King Copper on the north 
 and west. Development consists of only 50 feet of openings. 
 Owned by Fred Grotefend et al., Redding. 
 
 Webster Consolidated (Stowell) Group. — The Webster 
 Consolidated, or Stowell, group consists of seven patented and 
 three unpatented claims, located in Sec. 14, T. 33 N., R. 6 W. 
 The property is one of the older mines on the West Side belt 
 and is about three and a half miles northeast of Iron Moun- 
 tain. The development consists of a series of short cross-cut 
 tunnels aggregating 500 to 600 feet in all, none of which has 
 reached the objective point. The main cross-cut is about 80 
 feet in length. This has been extended some under bond, but 
 the vein has not been reached. The work is distributed over 
 the various claims, and while the surface indications are strong, 
 the fact that exploration was not concentrated at one point 
 leaves the property as yet in practically a prospective position. 
 The J. H. Stowell Estate, owner. 
 
 Waters Group. — The Waters group is located in Sec. 14, 
 T. 33 N., R. 6 W., and consists of four claims. They adjoin 
 the Webster Consolidated on the south, and .some of the 
 development work done was intended to reach the vein on the 
 neighboring property' at greater depth. Its location is such 
 that it will prove of value to the adjoining holdings and when 
 developed the properties will probably be operated as one mine, 
 ly. Waters and E. A. Marshall, of Redding, owners. 
 
 Spread Eagle. — Twenty-two unpatented claims in vSec. 13, 
 T. 33 N., R. 6 W.; owned by W. C. Onn & Sons, of Copley. 
 About 1500 feet of tunnels, mainh' driven by the Scottish- 
 American Syndicate, of Denver, Col., under bond, show con- 
 siderable bodies of ore, including some of excellent grade. 
 The country rock is heavil}' charged with sulphides. 
 
 Loraine. — Twenty-two claims adjoining the Spread Eagle 
 on the northeast, in Sees. 7 and 18, T. 33 N., R. 5 W.; owned 
 by J. R. Doyle et al., of Copley. No development. 
 
 Shasta King. — The Shasta King mine constitutes the 
 principal holding of the Trinity Copper Company, and is 
 located in Sec. 12, T. 33 N., R. 6 W. The main portion of the 
 property consists of twelve patented claims, but the company 
 
(83) 
 
84 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 owns a large area of adjoining land in addition. The Trinity 
 Copper Company is a Boston corporation (Thomas W. Lawson, 
 president), and is capitalized for $6,000,000. It acquired the 
 Shasta King mine toward the close of the year 1900, and 
 early in the following year commenced development work on 
 a large scale. The property was developed under bond for a 
 year and a half prior to its purchase by the Trinity Copper 
 Company, and at the time that it was acquired it is estimated 
 that 1,200,000 tons of ore were opened up in the mine, which 
 returned an average of 5 per cent copper and about $2.50 to 
 $3 in gold and silver. The measurements have been consider- 
 ably added to since. The property is opened up mainly by 
 tunnel levels, aggregating at the present time fully 4000 feet 
 in length. A series of tunnels cross-cut the ore body on the 
 main level for a distance of 1000 feet around the mountain 
 side, and these have been connected by drifts along the foot 
 wall. A lower level is being driven (which will be utilized as 
 the main working tunnel) 175 feet below the present main 
 developments. This tunnel is 7 by 8 feet in size and double 
 tracked. The surface improvements at the mine consist of 
 the necessary buildings for the use of the miners, offices, store, 
 postoffice, etc. Power drills are used, and a 6-drill air-com- 
 pressor is part of the mine equipment. Considerable prospect- 
 ing on unproved ground by means of a diamond drill has 
 been prosecuted by the company. The headquarters building 
 for the company is located at Kennet, near the smelter site. 
 The site selected is in Sec. 3, T. 34 N., R. 5 W., on Backbone 
 Creek, distant about eight miles by railroad from the mines. 
 Grading on the site has been in progress and the railroad 
 grade for a spur connecting with the Southern Pacific Railroad 
 is now being put in. The reduction plant will be from 500 to 
 700 tons daily capacity. The Shasta King mine is located on 
 the south fork of Squaw Creek and directly adjoins the Balak- 
 lala holdings. Its main workings are the lowest in altitude 
 so far developed on the West Side copper belt. Austin H. 
 Brown is general manager for the company. 
 
 Balaklala Mine. — The Balaklala mine at present shows 
 the largest body of ore available in any one property on the 
 copper belt of Shasta County, and prospecting done by means 
 of the diamond drill indicates the possibility that it will develop 
 
(m 
 
86 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 one of the largest ore bodies of its kind on the American 
 continent. The property consists of twenty-six claims, thirteen 
 of which are patented, lying mainly in Sees. 12, 13, and 14, 
 T. 33 N., R. 6 W. Adjoining ground will bring the total 
 number of claims held by the Balaklala Mining Company up 
 to sixt}' or more. The work has been done principally upon 
 five claims from Huckleberry claim southwest to Windy Camp. 
 The outcrop can be traced along this line for fully one and a 
 half miles, and gives evidence of the magnitude of the lode 
 for the entire distance. The greatest reserves of ore at present 
 exposed are on the El Capitan claim. The main level, 400 
 feet below the apex, shows a thickness of from 60 to 100 feet. 
 The dip of the lode is with the mountain to the northwest, 
 and at the point where the greatest development work has 
 been done the lode has been laid bare by erosion. As a result 
 the copper values have been leached from it to a great extent, 
 leaving the ore low grade in copper. On the strike of the lode 
 where this condition does not prevail the ore has increased in 
 value until it can be termed a good grade. Diamond drill 
 holes have extended the zone of known deposit for fully 3000 
 feet, and this method of prospecting has added to the depth 
 shown by open work, showing the body to extend on its dip at 
 least 1000 feet. Its limits have not been determined either on 
 the dip or on the strike, and as exploration work progresses, 
 the magnitude of the ore body is revealed. The diamond 
 drill has also disclosed a • second deposit or lens of ore about 
 100 feet deeper than the first. This ore bod}^ shows a marked 
 advance in grade. It is estimated that fully 2,000,000 tons of 
 ore are now available, and it has been stated that the Balak- 
 lala mine could be made to show several million tons of ore 
 reserves at no great cost for development. A total of 3500 feet 
 of cross-cuts and drifts constitutes the development work so far 
 done. C. A. Malm, of No. 222 Bush Street, San Francisco, is 
 president of the company. 
 
 Ohio Consolidated. — Patented claims in Sec. 12, T. 33 N., 
 R. 6 W. ; owned by Morton & Bliss, New York. No develop- 
 ment. 
 
 Friday & Lowden Group. — The Friday & Lowden group 
 consists of thirteen claims, located in Sees. 5 and 6, T. 33 N., 
 R. 5 W., and also that portion of the N. W. % of Sec. 5 and 
 the N. 3^ of the S. W. % of Sec. 5 not included in the mineral 
 
SHASTA COUNTY — COPPER MINES AND CLAIMS. 87 
 
 locations. This part of the land is patented. This group of 
 claims is the first encountered on the copper belt on the north 
 side of Squaw Creek, and is directly east of the gold belt in 
 which the Uncle Sam mine is located. The geological con- 
 ditions, however, are similar to the conditions encountered in 
 other parts of the copper territory. The mine is opened mainly 
 by means of tunnels. A cro.ss-cut tunnel driven on the north- 
 erly end of the group, on the Cleveland claim, is in 140 feet, 
 and 70 feet of this opening is in ore. A second tunnel has 
 been started 175 feet deeper, which is now in 70 feet from the 
 surface. On the Wild Bear claim easterly from the main 
 development a 70-foot tunnel discloses considerable ore, and a 
 shorter tunnel 250 feet farther along the strike is also in ore. 
 On the common end line of the Wild Bear and Comstock 
 claims a tunnel 65 feet in length shows some sulphide, after 
 penetrating the gossan or oxidized ore, the latter prospecting 
 in free gold. The total tunnel openings aggregate fully 
 800 feet in length. The strike is northeast and southwest, and 
 the croppings occur at an altitude of about 2000 feet. Messrs. 
 Friday and Lowden, of Redding, owners. 
 
 Mammoth Mine. — The Mammoth holdings include twelve 
 claims and a patented section. The twelve claims are located 
 in Sec. 32, T. 34 X., R. 5 W., and the patented section (29, 
 same township and range) is located immediately to the north. 
 This property is in the Backbone district, which at present con- 
 stitutes the most northerly portion of the copper belt so far 
 proved. It is about four miles northwest of Kennet and on 
 the line of the Southern Pacific Railroad. The development 
 up to the present has centered mainly on sections 32 and 16. 
 Different tunnels of varying length have been driven. Some 
 of these have reached ore and work on lower levels is now in 
 progress. These tunnels aggregate 1400 feet. The main 
 development of ore is at a depth of 75 feet, and a winze sunk 
 from this level to a depth of 62 feet is in ore all the way. A 
 tunnel is now being driven to cut the ore body 15 feet lower 
 than the bottom of the winze. Drifts on the main level dis- 
 close a large amount of ore to that depth. A width of about 
 80 feet is shown and the ore body has been developed 190 feet 
 on its strike. Explorations on a large scale have recently been 
 started on section 29 about a half mile from the main developed 
 
88 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 portion of the ground. The outcrop here indicates a large 
 body of ore, the gossan showing a width of 200 feet and a 
 length of 800 feet. A force of about 25 men is at present 
 employed. The ground is being developed under the direction 
 of John Fillins, by a Boston exploration company. R. M. 
 Saeltzer et al., of Redding, owners. 
 
 Mayflower. — Six unpatented claims in Sec. 32, T. 34 N., 
 R. 5 W.; owned by C. G. Ferguson and B. Golinsky, of Kennet. 
 A little development work has shown some high-grade ore. 
 
 Bohematosh. — Seven claims in Sec. 25, T. 33 X., R. 6 W.; 
 owned by Walter Friday and J. R. Lowden. Disseminated 
 sulphides are abundant, with extensive croppings of gossan. 
 This is several miles north of the definite limits of the belt 
 proper. 
 
 Summit Group. — The Summit group of mines is located on 
 Behamatosh Mountain at the head of Little Backbone Creek, 
 in Sec. 30, T. 34 N., R. 5 W., at an altitude of about 3000 feet. 
 It immediately adjoins the Mammoth holdings and consists of 
 eight claims, lying on the ridge between the north and south 
 forks of Little Backbone Creek on the easterly slope of the 
 mountain. The ground is very regular, the formation being 
 the same in character as the more southerly parts of the belt. 
 The country rock is heavily mineralized and the surface indica- 
 tions are very pronounced in this part of the belt. The strike 
 of the ore body can be readily traced around the mountain side 
 for fully 2400 feet. Two tunnels have been driven, one on the 
 northeasterly and the other on the southerly portion of the 
 ground about 1600 feet apart. Tunnel No. i is in 140 feet and 
 has reached ore at a depth of 80 or 90 feet. Prospect shafts 
 sunk on the croppings above the face of this tunnel indicate a 
 width of at least 35 feet. At a depth of 20 feet in the shaft, 
 ore reported to assay 8 per cent was encountered, and the sul- 
 phide ores encountered in the tunnel below this shaft show 
 values reported at from 6 to 14^ per cent copper. The first 
 90 feet of Tunnel No. i was driven through a secondary 
 deposition caused by leaching of the ore body. This carried 
 some value throughout. The next 50 feet passed through a 
 quartzite foot wall intersected by numerous seams bearing sul- 
 phide ore varying from a few inches to a foot and a half in 
 width. Between the foot wall and the solid sulphide body a 
 
(89> 
 
90 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 breccia carrying a high percentage of copper sulphide was 
 encountered. Tunnel No. 2, 1600 feet to the southwest, is in 75 
 feet, but has not yet reached the ore as exposed by the prospect 
 shaft on the line of outcrop. Native copper is found in the 
 seams formed in the foot wall. The Summit mine is being 
 developed under bond by the Mount Shasta Gold Mines Cor- 
 poration of Chicago; Frank E. Ware, general manager; 
 M. E. Dittmar et al., of Redding, owners. 
 
 Ferguson & Limbough. — This group, in Sec. 4, T. 33 N., 
 R. 5 W., is developed by 165 feet of tunnels showing some ore. 
 
 Great Verde. — Eleven claims in Sees. 11 and 12, T. 33 N., 
 R. 6 W. ; owned by John -R. Lisle et al., of Redding. Two hun- 
 dred feet of tunnels open into an ore body of undetermined 
 extent. The gossan outcrop is 60 to 80 feet wide. 
 
 Graves Group. — Immediately to the south of the Summit 
 group is located the Graves group of mines, owned by R. M. 
 Saeltzer et al., of Redding. This property has been bonded by 
 M. E. Dittmar and is included in the bond which the Mount 
 Shasta Gold Mines Corporation holds on the Summit group. 
 Development consists of assessment work, and at the present 
 time all exploratory work is being concentrated on the Summit 
 claims adjoining. M. E. Dittmar is superintendent. 
 
 Golinsky. — Twelve unpatented claims, located mainly in 
 Sec. 28, T. 34 N., R. 5 W.; owned by B. Golinsky, of Kennet. 
 About 750 feet of openings show ore of some value. The prin- 
 cipal known shoot is said to have a width of 30 feet. 
 
 Keystone. — Six unpatented claims in Sec. 23, T. 33 N., 
 R. 6 W., north of the belt proper. Only assessment work has 
 been done. Owners, Charles Butler et al. 
 
 The foregoing properties are those worthy of present note on 
 the west side of the Sacramento River, and embrace the groups 
 of claims ranged for about twelve miles along the western end 
 of the belt northeasterly from Iron Mountain. On the east 
 side of the Sacramento River the belt includes the following 
 properties: 
 
 Gregory & Whalen. — Also known as the Oom Paul group. 
 Undeveloped claims showing gossan croppings 30 to 40 feet 
 wide, situated on the Sacramento River, a few miles north of 
 Kennet, in Sec. 25, T. 35 N., R. 5 W. Small development. 
 
■T. 
 
 y. 
 
 
 
 (91) 
 
92 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Shasta May Blossom Group. — Known as the Keith group. 
 This property comprises eight claims in Sec. 14, T. 34 X., R. 3 \V. 
 The development work is mostly superficial, and made to deter- 
 mine where the ore body lies. There are several open cuts and 
 short tunnels. The present development consists of three 
 tunnels, besides some open cuts. The lower tunnel is in about 
 70 feet, and follows the ore body, which is a low-grade iron 
 sulphide carrying very little copper. The vein matter is a spar. 
 The east or foot wall is a gray schistose rock; the west, or 
 hanging, is a gray porphyry. The ore channel is about 50 feet 
 wide. The next higher tunnel starts on the lower end of the 
 Copper King claim, and runs to the northwest 90 feet through 
 the wall rock. Its face shows decomposed ore material of little 
 value. Twenty feet of it is in the ore channel. The ore is 
 decomposed, and carries some gold. Higher up the hillside 
 there is a body of gossan croppings, probably 70 feet wide. A 
 new tunnel to get under these croppings has been commenced, 
 but has not yet reached the ore channel. The croppings on top 
 of the hill near the north end of the gossan croppings are of the 
 same character as the west wall of Bully Hill, meta-rhyolitic 
 porphyn,-. The top of the mountain is capped with the rhyolite. 
 Below it, and dipping to the east, are the gossans. 
 
 Brushy Canyon Group. — Consisting of a number of 
 claims, not patented, located in Sec. 34, T. 34 N., R. 3 W., and 
 is owned by E. L. Blowers, James Drennan, and others. The 
 group is under bond by the Bully Hill Company, and a small 
 force of men is employed. The claims are developed by a few 
 cuts, tunnels, and a shaft 80 feet deep. A large body of 
 limonite ore (gossan) has been proved, but comparatively little 
 sulphide. 
 
 DoedoUis Group. — Consists of five unpatented claims 
 located in Sec. 34, T. 34 N., R. 3 W., and is owned by William 
 Ellis, J. L. Cannon, and others. Comparatively little work 
 done at present. 
 
 Afterthought. — Consists essentially of four claims, only 
 two of which are patented, all located in Sec. 11, T. 33 N., 
 R. 2 \V. It is owned by the Afterthought Mining Company. 
 It has been recently worked under a bond by the Tarbet Syn- 
 dicate. The development of the mine consists of seven tun- 
 nels, aggregating nearly 2000 feet, and a shaft 250 feet deep. 
 
SHASTA COrXTV — COPPER MINKS AND CLAIMS. 93 
 
 A large body of sulphide ore has been proved by this work, some 
 of which is high in its percentage of copper, though mostly of 
 lower grade. 
 
 Donkey Mine. — Consists of one patented claim in vSec. ii, 
 T. 33 X.. R. 2 \\'.; owned by the Tehama Mining Company, 
 of Red BlutT, C. J. Gooch president. This mine has not been 
 worked for many years, but has been developed by a shaft 200 
 feet deep and considerable drifting. There is in sight a good 
 body of ore of good grade, carrying some blende. It is thought 
 to be a continuation of the Afterthought. 
 
 Schmidt's Claim. — One claim near the Kosk Creek group; 
 owned by Charles Schmidt. Some work has been done, 
 showing sulphide ore. The vein is said to be 10 feet in width. 
 
 Chattadown Group. — Consists of an uncertain number of 
 claims situated near the headwaters of Chattadown Creek, 
 some twenty miles north of Baird, east of the McCloud River; 
 owned by Edward Sweeney, Reed Bemis, and others. Some 
 showing of gossan on surface and some work done showing 
 sulphides, etc. 
 
 Kosk Creek Group. — Consists of twelve claims situated 
 in Sec. 23, T. 37 N., R. i W., a number of miles north of the 
 copper belt; owned by William M. Murraj', R. M. Saeltzer, 
 and others. Only little developed. Bonded by W. G. Scott 
 and associates of San Francisco. This group is especially 
 interesting, from the fact that the ore is a dark basaltic rock 
 carrying native copper. The copper occurs in globules and 
 films in the joints and vesicles of the rock. The ore is said to 
 carry some gold. The zone of rock carrying copper is said to 
 have a width of 200 feet. Native metal occurs only near the 
 surface; with greater depth, sulphides are found. 
 
 Hartford Group. — Consists of ten claims, three miles north 
 of the mouth of I'rotem Creek, vShasta County; owned by the 
 Hartford Consolidated Mining Company, W'm. Geary presi- 
 dent and J. B. Giffen secretary. More than 400 feet of tunnels 
 have been completed, proving some good sulphide ore, but at 
 present onlj' in limited quantity. The lode is said to have a 
 width of 8 feet or more, and to appear along the surface for a 
 distance of more than 100 feet. The surface ores are oxides 
 and carbonates. 
 
94 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Cowboy Group. — Consists of three claims in Sec. 4, 
 T. 33 N.. R. 2 W.; owned by H. A. Cook et al., San Fran- 
 cisco. This property has good surface indications. Over 200 
 feet of tunnels have been completed, and good sulphide ore 
 has been found. The property includes, in addition to the 
 claims above mentioned, 160 acres of land in section 9 of the 
 same township. 
 
 Black Diamond Group. — The Black Diamond group, con- 
 sisting of a half section of land and eighteen claims located in 
 Sees. 2 and 3, T. 33 N., R. 4 W., in the Stillwater mining 
 district, is the property of the Northern California Investment 
 Company. A great deal of development work has been done, 
 but the ore so far reached has been low grade in character and 
 the ground is as yet in a practically undeveloped condition. 
 A body of ore of a reported value of 8 per cent copper was 
 encountered several months ago, but since that time develop- 
 ment has been discontinued and the value of the strike 
 remains undetermined. In addition to the Black Diamond 
 holdings, the company holds between 4000 and 5000 acres of 
 patented land located in the Bully Hill region and in the 
 district to the southeast. George Bayha, the vice-president of 
 the company, is in charge of the property. The company 
 expects to commence exploratory work on a more extensive 
 scale in the near future in order to determine the value of its 
 holdings. 
 
 Roseman Group.— The Roseman group consists of nine 
 claims and a smelter site, located in Sec. 3, T. 33 N., and 
 Sec. 34, T. 34 N., R. 4 W. The ore is a carbonate and oxide 
 near the surface, changing to sulphide with depth. The for- 
 mation has nothing in common with either the West Side district 
 or that of Bully Hill. The ore occurs in or near the lime 
 deposit, the foot wall apparently being in serpentine. The 
 development is mainly along the outcrop and the greatest 
 depth on the vein attains about 60 feet. The main cross-cut 
 from the foot wall toward the hanging wall is in 55 feet. At 
 another point a 40-foot cross-cut has been driven toward the 
 hanging wall, but neither opening has disclosed the vein 
 as yet. The vein matter through which these openings extend 
 is well mineralized. In the aggregate 700 feet of tunnel and 
 200 feet of shafts and winzes constitute the development work. 
 
SHASTA COrXTY — COPPKR MIXKS AND CLAIMS. 95 
 
 A lower cross-cut has been started which will provide 400 
 feet of depth. The o]>jective point is 600 feet in, and of this 
 120 feet has been completed. H. Rosemau et al., of Redding, 
 owners. 
 
 Jaegel. — Consists of seven claims in vSec. 3, T. 33 N., 
 R. 4 \\'.; owned by Joseph Jaegel. Only a small amount 
 of development work has yet been done. 
 
 Memorial. — Eleven claims of unpatented ground in vSecs. 15 
 and 22, T. 33 X.. R. 4 \V.; owned chiefly by H. M. LeBaron 
 and others, of Redding. A small force of men has been 
 employed prospecting this ground, and .some sulphide ore has 
 been found. 
 
 Michigan Group. — The Michigan group of mines, consist- 
 ing of six claims adjoining the Recorder claim of the McClure 
 group on the south and west and De La Mar's property on the 
 west, was recently acquired by the Mount Shasta Gold Mines 
 Corporation, and will now be developed with the McClure 
 group. This ground is located mainly on the south and west 
 slopes of Bully Hill and is crossed by one of the Bully Hill 
 lodes. The principal outcrop of the Bully Hill lodes is on the 
 common end line of the Recorder and the Ydalpom claims, the 
 latter being one of the claims that form the Michigan group. 
 The development work consi.sts chiefly of tunnels and drifts. 
 Some very high-grade ore has been encountered in the work- 
 ings, but the explorations have as yet not reached a point 
 under the main croppings. A shaft sunk on the North vStar 
 claim disclosed some very good sulphide ore. The Mount 
 Shasta Gold Mines Corporation recently acquired an option on 
 80 acres of land adjoining the Bully Hill smelter site, which 
 will probably be used as a site for the proposed reduction 
 works in the Bully Hill district. \V. F. Russell is in charge 
 of developments. 
 
 Northern Light. — One claim, unpatented, in Sec. 2 1 , T. 34 N., 
 R. 3 W.; owned by the Bully Hill Company. Considerable 
 development work has been done on this ground, and good 
 bodies of sulphide ores similar in character to other deposits in 
 this district have been discovered. 
 
 Excelsior. — A group of five claims, two of which are 
 patented, located in Sees. 21 and 2S, T. 34 X., R. 3 W. ; owned 
 
96 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 by the Bull}' Hill Gold Mining and Smelting Company. A 
 considerable force of men was employed in development work 
 upon the Ivxcelsior, South Killinger, and Baxter claims, 
 including what are known as the Baxter and Winthrop 
 tunnels. The lowest tunnel is the Winthrop, which has been 
 driven for a distance of 850 feet, and it is expected that it will 
 cross-cut the Baxter- Excelsior ore bodies. In the Excelsior 
 tunnels a body of solid sulphide ore has been exposed, more 
 than 20 feet in thickness, but probably high in its percentage 
 of zinc. 
 
 Arps. — Fifteen claims, in Sees. 20, 21, 28, and 29, T. 34 N., 
 R, 3 W. ; owned by William Arps, R. M. Saeltzer, and others, 
 of Redding. This property is now being developed under bond 
 by H. M. Hall. Good sulphide ores have been found in 
 numerous places. Four tunnels aggregate 1600 feet. 
 
 McClure, or Pioneer, Group. — This property is located 
 principally in Sec. 16, T. 34 N., R. 3 W., and adjoins the De 
 Ea Mar mine on the northeast. It includes a quarter-section 
 of patented land and six claims. The most important claim, 
 the Recorder, lies on Bully Hill immediately adjoining the 
 De Ea Mar holdings, and is on the strike of the De Ea Mar 
 lode. The development work on several levels of De Ea Mar's 
 Bully Hill mines has been carried practically to the Recorder 
 claim. The principal development work on the Recorder 
 claim consists of a cross-cut tunnel, which was started by the 
 pioneer owner of the property, H. C. McClure, and this tunnel 
 has been continued by the Mount Shasta Gold Mines Corpora- 
 tion, which is now developing the mine. Ore has been reached 
 in this tunnel. The ore, like that of its famous neighbor, is 
 high grade and carries good values in gold, silver, and copper. 
 Where the outcrop crosses the McClure ground, recent explora- 
 tions have disclosed a lode of great width, and from present 
 indications a second property of magnitude on Bully Hill is a 
 certainty. 
 
 Ydalpom. — Consists of two unpatented claims in Sec. 16, 
 T. 34 N., R. 3 W.; owned by T. M. Popejoy and others, of 
 Copper City. The.se claims are now under bond by the Bully 
 Hill Company, and development work is in progress, with good 
 ore bodies proved. 
 
a)AST RANliE DEPOSITS 
 
 The Coast Range of California presents a copper field of 
 very large area, but one that, through lack of exploration, 
 development, and production, is of minor present importance 
 compared with the copper l)elts of Shasta County and the 
 vSierra Nevada foothills. The Coast Range ( properly the Coast 
 Ranges) of California consists of a group, or series, of ranges 
 stretching for over 500 miles southward from Oregon along the 
 coast of the State and having an average width of about 40 
 miles. Topographically, the Coast Range is relatively low, is 
 made up of ranges of diverse trend, and it incloses numerous 
 valleys, the most important ones being those in the general 
 region of San Francisco Bay, which are among the famed 
 garden spots of California. Lyiug near the coast, with the 
 broadest general .slope toward the sea, and with a compara- 
 tively low elevation (2000 to 6000 feet), the range possesses a 
 mild climate and receives on the direct Pacific watershed a 
 copious rainfall which bestows an abundant water-supply and 
 heavy forest growths. The Coast Range merges with the 
 Sierra Nevada in Northern California and in the Tehachapi 
 region at the south. 
 
 The copper deposits, as well as those of other economic 
 minerals, are found scattered over the length and breadth of 
 the range. They are much more numerous and generally of 
 larger magnitude north of the Bay of San Francisco and they 
 are of greatest number and importance in the large northern 
 region comprising vSiski^'ou, Del Norte, and Trinity counties, 
 which require main attention in connection with the copper, 
 as well as the gold, resources of the Coast Range. 
 
 Where the Sacramento Valley wedges its narrow northern 
 end into the broad mountain mass created by the mergence of 
 the Sierra Nevada and Coast ranges is found the Shasta County 
 copper belt. Because of the individuality of this belt, and its 
 overshadowing importance as a copper producer, Shasta County 
 is in this work set apart from the copper regions adjoining it 
 on the east, north, and west, though geographicalh' and topo- 
 7— BuL. 23 (97) 
 
98 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 graphically it belongs with Siskiyou County to the north. All 
 other copper deposits in north-central California are here 
 grouped as of the Coast Range. 
 
 To gain a brief general view of this wide northern copper 
 field, we may go northward from the Shasta County copper 
 belt along the Sacramento River canon and the railroad line 
 to Oregon for thirty miles to the southern boundan,- of Siski- 
 you County, finding but few scattered copper occurrences 
 through all this upper portion of Shasta County. Pursuing 
 this course northward, there is encountered in southern Siskiyou 
 County, near the western flank of Mount Shasta, a series of 
 copper deposits ranged along a belt or zone several miles wide> 
 extending for about fifty miles northward to the State bound- 
 ary along the central line of the county. The majority of the 
 deposits of Siskiyou County noted in this bulletin are in this 
 belt, in townships 6, 7, and 8 west and 40 to 46 north, but 
 the}' are most numerous in the south central portion, within a 
 few miles of Mount Shasta. This belt is just west of the great 
 blanketing lava sheet of northeastern California and about 
 seventy miles from the coast. Practically connecting with the 
 northern end of the belt described is another series of copper 
 deposits stretching for sixty miles or so along the Siskiyou 
 range and Klamath River, which course westward along the 
 State boundary into Del Norte County. These series of 
 deposits constitute copper belts in only the broadest meaning 
 of the term, being unconnected occurrences geographically 
 arranged in this manner. In these two belts are the chief 
 known copper deposits of Siskiyou County, though copper is 
 found widely scattered in mineral-bearing districts over the 
 western half of the county. To the west of Siskiyou, Del 
 Norte County, in the northwestern corner of the State, presents 
 a promising copper field. The Low Divide district, about 
 fifteen miles northeast of Crescent City on the coast, and near 
 the State line, is the best known district, and one in which a 
 number of mines were actively worked nearly forty years ago. 
 Other districts in the southern and eastern parts of the countj^ 
 have since become prominent for their copper prospects. 
 
 The region comprising these two counties, over which copper 
 belts or districts, and sporadic occurrences, are thus scattered, 
 is, roughly, over 100 miles long and 50 to 60 miles wide. \'iew- 
 ing the principal deposits of the Coast Range farther southward 
 
COAST KANCK DKPOSITS. 99 ^^^e-Tj 
 
 they may he conceived as forming the stem of a great, rude let- 
 ter T. They lead southward from southeastern Del Xorte and 
 southwestern Siskiyou along a belt nearly loo miles long, which 
 follows the boundary line between Humboldt and Trinity coun- 
 ties, through the heart of the range and its remote wilderness. 
 A few groups of deposits are found in eastern Humboldt County, 
 but they mainly lie in the two tiers of townships which stretch 
 the length of western Trinity County. The outlines of this big 
 letter T, with a bar 50 by 100 miles in size, and with a stem 
 100 miles long and perhaps 20 miles wide, may, to aid memory 
 and understanding, be regarded as practically inclosing the 
 copper deposits of the northern portion of the Coast Range and 
 the important copper field of the coast region. The Shasta 
 County copper belt lies about 50 miles east of the center of the 
 stem and directly south of the eastern end of the bar. 
 
 This cupriferous T lies in an undeveloped mineral empire 
 rich in gold, filled with mountain streams and untouched for- 
 ests, and before it is opening a great future, in which the min- 
 ing industry will hold the leading place. Access to these stores 
 of copper is gained from the railroad to their east, or from the 
 two harbors of Eureka and Crescent City to the west, but from 
 neither side do railways yet reach into these rugged and for- 
 ested fastnesses, and main highways are few. Onl\- mountain 
 trails lead into some of the regions where copper claims are 
 held and slowly opened at the surface. Plans for a railroad 
 from ICureka across Trinity County to Redding and on to 
 eastern connections are now attracting attention. The Coast 
 Range runs northward into Oregon, and the copper region 
 described also extends into the southwestern part of that State. 
 The portion of the Coast Range thus descrilied ditlfers geo- 
 logically from the rest of the range to the southward, and so, 
 to a considerable degree, do the copper deposits. Here, as to 
 the south, the ore bodies occur in veins in igneous or meta- 
 morphic formations. In both regions serpentine and diorite 
 are the characteristic inclosing rocks, and the former especially 
 accompanies them, forming one or both walls. Onlv in Del 
 Norte County has there been more than superficial prospecting 
 of any of the deposits of this northern regiou. Quite a number 
 of mines in this county shipped ore in the first half of the 
 decade of the sixties, and at least two were opened to depths of 
 
100 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 about 400 feet. These developments showed the ore bodies, 
 which were frequently rich, to be iiregular bunches of limited 
 extent, as a rule, and not in well-defined lodes. Surface indi- 
 cations and the slight developments that have been made in 
 Siski\ou, Trinity, and eastern Humboldt make it probable that 
 there the deposits will be found more regular and persistent. 
 Wide gossan croppings can, in places, be followed for several 
 miles, but prospect tunnels have yet 1)een run under these 
 croppings in but relatively few^ cases. The ensuing notes on 
 some of these prospects show that in Siskiyou County and else- 
 where tunnels have reached ore bodies from a few feet to forty 
 or more feet wide and carrying good values in copper, with 
 varying percentages in the precious metals. One undeveloped 
 prospect in the remote southwestern corner of Trinity County 
 has become noted for the immense bowlders of sulphide ore, 
 carrying gold, silver, and copper, which have come from an 
 outcropping deposit, one of these bowlders being sixty feet 
 across the base and consisting of several thousand tons of solid 
 ore. Large and valuable deposits will undoubtedly be developed 
 in the future. The copper ores of these northern counties are 
 practically all sulphides. vSurface oxides and carbonates do not 
 occur as frequently and extensively as throughout the rest of 
 the range to the southward. 
 
 Southward from Trinity County for about 150 miles to the 
 bay of San Francisco, copper deposits are heterogeneously 
 scattered over the ranges through the western ends of Tehama, 
 Glenn, and Colusa counties, through Mendocino and Lake 
 counties to the west, and through portions of Sonoma, Napa, 
 and Marin counties just north of the bay. The majority of the 
 deposits through this large region are associated with serpen- 
 tine formations, and the prevalent ores are oxides and carbon- 
 ates. The ores are generally in pockets, and carrj' but slight 
 values in gold and silver. Native copper occurs as float in 
 several districts, but assumes no practical importance. The 
 only copper belt presented by this large portion of the range is 
 one 60 miles long, running along the eastern slope, near the 
 range summit, from Tehama County southward through 
 Glenn and Colusa to a termination in Lake County. This is a 
 mineralized zone, along which copper deposits have been dis- 
 covered at intervals and many have been superficially opened 
 
COAST RANC.K DKPOSITS. 101 
 
 by shatts and tniincls. Uiie uf the small early attempts at 
 copfier smelting was made on this belt, and a few tons of ore 
 have been shipped; but, as elsewhere through this portion of 
 the range, no cojiper deposits of much importance have been 
 discovered and no successful mining has ever been carried on. 
 West and south of this belt are many sporadic occurrences in 
 the counties named, and a considerable number have been pros- 
 pected to a limited extent at various times, chiefly during the 
 copper excitement of the early sixties and within the past two 
 or three years. The deposits of this portion of the range are 
 more advantageously situated in respect to convenience of 
 access than those of the north. Copper mining in the.se coun- 
 ties has amounted to little more than gophering after stringers 
 and pockets of ore, often rich in quality but small in quantity. 
 For a distance of about 200 miles southward from the region 
 of San Francisco to San Luis Obispo County, copper minerals 
 have been noted in ever)' county of the range, but the occur- 
 rences are sparse and of slight significance. In the region of 
 Mount Diablo, in Contra Costa County, many thousands of 
 dollars were spent between 1S60 and 1866. by several com- 
 panies, in prospecting for copper, of which there were surface 
 indications in the form of float, but no deposits were e\"er 
 found in place. Close to Oakland, in Alameda County, a 
 recently di.scovered lode carrying copper and iron pyrites 
 is being mined to supply sulphur for acid manufacture. 
 Many years ago some copper ore was shipped from a deposit 
 in vSan Benito County. The only copper district worthy of 
 particular attention, between vSan Francisco Bay and the 
 Tehachapi region at the southern end of the Coast Range, is 
 one in San Luis Obispo County. Here is a belt of cupriferous 
 ores extending for perhaps 20 miles through the mountains 
 between the town of San Luis Obispo and the old mission of 
 Santa Margarita. During tha first period of copper mining in 
 California a great many claims were staked out and considera- 
 ble ore was shipped from .several mines of small development. 
 Recently renewed attention has been given to some of these 
 properties. Near vSoledad Pass, in the general region of the 
 mergence of the Coast and Sierra Nevada ranges at the south, 
 there is a copper district which afforded the first copper ores 
 ever mined in California, and which was a lively copper mining 
 camp for a short time in early days. 
 
102 THK COPPKk RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Throughout the Coast Range there has been no production 
 of copper since the small ore shipments of former times. 
 Many new and old locations have been prospected recently. 
 The northern counties promise important future developments, 
 and throughout the range various properties will probably 
 become small producers in time. 
 
 SISKIY( )U COUNTY. 
 
 Siskiyou County lies along the northern boundary of Cali- 
 fornia, one half the length of which it measures, and has 
 adjoining it Del Norte on the west, Modoc on the east, and 
 Shasta and Trinity counties on the south. Its entire area of 
 3040 square miles is an exceedingly broken and picturesque 
 expanse of mountains, caiions, and wilderness, threaded by a 
 multitude of streams running southward to the Sacramento 
 and northerly and westerly to the Klamath River, which 
 courses for 70 miles through the county. 
 
 The most prominent mountain ranges are the Klamath, 
 Scott, and Salmon. Mount Shasta, in the southern part, raises 
 its whitened volcanic peak 14,450 feet above the sea. The 
 eastern third of the county, comprising thirty-four townships, 
 is blanketed by a portion of the great Sierra Nevada lava sheet, 
 forbidding both mining and agriculture. The rest of the 
 county displays much mineral wealth, mainly concentrated in 
 various belts and districts. There are but two agricultural 
 valleys of importance, the Scott and Shasta, the former 40 
 miles long by 6 miles wide. There is a multitude of springs, 
 and some important mineral springs are well known. 
 
 Its mineral resources constitute the basis of Siskiyou's pros- 
 perity and progress. Its auriferous gravels still provide the 
 bulk of the county's gold output, though the period of simple 
 placer mining passed long ago. Along the Klamath and 
 important tributaries large gravel deposits support profitable 
 hydraulic mines and atTord abundant opportunities for their 
 multiplication. River-bed mining, by the use of wingdams, 
 has been pursued more extensively than in any other county. 
 Now gold dredging has become firmly established and prom- 
 
siSKivor corNTv. 103 
 
 ises to expand. Here, as in other mining counties, the 
 growth of the raining industry dei^nds on the development of 
 the quartz mines, and in this direction Siskiyou County is now 
 making the greatest progress in its history. Successful gold 
 quartz mines have been developed in the past, notably the 
 Black Bear with a- record of over $2,500,000, but only within 
 three or four years has prospecting for gold ores been general 
 and active and investments of mining capital fre<iuent. This 
 development proceeds rapidly, in spite of the surviving lack of 
 roads and trails to some of the rich but remote mining districts. 
 The Southern Pacific railroad to Oregon crosses the county, 
 with a branch to Yreka. Most of the county is yet public 
 land, and the prospector has a wide and free field. Platinum, 
 chrome, lead, coal, iron, and mineral waters are among the 
 minerals occurring here. This is one of the few counties of 
 the State making an annual mineral record exceeding 
 $1,000,000. Its output in 1900 was $1,010,383, of which 
 
 $951-397 ^^':i^ i" ^ol'^^- 
 
 The copper mines and prospects of Si.skiyou County are 
 
 widely scattered over the central and northern portions of the 
 county, and include some properties of considerable magni- 
 tude. Most of them are of comparatively recent development, 
 few of them having found mention in the later reports of the 
 State Mineralogist. In the central portions of the county the 
 prospects are confined to a very few townships lying to the east 
 of Scott Valley, in the vicinity of Fort Jones and on certain 
 tributaries of the East Fork of vScott River. The formations in 
 which these deposits occur are either peridotite or gabbro, or a 
 metamorphic schist overlying these eruptives. The ores are 
 largely sulphides of iron and copper, and include pyrite, 
 pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite. Some of the deposits that have 
 been regarded as valuable for copper are chiefly interesting for 
 their gold and silver values, and as a po.s.sible source of 
 silicious ores for prospective operations. 
 
 The prospects found to the north of the Klamath River are 
 scattered throughout the whole extent of the Siskiyou range 
 from the vicinity of the Cottonwood Valley westward to Pres- 
 ton Peak. They may be grouped in five districts — the Cotton- 
 wood, Applegate, Indian Creek, Clear Creek, and Preston Peak 
 districts. 
 
 The formations in which these deposits occur are various. 
 
104 THE COPPER RESOURCES OK CALIFORNIA. 
 
 The Siskiyou range, like other east-and-west ranges in the 
 Klamath region, is one of complex geological structure. In 
 general terms it is composed largely of crystalline schists and 
 slates and basic eruptive rocks which are involved in or under- 
 lie them. The basic rocks are mainly of the peridotite-diorite 
 class. Oranite also occurs at intervals throughout the range. 
 
 The basic crystalline (eruptive) rocks form some of the 
 most prominent points of the range, no less conspicuous for 
 their color than for their altitude. Several of the prominent 
 mountains have been indiscriminately styled "Red Mountain," 
 on account of the reddish-brown color which peridotite 
 assumes in weathering. Preston Peak, Greyback, and others 
 of the higher summits are of diorite or kindred rocks. While 
 the main course of the range is westerly, its actual watershed 
 is extremely devious, passing alternately into Oregon and into 
 Northern California. Copper deposits are found either in 
 slate, schist, diorite, gabbro, or serpentine. 
 
 The Siskiyou Mountain Copper Belt, if it may be so styled, 
 follows approximately the Oregon and California state line for 
 a distance of 60 miles, with a width of more than 20 miles 
 from the Klamath River north into Oregon. As a mining 
 region it has been prospected to a very small extent for either 
 gold or copper. Yet it is interesting to remember that the 
 streams heading in this range, both on the north and south, 
 have been among the richest placer streams in this region. 
 And it is also true that this range contains as clear evidences 
 of copper deposits as of gold, and should be as attractive to 
 prospectors in search of base metals as to those in search of 
 any other. Although this region is exceptionally rugged in 
 places, it is by no means unapproachable, particularly from 
 the north. The natural advantages of water-power and 
 timber are everywhere abundant. 
 
 The following groups of copper claims are those of most note 
 that are at present known in Siskiyou County: 
 
 Hummer Group. — Consists of three claims in vSec. 18, 
 T. 40 N., R. 7 W., M. 1). M.; owned 1)y Messrs. Mischler & 
 Rollins, of Callahans. These claims have been worked to only 
 a limited extent by shafts and open cuts. The formation is 
 mainly serpentine, though the ore deposits are connected with 
 dikes of quartz porphyry which have penetrated the serpentine. 
 The ore lies in irregular bodies, consisting of pyrrhotite and 
 
SISKIYOf COrXTV — COPPKK ci.Anis. 105 
 
 other sulphides carr>iii^ copper. The ore is said to contain 
 nickel. Development work was in progress. 
 
 Bonanza Group. — Twelve claims in one body situated in 
 Sees. 27 and 34, T. .[2 X., R. s \\'.; owned 1)\- Charles vS. 
 Cowan, of F'ort Jones, W. vS. Carrico, and others. Developed 
 by shafts and luiinels; work in progress. These deposits are 
 in the form of quartz veins carrying a small percentage of 
 sulphides, but are chiefly interesting for their gold and silver 
 values. 
 
 Copper Queen Claim. — One claim in vSec. 27, T. 46 X., 
 R. y \\'.; owned h}' II. J. Barton, of Oak Bar, and William 
 Moxey; developed bj' tunnels 300 feet in length. The deposit 
 is a ([uartz vein carrying sulphurets of iron and copper. Idle. 
 
 Plutus Group. — F'ive claims situated in vSecs. 12 and 14. 
 T. 40 N., R. 8 W.; owned by McCarter and John Krickson, of 
 Callahans. Developed to a limited extent. The ore is p\ rrho- 
 tite, with a small percentage of copper. The formation is 
 gabbro and serpentine. Developing. 
 
 Fortuna Group. — Two claims in Sec. 14, T. 40 X., R. s \\'.; 
 owned by E. G. Harrison of Callahans, and others. Developed 
 by a shaft 40 feet deep. The ore is pyrrhotite, etc., in gabbro 
 and diorite. Developing. 
 
 Solomon. — One claim in Sec. 14, T 40 X'., R. s \\'.; owned 
 by M. Greenberg of San Francisco, and developed by one shaft 
 15 feet in depth. 
 
 Hidden Treasure. — Three claims, located on Boulder 
 Creek, four miles southwest of Callahans; owned by John 
 Russel and the Alger Brothers of Callahans. The vein is said 
 to have a width of 8 feet, consisting of sulphide with some 
 quartz. It carries copper, with some gold and silver. On the 
 projierty there is one tunnel 100 feet long. De\eloping. 
 
 August Flower Group. — Two claims in vSec. i, T. 41 N., 
 R. 8 W.; owned by Harrison Bros., of Callahans. Developed 
 to only a small extent. The ore consists of irregular bodies of 
 pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite in serpentine. De\eloping. 
 
 Huntley Claim. — One claim situated in vSec. 12, T. 40 X'., 
 R. 8 \V.; owned by Harry Mitchell, William Bremer, et a]., of 
 Callahans; 100 feet of tunnels completed and a shaft 22 feet 
 
106 THK COPPKK RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 deep. The ore consists of pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. 
 Developing. 
 
 Lytic. — Two claims in Sec. 20, T. 40 N., R. 7 W.; owned 
 by J. A. Lytle & Son, of Callahans. Developed by 300 feet of 
 tunneling. The ore, which consists of irregular bodies of 
 chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite, follows a contact between a dike of 
 quartz porphyry and serpentine. vSome of the lenses of ore 
 have a thickness of 10 to 15 feet. The ore also contains some 
 gold. Developing. 
 
 Polar Bear Claim. — One claim in Sec. 12, T. 40 N., R. 8 \V.; 
 owned by G. Welker & Sons, of Callahans, and others. Devel- 
 oped by a shaft 40 feet deep and tunnels 70 feet in length. The 
 principal ore body consists of a shoot 5 to 6 feet wide, from 
 which nearly 200 tons of ore were extracted in 1900, carrying 
 values reported at about 1 7 per cent of copper. The ore is 
 chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite in serpentine. Developing. 
 
 Rader Group. — Three claims in Sec. 17, T. 40 N., R. 7 W.; 
 owned by Charles Rader, of Gazelle, and others. Some develop- 
 ment work has been done. The ore consists of pyrrhotite, and 
 is said to contain nickel. Developing. 
 
 Turner Claim. — One claim in vSec. 7, T. 40 N., R. 7 W. 
 Some work has been done, with a good showing of chalcopj'- 
 rite. Developing. 
 
 Monarch Copper Group. — Consists of about 240 acres of 
 patented land situated in the east half of Sec. 7, T. 40 N., R. 7 \V. ; 
 owned by the Monarch Copper Mining Company, Charles F. 
 Pettej-, of Callahans, president. Developed b\- about 200 feet 
 of tunnels and a shaft 20 feet and one 30 feet deep. Sulphide 
 ores of good grade are reported. Developing. 
 
 Thanksgiving Group. — Consists of several claims one and 
 a half miles northeast of Oro Fino; owned by George Hen- 
 derson, of Fort Jones. Small development. Surface indications 
 ver3' good. 
 
 Rothkoph Group. — Fifteen claims located in Sees. 5, 6, 7, 
 and 8, T. 43 N., R. 8 W., four miles northeast of Fort Jones; 
 owned by George Henderson, of Fort Jones. Developed by 
 shafts and tunnels with a total length of 350 feet. The 
 formations are basic eruptive rocks, including serpentine 
 overlaid by silicious strata containing some slate. The ore 
 
SISKIVor COINTY — Cori'KK CLAIMS. 
 
 lo: 
 
 lies partly alou^ the contacl. and consists of chalcopyrite ami 
 jurite in lenticular bodies, having a width of 5 or 6 feet. 
 vSeveral patches of gossan and iron-stained rock occur on the 
 surface. vSonie of the ore carries values reported at 12 to 15 
 per cent copper. 
 
 Schnider Claims.— Two claims in Sec. i 2. T. 40 X.. R. s \V., 
 and vSec. 18, T. 40 X., K. 7 ^V. Developed to a small extent 
 by open cuts. The ore is similar to that of the Polar Bear. 
 Owned by L- vSchnider (S: Son, of Callahans. 
 
 Rainbow Group.— Fourteen claims in T. 40 N., R. 5 W .. 
 four miles southwest of Sisson; owned by the Mount Eddy 
 Mining and Development Company, of vSan Francisco, 
 (iossan croppings. 100 to 600 feet wide, are exposed for over a 
 mile on a spur of Mount F:ddy. The nearly vertical ledge is 
 cross-cut by deep canons, from one of which a short prospecting 
 tunnel has been run. Copper minerals are shown, but the 
 value of the property is indicated only by surface exposures. 
 
 Yellow Buttes Group.— Three claims situated about fifteen 
 miles southeast of Montague, on the north slope of Mount 
 Shasta. Owned by Harvey vSorter, of Montague, and the 
 Dennis Brothers. This property is but little developed at 
 liresent. The formations are schist and granitic rock, between 
 which the vein extends in a north and south direction, having 
 a width of 4 or 5 feet. The ores are chalcoinrite and the 
 carbonates of copper in a gangue of quartz. 
 
 Bonanza Group. —Two claims in T. 47 X., R. s W., M. D. M.; 
 owned by ICrick Carlson, of Hornbrook, and others. The 
 property is developed by 520 feet of tunnels, shafts, etc., show- 
 ing a deposit of sulphide ore 8 to 12 feet thick, which has been 
 followed laterally for a distance of 100 feet. The ores are 
 pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite, some of which carry a good 
 percentage of copper. Assays have shown reported values 
 ranging from 8 to 20 per cent copper. 
 
 Bunnell Group.— Comprises a number of claims situated 
 near the head of Dutch Creek, adjoining the Bonanza group, 
 and containing similar ores. They are owned by the Bunnell 
 Brothers, of Gottville. They have been developed but little. 
 
 Unexpected Group.— Two claims in Sec. 17, T. 47 X., 
 R. S \V.; owned by Ponnay Brothers et al., of Portland, Or. 
 These claims join the Bonanza and Bunnell groups, and con- 
 
108 
 
 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 tain ores of the same character. They are at present developed 
 only by short tunnels and open cuts. 
 
 The deposits of the three preceding groups are mainly 
 contained in a crystalline (hornblendic) schist, associated with 
 peridotite. 
 
 Blue Ledge Group. — Twenty-three claims, owned by L. F. 
 Cooper, W'ni. H. Hamilton, and others, of Crescent City. The 
 property is developed by over 200 feet of tunnels and some 
 open cuts. The formation is a crystalline schist, silicious and 
 
SISKIYOr COrNTY— COI'PKR CLAIMS. 109 
 
 chloritic in character, with a steep inclination to the west. It 
 is associated with basic eruptive rocks. A large body of sul- 
 phide ore has been struck upon this property, one tunnel 
 having penetrated the solid ore for a distance of more than lOO 
 feet, with cross-cuts showing a width of 40 feet or more. The 
 ore bears pyrite, chalcopyrite, and other sulphides and oxides 
 of iron and copper. It carries a small percentage of zinc 
 blende and some (luartz. The average value of the ore is 
 reported above 6 per cent, while some assays have shown very 
 high-grade results. vSamples have shown a reported value in 
 gokl and silver of more than $5 per ton. The apparent oppor- 
 tunities for finding other shoots of ore are good. This prop- 
 " erty forms one of the more important of the copper prospects 
 of the Siskiyou Mountains. 
 
 Nigger Creek Group. — Several claims owned by David 
 Jones of Fort Jones, et al., situated near the head of Nigger 
 Creek, five miles northwest of Hamburg Bar. Small develop- 
 ment. 
 
 Clear Creek Group. — Five claims, situated on Clear Creek, 
 eleven miles southwest of Happy Camp; owned by L. T. 
 Hendricks and M. Thompson, of Happy Camp. The property 
 is developed by a short tunnel. The deposit is said to have a 
 width of 30 feet and appears at intervals for a distance of 2000 
 feet or more. The ore is a mixture of slate, quartz, and sul- 
 phides, the latter apparently of good grade. 
 
 Indian Creek Group.— Ten claims situated along the east 
 side of Indian Creek, extending northward to five miles north 
 of Happy Camp. Owned by J. Henry Wood, W. R. Brown, 
 and the Hendrickson Brothers, of Happy Camp. Developed by 
 tunnels aggregating about 475 feet. The formation is slate 
 overlying peridotite at the north. The ores are pyrite and 
 chalcopyrite interlaminated with slate, forming shoots of a 
 mixed character 20 to 40 feet in thickness. Some very good 
 ore has been found with gold and silver. 
 
 Klamath Group.— Three claims situated three miles east 
 of Happy Camp; owned by J. H. Wood, W. J. Brown. Martin 
 Cuddihy, et al. Seventy-five feet of tunnel has been completed, 
 and ore found which is said to have a value of 12 per cent in 
 copper. 
 
110 
 
 THE COPPKR RESOURCES OK CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Preston Peak Group. — Five claims situated at the head of 
 the south fork of Indian Creek, one and a half miles north of 
 
 ISSUED BY 
 
 Siskiyou County (SlM^^KEAt 
 
 V LEWIS EAUBURY, 
 
 PRESTON PEAK GROUP 
 OF COPPER MINES. 
 
 T 
 
 I 
 
 Ml//, 
 
 Preston Peak; owned by Preston Peak Copper Mining Companw 
 Developed to .some extent in past years. The formation is 
 
DKI, NORTH COINTV. HI 
 
 mainly diorite or gal)l)n). The lode crosses the sumniil in 
 u southwesterly direction, and consists of a succession of 
 shoots, some of which have a width of 20 to 30 feet. The 
 ores are pyrite and chalcopyrite. The average grade of the 
 ore is said to be 12 per cent in copper, with some gold. This 
 property is one of the pioneer discoveries of the vSiskiyou l)elt. 
 
 I)l-L XORII: COUNTY. 
 
 Del Norte County commands a prominent place in any story 
 of California's copper industry, on account of its historical 
 associations with the beginning of that industry and because 
 of the quite widespread occurrences of copper ores, their fre- 
 quent richness, and the possibilities of future dexelopment. 
 
 It is one of the smaller counties of the State, is sparsely 
 settled, and possesses well-wooded and mineralized mountains 
 in the seclusion of the northwest corner of the vState, far from 
 railroads, and with the Pacific for its chief highway to the rest 
 of the world. It is this remoteness which has been the prin- 
 cipal hindrance to the development of its mineral resources, 
 among which copper has ever held an important place. As is 
 noted elsewhere, copper mining was active here in the sixties, 
 and thousands of tons of high-grade ore were shipped to Swan- 
 sea at a cost of alxDUt $30 per ton, including costly haulage to 
 the coast. That unfavorable economic condition, coupled with 
 lower prices for copper and a partial exhaustion of rich surface 
 ores, imposed a long quiescence on the industry. The copper 
 revival has again quickened interest in Del Norte's oft- 
 mentioned copper deposits, of which only superficial explora- 
 tion has yet made anything known, and many old claims have 
 been re-opened and prospecting has added many new dis- 
 coveries. Many favorable conditions for copper mining exi.st, 
 and .sooner or later capital will undertake efficient exploitation 
 by modern methods and production will be resumed. The 
 larger part of the county's area is yet public land, and here the 
 prosi^ector finds a continuance of the wide and attractive field 
 aflforded in adjoining counties of Northern California. 
 
 Most of the known deposits of copper in this county lie along 
 
112 Tin-: COPPER resources of California. 
 
 its northern border, and for the most part are situated on some 
 of the northern tributaries of Smith River. Three districts 
 are now generally recognized along this belt, although good 
 deposits occur outside of them in other sections of the county. 
 The two older districts are those of the Low Divide and of 
 Diamond Creek. The more recent discoveries have been made 
 farther east, upon Shelly Creek, and one of the tributaries of 
 the Siskiyou Fork of Smith River. In the southern portion of 
 the county is the Doctor Rock group, which will be mentioned 
 elsewhere. 
 
 The formation which composes the greater part of Del Norte 
 County and that in which most of the copper deposits lie is 
 peridotite (serpentine).' Diorite or gabbro is generally found 
 accompanying the peridotite, and they are generally regarded 
 as more favorable to permanent deposits of ore. The cores, or 
 central portions, of many of the ridges and spurs are of a gray 
 crystalline rock, either gabbro or diorite. This is superficially 
 covered by a thick casing of serpentine. The diorite or gab- 
 bro appears in the more prominent points of the mountain, 
 protruding through the serpentine, or exposed by erosion in 
 some of the deeper canons. At the contact of the serpentine 
 with the gabbro or diorite, or within the crystalline gray rocks 
 themselves, have been found some of the better deposits of ore, 
 not only in Del Norte County, but also in Siskiyou and 
 Trinity counties. 
 
 Most of the copper deposits of this county, however, are 
 either in the peridotite, or are more or less closely connected 
 with it. In many cases the shoots of ore that have been 
 developed in former years are limited in extent, few of them 
 having been proven to contain more than a few hundred, or 
 even a few tons of ore. They are generally irregular, or else 
 consist of a series of bunches or lenses of ore arranged along a 
 zone which is itself only vaguel)^ definable. The ore is often 
 of very high grade, consisting of copper glance, black and red 
 oxides, carbonates, and native copper. Pyrrhotite is often 
 found, and in some cases magnetic iron or chromite accom- 
 panies the ores of copper. Chalcopyrite is not common. Gold 
 and silver are almost universally reported as accompanying 
 the copper and correspondingly increasing its value. It is not 
 unusual for shipments of ore to carry an average of 30 per cent, 
 
j)i:i, NoKTi': cnrNTv — coppkh ci.Anis. 
 
 113 
 
 -Bii.. 2^i 
 
114 THE COPPKR RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 and often reach 50 to 60 per cent in copper. The cost of 
 shipping ore from Crescent City to San Francisco is approxi- 
 mately $6 per ton. The transportation of ore from the mines 
 to the landing varies in each case, but it has generally ranged 
 between $2.50 and $10 per ton. 
 
 The following are some of the more important copper mines 
 and claims in the various districts of Del Norte County: 
 
 LOW DIVIDE DISTRICT. 
 
 Alta Group. — Two patented claims, owned by the Bacon 
 estate, San Francisco; not worked since 1865; located in 
 Sec. 35, T. 18 N., R. I E., H. M. 
 
 Aurora Group. — Four claims two miles east of the Alta; 
 owned by T. J. McXamara, of Crescent City, and others. The 
 ore of this mine is reported to contain considerable gold in 
 addition to the copper contents. 
 
 Copper Hill Group. — Four claims one-half mile east of the 
 Alta mine; owned b\- the Low Divide Copper Mining Company. 
 This group is believed to cover three distinct lodes, two of 
 which have a northerly course. The ore is high-grade sul- 
 phides, oxides, and carbonates. John Murray, Crescent City, 
 is president of the company. 
 
 Express Mine. — The claim is northeast of the Alta; \Vm. 
 Fleming, Crescent City, owner. 
 
 Mammoth Mine. — One patented claim in Sec. 26, T. 18 X., 
 R. I E., H. M.; owned by the Tyson Company, of Baltimore, 
 Md. The claim contains deposits of both chromic iron and 
 copper ore. Both have been developed to some extent. 
 
 Occidental Group, — Five claims joining the Alta on the 
 south; owned by the Low Divide Copper Mining Company. 
 
 Occidental No. 2.— The claim is located near Copper Hill; 
 owned by J. A. Johnson, Crescent City. 
 
 Union Group. — Two claims joining the Alta on the north; 
 owned by the Union Copper Mining Company. 
 
DKI. NORTH CorNTV — COl'l'KK CLAIMS. 115 
 
 DIAMOND CREEK DISTRICT. 
 
 Bear's Nest Group. — Kight claims on west side ot the 
 North Fork of Smith River, near the Oregon and California 
 state line; owned by Isaac Dietrick, of Smith River, Malone 
 Bros.. McXamara et al. Developed by a long tunnel and open 
 cuts; ore forming a lode 9 feet in thickness and consisting of 
 ]\\ rrhotite aiid other sulphides, with some gold and silver. 
 
 Five Diamonds Group.— Five claims, situated on Diamond 
 Creek; owned by C. W. Baker, of Medford, Or., Harvey 
 Colson et al. 
 
 Keystone Group. — Two claims situated on the North F'ork 
 of Smith River, near the State line; owned by Isaac Dietrick. 
 Developed by short tunnels and open cuts. The formation is 
 seri->entine. The ores are copper glance, red and black oxides, 
 carbonates, and native copper. Five tons of ore which was 
 shipi->ed to a reduction works had a reported value of 62 per 
 cent of copper. Magnetic iron also appears in the claims. 
 
 McKee Claims. — Three or more claims situated near the 
 mouth of Diamond Creek on the North F'ork of Smith River; 
 owned by Simon McKee, Smith River. Some development. 
 
 SHELLY CREEK DISTRICT. 
 
 Alameda Group. — Two claims on vShelly Creek, one-half 
 mile west of station; owned by J. E. Hill & Son, Shelly Creek. 
 Developed by short tunnels. Formation diorite. Ores are 
 pyrite and chalcopyrite. with quartz and waste matter. Sul- 
 jihide values reported at about 3 per cent in coj^per, but ore is 
 said to carry considerable gold. 
 
 Call Group. — Two claims on east .side of Shelly Creek, one- 
 half mile east of station; owned by F. B. Edwards. Developed 
 by tunnels and shafts aggregating 200 feet. The ore is 
 pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. forming irregular bodies in 
 serpentine, and carrying some gold. 
 
 Eva Group. — Three claims on Pattrick Creek, one mile 
 west of Anderson's station; owned by J. B. Hill, Shelly Creek, 
 et al. Tunnel 1 2 feet long, with shafts and open cuts. Good 
 sulphides occur in quartz. The lode is said to be 15 feet wide. 
 
116 THK C0PPP:R resources of CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Prudential Group. — Six claims .situated on Shell}- Creek, one 
 mile north of Shelly Creek station; owned by the Prudential 
 Mining Company, H. S. Reed, Medford, Or., manager. 
 Developed b>- a 25-foot tunnel and a shaft 106 feet deep, with 
 cross-cuts on the lode. The ore lies in two bodies with north 
 and south strike, dipping east 30 degrees. The upper vein has a 
 thickness of 25 feet, the lower one being still thicker. The ore 
 is sulphide of iron carrying small percentages of copper and 
 zinc. The chief values are in the gold content. The lode 
 has been traced for more than 1000 feet on the surface. 
 
 Tuesday Morning- Group. — Eleven claims, one and a 
 half miles southwest .of station on vShelly Creek ; owned by 
 J. E. Hill & Son. But little developed; carries some good ore, 
 consisting of pyrite and chalcopyrite, with some gold. 
 
 OTHER DISTRICTS 
 
 Del Norte Group. — Two claims one mile north of Adams 
 Station, Smith River; owned by Mary Adams. Small develop- 
 ment, but good ore found, consisting of sulphides with some 
 magnetic iron. 
 
 Doctor Rock Group. — Five or more claims situated near 
 the head of Blue Creek, twenty miles north of the Klamath 
 River; owned by Thompson Bros., Requa, Cal., et al. 
 
 Higgins Mountain Group. — Five claims, situated on the 
 Siskiyou Fork of Smith River, five miles south from mouth of 
 Monkey Creek; owned by James Higgins, of Smith River, and 
 James White. Development work con.sists of open cuts. Ore 
 consists of high-grade copper glance, oxides, and carbonates, 
 forming irregular shoots in serpentine. 
 
 Monkey Creek Group. — Six claims, three miles east from 
 the mouth of Monkey Creek, on the Middle Fork of vSmith 
 River; owned b\- ^^'. I^. Higgins & Sons, of vSmith River. 
 Developed ])y short tunnels on opposite sides of the caiion. 
 The ore is pyrite and chalcopyrite in dioritic rock. The values 
 of the sulphide are said to range from 3 to 8 per cent in copper. 
 
TKIMTV CUl'NTV. H' 
 
 1 RiNirv corxi Y. 
 
 Trinity County lies in the heart of the Coast Range, and 
 comprises a very large portion of the vast and slightly 
 developed mineral region of Northern California, being approxi- 
 mately 50 by 100 miles in width and length. It lies south of 
 western .Siskiyou County, whose characteristics it shares, and 
 its eastern boundary is the summit line dividing the water- 
 sheds of the vSacramento River and the direct Pacific slope. 
 Humboldt County separates it from the .sea on the west. The 
 entire surface of the county is mountainous, is profusely 
 watered by the Trinity River and its numerous tributaries, and 
 is ([uite densely forested. Owing to remoteness from rail- 
 roads, the great natural resources are very slightly developed. 
 The i:)opulation is sparse. The forests are practically untouched 
 by the lumberman, and most of the county yet belongs to the 
 public domain. 
 
 Over half the county is mineral-bearing and mining is 
 almost the only industry. There is a vast extent of auriferous 
 gravels accompanying the pre.sent streams and also composing 
 high-lying ridges and benches which mark the course of an 
 ancient river through the northern and central parts of the 
 county. The early surface placers, now exhausted, were 
 exceedingly rich, and at an early day the old gravel deposits 
 referred to, in places hundreds of feet deep, began to be mined 
 by the hydraulic process. For many years hydraulic mining 
 has been the chief form of the industry in Trinity County, 
 and, since the legal restriction of hydraulic mining on the 
 Sierra slope, the largest hydraulic operations of America have 
 been those by the Trinity, near Junction City. As the Trinity 
 and Klamath are not navigable, hydraulic mining is here 
 unhampered by law, and extensive new enterprises are under 
 way. Large gravel deposits are favorably situated for gold 
 dredging, which is assuming importance in this county. 
 
 Quartz mining has but recently begun to make general prog- 
 ress, though a number of important gold mines have been 
 developed in the past, notably the Brown Bear at Deadwood, 
 which is reported to have produced S6,ooo,ooo. In numerous 
 
118 THK COPPKR RESOrRCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 large quartz mining districts valuable mines have within two 
 or three years been developed, and there is much mining 
 activity in spite of the handicap of 50 to 100 miles distance 
 from railroad facilities. Like Siskiyou County, this is an ideal 
 field for the prospector. One of the most important quicksilver 
 mines of the State, the Altoona, has but recently ended a long 
 productive career. This is the chief platinum-producing 
 county of the State. Trinity's mineral output in 1900 was 
 $698,689, of which $571,605 was in gold. 
 
 The copper prospects of Trinity County are perhaps more 
 widely scattered than those of any other county in Northern 
 California. They may be grouped, however, in three districts, 
 or belts, all of which are essentially areas of peridotite. Few 
 of the prospects are of very great magnitude, and most of 
 them are too inaccessible for present economical working. 
 Still, some of the prospects contain ore of high grade, and at 
 least one of them has supplied remunerative shipments of ore. 
 The districts may be designated as the South Fork, the New 
 River, and the Trinity Fork. 
 
 The South Fork district includes a number of scattered 
 prospects lying to the east of the South Fork of Trinity River, 
 between Hyarapome Valle}' and Rattlesnake Creek. The New 
 River district includes a few prospects on the various branches 
 of New River, some of which have considerable merit, and if 
 the%- were more accessible would no doubt already have been 
 worked. The Trinity Fork district includes the copper pros- 
 pects to the north of Trinity Center, near Carrville, and along 
 the main branch of Trinity River. 
 
 The expense of working these prospects is apparent when it 
 is remembered that the ordinary freight rates from Weaverville 
 or Trinity Center to Redding approaches $15 per ton, while 
 the added cost from the mines to these points is often large. 
 In spite, therefore, of the natural advantages of timber and 
 water power, copper mining in Trinity County has not ^et pro- 
 gressed very far. The principal copper prospects of the county 
 are the following: 
 
 SOUTH FORK DISTRICT, 
 
 Cold Creek Group. — Seven claims on the Cold Fork of 
 Indian \'alley Creek; owned by J. R. Bloom and D. T. Goe, 
 Hyarapome. The country is exceedingly rugged. The forma- 
 
TKIMTV CDINTV — CDl'l'KR CLAIMS. 119 
 
 tion is serpentine and diorite. The ore occurs in small bodies 
 or bunches, consisting of quartz carrying some sulphide, not of 
 high grade. Open cuts constitute the present developments. 
 Water power and timber are plentiful. 
 
 Lambert Group. — Three locations on the South Fork of 
 Trinity River, near the mouth of Rattlesnake Creek; owned by 
 Washington Lambert <S: Sons, Hay Fork. Ore forming small 
 veins of chalcopyrite and pyrite in diorite. Developed by short 
 tunnels and shaft; sulphiile of good grade. 
 
 Lone Pine Group. — Two claims situated in Sec. 19, T. i N., 
 R. 8 E., H. M., near the mouth of Rattlesnake Creek; owned 
 by David Murphy and Minnie B. Murjihy, Blocksburg. Ore 
 contains some sulphide, and occurs in diorite. Some develop- 
 ment work done. 
 
 Maddox Group. — Three claims on Cold Fork of Indian 
 Valley Creek; owned by A. L. Maddox, Hay Fork. The for- 
 mation is diorite and serpentine. The ore occurs in small 
 bodies apparently, although but little work has been done to 
 show its extent. The ore consists of oxides, carbonates, and 
 sulphides carrying some gold, and is said to carry from 5 to 30 
 per cent of copper. 
 
 Murphy. — Two or more claims in Sec. 36, T. i N., 
 R. 7 L., H. M.; owned by Minnie B. Murphy and David 
 Murphy, Blocksburg. Developed by three shafts and a tunnel 
 some hundreds of feet long. The formation is serpentine, and 
 the ore occurs in veins of white feldspathic rock carrying a 
 little high-grade oxides, carbonates, and sulphide. 
 
 Pattie.— Three claims in T. i S., R. 7 K., H. M.; owned 
 by Wm. Pattie, Hay Fork. But little developed. 
 
 Vine Oak Group. — Two claims in Sees. 2 and 35, 
 T. I N. and i S., R. 7 K., H. M.; owned by Ira P. Collins, 
 Hay Fork. Some development work has been done. The ore 
 is of fair grade, but in small bodies as shown at present. The 
 country rock is diorite; the ore carries some gold. 
 
120 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 NEW RIVER DISTRICT. 
 
 Granite Group. — Seven claims on Quinby Creek, six miles 
 above its mouth; owned by F. C. Patton, Frank Evans, et al., 
 Weaverville. The ore occurs in serpentine and slate at inter- 
 vals along the entire chain of claims. Only a little develop- 
 ment work has yet been done, though good ore is found and 
 in considerable quantity. Some of the ore has a value of 25 
 per cent in copper, with some gold. Facilities for mining are 
 good. 
 
 Nonpareil Group. — Four claims on the Ea.st Fork of New 
 River, four miles above the mouth; owned by C. S. McAtes, 
 Redding. The lode varies in width from i to 14 feet, but is 
 not traced for a great distance. One tunnel on the property is 
 25 feet in length; not worked for some years. The croppings 
 of gossan are said to occur along the strike of the lode for one 
 mile. The average value of the ore is said to be about S per 
 cent copper. 
 
 TRINITY FORK DISTRICT. 
 
 Cinderella Group. — Two claims in Sec. 9, T. 37 N., R. 7 W., 
 M. U. M.; owned by P. A. Wagner and E. A. Wagner, Carr- 
 ville. Developed by 300 feet of tunnels and a shaft 50 feet 
 deep. The vein is reported to be 16 feet in width.- The 
 country rock is .serpentine. Some of the ore carries 10 per 
 cent of copper. This property joins the Copper Queen on the 
 north. 
 
 Copper Button Group. — Two or more claims located in 
 Sec. 36, T. 37 N., R. 7 W., M. D. M.; owned by H. Z. Osborne, 
 of Los Angeles, and Thomas Baker. Developed by short 
 tunnels and open cuts. Ore occurs in connection with dikes 
 of quartz porphyry in serpentine, and consists of oxides, car- 
 bonates, and sulphides. It is apparently of high grade. Idle. 
 
 Copper Queen Group. — Three or more claims situated in 
 Sec. 16, T. 37 N., R. 7 W., M. D. M.; leased by George H. 
 Fitch, Redding. This property is developed by tunnels and a 
 shaft. The formation is serpentine. The ore consists of the 
 oxides and carbonates of copper, with a little sulphide at the 
 lower levels. 
 
OKANITK GROUP, TRINITY COUNTY. 
 
 (I2I) 
 
122 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Crown Point Group. — Three claims in Sec. i8, T. 37 N., 
 R. 7 W., M. D. M.; owned by George L,. Carr, Carrville, and 
 others. No work has yet been performed. The ore body is 
 said to be very wide and to be otherwise extensive. 
 
 Eureka Group. — Two claims in Sees. 17 and 18, T. 37 N., 
 R. 7 \V., M. U. M.; owned by H. F. Dimock, of Carrville, and 
 L. M. Hoefler et al. The ore is silicious, carr\'ing a small 
 percentage of copper sulphide. The property has 50 feet of 
 tunnel. 
 
 LeBlanc Claim. — One claim on the south side of Copper 
 Creek near Carrville; owned by George LeBlanc, Carrville. 
 Only small amount of development; ore similar to that of the 
 Copper Queen. 
 
 Shoemaker Claim. — One claim on East Fork of Trinity 
 River; owned by Ed. Shoemaker, Trinity Center. Small 
 development. 
 
 Maitland Claim. — One or more claims on Ramshorn 
 Creek, ten miles northeast of Carrville; owned by William 
 Maitland, Abrams. But little developed. Idle. 
 
 OTHER DISTRICTS. 
 
 Jackson & Carter Group.— Four claims in Sec. 29, eight 
 miles southeast of Hay Fork; owned by G. W. Carter and 
 James Jackson, Hay Fork. Developed by shaft 40 feet deep. 
 The lode is said to be 10 to 12 feet wide, but not traced for a 
 great distance in length. Samples of the sulphide ore have 
 assayed 10 per cent or more in copper, with some gold and 
 silver. 
 
 Fortuna Group. — Consists of nineteen claims of unpatented 
 land; owned by the Fortuna Mining Company, C. Sweet, 
 president, Fortuna. Situated live miles from Humboldt 
 County line, thirty miles from Bridgeville. Small amount of 
 development, but shows conspicuous gossan croppings; acces- 
 sible from Fortuna, Humboldt County. This property is near 
 the Copper Queen group, near the head of Van Duzeu River. 
 Development work is in progress. 
 
CROPPINGS 60 VKKT WIDK, ISLAND MOl'NTAIN COPI'IIK MINK 
 
 CROPPINGS IW 1-KKT WIDK, ISLAND MOVNTAIN COPl'KR MLNK. 
 
 (123) 
 
124 THK COPPP:r RKSOURCKS of CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Iron Mountain Claim. — Consists of one claim, situated 
 three miles southeast of the Copper Queen, near the head of 
 \'an Duzen Creek; developed only by open cuts; some low- 
 grade carbonate ore exposed. Owned by Turner & Co., 
 Dyerville, Humboldt County. 
 
 Copper Queen Group. — Consists of six claims, situated in 
 Sees. lo and ii, T. i S., R. 6 K., H. M., and thirty-five miles 
 southeast of Bridgeville, Humboldt County; owned by Joseph 
 Hutchens, Anada, Trinity County. Developed by one 40-foot 
 tunnel and some open cuts. Sulphide ore has been encoun- 
 tered in the tunnel, and gossan croppings are abundant. 
 Development work was in progress. 
 
 Black Palangus Group. — Situated in Sec. 36, T. i N., 
 R. 6 E., H. M.; owned by Joseph Hutchens and Brothers, 
 Anada, Trinity County. Developed by open cut 60 feet long, 
 showing good copper ore, some of it reported to assay 1 7 per 
 cent copper. Croppings are bold, and about 20 feet in width. 
 This property is one mile east of the Copper Queen group. 
 
 Island Mountain Consolidated Copper Mine. — This 
 important but slightly developed property, with its quite 
 remarkable outcroppings, is situated ninety miles north of 
 Ukiah, just over the Mendocino County line. It lies by 
 Eel River in Sees. 9, 10, and 15, T. 5 S., R. 6 E., H. M., in the 
 Horseshoe district, and comprises seven claims — the L,each, 
 Shotgun, Annex, Island Mountain, Merritt, Gore, and Day. 
 The development work consists of one cross-cut tunnel run- 
 ning north 490 feet, one running on the vein northwest 40 
 feet, and several open cuts across the outcrop. The croppings 
 can be traced for 800 feet, and are in places 130 feet wide. 
 The vein has a northwest and southeast trend. The southeast 
 end line starts on the north bank of Eel River, and the claims 
 extend northwest diagonally across Eake Mountain to the 
 south bank of Eel River, the river making a horseshoe bend. 
 The vein is capped with large bowlders containing much 
 copper and iron sulphides. Slides have occurred and many 
 bowlders have found their way to the river-bed, a distance of 
 500 to 700 feet. One bowlder, imbedded about 100 feet north 
 of the river bank, is 60 feet across the base, and is estimated to 
 contain 4500 tons of copper sulphide ore. Large bowlders 
 
I 
 
 s^ 
 
 IT 
 
 r*-"-^ 
 
 L 
 
 ■ROP 
 
M/JP or THE 
 
 /SL/IND MOUNT/UN C0AJSOUD/iT£D COPPFR MIN€S 
 
 TRINITY COUNTY 
 
 B£m<i Pni>T OF SrcTions $, 
 
 7rS ^,, f^.& £'., ^uMaoL 
 
HOWLDKR <)1" COIM'KR ORH GO KEKT ACROSS HASH, :H) I-KKT DKKl', 2.'i 1-KHT 
 ACRDSS Tol'. ISLAND Mol'NTAIN Cori'IlR MIN'i:, TRINITY Col'NTY. 
 
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 .'lOtl VKHT distant, island MOUNTAIN COI'I'KR MINK, TRINITY COINTV. 
 
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iiKwi.Di-.K oi- C(»rri:R okk co i-ei:t across hash, :;o i-kkt i)i-;hi'. -i') vkkt 
 
 ACROSS Tor, ISLAND MoTNTAIN CoI'I'KR MINI".. TRINITY COVNTY. 
 
 BOWI.DHRS Ol- COI'I'KR ORI-;, ON NORTH HANK ol l-.l.I, RlVllR, VROM OITCROP 
 .-.(HI VI-KT DISTANT, ISLAND MOlNTAIN COI'I'KR MINK, TRINITY COrNTY. 
 
 (125) 
 
126 THK COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 have accumulated along the north bank of Eel River for 500 
 feet, and one weighing 160 pounds is reported to have yielded 
 10 ounces in gold, 5 ounces in silver, and 4^2 per cent in 
 copper per ton. The long tunnel was started 50 feet north of 
 the river bank, and extended across the country rock 490 feet 
 with the view of cutting the vein. This work was done in 
 1899, by the London Exploration Company. No timbers were 
 put in. The rains made the ground heavy and the tunnel is 
 now caved at several places. In 1900 the shorter tunnel was 
 run 40 feet, and its face is now in solid sulphide ore. As far 
 as the vein is exposed on the level, it has the appearance of 
 dipping into the mountain at a very low angle. The long 
 tunnel has not been extended far enough north to penetrate 
 the vein, providing it extends to this level. The country rock 
 on the hanging wall is soft sandstone and the foot wall calca- 
 reous shale. Several trenches from 3 to 5 feet deep have been 
 made across the outcrop, northwest of the 490-foot tunnel, 
 showing the croppings to be from 60 to 1 30 feet wide. The 
 water running from the tunnel is highly impregnated with 
 copper. The elevation at the mouth of the long tunnel is 
 1300 feet, and on Eake Mountain, where the croppings cross, 
 1700 feet. The country rock to the north, down the slope of 
 Lake Mountain, is composed of serpentine and sandstone. 
 Island Mountain is on the south side of Eel River and directly 
 opposite the claims. Owner, Island Mountain Consolidated 
 Copper Company, San Francisco. 
 
 HrMHOLDT COrXTY. 
 
 The scattered copper deposits of the Coast Range extend, to 
 a slightly known degree, into the coast county of Humboldt, 
 which stretches for about 100 miles along the ocean shore south 
 of Del Norte and reaches 30 to 40 miles eastward into the moun- 
 tains to adjoin Trinity County. This county, chiefly famed for 
 its redwood lumber and dain*' industries, is one of the minor 
 mineral-producing counties of the State, though it has exten- 
 sive undeveloped mineral resources. For forty years it has 
 held out the promise of showing a large and valuable oil-field 
 
IIIMHOLDT corxTY. 127 
 
 neigh l)ori II j:^ the ocean, and on its shores has, since earl)' cla\ s, 
 been the chief scene of beach phicer mining on the Pacific 
 Coast. It has nuraerons coal de]>osits of prospective vahie. 
 Along the Klamath, at the northern end, some hydraulic and 
 other placer mining operations have proceeded for a great 
 many years. 
 
 A large portion of the county, embraced in its eastern jxirt, 
 is mineralized and depends mainly on its minerals for whatever 
 future industrial development it may know. Low-grade 
 auriferous veins occur. This eastern portion of the county, 
 throughout its length, is in general much broken, unsettled, 
 remote, difficult of access, and little explored for minerals. It 
 is den.sely forested, is full of streams, and being on the western 
 slope, has a heav\- rainfall. These and other characteristics it 
 shares with western Trinity. The county has two short local 
 railroads near the coast, but communication with the outside 
 world is through the harbor of Eureka. The mountainous 
 eastern portion is poorly supplied with roads and trails. 
 
 It is in a region of this nature that Humboldt's known 
 copper deposits occur, and in their kind and occurrence they 
 resemble those of Del Norte and Trinity counties. The copper 
 claims now held may be grouped in three districts. The best 
 known are in the extreme northern part near the Klamath 
 River. At the head of Red Cap Creek, south of the river and 
 on a high ridge, are copper indications which have caused con- 
 siderable expenditure in prospecting in the past and which are 
 again being explored. Large pieces of bornite and native cop- 
 per occur as float. North of the river, near the headwaters of 
 Camp Creek, large bodies of low-grade ore are reported. Well 
 toward the .southeastern portion of the county, in the neighbor- 
 hood of Las.seck Peak, are extensixe surface showings of copper 
 ores. This is northwest of the Mad River district across the 
 line in Trinity County. West of Lasseck Peak, and not far 
 from the coast, are groups of claims showing carbonates and 
 but slight development. The leading copper properties of these 
 districts are noted. 
 
 Red Cap. — This property consists of 57.66 acres in Sec. 29, 
 T. ID N., R. 6 E., H. M. It is situated 67 miles northeast from 
 Eureka, and is reached ])y railroad 20 miles to Blue Lake, 
 thence 17 miles to Blairs by wagon-road, and thence 30 miles 
 
128 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFOKXIA. 
 
 by pack trail. In the year iS8o considerable work was done 
 on the property in running tunnels, but no vein has ever been 
 found in place. Many specimens of native coi)pcr have been 
 found at the base of the mountain in Roise and Red Cap creeks. 
 The contact is very prominent for the entire length of prop- 
 erty, serpentine being the foot wall and diorite being exposed 
 on the hanging wall. Abundance of timber and wood is 
 growing on the property. Red Cap and Boise creeks afford 
 plenty of water for all practical use. The elevation at the base 
 of the mountain is 450 feet, and on the ridge, where the con- 
 tact is prominent, 2150 feet. The strike of the contact is 
 north. On the w^est side of the contact, slides have taken 
 place for several hundred feet down the mountain, and evi- 
 dently the rich float that has been found on Red Cap and 
 Boise creeks came with the slides. The company is now^ 
 arranging to place men at work in a more intelligent manner 
 than heretofore. Orleans Bar, the nearest postofflce, is seven 
 miles distant. Owners, J. R. Dollison, of the Eureka Bank, and 
 others, Eureka, Humboldt County. 
 
 La Perin Group. — Joins the Red Cap mine on the north, 
 displays same formation, and consists of ten mineral locations 
 on the strike of the contact, which is north. When inspected, 
 work of preparation for running a tunnel was proceeding. 
 Owner, J. La Perin, Orleans Bar, Humboldt County. 
 
 Red Lasseck. — Situated seven miles southwest of the 
 Copper Queen group in Trinity County, in T. i S., R. 4 E., 
 H. M., and is on the south side of Lasseck Creek, at an eleva- 
 tion of 5800 feet. This is a recent location and was being 
 developed 1)>- an open cut. The croppings appear of an oxide 
 nature, reported to yield 9 per cent in copper. The formation 
 of both walls is serpentine. The property can be reached 
 over a trail from Blocksburg, Humboldt County, a distance of 
 seven miles. Owners C. B. Bulger and others, Anada, Trinity 
 County. 
 
 Rainbow Group. — This property, consisting of nineteen 
 claims, is situated in the Mattole Mining District, 60 miles 
 south of Eureka, in Sees, ig, 30, and 32, T. i S., R. i E. ; also 
 in Sees. 12 and 19, T. i vS., R. i \V. The sea coast is 14 miles 
 west. The Eureka & Eel River Railroad runs to within 30 
 
TKHAMA. GLENN, AND COI.ISA COl'NTIKS. 
 
 129 
 
 miles at Scotia. Aljout the center of these claims an open cnt 
 has been extended 60 feet across, the vein matter showing 
 carbonate ore in many places in the cut. Several trenches on 
 the outcrop show the same character of ore for several hundred 
 feet along the strike of the croppings. On the north end of 
 this property a creek, tributary to Bear River, runs diagonally 
 across the property, and has cut a deep gorge through the 
 veins, showing carbonates somewhat extensively 100 feet in 
 width. Wood and water are plentiful. A cross-cut tunnel 
 was being run with the expectation of tapping the ore body 
 200 feet from the surface. The property is owned by an 
 incorporated company ( C. S. Taylor president, and H. L- Ford 
 secretary ) of Kureka. Humboldt County. 
 
 Crismon Group —Consists of 80 acres of patented land; 
 joins the Rainbow group of mines on the south, and is in 
 Sec. 8, T. 2 S., R. i E., H. M. Several prospect holes have 
 been sunk at intervals over the 80 acres, and carbonate ore 
 has been found. When visited, sufficient development work 
 had not been done to demonstrate the width of the ore, neither 
 could any walls be traced. The same situation prevails as 
 at the Rainbow group as to wood, timber, and water. 
 A. H. Crismon & Son, owners, Pepperwood, Humboldt County. 
 
 TEHAMA. GL1:XX. AND COLUSA COrXTIES. 
 
 South of Shasta County and the head of the Sacramento 
 Valley, the eastern slope of the Coast Range is, for a long dis- 
 tance south, embraced in the western portions of the three 
 large Sacramento Valley counties of Tehama, Glenn, and 
 Colusa, the western boundaries of which are along the range 
 summit. Tehama reaches across to the Sierra slope, and the 
 others have the Sacramento River for their eastern boundaries. 
 These counties are preeminently agricultural and horticultural, 
 and have cut small figures in the mineral industr)- of the State, 
 though, especially in the case of Colusa, this has been because 
 varied and valuable mineral resources have been but slightly 
 exploited. Their mineral resources are found along the Coast 
 y— BrL. 23 
 
130 THK COPPKR RK;SOrRCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Range slope, which dispkiys similar topographical, geological, 
 and other characteristics throughout the three counties. This 
 slope is fairly well watered, poorly wooded, and slightly settled, 
 except in small fertile valleys. The lower foothills through 
 the three counties present a long belt showing promising 
 indications of petroleum and natural gas, which have for many 
 years been the subjects of more or less prospecting. Along 
 this slope, at higher altitudes, various mineral substances have 
 long maintained attention that has generally been unrewarded. 
 Nature has been most generous with Colusa in this regard, 
 and its western portion from valley plain to range summit 
 displays, besides oil, well-known occurrences of quicksilver, 
 sulphur, coal, mineral waters, gold, copper, building-stone, etc., 
 many of which are now receiving attention and inducing con- 
 siderable investment. In 1900, Colusa produced some quick- 
 silver and mineral water, Glenn yielded no minerals, and 
 Tehama was credited with only brick. 
 
 Through these counties the known copper deposits are 
 ranged in a north and south belt, high up on the slope, 
 parallel with the range and about 50 miles west of the Sacra- 
 mento River. This belt runs from the west-central part of 
 Tehama County .south through Glenn into the northeastern 
 portion of Colusa County, whence it is prolonged into Lake 
 County, and its course through the three valley counties is 
 about 60 miles in length. The deposits to be noted are mainly 
 in the columns of townships numbered 6 and 7 west, M. D. M., 
 some others lying in T. 8 \\\ All are but a few miles below 
 the summit line. This zigzag line of deposits follows a serpen- 
 tine belt, and the copper ores are characteristically found 
 inclosed in serpentine. The copper exists in various mineral 
 forms, those most frequently noted being red and black oxides 
 and carbonates, while native copper in the form of float is 
 found at various points. The ores frequently carry some gold, 
 and they generally occur in narrow and often rich .seams 
 between layers of serpentine, but the deposits opened so far 
 have been small. 
 
 Copper deposits in Colusa and Glenn counties were first dis- 
 covered in the early sixties, and this region shared the general 
 copper excitement of that period. Two attempts at reduction 
 in small smelters in the sixties and seventies, respectively, failed 
 because the proce.sses were not adapted to the ores, and no 
 
CLAIMS IX Tl'.HAMA AM) C.I.HNN C(H NTIK.S. 13l 
 
 profital)le or notable operations have ever been con(hicted in 
 these counties. Some sHght shipments of ore have been made 
 in past years, and quite a numl)erof claims have been opened to 
 a small extent, but all exploration to date has been superficial 
 and little is known of the value of the copper belt described. 
 The frequent richness of the ores suggests the probable worth 
 of a large deposit if one were discovered. These deposits 
 are now causing considerable prospecting activity, but little in 
 the way of development. Those descriljed in the following 
 notes are the chief ones now held and known as copper 
 propositions, but they cover a small part of the mineralized 
 belt in which they belong. 
 
 TEHAMA COUNTY DEPOSITS. 
 
 Kestner & Thomjison are engaged in prospecting a claim in 
 Sec. 4, T. 27 X., R. 7 \V. They have three tunnels 5S, 27. and 
 27 feet long respectivel\-. The vein, 4 to 5 feet in width, is in 
 serpentine. Now idle. 
 
 Elder Creek Groups.— In Sec. 20, T. 25 N., R. 7 W., 
 and in Sees. 9, 10, 15, and 16, T. 24 N., R. 7 W'.; comprise 
 three claims owned by W. Richards, five claims belonging to 
 F. T. Notz, three claims to A. Henley, and three claims to 
 George W. Cooper. All show some copper indications, and all 
 have but little development. 
 
 L. Iv Ferine was working on copper stringers in vSec. 25, 
 T. 27 X., R. s \V. 
 
 White Bluff Group.— In Sees. 4, 5, S, and 9, T. 25 X., 
 R. 7 \V.; belongs to B. X. Huestis, of Red BlutT. and consists 
 of six claims. They are in the chrome district. Some copper 
 indications. Xow idle. Slight development. 
 
 GLENN COUNTY DEPOSITS. 
 
 Hudibras Claim.— In Sec. i, T. 19 X., R. 7 \V. The 
 formation is serpentine. A shaft 6 feet deep shows some 
 copper indications. Owner, Briscoe Oil and Mineral Company. 
 The same company owns land in Sees. 2, 11, 12, and 13, 
 whereon copper indications occur. 
 
132 THK COPPKR RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 H. D. Knight owns land in Sees. i8 and 19, T. ly X., R. 6 W., 
 showing copper indications. 
 
 St. John Development Co. — Owns land on which there 
 are iron-capped copper indications in Sec. 18, T. iS X , R. 6 W. 
 
 Indications similar to the above occur in Sees. 12, 13, and 24, 
 T. 18 X.. R. 7 W. 
 
 Black Buttes Copper Claim. — In Sees. 30 and 31, T. 24 N., 
 R. 8 W. Owner, J. A. Bedford, who is now working the 
 prospect. There are here fine indications of red oxide scat- 
 tered around in bunches, but no vein. Nothing is being done 
 in this count}^ farther north than this. 
 
 There are the remains of an old town, Peckville, in Sec. 18, 
 T. 18 N., R. 6 W., where in the sixties there was a large 
 amount of prospecting for co]")per and gold. Old tunnels and 
 shafts are frequent. To the north of Chrome Mountain, two 
 miles, A. W. Lehorn owns claims where there are good copper 
 indications; formation serpentine. Development consists of a 
 tunnel 200 feet long. Large pieces of native copper are here 
 found, some weighing about two pounds. 
 
 South from the Black Buttes, along Grindstone Creek, and 
 following the creek 25 or 30 miles to Stony Creek, it is all a 
 copper mineralized country. 
 
 COLUSA COUNTY DEPOSITS. 
 
 Gem Group. — Located by W. W. Heard and others, con- 
 sisting of fourteen claims in Sec. 28, T. 16 N., R. 6 W. 
 Nearby are two claims owned by Raymond Houx and Edward 
 Swinford, all showing indications of copper. 
 
 Blackbird. — Owned by C. L- Heard et al. ; in Sees. 19 
 and 20, T. 16 N., R. 6 W. Ledge is in serpentine. Small 
 development. 
 
 Gray Eagle. — The most important location in this neigh- 
 borhood is owned by W. N. Heard and J. W. Simons. It lies 
 in Sec. 20, T. 16 N., R. 6 \V. It is developed by open cuts and 
 a shaft 20 feet deep. The vein formation is of unknown width, 
 but a seam of copper-bearing rock is exposed that shows from 
 
coi.rsA corNi'v — c<n'ri;K claims. 
 
 1 :\:i 
 
 iJ> to 4.S inches in witltli. This does not yet appear lo have 
 much reguhirit> . A tuiniel run 200 feet does not reach the 
 vein in depth. The ores are native copper in serpentine and 
 red and black oxides. Along the lode ores carrying native 
 copi")er can l)e found as float. 
 
 Pacific Claim. — It is about two miles southeast of the (iray 
 Eagle, in Sec. 2S, T. 16 X., R. 6 \\'. Here a shaft was sunk 
 50 feet on a bunch of ore, which was then all extracted and 
 
 GKAV K.AC.I.H COPPHR CI..VI.\I. COLVS.-V ColNTV. 
 
 shipped. There are two other shafts, one 25 feet, the other 
 45 feet deep. The formation is .serpentine, and the ores are 
 oxides of iron and cojiper, carr>'ing some gold. 
 
 There are .several other ])rospect holes, showing small 
 amounts of co]iper ores, in T. 16 X., R. 6 W. 
 
 Ruby King Copper Mining and Townsite Co. — A 
 Sacramento corporation owns and has opened eleven claims 
 in Sees. 29 and 32, T. 17 X., R. 6 W. Xo great development, 
 
134 THK COPPER RESOURCEvS OK CALIFORNIA. 
 
 and no large deposits are yet shown. The principal indica- 
 tions on this group are float copper. 
 
 On the ground of the Mark Hanna Oil Company, in vSec. 35, 
 T. 17 N., R. 7 \\'., there are indications of copper ore. 
 
 Lion Mine. — On this old property, the present owner of 
 which is J. F. Easton, there has been considerable work done 
 in the past. 
 
 MKM)UCL\0 COUNTY. 
 
 Mendocino County knows little of the mineral industry in 
 any of its forms, but carries various economic minerals in its 
 mountains, prominent among which is copper, of which many 
 surface showings occur. The county occupies about 85 miles 
 of the coast line south of Humboldt, and in its widest part 
 reaches 60 miles eastward to the summit of the Coast Range, 
 where it meets the valle}- county of Cilenn. Its southern half 
 shares the higher mountain region with Lake County. Mendo- 
 cino has rich agricultural valleys, the chief ones being those of 
 the Ivel and Russian rivers. The redwood belt extends through 
 the county, and luml)ering is the chief industry. The lower 
 elevations afford extensive grazing lands. Mineral springs and 
 an extensive undeveloped coal region in the northern part pro- 
 vide the best known mineral features. 
 
 Copper occurrences are sporadic and form no "belts." They 
 are found along the eastern side of the county and across the 
 southern end to the range nearest the coast. As elsewhere in 
 this general coast region, they var>- in nature, displaying car- 
 bonates most frequently and occurring in metamorphic forma- 
 tions. Several prospects display rich ores in small quantity, 
 but the prospecting that has been carried on intermittently for 
 many years has not yet revealed any notable deposits. 
 
 In the northern part of the county, the Thomas property has 
 been long prospected because of rich indications, but no large 
 ore bodies have been found in place. Promising indications are 
 reported from Potter \'alley in the east central part. Most of 
 
MKXDociNo corxTY — c<>i'I'i:k claims. 135 
 
 the known jiros|)ects arc in the sonthern, and especially the 
 southeastern portion, south and east of Ukiah, the county 
 seat, near the Lake County boundary. 
 
 Thomas. — On Bralt ridge, at the edge of Kden X'alley, 
 lifty-five miles north of Ukiah and three miles south of Carey. 
 A mass of rich sulphides of iron and copper has cau.sed con- 
 siderable prospecting in search of a vein, which has not been 
 found. 
 
 Native Copper. — On Red Mountain, twelve miles southeast 
 of I'kiah. A shallow cut shows a stratum of serpentine about 
 3 feet wide, carrying native copper and copper minerals. The 
 stratum is inclosed in serpentine. Abandoned. 
 
 Red Mountain Group. — Four claims, ten miles southeast of 
 Ukiah, in vSec. 23, T. 15 X., R. 11 W. Apparently two veins 
 exist. The.se claims were located in 1890, and relocated from 
 time to time. The formation is principally .serpentine. One 
 claim is developed by an open cut and cross-cut tunnel. 
 Several small bunches of ore have been found in the cut, show- 
 ing green carbonates and metallic copper. An adjoining claim 
 is developed by two shafts 100 feet and 50 feet deep and by 
 an incline. From one shaft, above the 50-foot level, bunches 
 of carbonate ore were taken out in 1S96. One ton of ore 
 shipped to vSan Francisco yielded $12 in excess of transporta- 
 tion and working charges. The shaft was extended to the 
 loo-foot level, showing no ore, the bottom being in broken 
 sandstone and clay. From an incline several tons of low-grade 
 ore have been taken out. Other openings have yielded nothing 
 of interest. The property has remained idle since 1896. The 
 company was arranging to resume operations by starting a 
 cross-cut tunnel on the east side of the mountain to cut the 
 vein 200 to 300 feet below the old workings. Owners, Huff & 
 Gibson, Ukiah. 
 
 Ogle. — This mine is situated in the Anderson Valley district, 
 comprises 2000 acres of patented land, in T. 13 N., R. 12 W., 
 and joins the Redwood Copper Queen mine on the north. 
 Recently this land was bonded to Cloverdale people. A shaft 
 16 feet deep on the center of the claim exposed carbonate ore. 
 Not enough work has been done to demonstrate the width of the 
 
136 THK COPPKR RP:SOURCEvS of CALIFORNIA. 
 
 vein or the formation of the walls. Go.s.san 2 to 3 feet wide 
 can be traced for one mile through the claim. It was the 
 reported intention of the parties having the option to erect a 
 horse-whim and explore the property to deeper levels. The 
 conditions attending the Redwood Copper Queen obtain. 
 Owners, Ogle Brothers, Ornbaun, Mendocino County. 
 
 McGimpsey. — In Sees. 17, 13, and iS, T. 13 N., R. 12 W., 
 fifteen miles southwest of Ukiah, comprising eight full claims. 
 Four shallow open cuts measure the prospecting done. The 
 formation is serpentine. The open cuts have exposed con- 
 siderable copper stains and in a few places some red oxide of 
 copper mixed with oxide of iron. The work so far shows no 
 vein or fissure, only an irregular diflfusion of cupriferous material 
 through the mass of eruptive rocks. Parties were arranging to 
 explore the property on a deeper level bj' running a cross-cut 
 tunnel on the west slope of the hill. Owner, C. P. McGimpsey, 
 Ukiah. 
 
 Pieta. — One claim, ten miles northeast of Cloverdale, four 
 miles from the Sonoma County line. It is developed by an 
 open cut 55 feet across the vein matter. Croppings can be 
 traced through the claim, the strike of the mine being east. 
 The ore carries a slight trace of carbonate of copper, the gangue 
 matter is mostly magnetic iron, and serpentine is the formation 
 of both walls. Only assessment work has been done. Owners, 
 J. G. Caldwell et al., Healdsburg, Sonoma County. 
 
 Redwood Copper Queen. — Consists of 840 acres of 
 patented land in Sees. 17 and 20, T. 12 N., R. 13 \V., M. D. M., 
 and is thirty -five miles southeast of Ukiah. The development 
 work consists of nearly 200 feet of tunneling to a point in the 
 vein where a chamber has been excavated 16 feet square, 
 exposing sulphide ore. Two winzes have been sunk at this 
 point, 100 and 36 feet respectively. The vertical loo-foot 
 wdnze was started near the foot wall, and sulphide ore exposed 
 the entire depth. The foot wall having been encountered at 
 this level, work was then abandoned, and a second winze 
 started. It is on an incline of 65 degrees northeast and show- 
 ing sulphide ore. The lode is very much broken, and the 
 walls very irregular, caused doubtless by faults that are promi- 
 nent on the surface. The walls on the tunnel level are 
 respectively broken porphyry and sandstone. A gossan cap- 
 
MKN'DOCINO CorxTV — COl'PHK CLAIMS. 
 
 137 
 
 ping 2 to 4 feet wule can be traced one mile through the 
 proi^rty. The surface soil is in some places from 6 to H feet 
 deep. The ore carries gold, silver, green and blue carbonates, 
 
 Ti, . ,<;.i-'. 
 
 
 KKDWOOn COPPHk Ql-KKN MINI-, Mi: NDOCINO COrXTY. 
 
 black and red oxides, gray copper and copper pyrites, and 250 
 tons of ore are now stored on the dumps. The company is a 
 San Francisco corporation. W. P. Ferguson, president; 
 Thomas Mellersh, secretary and treasurer, San Francisco. 
 
138 THK COPPER RESOURCES OK CALIFORNIA. 
 
 LAKE COUNTY. 
 
 Lying wholly within the Coast Ranges, with the line divid- 
 ing the watersheds of the Sacramento River and the Pacific 
 for its eastern boundary, inclosed between two ranges and 
 containing an especially rugged portion of this mountain sys- 
 tem. Lake County has varied mineral resources, though its 
 mineral output is relativeh' small. Its many scenic attrac- 
 tions have made it called a little Switzerland. It is a region 
 of much and recent volcanic action. It has many mineral 
 springs, some of which are famous resorts, and by these Lake 
 County is mainly known to the outside world. Cinnabar is 
 its chief mineral resource, and it is now one of the important 
 quicksilver counties. Its other minerals are gold, silver, 
 copper, borax, sulphur, asbestos, chrome, natural gas, etc. 
 
 The cupriferous belt passing through Tehama, Glenn, and 
 Colusa counties reaches into Lake at the north. Here, near 
 the head of Little Indian Valley, a mineralized belt carrying 
 copper extends several miles, and at one time there was quite 
 a copper excitement caused by the finding of large pieces of 
 native copper and rich oxide ores. The Lyon property gave 
 rich prospects and several thousand dollars were lost in an ill- 
 managed attempt to smelt the ores. Copper is elsewhere 
 mainly found in the southern portion of the county below 
 Clear Lake, and in the central west near the head of Clear 
 Lake and across the line from the chief copper occurrences of 
 Mendocino County. Three properties are noted. 
 
 Copper Prince Mining Co. — Property consists of three 
 claims, four miles northwest of Middletown, in Sec. 19, 
 T. II X., R. 7 \\'., in the southern part of the county. Devel- 
 oped mainly by one tunnel and two open cuts on the vein, 
 showing the vein to be from 6 to 8 feet wide, with limestone 
 walls. Heavy gossan can be traced through the claims. The 
 company was surveying on the north slope of the ridge pre- 
 paratory to starting a tunnel with the view of cutting the vein 
 on deeper levels. The ore on the tunnel level is impregnated 
 with blue and green carbonates, and is reported to assay 5 per 
 cent in copper. S3 in gold and i ounce of silver. President, 
 E. Lobree; Secretary, J. C. Ruddock, Ukiah. 
 
I.AKK CorNTV— NAPA COUNTY. 1^9 
 
 Christiansen Tract.— This cumprises 294 acres in T. 13 N., 
 R. 7 W., and is three miles south of Clear Lake. Considerable 
 float has been toutid on the low lands, evidently coming from 
 the high ridges that are somewhat prominent throughout the 
 tract. Several pieces of the float have been assayed, and are 
 reported to contain 65 per cent copper. In 1879 a tunnel was 
 run about the center of the ranch, 112 feet north on a contact 
 of serpentine and limestone, but no vein was found in place. 
 Owner, Peter Christianson. 
 
 Poe Claim.— Seven miles north oi Lakeport, in vSec. 27, 
 T. 15 X.. R. 10 W., a shaft of 35 feet was sunk and a tunnel 
 of 65 feet, now caved, was run in 1S70. In 1900 parties 
 relocated and ran an open cut 25 feet long on the south end 
 croppings. The vein is 5 feet wide, in a serpentine belt, and 
 shows a light trace of carbonates. There are ten sulphur 
 springs at the north end of the property. Owners, H. B. 
 Wells, A. Smythe, and James Lee, Lakeport. 
 
 NAPA COrX TY. 
 
 Napa County is one of the most favored and fertile counties 
 of the Coast Range region. It lies south of Lake County and 
 east of Sonoma, and reaches south to San Pablo Bay. Topo- 
 graphically it is mainly composed of the rich and populous 
 Napa Valley and of two flanking mountain ranges. At the 
 head of Napa \'alley, at the northern end of the county, is 
 Mount St. Helena, altitude 4343 feet, the highest point in this 
 part of the Coast Range. Napa is mainly a fruit, grain, and 
 vine-growing county, but it also posses.ses a variety of mineral 
 resources, those of greatest present importance being quick- 
 silver and mineral waters. In the northern portion of the 
 county are some of the important quicksilver mines of Cali- 
 fornia, and some of its mineral springs are widely known. 
 Other mineral resources are gold, silver, chromium, iron, 
 manganese, and building-stone. In 1900 Napa County's 
 mineral output amounted to $493,100, and in 1899 to $701,416. 
 Copper occurs sporadically, as in adjoining counties. Two 
 deposits are noted. 
 
140 thp: coppkk kp:soi'rces of California. 
 
 Napa Copper Claim. — One claim, situated thirteen miles 
 south of Middletown, in Sec. 17, T. 10 N., R. 5 \V.; developed 
 by a cross-cut tunnel south 400 feet. A gossan capping can 
 be seen through the entire plain. Several years back a shaft 
 was sunk 50 feet on the west end of the plain, and reported to 
 have encountered .several bunches of high-grade sulphide ore. 
 Recently a new corporation was organized, and work was 
 resumed. A 700-foot tunnel was started on the north side of 
 the mountain with the view of cutting the vein 300 feet from 
 the surface. When visited work was temporarily suspended, 
 with the tunnel at 400 feet. The country formation is serpen- 
 tine. Owners, Napa Copper Company — Owen Wade, president ; 
 T. A. Taylor, secretary, 6t. Helena. 
 
 Search Group. — This property consists of eight continuous 
 claims, seventeen miles north of Napa, in Sec. 5, T. 6 N., 
 R. 5 W. Very little work has been done. There has never 
 been any vein found in place, although considerable float, 
 consisting of sulphides, has been picked up on the slope of the 
 mountain. The formation is serpentine. Several years ago 
 several cross-cut tunnels were run north, but were not extended 
 far enough to encounter the vein. The capping has an east 
 and west trend, is 2 to 4 feet wide, and is sprinkled with blue 
 and green carbonates. No work is now being done. Owner, 
 E. F. Rossan, Glen Ellen. 
 
 SONOMA COUNTY. 
 
 Quite a number of copper deposits of minor importance, as 
 far as developed, are found in the bay county of Sonoma, 
 which lies for nearly 60 miles along the sea south of Mendocino, 
 extends back some 40 miles to the summit of the main Coast 
 Range, opens on vSan Pablo Bay at its south, and leaves the 
 small county of Marin occupying the peninsula opposite San 
 Francisco. The county is traversed by .several low north-and- 
 south ranges, and possesses some of the largest and most 
 famous of the horticultural and agricultural valleys of the 
 State. These fertile valleys are the chief fountains of its life 
 and wealth. The redwood belt near the coast supports an 
 
SONOMA COINTV — COPPKK CLAIMS. Ml 
 
 extensive lumber industry. ()t minerals, the county possesses 
 a variety, quicksilver and mineral waters being the only ones 
 commercially i^roduced. There are slight occurrences of gold 
 and silver, and scattered deposits of iron, coal, manganese, 
 mineral paint, chrome, clays, building-stones, etc. 
 
 The coi^per ores discovered form no connected belt, Init occur 
 within two vertical tiers of townships through the central 
 region of the county. The occurrences are similar to those of 
 adjacent coast counties. vSeveral prospects have been opened 
 by superficial shafts, tunnels, and cuts, a few tons of ore taken 
 out and slight experimental shipments made in past years. 
 vSeveral proi^rties have lately been re-opened. 
 
 Wall Tract. — Consists of 200 acres of patented land five 
 miles southwest of Santa Rosa, in vSec. 30, T. 8 N., R. 9 W. 
 vSeveral pieces of rich copper float have been found on the 
 tract, but as yet no vein in place. A shaft 10 feet deep has 
 shown native quicksilver. Owner plans investigating copper 
 possibilities at some depth. Owner, II. C. Wall, Hilton, 
 vSonoma County. 
 
 Archer Tract.— This tract joins the Wall tract on the 
 north, and comprises 288 acres of patented land in T. 8 N., 
 R. 9 W. In 1880, considerable rich float was found and 
 shipped, and two tunnels run north on the contact. 250 feet 
 apart, for a distance of 200 feet. No vein was found in place. 
 The tunnels were abandoned and are now caved in. Interest 
 was lately renewed, owing to rich float being again found. The 
 owner was arranging to sink a series of prospect holes on the 
 tract to see if a vein cati be found in place. The formation is 
 serpentine and sandstone. Owner, J. H. Archer, Healdsburg, 
 Sonoma County. 
 
 Healdsburg- Lode. — One claim, ten miles north of Healds- 
 burg. on Black Mountain, in vSec. 31, T. 11 N., R. 9 W. A 
 very prominent gossan cropping extending several feet above 
 the surface runs through the claim. The property was opened 
 seventeen years ago by a tunnel which penetrated nothing but 
 limestone. The owners were running a cross-cut tunnel on 
 the west slope of the mountain, with a view of cutting the vein 
 100 feet from the surface. The elevation on the summit of 
 
142 THE COPPEK KESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Black Mountain is 2500 feet. Develojiing. Owners, lul. Ellis 
 and J. G. Caldwell, Healdsburg. 
 
 Grizzly Claim. — This property, ten miles northwest of 
 Healdsburg, is situated on Pine Creek, in T. 9 X., R. 10 W., 
 and was recently relocated. Croppings, principally quartz, 
 carr>- copper stains. Old works consist of two caved tunnels 
 on the south slope of the mountain 200 feet apart, running 
 west 100 feet. The owners were preparing to open the lower 
 tunnel with the view of extending 1 00 feet, to get under the 
 croppings. The formation is sandstone on the north and ser- 
 pentine on the south. Owners, C. F. Brandt et al., Healdsburg. 
 
 Ward Tract. — Consists of 591 acres of patented land, 
 five miles west of Healdsburg, in Sec. 22, T. 9 X., R. 10 \\\ 
 Gossan croppings can be followed for one mile eastward 
 through the tract along a contact of limestone and .serpentine. 
 Some very rich copper float has been found on the tract, but no 
 vein has been discovered in place. Developments, one shallow 
 cut. Owner, J. W. Ward, Healdsburg. 
 
 Altamont Group. — This property is eighteen miles north- 
 west of Santa Rosa, in Sec. 17, T. 7 X.. R. 10 \V. It is a 
 recent location, and is developed by an open cut and shaft. 
 The croppings consist of a gossan capping several hundred 
 feet in length, which exposes a vein, 5 feet wide, of copper 
 carbonates. Owners were preparing to drive a tunnel from 
 face of open cut 100 feet, to give So feet of backing. The 
 formation on both sides of capping is serpentine. At the end 
 of the open cut a shaft has been sunk 15 feet vertically on the 
 vein matter, but is now filled with water. Owners, J. I). 
 Connelly, James Owens, H. M. LeBaron, Occidental, Sonoma 
 County. 
 
 Baby Jack and Earl Clare. — Situated seven miles north- 
 west of Healdsburg and two miles west of Dry Creek, in 
 T. 9 X., R. 10 W. In 1875 these claims were worked and 
 several tons of copper ore shipped to San Francisco. Later, 
 they were abandoned and relocated from time to time. The 
 Baby Jack is developed by a 35-foot tunnel at the south end, 
 on the strike of the outcrop, the face giving about 35 feet of 
 backs. About the center of the claim a vertical shaft has been 
 
MA KIN CorNTV. 143 
 
 sunk 22 feet on the vein. The gangue of the vein is princi- 
 pally qudTtz carrying no copper sulphides, hut stained some- 
 what with blue and green carbonates. The formation on the 
 east is limestone, on the west serpentine. Considerable timber 
 is growing on the claims. Only as.se.ssment work is now being 
 performed. Owner, C. C. Kchlin, Santa Rosa. 
 
 MAKIX COrXTY. 
 
 The small coast county of Marin, lying across the Golden 
 Gate from San Francisco, presents a few small copper deposits 
 among its slightly developed mineral resources, which include 
 oil, gas, small seams of coal, iron, manganese, chrome, build- 
 ing-stones, and clays. Brick and rubble are the only current 
 mineral products. Nearly forty years ago two copper deposits 
 close to the shore, between Mount Tamalpais and Bolinas Bay, 
 were opened by tunnels and later abandoned. One, in Union 
 Gulch about three miles north of Bolinas, was opened in 1863 
 by the Union Copper Mining Company, which shipped several 
 tons of ore for reduction. Efforts to develop a profitable 
 supply of ore lasted seven years. In 1863 the Pike County 
 Gulch Copper Mining Company opened another mine a mile 
 south of the Union in Pike Gulch. During three years a 
 700-foot tunnel was run, but the enterprise was abandoned. 
 In this neighborhood there is a 4-foot vein cropping carrying 
 iron pyrites and covering low-grade copper ore. The ores in 
 these deposits occur in \eins, associated with (juartz and lying 
 in metamorphic sandstone. 
 
 Bolinas Copper Mining Co. — This company has recently 
 been exploiting a copper property in the region described, four 
 miles northeast of Bolinas Bay, in Sec. i, T. i N., R. 8 \V., and 
 twenty miles from vSan Francisco. The property consists of 
 nine parallel copper-bearing veins encased in serpentine. The 
 veins trend northwest, are vertical, and are from 6 inches to 
 2 feet in width. On the western vein a shaft has been sunk 
 180 feet, and from it 2500 feet of drifts have been driven north 
 and south on the 100- and 180-foot levels. The shaft is 
 
144 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 equipped with a good thirty-horse-power hoisting plant. A 
 building 50 by 100 feet in size, to contain a concentrating 
 plant, has been erected. The machinery thus inclosed consists 
 of a set of Cornish rolls, a rock-crusher, two concentrators of 
 the Springer type, and engine and boilers. Now idle. In 
 former times, short tunnels were run on the veins to test their 
 values, but now these tunnels are caved. About 200 tons of ore 
 is stored on the dumps and is reported to contain from 5 to 10 
 per cent of copper. The owner is the Bolinas Copper Min- 
 ing Company; T. P. H. Whitelaw, president and manager, 
 No. 253 Spear Street, vSan Francisco. 
 
 ALAMEDA COUNTY. 
 
 Alameda, a rich and populous county lying on the eastern 
 side of San Francisco Bay, made up topographicalh* of fertile 
 valleys and low ranges of the Coast system, has quite recently 
 added copper to the list of economic minerals counted among 
 its resources. It has for some time possessed the largest and 
 best developed coal mine of the State, the Tesla mine at Corral 
 Hollow, and it has been an important i)roducer of salt, man- 
 ganese, clays, building and paving stones, etc. Recently a 
 copper-bearing lode was discovered a few miles east of the bay 
 shore, close to the city of Oakland and directly across the bay 
 from San Francisco. An exposition of it is contained in the 
 following descriptions of the two properties in which develop- 
 ment has occurred: 
 
 Alma Mine. — This property embraces over 80 acres of land 
 belonging to the Boehmer ranch, four miles east of Broad- 
 way, Oakland. Its present development has been under- 
 taken by the Stauffer Chemical Company of San Francisco, 
 and consists of about 600 feet of tunnels, with some 
 unimportant shafts and open cuts. The ore body thus far 
 explored forms a shoot of solid pyritic ore ("black pyrites"), 
 apparently lenticular in shape, having a thickness of 1 2 to 1 8 
 feet. The other dimensions of the shoot have not yet been shown, 
 but it has been followed for more than 100 feet along its strike 
 
AI.AMKDA CtUNTV — Col'l'llK CLAIMS. 145 
 
 ill a northwesterly and southeasterly course. Other shoots 
 have been proved, hut not yet explored, in the near neighbor- 
 hood. They occur along a zone or belt of indefinite \vi<lth. 
 ranging with the strike of the ore and crossing the canon of 
 Redwood Creek. The belt has been traced for a distance of 
 about 3000 feet, including the deposits of this and the follow- 
 ing property. The whole amount of ore available upon this 
 ])roi>erty is very great. The ore zone follows very nearly along 
 the line of contact between serpentine and a silicious rock 
 resembling a metamorphosed "chert. Croppings of gossan 
 also occur outside of the direct line of the main ore zone. The 
 ore from this mine consists of the simple sulphide of iron and 
 copper, the j^ercentage of copper being low. ranging, it is said, 
 between i '2 and 3I2 per cent, and carrying gold to the value 
 of about $2. 50 per ton. The ore is mined chiefly for its con- 
 tents of sulphur, of which it carries about 45 to 50 per cent. 
 A representative analysis of the ore is given by the Stauflfer 
 Chemical Company, as follows: vSulphur, about 50 per cent; 
 copper. 3 per cent; gold, S2.50, and silver one ounce per ton; 
 silica, traces; balance, iron. The ore is shipi>ed from the mine 
 directly to the acid works of the Staufifer Chemical Company, 
 or to suppl\' the demands of other chemical companies depend- 
 ing upon the use of pyritic ores for their source of sulphur. 
 The Peyton Chemical Company of San P'rancisco is a large 
 consumer. About 60 tons of ore is being shipped daily from 
 the mine at the present time. It is proposed to extract the 
 copper from the roasted ore by a process of leaching. This 
 mine is imj^ortant. not only for the present and jirosjiective 
 value it contains within itself, but from the fact that its 
 development opens up the jirobability of still other similar 
 deposits in this region, where similar geological conditions are 
 not uncommon. 
 
 Leona Heights Mine. — To the .south of the Alma mine 
 and on the strike of its ore-bearing zone, is the mine owned 
 and operated by the California Improvement Company, under 
 control of the Realty vSyndicate of Oakland, of which 
 F. M. Smith is president. The ore body of this mine is simi- 
 larly situated and is similar in character to that of the preced- 
 ing property. It is developed by about 200 feet of tunnels, 
 
 ](>— BiL. 23 
 
146 THE COPPER RESOURCEvS OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 showing a shoot of ore about 12 feet in thickness. The crop- 
 pings of gossan (limonite) are very conspicuous at the surface. 
 The ore will be used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid, or 
 sold to supply the demand for such ores among the various 
 chemical companies in the vicinity of San Francisco. 
 
 MRRCED C( )UX lY. 
 
 Jose Copper Claim. — Located in the Coast Range in 
 Sec. 4, T. 14 N., R. 9 E., about thirty-five miles east of Hollis- 
 ter, the nearest railroad station. The development has 
 exposed quite a body of ore, but so far the ledge has not been 
 located. There is a tunnel 500 feet long, but little ore was 
 encountered. A 30-foot shaft was sunk and a drift run about 
 60 feet, exposing a good body of copper ore. The ore was 
 chalcopyrite, running high in gold and silver values. Idle. 
 R. Jose, of HoUister, owner. 
 
 The Victor Bonanza Group. — Located in Sees. 30 and 31, 
 T. 13 S., R. TO W., and Sees. 14, 15, 16, 23, 24, and 25, T. 13 S., 
 R. 9 \V., sixteen miles .southwest of Dos Palos, and thirty-five 
 miles southeast of Hollister. The croppings show a mineral- 
 ized belt extending five or six miles, and varying from 100 to 
 200 feet in width. Native copper and chalcopyrite are found 
 frequent!}- in the croppings. The formation is sandstone and 
 porphyry. The ledge matter is quartz. Practically no devel- 
 opment has been done, but the surface indications are good. 
 M. T. Dooling, of Hollister, is president of the company. 
 
 SAN BENITO COUNTY. 
 
 Lewis Creek Claim.— The property is located on Lewis 
 Creek, the southern boundary of San Benito County. It is six- 
 teen miles from King City, on the Southern Pacific Railroad, 
 and in Sees. 2, 3, and 4, T. 19 S., R. 10 W. The development 
 
SAN Ll'IS OBISPO COUNTY— COl'PKR CLAIMS. 147 
 
 consists of a loofooi tunnel, which was intended to uip the 
 ledKC but missed it. Nothing could l)e learned further than 
 what could be determined from the croppings. The croppings 
 may be traced for four miles. The ore is chiefly chalcopyrite. 
 The formation is sandstone and serpentine. O. W. Silencer, of 
 Hollister. and F. W. Sallel, of Lonoak, owners. 
 
 S.W HIS OlilSPO corxTY. 
 
 Los Osos Mine.— Located eight miles .southwest of San 
 Luis Obispo, and on the south side of Los Osos Valley. The 
 mine was worked forty years ago, and the ore hauled by wagon 
 to Port Harford and shipped to Swansea. Recently 15 tons 
 were shipped to San Francisco, and gave a fair profit. There 
 is a good wagon road from the mines to San Luis Obispo. 
 The ore occurs in a porphyritic vein in sandstone and shales. 
 A shaft 230 feet deep was sunk on the ledge, a tunnel 235 feet 
 long was run to the bottom of the shaft, and good ore was 
 found in the shaft and the tunnel. The works were not prop- 
 erly protected and were allowed to cave in. consequently all 
 observations had to be made from the surface. Estate of J. M. 
 Cleaves, San Francisco, owner. 
 
 Tiptop Claim.— Located ten miles north of San Luis 
 Obispo and three miles southwest of Santa Margarita, a station 
 on the Southern Pacific Railroad. There is a ledge 14 inches 
 wide, carr>'ing native copper. The country rock is shale and 
 serpentine. No development has been done. A. Ouillemin, of 
 Santa Margarita, owner. 
 
 On the same ledge is the Gloria and the Tassajara mines, 
 similar to the Tiptop, and owned by Mrs. R. Childs and F. 
 Flores, of San Luis Obispo. No development work has been 
 done. 
 
 Prodigal Son.— Six miles east of Cayucos, between Toro and 
 Old creeks, and twenty-two miles west of San Luis Obispo. The 
 development consists of a 50- foot shaft on the ledge and 100 
 feet of tunneling intended to tap the ledge 130 feet below the 
 
148 THK C()}'1>KK RKSOURCKS <)1" CAI.IKORNIA. 
 
 collar of the shaft. At the time of visit, the tunnel had not 
 intersected the ledge. The ledge is apparently about 7 feet 
 wide, carrying chalcopyrite, gold, and silver. The gangue is 
 quartz. The formation is syenite and seri>entine. K. P. 
 Loring, of Cayucos, owner. 
 
 Sky Scraper. — Located .seven miles east of Cayucos, on 
 upper Toro Creek, and about twenty miles west of San Luis 
 Obispo. The development consists of two tunnels, cross- 
 cutting the vein, one 250 feet and the other 103 feet long. 
 Where the tunnels tap the vein the ledge appears to be about 
 10 feet wide. The ledge is porphyry, the formation granite, 
 and the ore chalcopyrite. William Drought, of Cayucos, 
 owner. 
 
 Schneider &McCles Claim. — On San Bernardo Creek, seven 
 miles east of Monro. The owners had just begun to develop 
 and had not encountered the ledge in the tunnel. Eight men 
 were employed developing. vSchneider & McCles, of Morro, 
 owners. 
 
 Refugio Claim. — Located on Chorro Creek, about seven 
 miles north of San Luis Obispo, on the west side of the moun- 
 tain. The development con.sists of a 135-foot tunnel. A 4-foot 
 ledge, carrying native copper and sulphide ore, was encountered. 
 The formation is granite and serpentine. Idle at present. 
 Mrs. R. Childs and F. Flores, of San Luis Obispo, owners. 
 
 Guerro Claim. — Located one-quarter mile north of Serrano 
 station and six miles from San Luis Obispo. The ledge is in 
 serpentine and shows copper in the croppings. No develop- 
 ment has been done. Mrs. R. Childs and K. Flores, of San 
 Luis Obispo, owners. 
 
 Guadalupe Claim. — Located one and a half miles from 
 Serrano station and six miles from San Luis Obispo. The 
 croppings show a ledge of quartz 2 feet wide in serpentine. 
 No development has been done. Mrs. R. Childs and 1'. Flores, 
 of San Luis Obispo, owners. 
 
THE SIliKKA NHVAUA BELT. 
 
 The Sierra XeviuUi Mountain range contains copper deposits 
 in wider distribution and probably in greater total quantity 
 than anv of the other general geographical divisions of Cali- 
 fornia by which the copper resources of the State have been 
 classified. Copper ores have been found practically through- 
 out the length and breadth of the range, which runs for about 
 500 miles through the eastern side of the vState, with a width 
 of from 50 to 75 miles. The deposits are mainly concentrated 
 along a mineral belt which appears high in the range to the 
 north, sweeps southwestward toward the central valley of the 
 State, and then continues for about 300 miles southeasterly 
 through the western foothills, to disappear in Kern County 
 near the southern end of the range. 
 
 Here is a definite copper belt approximately 400 miles long. 
 From Nevada County southward it is known as the Foothill 
 Belt, and with it the history of the copper industry of Cali- 
 fornia up to iSy6 is mainly associated. The other copper 
 deposits of the range occur, with wide intervals, along both 
 slopes, mainly in the base-ore mineral regions of the higher 
 portions of the range on both sides of the summit line, and 
 esjiecially on the eastern slope in Mono and Inyo counties. 
 The copi->er deposits of these two counties on the eastern side 
 of the range, in the Great Basin, are grouped with those of 
 the general arid region of southeastern California. The lew 
 deposits along the higher western .slope are little known and 
 slightly explored. They carry also the precious and baser 
 metals, and some surface prospects at high altitudes indicate 
 ore bodies of possible future value. Throughout the base-ore 
 belt of the high Sierras, which mining enterprise has not yet 
 reached, and which has yet been but ver>' slightly prospected, 
 copper will probably be frequently found in the mineralized 
 zones. Along the middle slope are here and there copper-bear- 
 ing prospects worthy of incidental note. 
 
 Interest, however, is here centered in the belt along the 
 
 (149) 
 
150 THK COPPKR RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 western flank of the range, in which are the important 
 developed copper mines of the State outside of Shasta County, 
 and which holds much of the industry's promise for the future. 
 It is an important feature of the gold as well as the copper 
 resources of the State. The Foothill Mineral Belt, as generally 
 recognized, stretches from northern Nevada County for about 
 250 miles southward into Tulare County. For about this dis- 
 tance it has a continuity and a regularity of course that easily 
 establish its identity, and from either end it may be somewhat 
 vaguely traced farther by a series of occasional mineral 
 deposits. There is but a general warrant of convenience for 
 regarding the belt as prolonged northeasterly into the higher 
 slope and for conceiving the 400-mile string of copper deposits 
 of this slope as constituting one copper belt. So regarded, this 
 belt exhibits a definite beginning at the north by the southern 
 edge of the lava sheet that covers so many thousand square 
 miles of the mountainous northeastern part of the State. 
 Such a definite beginning is found on the southern slope of the 
 Diamond Mountain range along the northern border of Plumas 
 County, over 100 miles south of the Oregon boundary. In 
 this region are bunched, in three or four townships, some of 
 the large and probably important deposits of the belt. This is 
 about 75 miles southeast of the eastern end of the Shasta 
 County copper belt, and this intervening space is buried by 
 the lavas which hide all mineral formations except where they 
 are revealed occasionally by erosion. Half way on the direct 
 line between these points is the extinct volcanic peak of Lassen 
 Butte. It is likely that copper-bearing ores underlie this vol- 
 canic blanket, connecting the deposits of the Sierra slope with 
 those of Shasta and Siskiyou counties to the northwest, and 
 making one great copper belt reaching for about 600 miles 
 through the eastern and north-central parts of the State into 
 Oregon. 
 
 North of the Plumas County boundary, in southern Lassen 
 County, there have been found slight occurrences of copper 
 minerals, mainly as float, but no deposits worthy of note have 
 been revealed in this much-disturbed and lava-buried region. 
 Farther north in eastern Modoc County, in the Warner range 
 of mountains belonging to the Great Basin, there are similar 
 slight indications of copper deposits, but they do not belong to 
 the Sierra belt. 
 
THK SIKRKA NEVADA BELT. 1^^ 
 
 The groups of deposits in northern Plumas County com- 
 prise the imiKjrtant discovered ones of the hirKc northern 
 section of the belt above the terminus of the recognized toot- 
 hill Belt in Nevada County. In the regions of Indian and 
 Genesee vallevs are extensive gossan-capped vein formations, 
 carrving copper, gold, and silver, and some of them considerably 
 prospected. Thev are in the Sierra gold belt and adjacent to 
 producing gold districts. All carry sulphides at a little depth. 
 Distance from railroads has been a severe handicap to their 
 development. A small smelter which operated for a short tune 
 on surface oxides and carbonates was built here in an early 
 day and a little rich ore has since been shipped. For perhaps 
 50 miles southward through Plumas and then westerly through 
 Sierra Countv occasional occurrences mark the course of the 
 belt into western Nevada County, where the foothill series of 
 
 deposits begins. 
 
 From this point southward the Foothill Belt exists as a 
 great fissure svstem along the base of the range. Its northern 
 end is about 25 miles north of the northern terminus of the 
 Mother Lode in El Dorado County, and it parallels that great 
 lode throughout its length of 125 miles, running from 5 to 20 
 miles to its west, with an average distance of about 12 miles. 
 The belt runs through the lower western ends of the counties 
 of the slope, but a few miles east of the floor of the valley 
 and through the principal agricultural and horticultural por- 
 tions of these counties. The climate is that of the populous 
 portion of the central interior of the State. The croppings 
 of the mineral deposits of the belt range in altitude from 300 
 to 500 feet in Nevada and Placer counties to several hundred, 
 or in places, 2000 feet in the counties to the southward, reach- 
 ing still higher altitudes toward the southern end of the belt. 
 The belt is paralleled at 20 to 30 miles by two main railroad 
 lines running through the eastern side of the valley, and it is 
 reached or crossed by several branch lines at different points 
 along its course. Conditions are in general exceptionally 
 favorable to the mining industry. 
 
 The belt is quite regularly and continuously traced by sur- 
 face gossan formations, and thousands of mining claims have 
 been taken up along it, chiefly in early days. A large portion 
 of it especially in the northern and central parts, is included 
 in patented agricultural lands. Hundreds of mining properties 
 
152 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 are now held as such, and a number of valuable mines, pro- 
 ductive, idle, or in course of development, are strung through- 
 out its course along the base of the slope. From one end to 
 the other copper deposits occur at frequent inter\-als. 
 
 PLUMAS AND SIliRRA COUXTIHS. 
 
 That section of the great copper belt of the Sierras that lies 
 high along the middle slope courses for about 70 miles south- 
 ward across Plumas and Sierra counties to then turn westward 
 through Nevada County to the lower foothills. At the very 
 northern end of the belt, in upper Plumas County, are some of 
 the notable unworked copper deposits of the State, and this 
 county's copper resources have received attention since early 
 mining days. 
 
 Besides presenting a mineralized copper-bearing belt of 
 similar nature and course, these counties have so much in 
 common in the way of geographical, topographical, and geo- 
 logical features that they may be appropriately taken together 
 here. Both lie in the heart of the Sierras, reaching from the 
 Nevada state line across the crest of the range, and finding 
 their western boundaries high above the foothills that are 
 embraced in all the other mountain counties traversed by this 
 belt. Plumas has a length of 75 miles east and west and an 
 extreme width of 50 miles. Sierra is a much smaller county. 
 The lowest altitude in either county is about 2000 feet, and 
 the main mineral districts lie between 4000 and 7000 feet 
 above the sea. About this region rise some of the higher 
 peaks of the range, and both counties present the rugged sur- 
 face and scenic grandeur, as well as the abundant forests, 
 streams, and lakes common to the higher slope. Plumas is 
 wholly drained by the Feather River, and Sierra by the 
 Feather and Yuba and their tributaries, and these streams 
 have cut precipitous caiions often 2000 feet deep. A wealth 
 of water power is thus available. Minor portions of the areas 
 of these counties are occupied by small fertile valleys, chiefly 
 in Plumas Countv. It is in and about Indian and Genesee 
 
PLUMAS AND SIKRRA COl'NTIKS. 153 
 
 valleys in northern Plumas County that the main copj^er 
 deposits are groui^ed. 
 
 Plumas and Sierra are almost exclusively mining counties, 
 and their copper deposits are in the midst of large and promis- 
 ing quartz mining districts. The great auriferous slate belt of 
 the Sierras crosses both counties north and south, presenting 
 a series of quart/, veins through a zone in places more than 20 
 miles wide. The copper belt is characteristically along the 
 western side of the zone, and runs southward through the 
 middle of Plumas County and the western end of Sierra. Both 
 counties have, since early days, been among the great gold- 
 mining counties of the vState. Their early placers were very 
 rich and both have shared with Nevada County the past glory 
 and prosperity of hydraulic mining on this slope and the rich 
 rewards of drift mining, since both extensively share the vast 
 auriferous gravels of the system of "dead rivers" of Tertiar\' 
 time. While both counties have varied mineral riches, gold 
 has been practically the sole mineral product to date. Coal, 
 copper, marble, iron, asbestos, etc., await more favorable 
 economic conditions. One unfavorable condition, especially 
 in Plumas County, is distance from railroad facilities. Both 
 are inviting fields for mining enterprise. 
 
 Plumas County is entered from La.ssen County at the north 
 over the crest of the Diamond Mountain range, and from tl^s 
 point there is a rapid descent of 3000 feet in 12 miles, through 
 Lights Canon, to the north arm of Indian Valley. Along 
 either .side of Lights Canon, a few miles south of the county 
 boundary, are groups of copper claims with promising surface 
 indications, which are strengthened by the indications afforded 
 by numerous shafts, tunnels, and cuts reaching to no great 
 depth. From two groups of claims a little ore has been 
 ship|>ed in past years. Lights Canon opens on the south into 
 Indian \'alley, across which, in the region of Taylorville, are 
 other promising copper prospects, slightly developed. Stretch- 
 ing for several miles east of Taylor\ille into Oenesee Valley 
 and its inclosing hills are the prospects comprised in the 
 Genesee district. One of these, formerly the Cosmopolitan, 
 and now the Reward, was discovered in 1862, and in 1863-4, 
 during the copper boom of that period, was equipped with a 
 small open-hearth smelting plant at a cost of $30,000. A few 
 tons of matte were produced and shipped, but. as the surface 
 
154 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 carbonates and oxides were succeeded at a little depth by sul- 
 phides, the process and plant soon proved a failure. The rest 
 of the story of progress is one of claim-holding for forty years, 
 with occasional spurts of small development operations. 
 Within two years considerable development work has been 
 done in a number of properties. In many instances the vein 
 formations in which the ores occur are wide and strong and 
 copper ores of high grade are found carrying good values in 
 gold and silver. The courses of the copper-bearing veins are 
 frequently marked by gossan cappings. The contiguous dis- 
 tricts thus described are embraced in an area about lo miles 
 wide and 15 miles long from north to south, in north-central 
 Plumas County, and on-ly minor occurrences mark the copper 
 belt southw^ard through Plumas and Sierra to Nevada Count}'. 
 There are sporadic deposits east and west of this belt, includ- 
 ing northwest Plumas County on a line with the Shasta County 
 belt, but the mineral resources of western Plumas are mainly 
 buried by the great lava sheet, near the edge of which are the 
 chief districts described. 
 
 PLUMAS COUNTY DEPOSITS. 
 
 Montgomery Group. — About one mile south of Taylor\'ille 
 i?the Pettinger mine. Owners, J. D. Williams et al. In this 
 mine the ores are mainly carbonate, with some sulphide. The 
 openings consist of a shaft 60 feet deep, with southerly drift 
 100 feet long. The vein formation is 6 feet wide. There is 
 some good carbonate ore on the dump. A tunnel 30 feet long, 
 higher up the gulch, shows a vein several feet in thickness and 
 the same class of ore. Other claims higher up the mountain 
 have open cuts on them, which are noticeable mainly because 
 they show heavy gossan cappings. There is also exposed on 
 this mountain a very heavy and almost pure deposit of pyrites, 
 about 40 feet wide, containing a small percentage of copper. 
 
 Polar Star. — To the north from the highway leading from 
 Taylorville to Flournoys and up the mountain is the Polar 
 Star mine, owned by Messrs. Cox, Keasy, and Cooksey, and 
 now controlled by J. D. Williams. This mine is five miles 
 southeast from Taylor\411e. It is opened by a tunnel and an 
 open cut. The tunnel passes through the vein, which is 10 
 
PLl'MAS COUNTY DEPOSITS. 155 
 
 feet thick, and runs some distance ahead in the east wall. The 
 cut is in a body, or \ein, of good ore, of which 50 or 60 tons 
 are on the dump, l)esides about 10 tons of good ore left from 
 former selections of shipping ore. The ore is peacock, sul- 
 ])hide and carbonate of copper, with considerable red oxide in 
 seams and bunches. The mountain and adjacent country are 
 heavily timbered with pine and fir. Water is plentiful. Idle. 
 
 Blue Bell Mining Co. — .Vlong the road toward Gene.see, 
 about a mile beyond Hosslekuss's, a limestone belt passes 
 through the country in a northeast and southwest direc- 
 tion. At the apex of a hill on this belt are some heavy crop- 
 pings, to get under which the Blue Bell Mining Company, 
 J. J. Sullivan, superintendent, are now running a tunnel calcu- 
 lated to be 1000 feet long. This tunnel has intersected thus 
 far seven veins of importance. Development in progress. 
 
 Reward, formerly Cosmopolitan. — Belonging to the 
 Reward and Beck with group; Messrs. Salinger, Emerick, and 
 Rosenthal, owners. Adjoins the Blue Bell group on the east. 
 The vein is intersected by a tunnel 100 feet below the surface, 
 which is exposed 2 to 6 feet in width. Two tunnels tap the 
 ore body. The upper one is 175 feet long, and the lower one, 
 900 feet long, reaches a depth of 400 feet below croppings. A 
 shaft 125 feet deep (caved) is on the higher portion of the- 
 claim. There are about 100 tons of ore on the dump. It 
 appears to be of good grade. The veins lie between grano- 
 diorite on the east and limestone on the west. In 1863-4 there 
 was an old smelter at Coppertown, near Hosslekuss's, in which 
 was smelted .several hundred tons of ore from the Cosmopolitan. 
 The product was sub-sequently sent to Swansea. At the site 
 of this smelter there still remain about 75 tons of ore, such 
 as was then smelted. The facilities for opening up both of 
 the above properties, viz: Blue Bell and Reward groups, are 
 excellent. 
 
 F. B. Hosslekuss owns and works a claim near by, on Ward 
 Creek, that carries copper and gold. 
 
 Duncan Group, — Thirty-three claims, owned by J. D. Will- 
 iams, are about one and a half miles to the north of Flour- 
 noys. The mineralized diorite and diabase belt that passes 
 through this section is about 3600 feet wide. The richer 
 
156 , THK COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 bunches of mineral, constituting the ores of the district, occur 
 in kidneys, or lenticular-shaped masses in diabase. The prin- 
 cipal development work performed on these claims consists of a 
 tunnel 1 25 feet long, with cross-cut at its end, which cut several 
 stringers and veins of copper-bearing rocks. The mineral- 
 bearing belt is a dike, which consists principally of diabase 
 charged with sulphides of iron and copper. In places, there 
 are gossan cappings, and in others there are cappings of pure 
 magnetite, or black oxide of iron. That in open cuts can 
 plainly be seen to overlie ore carrying pyrites and chalcopyrites. 
 The magnetite has a thickness of 3 to 4 feet. There is an 
 open cut on the hillside above the above mentioned tunnel, 
 where this condition of capping is very markedly shown, and 
 from whence, under the magnetite capping, ore containing red 
 oxide of copper in considerable quantity has been extracted. 
 There is an abundance of croppings of mineralized veins 
 included in the group, indicating that the belt is of large extent. 
 The ore, besides its copper, also carries good value in gold; 
 native gold in the green carbonate and sulphide ore is plainly 
 visible. This is particularly true of the ore in the claim called 
 the Copper King. In the Copper King there is an inclined 
 shaft 75 feet deep, all in ore. The ore at the bottom is known 
 to be 6 feet in width, with no walls. Reported values are $6 
 in gold and 9 per cent copper. The ores of the veins of the 
 Duncan group have the same appearance. Grano-diorite or 
 granite forms the east wall, and mineralized diabase the vein 
 filling. The ledges dip to the east. Developing. 
 
 Little Gem Claim. — Located on Ward Creek, where there 
 is a ledge opened by a shaft. The vein is from 6 to 18 inches 
 in width, and carries reported values of $17.96 gold and 
 31 ounces silver to the ton, and 12.66 per cent in copper. Idle. 
 
 Williams Group. — To the west of Flournoys, about one 
 half mile, is a mountain which is covered by mining locations 
 held by J. D. Williams. On this mountain the whole outcrop 
 appears to be heavily mineralized by iron and copper in the 
 form of oxides, carbonates, and sulphides. So little develop- 
 ment work has been performed that no estimate of the worth 
 of the claims can at the present time be made. It is doubtless 
 the outcrop of an immense mineralized dike. Developing. 
 
CDl-n-.K CKoPriNf.S. WILLIAMS CLAIMS. C.KNKSKi:. ^Ll'^L\S ColNlV 
 
 MOVNTAIN ON WHICH IS LOCATKD THK DINCAN GROVP OH COl'I-HK MINKS, 
 OHNKSFF, I'LTMAS CoTNTY, NKAR VLOrRNOYS 
 
158 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 In Cook's Canon, south of Moonlight Creek, are two claims, 
 owned by Frank and George Davis, on which there has been 
 little development. The vein is 12 to 13 feet wide, and shows 
 carbonate and sulphide ores of good appearance. It has been 
 exjilored for 800 feet in length by cuts. Developing. 
 
 Engle Copper Mining Co.— This company, consisting of 
 Messrs. E. V. Spencer, Engle, and Adams, owns two claims on 
 Moonlight Creek, in Lights Caiaon, where a tunnel about 100 
 feet long shows a vein of sulphide, and an open cut exposes 
 the same character of ore. Developing. 
 
 W. P. Boyden has a claim on Enterprise Creek, from which 
 he shipped ore reported to have yielded 18 per cent copper and 
 57 ounces silver to the ton. Developing. 
 
 Engle Bros, have two claims on the west side of Lights 
 Caiion, in Sec. 18, T. 27 N., R. 1 1 E., where a mineralized vein 
 about 30 feet wide, carrying sulphides, is shown. It is opened 
 by a tunnel 1 20 feet long and a shaft 20 feet deep. Developing. 
 
 On the east side of Lights Canon, above the residence of the 
 Engle Bros., are two claims, Superior No. i and Superior 
 No. 2, where openings were made in years past, and ore was 
 extracted and shipped. There are about 50 tons of ore remain- 
 ing on the dump. There is an open cut 80 feet long, leading 
 into a pit 20 feet wide, by 15 to 20 feet high, with a water- 
 tilled shaft in bottom of pit said to be 60 feet deep. From this 
 pit .some samples of very good ore were taken. This ore con- 
 tains a high percentage of zinc. Idle. 
 
 Engle Bros. Group. — This group of eight claims is in Sees. 
 3, 9, and 4, T. 27 N., R. 1 1 E. The copper deposit is about 
 300 feet wide and about 1000 feet long. The ores nearer the 
 surface are mosth' carbonates, mixed with iron oxide and 
 copper sulphides. The copper belt here is about 1800 feet 
 wide. Reported assays are 10 per cent copper, and from $2.50 
 upward in gold. The ore body dips to the west and the strike 
 of the vein is northeast. The openings consist of three tunnels 
 and a shaft. Tunnel No. i is 100 feet long, and a cross-cut at 
 the end exposes 13 feet of carbonate ore. The vein on which 
 this tunnel runs is 100 feet wide, and the end of the tunnel is 
 65 feet below the croppings. Tunnel No. 2 .is 325 feet long, 
 
PLUMAS COUNTY DEPOSITS. 
 
 159 
 
 with cross-cut at end which shows a width of 45 feet of sul- 
 phide ore 1 10 feet lielong the croppings. Tunnel No. 3 ( lowest ) 
 is 100 feet long, with cross-cut at end showing 87 feet of ore 
 and 20 feet of intermediate vein tilling (horse). The ore is 
 carbonate, and is 200 feet below croppings. Open cuts on the 
 surface show ore. Considerable ore has been extracted from 
 these mines and sold. The facilities for mining here are good. 
 and there are exceptional tunnel privileges. Heavy growths 
 of pine and tir on the locations and surrounding country 
 furnish abundant mining timber. Developing. 
 
 Hussleman & Shaw Group.— This group, in Moonlight 
 Creek district, Lights Canon, comprises thirty-one locations, 
 on nearly all of which some development has been done. A 
 tunnel has been started well down on the mountain side, so 
 as to obtain See to 1000 feet of depth under the heaviest 
 croppings. This is a cross-cut tunnel and is now in 150 feet. 
 It is intended to continue this 1000 feet farther. The moun- 
 tain side here is very abrupt. Passing through these claims is 
 also a highly mineralized belt, which contains masses of high- 
 grade ore. Developing. 
 
 On the Mammoth claim of the above group the vein trends 
 northeast and southwest. vSeveral open cuts show sulphide 
 ore as well as carbonates. A capping of diorite co\ers a vein 
 about 8 feet wide, as shown in the largest cut. The capping 
 lies flat and the vein is perpendicular. There is a cross-cut on 
 the vein 10 feet in length, with no wall discovered. A good 
 quality of iron and copper pyrites is shown in face of cut. The 
 same class of ore is traced northerly by cuts for 900 feet. 
 Developing. 
 
 On the Orient claim a tunnel has been driven 150 feet. 
 
 Developing. 
 
 On the mountain side and following the course of the pro- 
 posed tunnel twelve ledges are encountered, all exposed by 
 open cuts. The widest vein is found near the apex of the 
 hill and is about 13 feet wide. It is opened by an extensive 
 cut, and from it ore has been extracted and shipj^d. The 
 character of the ore is carbonate with some sulphide. The 
 Gentle Annie claim is prospected with open cuts showing a vein 
 6 to 8 feet in width. The ore is mostly silicious. carrying red 
 oxide, carbonates, and pyrites, and can be traced for over 800 
 
160 THE COPPKK KKSOIRCKS OK CALIFORNIA. 
 
 feet. Claims Xos. i and 2 have a shaft 13 feet deep, showing 
 peacock copper ore in the bottom. Near by is a belt exposing 
 on the surface iron oxides. The Avidth of the copper vein is 
 unknown. Assays from these claims are reported as showing 
 from 10 to 60 per cent copper. 
 
 On the Oregon claim at the east end there is a shaft 1 3 feet 
 deep, all in green and blue stained ore, said to contain 20 per 
 cent of copper and rich in gold Some copper glance is also 
 visible in this ore. There are three cuts on this vein, besides a 
 shaft, all showing same varieties of ore. The strike of the vein 
 is south of west. The north wall is diaba.se, the south diorite. 
 The west end of the Oregon is opened by a superficial cut, 
 which discloses some good carbonate and silicious ore that is 
 reported to assay 4S per cent copper and 514 in gold, with 15 
 ounces of silver. A vein parallel with the main one just 
 described also shows good ore. The veins are wide, but the 
 width, owing to lack of development, can not be determined. 
 
 On the Olympian claim a vein outcrops and is expo.sed 30 
 feet in width of carbonate ore. in an open cut. Lower down 
 the hillside a tunnel was started to obtain 50 feet of backs 
 under the croppings. The tunnel is 85 feet long and cuts 30 
 feet of gray carbonate ore. The inclosing rock is a diabase, 
 spotted with coarse crystals of feldspar. On the Xo Wonder 
 claim at the apex of the hill above the Orient tunnel is a vein 
 of green carbonate ore 8 feet wide. There is an open cut 20 
 feet long and opening on the vein. There are about 100 tons 
 of ore on the dump. In this ore can be seen some copper 
 glance. Developing. 
 
 On the south hillside is the Palisades tunnel, which was 
 driven to cut a ledge which crops 1 2 feet in width above it. 
 This tunnel has a length of 197 feet, but has not reached the 
 ledge aimed at, although it has cut several small veins. On 
 the Iowa claim there are bold croppings carrying some copper 
 and said to be very good in gold values. 
 
 The Hussleman & Shaw group is owned by Messrs. Hussle- 
 man, Shaw, Mcintosh, and Williams, and consists of thirty-one 
 mining claims. 
 
 The Mammoth claim is owned by Messrs. Hussleman & 
 Shaw, and comprises twenty-nine mining locations. 
 
 Broadly, it may be stated, that iron predominates in both 
 
SIERRA COUNTY DEPOSITS. 161 
 
 the Moonlight district and the Genesee district mineral depos- 
 its. Accompanying this per\'ading iron are copper, gold, and 
 silver. 
 
 In Sec. 28, T. 26 N., R. 8 E., unsurveyed land, two and a 
 half miles south of Meadow View, on the south face of the 
 mountain facing the North Fork of Feather River, there occurs 
 a deposit of sulphide carr>'ing some copper of unknown value 
 and extent. Two tunnels have been started, one above the other. 
 The upper tunnel does not reach the deposit or vein, and 
 discloses nothing. The lower one reaches the sulphide ore. 
 A caved-in shaft higher up on the hill was sunk years ago. 
 
 vStill farther south, just below the Bamboo Bridge, is a 
 formation, copper stained, which may prove to be the outcrop 
 of a deposit of iron sulphides carrying copper. 
 
 A few minor copper deposits have been noted in the north- 
 western part of the county, and there are a few other localities 
 where copper-stained rocks are known to exist, as near 
 Mohawk, and in Sec. 16, T. 23 N., R. 11 E., but none of these 
 occurrences have assumed importance. 
 
 SIERRA COUNTY DEPOSITS. 
 
 In the Poker Flat district, in T. 21 N., R. 10 E., John B. 
 Lassiad owns a claim showing a copper deposit about 60 feet 
 wide, carrying pyrites, oxides and carbonate of copper. The 
 development has been slight. 
 
 Bassett's Pride Claim. — About live miles east of Sierra 
 City. Some native copper shows in the deposit, in which a 
 tunnel has been driven. This mine is in Sec. 12, T. 20 N., 
 R. 12 E., and is owned by Albert Church et al. 
 
 Near Sierra City, in Sec. 19, T. 20 N., R 12 IC., east of 
 Whitney Camp and northwest of the Buttes Rock, there is a 
 copper mine owned by George Zuver. There is a shaft 40 
 feet deep from which copper sulphides have been extracted 
 and shipped. 
 
 The Antelope Neck mines, in vSec. 27, T. 21 N., R. 15 E., 
 show a wide vein of copper sulphide. Small development. 
 
 Beamer is the owner. 
 
 11— Bt:l. 23 
 
162 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Ill Mohawk Valley near the Bullion claim is a prospect 
 showing veins 15 feet in width, carrying oxide, sulphide, and 
 carbonate ores of copper. The owners are J. H. Hapgood and 
 J. J. Miller. 
 
 NEVADA COUNTY. 
 
 Nevada, the banner gold-producing county of the State, 
 with a record of about $215,000,000 in total output of this 
 precious metal, presents some noteworthy copper deposits 
 among the \arious minor features of its mineral wealth. This 
 county, which still leads in gold production, is so prominently 
 identified with the history of gold mining in California that it 
 is more familiar to the mining world than any of its sister min- 
 ing counties. Quartz mining in California began in Nevada 
 County in 1850, and here was the origin of hydraulic and 
 drift mining. The copper mine at Spenceville, which has been 
 a small producer through many years, gives it a somewhat 
 prominent identification with the story of the copper industry 
 in the State. 
 
 This county comprises a narrow strip of mountain and foot- 
 hill reaching across the Sierras 75 miles to the edge of the 
 Sacramento Valley, where the altitude is but about 400 feet. 
 Its central and eastern parts are characteristically Sierran. 
 The higher lakes and the Bear and Yuba rivers, between which 
 the county mainly lies, afford, in connection with many 
 tributary streams and with great systems of canals and ditches 
 aggregating hundreds of miles, a copious and well-distributed 
 water-supply. Electric power is also extensively generated 
 and distributed. The Central Pacific Railroad runs along its 
 southern boundary and a branch line runs to Grass Valley and 
 Nevada City, affording convenient transportation to a rich and 
 well-populated mining and horticultural region that enjoys a 
 splendid climate. 
 
 The county's mineral resources are chiefly near its lower 
 western end. Here, about 15 miles from its western boundary, 
 are the remarkable and famous gold quartz districts of Grass 
 Valley and Nevada City. Through this region and extending 
 
NKVADA CniN'rV — COIM'KK MINI-.S AND CLAIMS. IttM 
 
 to the central j)art are displayed the ancient river channels 
 which have afforded such extensive hydraulic and drift raining 
 operations, and over the same area are distributed the minor 
 quartz mines of the county, which is traversed by three main 
 auriferous belts. A little west of the Grass X'alley gold belt 
 an iron belt crosses the county, and west of this comes the 
 copper belt. From Sierra County it swings southwesterly 
 along the northwestern boundary of the county for perhaps 
 25 miles, and then turns southward with the direct western 
 boundary line, which it parallels at a distance of from two to 
 four miles along an eighteen-mile course into Placer County. 
 Along the entire course of the belt copper indications occur at 
 inter^•als, but the chief known deposits are at two points — at 
 Spenceville in the .southwestern corner of the county, and about 
 Mineral Hill, three miles to the north, where various properties 
 exhibiting strong veins are being actively prospected, and from 
 where shipments of ore have been made at various times. 
 There are here many strong copper-bearing veins, and the 
 somewhat extensive developments that have been made give 
 promise of profitable and long-continued copper mining here, 
 under favorable market conditions. The mine at Spenceville 
 has produced nearly a million dollars' worth of copper, iron 
 pyrites, and mineral paint, and from above a depth of 150 feet. 
 The developed ore bodies are now exhausted, but search for 
 new ore bodies is proceeding in the same mineralized formation. 
 
 Spenceville Copper Mine. — This old property has expe- 
 rienced a longer period of operations than any other copper 
 mine in the State, having been worked almost continuously 
 since i^JS- Although its operations have never been on a 
 very large scale, the total product to date being about 150,000 
 tons of ore, yielding gross returns of several hundred thousand 
 dollars, both the mine and its history have some features of 
 special interest. The mine has produced quite a large amount 
 of copper, and it was the first mine in the State whose product 
 of pyrites was used for the manufacture of both mineral paint 
 and sulphuric acid. It has been the scene of a number of 
 metallurgical experiments. 
 
 It is located in the town of Spenceville, in the southwestern 
 corner of the county, at an altitude of 450 feet, and is now 
 owned and operated by the Spence Mineral Company of San 
 
1()4 
 
 THE COPPER RESOURCES OP CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Francisco. The ore occurs in a series of wide irregular fissures 
 near the contact of two large areas of country rock (diorite 
 and grano-diorite), the fissures being filled with sulphide 
 ores carrying copper, gold, and silver. Mining has been con- 
 fined almost entirely to that ore, which occurred in the main 
 foot wall fissure in the form of chalcopyrite and iron pyrite, 
 being a continuous vein 300 feet long, and 15 to 55 feet wide. 
 The mine has been worked to a depth of 150 feet, from which 
 level it still continues in depth. This vein yielded 150,000 
 tons of ore, the copper content varjang from 2 to 20 per cent, 
 the greater part averaging about 5 per cent. By the crude 
 method of roasting and leaching only about 4 per cent of this 
 ore, or 6000 tons, was -recovered as copper, the gold and silver, 
 which averaged from $3.50 to $4.50 per ton, being lost. 
 
 Cravat ^ O'Br'la 
 
 Ideal Caess Sectien o[ Spenceville rormallon 
 
 Parallel and cross fissures on the hanging-wall side of this 
 main ledge are filled with strongly mineralized schists and 
 altered diabase, too low in sulphur to be burned and requiring 
 a different method of treatment, but indicating a wide area of 
 mineralization having possibilities in depth. 
 
 The San Francisco Copper Company pursued active opera- 
 tions for thirteen years succeeding 1875. The mine was 
 opened by shafts and drifts to about 150 feet in depth, and 
 then, after the works had caved in, mining was pursued in an 
 open cut which became 300 feet long, 70 feet wide, and 75 feet 
 deep. Most of the ore taken from the mine, approximately 
 150,000 tons, carr>'ing an average? of 5 per cent of copper, was 
 extracted by this company prior to cessation of operations in 
 1888, and the sale of the property in 1890, owing to the fall in 
 the price of copper. This company made some costly and 
 
NKVADA CofNTV — COPPKR MINKS AND CLAIMS. 
 
 165 
 
 luisuccesslul smelting experiments and produced some matte 
 and ingot copper. Most of the output, however, was cement 
 copper, produced by heap roasting and leaching, this company 
 being among the first in this country to introduce and success- 
 fully operate by this method. During the year 1882 the com- 
 pany mined over 16,000 tons of ore averaging 4 per cent in 
 copper, and 966,061 pounds of cement averaging 83 per cent 
 in copper, which was shipi^d to Boston. There was roasted 
 12.300 tons of ore, yielding a net profit of $2 per ton at current 
 
 PL.\NT OF THI- SPKNCK MINERAL COMPANY, SPKNCKVILLK. 
 
 prices. During the year 1882 the cost of production was 9.4 
 cents per pound of fine copper. The water from the mine 
 workings was also run through precipitating sluices. The 
 price of copi^er cement fell in 1887, and operations ceased. 
 
 In iS90the Imperial Paint and Copper Company acquired 
 the property for the purpose of utilizing the old dumps of 
 roasted ore. They erected a paint mill and calcining furnace 
 and manufactured red metallic paint from the iron oxide, 
 which constitutes approximately 40 per cent of these dumps. 
 They also leached the dumps and utilized the mine waters in 
 
166 Tin-; coitkr rksourcks of California. 
 
 makiiii:; cement copper. They did no minin*;-. The paint 
 manufactured was of exceptional quality, and had a ready sale 
 at the market price of standard paints. 
 
 In KS97, the Spence Mineral Company acquired the property 
 and introduced into California a new method of manufacturing 
 sulphuric acid by substituting pyrites as a source of sulphur 
 for the crude suljihur imported from Japan. This proved 
 thoroughly successful and has revolutionized the methods of 
 acid-making on this Coast. The mine was unwatered and 
 re-opened and large bodies of low-grade pyrites left in the old 
 works were shipped to manufacturers of acid on the baj' of 
 San Franci.sco at a good profit, the cinders being returnable to 
 the compan\-. These* ores proved to be well adapted to this 
 purpose, owing to the absence of arsenic and other injurious 
 elements, and to their free-burning quality, yielding up their 
 45 to 50 per cent of sulphur without the least tendency to 
 clinker, and retaining the smallest percentage of suljihur in 
 their cinders. 
 
 The copper contained in these cinders, amounting to from 
 3 to 3' J per cent, together with the gold and silver, and the 
 iron which has a value as a flux, netted the company from 
 $2 to $3 per ton when suKsequently sold to smelters. A suc- 
 cessful leaching plant has been constructed by the company 
 on the bay of San P'rancisco, where its cinders are leached and 
 cement copper manufactured. 
 
 At the present writing the company has under way the 
 thorough development and exploitation of its mine below the 
 150-foot level, and throughout its mineralized area above 
 described, and has under consideration the future treatment of 
 its ores by more modern and efficient methods. Charles \\'. 
 Howard, Spenceville, is general manager and superintendent. 
 
 Between Spenceville and the Placer Count}- line to the south 
 there are .several prospect holes sunk on the mineral belt, 
 showing the same character of copper mineralization as at 
 vSpenceville. On the Nickerson ranch, in Sec. 29, T. 14 N., 
 R. 8 K., by Wolf Creek, there are exposed two large ledges 
 carrying almost pure pyrites and some gold. Tests of ore 
 from dumps show a copper content of 4 per cent. There is a 
 cross-cut tunnel 200 feet in length, which taps the ledge. 
 
XKVADA COI'NTV — COI'IMIK MINICS AND CLAIMS. 1<)7 
 
 Croi)pings are visible for al)out 800 feet along the ledge. Very 
 little development, however, has been done. The owner is 
 J. R. Nickerson, residing on the property. 
 
 Many of the prospect holes above mentioned were made in 
 early days, since which time the lands have been patented and 
 prospecting stopi^ed. This is true also of the territory lying 
 north of Spenceville. 
 
 At the Henry Hibber mine, in Sec. 32, T. 14 N., R. 7 E., 
 seven and a half miles southeast from vSpenceville, there are 
 croppings of gossan 3 feet wide and over 400 feet in length. 
 The vein here dips west. The east wall is diorite; the west, 
 schistose diabase. When inspected the owner had reached 
 copper ore in a vein 2 feet wide, carrying from 9 to 41 per cent 
 of copper, with some gold. The Bear River runs through the 
 property. Idle. 
 
 Mineral Hill Mines. — About two miles north of Spence- 
 ville is located the Mineral Hill group of mines, whicli are now 
 being quite actively j^ro.spected. The Mineral Hill Mining and 
 vSmelting Company, of which C. C. Bitner is .superintendent, 
 owns five claims on the copper belt lying in Sec. 13, T. 15 N., 
 R. 6 E. — the Golden Eagle, Index, Legion, Mineral Hill, and 
 Progress. The California Gold and Copper Company, 
 C. C. Bitner, sui:)erintendent, owns six claims — the Jackson, 
 San Francisco, American, St. I^ouis, Philadelphia, and Sixteen- 
 to-One. The Sacramento, Main Chance, First Chance, and 
 Advance Chance are owned by C. C. Bitner. The Arkansaw 
 Traveler is owned by Jackson & Monasco. The Last Chance, 
 a patented mine, is owned by F. Miller and E. .A. Roberts of 
 Sacramento. The Green Lead is owned by the heirs of 
 Thomas Mooney, residing in Smartsville, Yuba County. The 
 Monmouth and Climax claims are owned by J. F. Dempsey 
 of Smartsville. 
 
 Bitner & Austin were running a cross-cut tunnel through 
 the Advance Chance, First Chance, Main Chance, and Sacra- 
 mento claims easterly from the ravine, expecting to intersect 
 thirteen ledges with this tunnel, as that number outcrop on 
 the hillside. They expect to finally strike a very wide ledge, 
 the main croppings of which, about 100 feet wide, are near the 
 summit of the hill. The course of this vein is east of north. 
 The thirteen parallel veins vary from 5 to 30 feet in width on 
 
168 
 
 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 the outcrops. All of them show chalcopyrites. A shaft near 
 the hilltop follows the loo-foot vein pitching to the east, which 
 shows some very good red oxide, carbonate, and sulphide ores. 
 The formation that incloses the mineral is a hard diabase. 
 
 The L,ast Chance is opened by a shaft 240 feet deep, with 
 steam hoisting works. The vein is 5 to 8 feet wide, carrying 
 pyrites and chalcopyrites in considerable quantities. Some 
 good ore now lies on the dump. There was considerable ore 
 shipped from this mine as long ago as 1876. The pyrite 
 occurs in this mine, as well as in all others in the district, in 
 lens-shaped bodies, the inclosing formation being a hard, dark- 
 blue diabase. 
 
 > 
 \ 
 
 ..o.>->-^^'\ 
 
 Sketch Map or Mineral IIii.i, C.Rorr or Minks. 
 
 Kast of the Last Chance is a series of diorite and quartz 
 ledges, wide and of low grade, of which little is known. They 
 vary from 3 to 100 feet in thickness. One ledge exposed on 
 the hill, and owned by the First National Bank of San Fran- 
 cisco, is fully 100 feet wide and is traceable for over two miles. 
 These ledges occur in succession until the east grano-diorite 
 wall is reached. 
 
 The Green Lead was worked .some years ago, and appears 
 to have a large deposit of good ore. It is in Sec. 12, T. 15 N., 
 R. 6 E., and is opened by two shafts each about 160 feet deep. 
 The ores are peacock copper (bornite), chalcopyrites, and red 
 oxide, mixed with quartz. Formation same as Last Chance. 
 Ore has been shipped to San Francisco at various times. 
 
NKVADA COUNTY COPPKR MINES AND CLAIMS. 169 
 
 The Golden Eagle is opened b}- a shaft 15 feet deep, showing 
 a 4-foot vein of sulphide of copper and iron. At the north end 
 line, on a vein west of and parallel with the Last Chance vein, 
 is a shaft, inclined to the east, 150 feet deep. To the east of 
 these veins is a tunnel 70 feet long, driven on another vein 300 
 feet, and at its end is a cross-cut to the west ledge. This vein 
 carries the same apparent variety and grade of ore, having 
 some gold content. A considerable amount of carbonate ore 
 shipped from this mine is said to have had a value of $12.50 
 gold per ton and 10 per cent of copper. 
 
 In the Sixteen-to-One mine, a shaft is now being sunk in a 
 20-foot vein. At the time of inspection it was 30 feet deep, all 
 in ore. The ore appears to be of the same general character as 
 in the other mines of the Mineral Hill group, is in quartz and 
 diabase gangue matter, and carries from 7 to 14 per cent of 
 copper. 
 
 In the Jackson mine, the improvements consist of a 450-foot 
 tunnel on the ledge, started near the south end of the claim. 
 A body of ore was passed through near the mouth of the tun- 
 nel. Most of this ore body was extracted and shipped. It is 
 said to have yielded 8 per cent of copper and $10 in gold. The 
 vein is from 6 inches to 7 feet in width. There are croppings 
 beyond the breast of tunnel 60 feet wide. There is also a shaft 
 50 feet deep, in ore. 
 
 The Arkansaw Traveler has a tunnel 1 2 feet long showing 
 a vein of ore 3 feet wide. Ore yielding 5 per cent of copper 
 and $7 in gold has been shipped. 
 
 The Genevieve has no openings or improvements worth 
 mentioning. Owned by C. C. Bitner and F. B. Yerby. 
 
 The Progress mine has a shaft 30 feet deep, and shows 
 sulphide ore similar to that of the mines of the district. 
 
 The Monmouth and Climax claims have a tunnel 460 feet 
 long intended to tap a ledge, and two shafts, one 30 feet and 
 one 50 feet deep, on different veins about 100 feet apart. The 
 ores are light-colored sulphides, which carry 3 to 4 per cent of 
 copper and some gold. 
 
 There are gossan outcrops in various places on Mineral Hill, 
 especially on the south end of the Advance and First Chance 
 claims. All ore shoots pitch to the north. All the veins 
 passing through the hill api^ear to belong to a lode lying to 
 
170 TH1-: COPPER REISorRCES OK CALIFORNIA. 
 
 the east of the Spenceville lodes. C. C. Bitner produced and 
 marketed cement copper in 1880 from the (iolden Eagle ores. 
 
 The California (iold and Copper Company is now running a 
 long tunnel to obtain several hundred feet of backs in its 
 claims. 
 
 The Mineral Hill Mining and Smelting Company is also 
 running a deep tunnel to obtain 500 feet of depth under the 
 best of its claims. This tunnel has already cut three very 
 promising ledges. 
 
 The facilities for working any group of the above mines are 
 excellent. An aliundance of heavy pine timber stands on the 
 claims, and covers the adjoining country. The abruptness of 
 the hills makes tunnel mining possible for many years to come. 
 Water for power could be obtained from the Excelsior Water 
 Company, one of whose ditches passes along the top of the 
 hill. 
 
 Ledges of copper-bearing rocks not greatly prospected appear 
 in places along the belt to the north county line at Yuba River. 
 From the Cireen Eead going north, the belt appears to swing 
 to the east and passes through the east half of Sec. i, T. 15 N., 
 R. 6 E.. and Sec. 6, T. 15 N., R. 7 E., by the old Hartley house. 
 It thence makes to the north through Sec. 31, T. 16 N., R. 7 E., 
 and then through Sees. 31 and 19, T. 16 N., R. 7 E., to the Yuba 
 River. There are no extensive workings on this section of the 
 belt; croppings and shallow holes indicate the course of the 
 belt, which follows closely the grano-diorite formation. 
 
 On the road from Smartsville to Grass Valley copper crop- 
 pings may be seen on the Finie ranch and on the Campbell 
 ranch. Croppings occur also one mile south of the J. Fenni- 
 more ranch. Here the vein matter is about 40 feet wide, but 
 not prospected. 
 
 Toward the south and southeast of Mineral Hill, the copper 
 belt passes through the Bingers ranch, about four miles south 
 of Mineral Hill, where there are strong croppings. Springs on 
 this property are very strongly impregnated with copper. 
 
 Near French Corral, in T. 17 N.. R. 7 E., there is a large 
 deposit of pyrites carrying chalcopyrites; undeveloped. Daniel 
 Roberts, owner. 
 
YUBA cor XT Y. 171 
 
 Near Sweetland, in T. 17 X., R. s I-",., is an unc.\])lore(l 
 copper vein. 
 
 In Washington Townshij), Sec. M, T. i.S N., R. 11 ]C., is a 
 Yein 6 feet wide, carrying cojjper, but little develoj^ed. Iv T. 
 \\'orthle>-, owner. 
 
 Near North Hloomfield, in Sec. 6, T. 18 N., R. 10 Iv, is a 
 claim called the Kdison Copper Mine; Otto W'oehler, owner. 
 It is opened by a shaft 45 feet deep, following the vein. The 
 hanging wall is a schistose diabase; the foot wall is serpentine. 
 The vein averages about 13 feet in width in the bottom of the 
 shaft, where some drifting has been done. It is reported to 
 carry 3^'^ per cent of copper and $3.25 in gold. There is also 
 a tunnel driven 240 feet. At the face of the tunnel drifts have 
 been run on the vein 25 and 15 feet in length, respectively. 
 
 yi:ba county. 
 
 To the west of Nevada and also north of its western portion 
 lies the small valley and foothill county of Yuba, which pre- 
 sents a few occurrences of copper ores. These are but a few 
 miles from Nevada County's line of deposits, and may be 
 regarded as belonging to the same belt, flanking it in the 
 manner of so many occurrences that elsewhere mark the var\- 
 ing zone described as the general foothill belt. The principal 
 occurrences are on the Demp.sey ranch, five miles north of 
 Spenceville, near the county line, and on the Brady ranch, in 
 the southern portion of the county west of Spenceville and 
 northwest of the chief occurrences in Placer County. 
 
 Dempsey Ranch. — Here bold croppings over 400 feet wide, 
 exhibiting gossan croppings, present interesting surface indi- 
 cations of what may be a large copper deposit. Some samples 
 of ore have assayed 35 per cent copper. This prospect is on a 
 productive ranch and has received little intelligent development, 
 the latter consisting of some prospect holes and a tunnel 100 
 feet long. 
 
1 ( 2 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Brady Ranch. — (Jn this ranch, in Sec. i, T. 15 X., R. 5 E., 
 and in Sec. 35, T. 16 N., R. 5 E., croppings occur and there is 
 an old abandoned shaft, the water from which is strongly 
 impregnated with copper. Prospect holes trace the belt south- 
 east to Bear River, through Sees. 21, 22, 27, and 28, T. 14 N., 
 R. 6 E. On the Brady ranch is what is called the Old Red 
 Ledge, wherein red oxide of copper is visible. This deposit 
 was quite extensively exploited in 1 863. 
 
 PLACER COUNTY. 
 
 Placer, one of the tier of rich mining counties which span 
 the Sierra range, lies south of Nevada Count}', and in its length 
 of 100 miles it reaches from the angle in the State's eastern 
 boundary down into the Sacramento \'alley, possessing in its 
 foothills a section of the copper belt. Its physical character- 
 istics are those common to its neighbors of the great range, as 
 were the general features of its early mining period. It shared 
 largely in the prosperity of the period of hydraulic mining 
 through the possession of rich and extensive ancient river 
 channels. 
 
 Its drift mines now give it its claim to preeminence in one 
 feature of the raining industry. In the Forest Hill Divide, a 
 great spur of the range, reaching westward down the slope for 
 25 miles, there lies deeply buried under lava cappings the most 
 extensive network of ancient river channels found along the 
 range, and in this divide are the chief drift mines of the world. 
 This divide has yielded over $30,000,000, and the bulk of the 
 total current output of the drift mines of the State is yet 
 credited to Placer County. 
 
 A little to its south, in El Dorado Count\-, is what is 
 generally taken to be the northern end of the Mother Lode, 
 and a little to its north, in Nevada County, are the famous 
 Grass Valley and Nevada City mining districts. The great 
 Sierra gold belt crosses the county, presenting innumerable and 
 widely distributed quartz veins, and there are many rich mines, 
 but quartz mining is yet in a relatively backward condition. 
 The gold output in 1900 was nearly $1,000,000. Granite and 
 
PI.ACKK COUNTY — C(n'Pl-:K MINKS AND CLAIMS. 173 
 
 ]iottery are the chief additional features of its mineral industry, 
 in which Placer County holds a leading place. Iron, chrome, 
 manganese, marble, limestone, and mineral waters are among 
 its other mineral resources. I^ake Tahoe, at an elevation of 
 over 6000 feet, lumber forests, and a rich horticultural region 
 in the foothills, are among other features of the county. The 
 Central Pacific Railroad traverses the entire length of the 
 county along its northern border. 
 
 At various places along an irregular line across the western 
 portion of the county the foothill mineral belt displays copper 
 deposits. A few have been prospected and small amounts of 
 copper ore have been shipped. Some very wide veins are 
 displayed, but Placer County has not yet made copper a 
 prominent feature of its mineral industry. 
 
 Algol Mine. — This is one of the copper prospects opened in 
 the early sixties and subsequently abandoned. The present 
 owner has re-opened it within the past three years. It is in 
 Sec. 9, T. 13 N., R. 7 E., a few miles southeast of Spenceville, 
 Nevada County. The vein channel is 50 to 60 feet wide. The 
 more highly mineralized portion constituting the ore is from 
 20 inches to 10 feet in width, the ore occurring in lenses. The 
 length of ore now forming the shoot is 90 feet. There is one 
 shaft 120 feet deep, with a drift running north 100 feet, and 
 another shaft 120 feet deep, with drifts at the 50- and 100-foot 
 levels. A cross-cut runs from one shaft for 65 feet to the west. 
 The ores are red oxide and blue and green copper minerals, 
 besides considerable native copper in sheets and bunches. 
 Native gold also accompanies this deposit. Ten carloads of 
 ore were shipped to a reduction works, which averaged 20 per 
 cent copper. A horse-whim is used for hoisting, and a boiler 
 and steam-pump raise the moderate daily amount of water. 
 Electric power for mining and reduction purposes can be 
 readily obtained. 
 
 On the south of the Algol mine there is a shaft on an 
 extension claim, 80 feet deep. This shows copper ore. Far- 
 ther to the south, going to Coon Creek, there are five shafts, 
 with depths of about 50 feet each, sunk years ago, and all 
 showing strong copper indications. Farther south, beyond 
 Coon Creek, there is a shaft 40 feet deep, showing some copper. 
 On the Lardner ranch, and on the Keiler ranch, three miles 
 
174 THK COl'PKR RKSOURCK.S OK CAI.IFOKXIA. 
 
 south of Lardner's, there are also strong croppings of copper- 
 bearing rocks. 
 
 Valley View Mine. — This property lies six miles north of 
 Ivincoln; patented; 90 acres. The vein matter is 200 feet wide 
 between walls. The ore is 37 feet wide and the walls are a 
 schistose rock. There are three shafts, respectively 90, 100, 
 and 130 feet deep. Between the middle and south shafts most 
 of the development has been done. There is a tunnel 50 feet 
 in ore. Another tunnel, 130 feet long, taps the vein 90 feet 
 below the surface. There are gossan croppings 100 feet wide 
 for over 1000 feet along the vein. This gossan carries in gold 
 and silver from $1 to $10 per ton, and is reported to average 
 $4 per ton. The mine "Was worked for years for the gold in 
 the gossan. The mine has shipped copper ore averaging 
 about 5 per cent copper. There are two iive-foot Huntington 
 mills and various buildings. The owner is the Valle}- View 
 Mining Company, of San Francisco. 
 
 The estate of Charles T. Reed owns 1400 acres of land, on 
 which there is a shaft 25 feet deep, showing indications of 
 copper. This is in the Clipper Gap district. Idle. 
 
 North of Auburn, four miles on the road to Grass \'alley, 
 there are indications of copper. 
 
 Big Pine Mine.— In vSec. 16, T. 12 N., R. 8 E.; J. A. Bouk 
 and C. R. Bushnell, owners. Shaft 170 feet deep, showing 
 chalcopyrite, said to carry 10 to 12 per cent of copper. Idle. 
 
 liL I)( )R.V1)( ) COUNTY. 
 
 El Dorado County, the scene of Marshall's discovery of gold 
 and the earliest beginning of the modern era of gold mining, 
 includes, through its lower western portion, along the edge of 
 the Sacramento Valley, about 25 miles of the foothill copper 
 belt. Along this line the belt mentioned displays many copper 
 deposits that have been prospected in the superficial way 
 common to the Sierra Nevada array of these deposits. They 
 are but a little north of the section of the belt through Amador 
 
KI. DOKADO CorNTY. l"o 
 
 and Calaveras counties, in whicli the chief development and 
 production of this copj^er belt have occurred. 
 
 None of the counties of the sloi:)e presents more favorable 
 conditions for mining and none offers a wider or more attractive 
 field for mining enterprise. The chief of the mineral belts that 
 cross the county is the Mother Lode, the northern end of 
 which is near the northern boundary and along which, across 
 the county southward, is a succession of valuable and promis- 
 ing quartz mines. Since the exhaustion of the rich surface 
 placers and the cessation of hydraulic mining, quartz mining 
 is the leading feature of the county's mining industry. There 
 are many miles of unprospected ancient river channels. The 
 northern and southern boundaries are formed respectixely by 
 the Middle Fork of the American and the Cosumnes River, 
 and these streams, with the South Fork of the American and 
 the many tributary streams, bounteously water the county and 
 aflford convenient sources of power. The timber resources are 
 those common to the slope. The western portion of the 
 county has a delightful climate, and the foothill mineral belt 
 runs through a rich and settled region. It is crossed by the 
 branch railroad running to Placer\'ille. While gold remains 
 the mineral j^roduct of overshadowing importance, the county 
 has other minerals in large variety. Near Placerville is an 
 eight-mile belt of finely laminated slates, in which several slate 
 quarries have been opened. In 1900, 3500 squares of superior 
 roofing slate were produced, and the industry is increasing 
 the county's prosperity. This is the only county in which slate 
 is commercially produced. 
 
 In 1900, 3125 pounds of copper, the product of ore shipments 
 from developing prospects, was credited to El Dorado County. 
 While a number of the best developed copper properties dis- 
 play very wide veins carrying ores that often assay well and 
 continuous gossan cappings of copper-bearing lodes can be 
 traced for miles, no producing mines of importance have been 
 developed. Tunnels and drifts aggregating thousands of feet 
 have been run in the work of prospecting, and several prop- 
 erties have thus been opened sufficiently to indicate values 
 worthy at least of investments necessary for further explora- 
 tion. Some of the ore bodies carry good values in gold and 
 silver along with good percentages of copper sulphides. The 
 
176 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 characteristics of both vein matter and walls display much 
 variety. During the past two years several properties have 
 been undergoing development. 
 
 Alabaster Cave Mine. — Located in Sees. lo and 15, 
 T. II N., R. 8 E., seven miles east from Newcastle, Placer 
 County; owner, Holmes Lime Company, of San Francisco. 
 The mine is now bonded to Anderson & Hoagland. The mine 
 is on 180 acres of patented land. The vein can be traced for 
 over six miles. Croppings of gossan are solid for 1 200 feet in 
 length, and in places are over 30 feet wide. The hanging wall 
 is limestone; the foot wall, slate. The ledge is very strong 
 and unbroken. The vein matter is partially a mineralized 
 diabase. The ore is oxide and carbonate near the surface; in 
 depth it is sulphide. The ore is said to average 4 per cent 
 copper, with small amounts of gold and silver. On the dump 
 there are about 50 tons of ore said to assay 1 3 per cent copper. 
 The openings consist of three shafts, one of 300 feet depth 
 and two of 50 feet; they all expose the same character of ore. 
 The pay ore averages 3 to 8 feet in width. The vein matter 
 is 1 2 to 20 feet between walls. Some native copper appears on 
 the wall rocks in thin sheets. There are two tunnels, one of 
 100 feet and one of 30 feet. Developing. 
 
 Kelley Bros, own a mine on the 560 acres of patented 
 ground in Sec. 11, T. 11 N., R. 8 E., two miles southwest from 
 Pilot Hill, and one and a half miles south from the Alabaster 
 Cave mine. The main vein is 40 feet wide. No capping. 
 There is a network of ledges similar to the White Rock 
 country in Mariposa County. The openings are 2000 feet of 
 drifts and tunnels. The ores carry gold, silver, and copper. 
 One ledge is reported to yield ore assaying 5 to 1 1 per cent 
 copper. 
 
 Lilyama Mine. — In Sec. 3, T. 11 N., R. 9 E. ; owners, 
 Robert Crocker & Co., of Placerville. The property consists 
 of 240 acres of patented land. The length of the vein covered 
 by the claim is half a mile; the width, from 600 to 800 feet. 
 Granite forms the east wall, and quartz porphyry the west. 
 Between these lies a band of mineralized limestone, probably 
 pitching to the east. The croppings are gossan and nearly 
 pure black iron oxide (magnetite). The deposits were first 
 
KI. 1K)RAIM1 COUNTY — COPPER CLAIMS. 177 
 
 slightly oj^ened in the sixties by cuts and short tunnels, which 
 were driven until they encountered the ironstone. When that 
 was reached the prospectors quit, just before encountering the 
 copper ore, for which they were evidently seeking. The later 
 developments were commenced in August, 1899, and were con- 
 tinued about a year. They consist of four main tunnels and 
 one prospect shaft 20 feet deep. The ores are principally sul- 
 jihides, but there are also other varieties of copper ore. The 
 ore masses occur in lenses in the limestone. The mine is 
 eleven miles from Auburn, Placer County, connected with that 
 ]ilace by a good stage road. There are now 300 tons of ore on 
 the dumps. 
 
 Pioneer Mine. — This is an exten.sion of the Lilyaraa. The 
 vein ore and formation are precisely the same in both mines. 
 It is in Sec. 3, T. 11 N., R. 9 Iv The owner is William 
 Haaker. The vein matter is 50 to 60 feet wide. The vein 
 runs the length of the .So acres of patented ground. It is 
 opened by a main tunnel 900 feet long with two branches, one 
 of 350 feet and another of 200 feet. There are two shafts, one 
 of 90 feet and one of 100 feet, connected at bottom by a drift 
 50 feet long. These encounter a good body of ore. Idle. 
 
 Homestead. — This property, which has been worked for 
 the gold contents of a ledge 14 feet wide, is three miles we.st 
 of Greenwood at the northern side of the county, and displays 
 
 ore carrying a considerable percentage of copper. Owner, 
 
 McCrar>-. 
 
 Cambrian Mine. — In vSec. 23, T. 11 N., R. 9 E., about ten 
 miles from Placerville. When first opened in the fifties it was 
 for gold, but latterly the good percentage of copper has brought 
 this mineral into prominence. The present owner is the 
 Cambrian Mining and Milling Company, a corporation, of which 
 F. Thomas is president, Leonard Thomas general manager, 
 and D. R. Roberts superintendent. The company took po.s.session 
 in Januar}', 1 898. The width of the three veins passing through 
 the property is from 15 '4 feet down to an average of 6 to 8 
 feet. The veins are from 50 to 70 feet apart. The vein 
 mattef is talcose schist and lime. The east wall is grano- 
 diorite, the west serpentine. Between these are bands of 
 schist and limestone. The croppings are talcose schist and 
 12— BuL. 23 
 
178 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 gossans in the schistose rock. All clip to the east. There are 
 three tunnels — one of 113 feet, the second of 220 feet, the 
 third of 1360 feet in length. Also two winzes, each 187 feet 
 below the 1360-foot tunnel. There are over 1350 feet of drifts. 
 The ore is sulphide, green carbonate, red oxide, and native 
 copper, and carries reported values from S to 16 per cent 
 copper. The most interesting feature, however, of this ore is 
 the quantity of gold it carries. The company has shipped 
 several carloads of ore as it came from the vein with no assort- 
 ing, reported to be to per cent copper. There are now 
 employed about the place 20 men doing development work. 
 
 Cosumnes Copper Mine. — This property lies off the copper 
 belt east of the Mother Lode, in Sec. 25, T. 9 N., R. 12 E., and 
 was opened in very early times. The vein courses east of 
 north and west of south, and is in mineralized limestone and 
 amphibolite schist. The ore is sulphide, green and blue car- 
 bonate, oxide, silicate, and peacock, with reported values of 
 over 4 per cent copper. One tunnel, 100 feet long, cuts the vein 
 for 30 feet, and is not yet through to the wall. A winze is 
 sunk in the tunnel 30 feet, all in ore. Another tunnel, 150 feet 
 long, passes westerly through a light-colored diorite rock to 
 the vein, and then turns and follows its cour.se for 60 feet. 
 Another tunnel runs toward the east for So feet through the 
 granite hanging wall. The limestone belt is 500 feet wide. 
 There appears to be no iron capping. The sulphides come to 
 the surface in the limestone. Idle. 
 
 Wm. Barklege and S. W. Miller own a claim in Sec. 13, 
 T. 12 N., R. 10 E., on 140 acres of patented ground. The 
 croppings show a gossan cap 100 feet wide. A tunnel has 
 been driven 118 feet, and is expected to strike the vein at a 
 depth of 2.S0 feet. Very little development has been done. 
 There are indications of copper. The formation is slate. Idle. 
 
 Contraband Tunnel Claim. — Located near Georgetown, in 
 Sec. 24, T. 12 X., R. 10 E. Owner, O. P. Ford. Besides tun- 
 nels which show ore carr>'ing copper from a trace to i per 
 cent, there is an inclined shaft 40 feet deep, and in this there 
 is an oxidized ore that shows native copper and ore containing 
 10 to 18 per cent copper. The vein is about 12 feet wide. The 
 hanging wall is micaceous schist. The foot wall is not 
 reached. Idle. 
 
cosrMNi'.s cnn'i;K mini;. i;i. dorado corNTv 
 
 LON TRAIiAN I) ITNM-.I., I.I. IH'KADo CorNTN'. 
 
 (IT'.M 
 
180 THK COPPKK KHSOURCES OK CALIKOkN lA. 
 
 Arizona Claim. — North of the abo\-e described tunnel. It 
 has gossan croppings loo feet wide. 
 
 Copper Chief. — Owners, William James and L. A. Beck- 
 stead. Lies in T. 12 X., R. 10 E., two miles east of George- 
 town. Gossan croppings 100 to 200 feet wide. Walls 
 serpentine. No development. 
 
 Agara Claim. — "Big Jim," a Chinese, owner; one half mile 
 north of the Cosumnes mine, in Sec. 19, T. S X., R. 9 E. Shaft 
 25 feet deep. Idle. 
 
 * 
 
 Boston Mine. — This is an old mine about four miles west 
 of Shingle Springs, in'Sec. 22, T. 9 N., R. 9 E. It has a shaft 
 about 400 feet deep. The owners extracted and shipped good 
 ore up to the seventies. \'ein matter, schists; ore, sulphides. 
 Has been idle for many years. 
 
 Dr. Wren Claim. — In Sec. 7. T. 9 X., R. 11 E.; east of 
 Cilio's ranch, and east of the Mother Lode. Vein matter 
 talcose schist, foot wall porphj-ry, hanging wall black slate. 
 Vein, 6 feet wide; shaft, 18 feet deep. Several open cuts. 
 Reported values 5 to 1 8 per cent copper. Idle. 
 
 Robert Claim. — Owned by W. L. and L. Robert, in Sec. 13, 
 T. 9 X., R. II E. Vein is 2i]i f^^t wide. Formation slate, 
 with a quartz vein on the east side. Foot wall schist, hanging 
 wall slate. Shaft 80 feet deep and a tunnel 150 feet long, 
 tapping ledge. Copper content reported to be from 4 to 24 
 per cent. Idle. 
 
 There are several holes between vShingle Springs and 
 Latrobe, where former prospectors searched for copper. The 
 developments are, however, so slight that they ser\-e to 
 indicate the presence of copper ore rather than the extent of it. 
 
 The Br>ant ranch, in Sec. 2, T. 8 X., R. 9 E., one and a half 
 miles northeast from Latrobe. Ledge 4 feet wide; shaft 65 
 feet deep. Idle since i86o. Ore carbonate and gray oxide 
 copper. Owner, " Big Jim," a Chinese, who also owns a 
 property in Sec. 8, T. 8 X., R. 9 E., five miles north of Copper 
 Hill. Vein 6 inches wide. Tunnel 100 feet. Ore carbonate 
 and gray copper. Idle. 
 
EI. ixiKAlX) COUNTY COPl'KR CLAIMS. iSl 
 
 About a mile north of Latrobe a prospect owned by W. \V. 
 Woods displays a shaft 12 feet deep in a vein 5 feet wide. 
 Stron>; iron capping. Vein matter schistose diaba.se. Ore 
 sulphide and oxides of copper. 
 
 Bunker Hill Claim.— In Sec. 14, T. 12 N., R. 9 E., four 
 miles southwcsl of Oreenwood. There is a shaft 60 feet deep. 
 Good ore. Owner, Terry. 
 
 Rip and Tear Mine. — Two miles north of Latrobe. The 
 owner, W. H. Dodson, has 160 acres patented, on which the 
 copper belt appears. There is a shaft 100 feet deep, show- 
 ing ma.ssive pyrite containing copper. Some ore has been 
 shipped. The ores are sulphide, green carbonate, and red 
 oxide. The vein is about 5 feet wide. Still farther north, 
 about one mile, there is on the same property another shaft 40 
 feet deep. The formation of the latter claim is the same as 
 that of the former. Idle. 
 
 Bob Mine. — This is a patented claim, formerly known as 
 the Iron Crown mine. It is owned bj- S. B. Selkirk and Col. 
 George W. Dent, and is located in Sec. 13, T. 12 N., R. 10 K., 
 one and one quarter miles east of Georgetown. There is a 
 gossan capping from 40 to 300 feet wide. The croppings show 
 distinctly in one place 200 feet in width and can be traced for 
 Soo feet in length. The ledge can be traced for ten miles north 
 and south. One spur on the north end crops 40 feet wide 
 about 400 feet south of the north line. About 1 200 feet from 
 the south line Miller & Barklege are running a tunnel to tap 
 the ledge at a depth of 200 feet. Farther south on same belt 
 at the F'ord mine considerable work is being done. Beyond 
 the Ford mine only croppings show, no work having been 
 done. There are two locations north of the Bob claim showing 
 strong croppings of copper. No work has been done on them. 
 The developments in the Bob mine consist of one 75-foot shaft, 
 which was sunk on the east wall, and two shallow cuts. The 
 shaft was sunk to reach the ledge at a depth of 100 feet. The 
 water in the shaft carries copper in solution. The vein is 
 between serpentine and slate walls, highly mineralized. The 
 Dark Caiion ditch runs through the claim. From 12 to 15 per 
 cent of copper and $30 in gold are the reported values in the 
 
182 THE COPPER RESOURCES OK CALIFORNIA. 
 
 I'ord mine on the same belt as the Bob mine. In the Bol) mine 
 the reported values are $7 in gold, silver 1.58 oz., besides some 
 copper. 
 
 Noonday. — A prospect in the Diamond Springs mining dis- 
 trict, in Sec. 18, T. 9 X., R. 11 E., owned by Wrenu & Proctor 
 of Placerville. Shafts, respectively 17 and 28 feet deep, showed 
 a 6-foot vein carrying ore yielding from traces to 10 per cent of 
 copper and about $3 in gold per ton, with a little silver. Since 
 the mine was visited it has been bonded b}' the Peyton 
 Chemical Compan\- of San Francisco, which has proceeded 
 with development. 
 
 A few tons of copper ore assaying from 15 to 18 per cent, 
 with some gold and silver, have been shipped, during develop- 
 ment, from a claim in Sec. 8, T. 13 N., R. 8 E., seven miles 
 north of Auburn, and owned by Peter Oest of Auburn. 
 
 AMADOR COUNTY. 
 
 Amador County, chiefl}' famed for its gold mines, holds high 
 rank in copper resources and total output of copper among 
 the counties of the Foothill Belt. It displays copper-bearing 
 formations similar to those of its neighbor on the south, Cala- 
 veras County, in which the copper indu.strj^ of the State began, 
 and in which the most important mines of the copper belt have 
 been developed. In 1861 and the succeeding years of that 
 ]>eriod, several mines which were opened yielded considerable 
 quantities of shipping ore, but only one has ever been equipped 
 with a reduction plant worthy of note. This is the Newton, 
 which has been one of the leading and well-known copper 
 mines of the belt for a long period, though for a number of 
 3'ears it has been idle or worked on a small scale. It has a 
 smelting plant of small capacity, but the intermittent opera- 
 tions of recent years have been confined to leaching ore-piles, 
 chiefly the old dumps. In 1900 the county was credited with 
 220,000 pounds of copper cement, the output of the Newton. 
 
 This is a comparatively small county, reaching as a narrow 
 
AMADOR Cor.NTV COI'l'IiK MINi;S AND CLAIMS. 183 
 
 strij) Ironi the .summit ot the Sierra range to the low foothills. 
 In the higher vSierras are splendid forests and manj- lakes, the 
 latter including the group known as the Blue Lakes, which 
 conserve the water-supply of an extensive canal and ditch 
 system, and also of one of the largest electric power plants of 
 the State. Amador is distinctively a gold-mining county, and 
 one of the leading ones of the State, as its gold output of 
 Si, 373,7X8 in 1900 testifies. Its fame as a mining county rests 
 mainly on the section of the Mother Lode belt that crosses it. 
 Along this belt ar^ ranged the Kennedy, Argonaut, Zeile, 
 Oneida, Central Eureka, Wildman-Mahoney, Keystone, and 
 other widely known gold quartz mines now in active operation. 
 Here has been the chief scene of the succe.ssful re-oj^ening of 
 old quartz mines at great depth, and of the demonstration of 
 the deep values of the Mother Lode. Lignite has been mined 
 in the western portion of the county for many years. Marble 
 and building-stone are quarried, and pottery clay is actively 
 ])roduced. Ouite a number of diamonds have been found in 
 auriferous gravels covering volcanic formations near Volcano. 
 A branch railroad reaches lone in the foothills. 
 
 Newton Mine. — This has been the principal copper mine of 
 Amador County during the pa.st forty years and is one of the 
 oldest and most extensively developed mines of the foothill 
 copper belt. It is located at Ranlett, four miles east of lone, 
 on the stage road to Jackson and vSutter Creek. It was opened 
 in the early sixties and worked quite vigorously prior to 1866. 
 Since then, operations have been intermittent and generally on 
 a small .scale. In 1886 it passed to its present owners, the 
 Xewton Copper Company, Col. Horace D. Ranlett, of Ranlett, 
 one of the oldest copper operators of the State, president and 
 manager. It was re-opened in 18S7, was worked at intervals 
 thereafter, and in 1889 an 80-ton smelter was installed. Dur- 
 ing 1 89 1 leaching ore for cement was active and still continues. 
 This mine is in one of the lodes that can be traced for several 
 miles through this portion of the county. The go.ssan -capped 
 vein is from 4 to 8 feet wide, courses east of north, dips 
 70 degrees to the east, and displays .solid lenticular ore bodies, 
 not mingled with the containing rock, as is the case at Copper- 
 opolis and mines elsewhere. The property has been opened by 
 two shafts, one 150 and one 430 feet deep, and by 2000 feet of 
 
184 THK COPPER RKSOURCKS OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 drifts on four levels, besides winzes and stopes. The richest 
 ores were yielded in the workings at the south end of the mine, 
 from which much ore running 15 to 25 per cent was shipped 
 long ago, and where mining ceased at 300 feet. To the north 
 of the main shaft, where more recent operations have been 
 carried on, the ore is reported to average 7 per cent. The ores 
 are sulphides and carry small gold values. They are well 
 adapted for leaching. 
 
 One interesting feature of this mine is the extensive miner- 
 alization of the foot wall, composed of sandstone and miner- 
 alized slate. It was but recently discovered that here the 
 country rock, to a distance of 15 to 25 feet from the vein, was 
 filled with mineral depositions, mainly sulphurets, carrying 3 
 to 6 per cent copper and considerable iron. This mineralized 
 mass, which accompanies the vein as far as explored, exhibits 
 partial oxidation to a considerable depth. The material easily 
 disintegrates, and under all the circumstances could be cheaply 
 mined. During recent months. Colonel Ranlett has made 
 some experiments to test the possibility of leaching this 
 material for copper without roasting. It could be so leached, 
 as mined to the degree in which oxidation has occurred, and 
 would respond to successive leachings to the extent of further 
 oxidation in exposed dump piles, as do the piles of roasted ore 
 so treated. 
 
 The most recent period of activity at the Newton mine 
 began in 1899, under the stimulus of copper prices. A smelt- 
 ing plant, consisting of one 80-ton water-jacket blast furnace 
 of modern type, was installed and the surface plant generally 
 improved. The hoist is now capable of operating to 1000 feet. 
 During 1900, 3500 tons of 7 percent ore were mined. After 
 heap-roasting, 3000 tons of the ore were smelted to a 50 per 
 cent matte in a campaign of forty days. Five hundred tons 
 of the newly mined ore remained as fines, and went to join the 
 old dumps for leaching. The matte produced was shipped to 
 Liverpool, paying $20 per ton railroad charges to New York 
 en route. Since then, custom reduction plants, which include 
 converters, have been established in California, affording a 
 distinct improvement in the conditions encountered by any 
 copper property equipped with a small furnace in which ores 
 can be concentrated to matte. Since this campaign, the smelter 
 has remained idle, through circumstances not involving its 
 
AMADok cor.NTv — C(H'I'i:k minks and claims. 185 
 
 efticieucy. Duriii^^ ihe recent niiiiing operations noted, a drift 
 on the 4oo-f0()t level was extended north 150 feet, passing out 
 of the old ore shoot, 400 feet long, and reaching a short distance 
 into another one that awaits exploration. 
 
 Throughout 1901, leaching operations were actively con- 
 ducted, and about 40 tons of copper cement were produced 
 from the old dumps, and the fines from recent roasting. The 
 dumps contain about 10,000 tons of ore roasted in past years 
 and repeatedly leached, some of it twenty times. The sluices, 
 carrying scrap iron, through which the water percolating 
 through the dumps is carried, aggregate 750 feet. The pre- 
 cipitated cement produced carried 75 to .So per cent of copper. 
 During the year, the cost of production, including labor, scrap 
 iron, and water, and excluding the original costs of mining 
 and roasting, was less than 3 cents per pound of copper. 
 While the price of copper was maintained, this cement brought 
 in San Francisco 1 2 cents per pound for its copper contents. 
 Sacking and transportation to New York via vSan Francisco 
 cost about one cent per pound of copper contents. The total 
 output of the mine to date is reported as 33,000 tons of ore, 
 two thirds of which has been worked on the ground. Two 
 20- foot winzes and the shaft sump show that the 400- foot ore 
 body mined maintains its width and values below the 400-foot 
 level. These openings and the 150-foot extension of the 400- 
 foot level constitute the only exploration in advance of mining 
 operations. 
 
 Moon Mine. — Owned by the Moon Gold Mining Company 
 of Valley Springs, of which J. B. Lucas is vice-president and 
 superintendent. Situated in Sees. 3, 9, and 10, T. 5 N., R. 10 E., 
 about two and a lialf miles east of Richey, and southerly 
 from the Newton mine. There are two shafts, one of which, 
 equipped with a horse-whim, is 100 feet deep. The other is 
 140 feet deep. The mineralized zone is over 1000 feet wide. 
 Formation, diabase schist down to talcose schist; course of 
 vein, northwest and southeast. The vein stufif is a mineral- 
 ization of the schist. No large deposits of pyrite or chalco- 
 pyrite are yet reached. Gossan croppings are from iS inches to 
 8 feet in width. Grano-diorite runs to the east of all prospects 
 in this neighborhood. The vein matter also resembles closely 
 that of the mines in Mariposa County. Development in 
 progress. 
 
186 THK COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 There are several abandoned shafts in this vicinity, on the 
 dumps of which the same kind of vein stufif and ore can still 
 be observed. To the west of the Moon looo feet is another 
 old shaft, 140 feet deep, showing the same sort of formation as 
 does the Moon. 
 
 Thayer Mine. — In Sec. 23, T. 5 X., R. 10 E., a little north 
 of the Calaveras River, on a continuation of the Satellite vein. 
 It is opened by cuts and a main shaft, which in July last was 
 240 feet deep. This shaft is equipped with a horse-whim. 
 The ore is sulphide below and carbonate above. 
 
 lone City Mine. — This property, opened in the sixties, is in 
 Sees. 3 and 4, T. 5 N., Jl. 10 E. Ore sulphide and vein matter 
 amphibolite schist, with no iron capping. Not worked since 
 1864. Owner, J. Boone. 
 
 Chaparral Mine. — In Sec. 10, T. 5 N., R. 10 E.; has a shaft 
 120 feet deep, which was opened in 1864. Now idle. The 
 ore is sulphide and decomposed ironstone. Vein formation, 
 .schistose diabase and amphibolite schist. 
 
 Russel Mine. — This is on the Russel ranch. Sec. 10, T. 5 N., 
 R. 10 E. The shaft is 200 feet deep. There is a large dump, 
 80 by 20 feet, of highly mineralized rock. The vein formation 
 is schistose diabase. Owner, H. Russel. 
 
 Bull Run Mine.— On Wharf's ranch, in Sec. 15, T. 5 N., 
 R. 10 E. Shaft 400 feet deep. Large dump of sulphide ore. 
 Formation of vein, schistose diabase. Ore was shipped in the 
 sixties from this property. It was the reported intention to 
 work this and the Russel mine under the direction of the 
 Buena Vista Copper Mining Company. 
 
 Copper Hill Mine. — On Copper Hill, one and a half miles 
 north of Forest Home, in Sees. 34 and 35, T. 8 N., R. 9 E. It 
 has been opened by several shafts, one of which is said to be 
 about 400 feet deep. There is one over 200 feet deep, and 
 also several shallower ones. At present, the 1000 acres of 
 patented ground, on which are the old mines, belong to 
 W. F. Detert, of Jackson. The first work done was in 
 1860-61. The mines w^ere in operation over twenty years. 
 Large quantities of ore and matte were shipped to Europe. 
 Large slag dumps now on the property prove that considerable 
 ore must have been extracted from the mine. The vein. 
 
CAI.AVKKAS COINTY. 187 
 
 coursing west of north, crosses the Cosumues River into 
 li\ Dorado County at this point. The river bounds the prop- 
 ertv on the nortli. There are heavy gossan croppings on the 
 vein. The vein formation, tiuartz porphyry, is 500 to 600 feet 
 wide, and carries pyrite and chalcopyrite. Idle. 
 
 Mineral City Mine.— In T. 8 X., R. 9 E.. owned by T. H. 
 Allen. Jr. Shows indications of copper. The property is a 
 half mile northwest of Forest Home, and comprises 160 acres of 
 patented ground. Inclosing rock the same as old Copper Hill. 
 
 Forest Home Mining Co. — Property is a half mile north 
 of Forest Home. W. H. Bradley, of Redlands, Cal., represen- 
 tative. There are four shafts, each about 80 feet deep. All 
 the shafts show indications of copper ore. Idle. 
 
 Mutual Life Insurance Co. — This corporation owns 2700 
 acres of land one mile north of Forest Home, on which there 
 are five shafts of unknown depths, whose dump piles all show 
 copper ore. Idle. 
 
 W. H. Whittle. — Owns 2000 acres, one mile southeast of 
 Forest Home, on which there is one shaft 100 feet deep, with 
 50-foot drifts each way from bottom, showing indications of 
 copper ore. Idle. 
 
 An old copper mine located at Dry Creek, where the road 
 crosses from Irish Hill to lone, was closed many years ago. 
 It is reported that matte was shipped from this claim thirty 
 years ago 
 
 CAL.Wl-R.VS CorXTY. 
 
 In Calaveras County the foothill copper belt has displayed 
 its most extensively developed mines, and from this county has 
 come the l)ulk of the total copper product of the belt. Until 
 the opening of the Shasta County mines in ([uite recent years 
 this county was the preeminent copj^er county of the vState, 
 though its actual current production was generally small. 
 
 Calaveras County is the central one of the Mother Lode 
 counties, and it is also centrally located relative to the entire 
 auriferous slate belt of the vSierra Nevada slope. It is trian- 
 
188 THK COPPER REvSOURCKS OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 gular in shape, the apex resting on the crest of the Sierras, the 
 base expanding along the edge of the San Joaquin Valley, and 
 the Mokelurane and Stanislaus rivers respectively separating 
 it from Amador County on the north and Tuolumne County 
 on the south. One feature of its forest region is the noted 
 Calaveras grove of "big trees" {Sequoia gigantea). 
 
 All physical conditions are favorable to mining. The county 
 is richly mineralized throughout, presenting several mineral 
 belts and districts. The Mother Lode crosses the county along 
 a 30-mile course, and in this county displays the characteristics 
 of vast bodies of low and medium grade ore, presenting mining 
 propositions of the sort now especially attractive to conserva- 
 tive mining capital. -On this lode, at the northern side of the 
 county, is the noted Gwin quartz mine; by the southern 
 boundary is the Melones, one of the largest mining properties 
 in the State; and between them is the Utica group, one of the 
 ranking gold mines of the country. Other important mines 
 are ranged along the lode. The East Belt, farther up the slope, 
 includes the noted Sheep Ranch mine. Other belts and dis- 
 tricts reinforce the great and comparatively slightly developed 
 gold resources of the county, which are now attracting marked 
 attention. The auriferous gravel deposits of ancient river 
 channels aggregate 50 miles in length. The gold product in 
 1900 was $1,650,000, and the total mineral output $i,905.'^56. 
 Quartz cr>'stals of rare size and quality are mined near 
 Mokelumne Hill. Various minerals characteristic of the slope 
 abound and await utilization. The foothill region, in which 
 the copper deposits occur, also presents some valuable gold 
 quartz veins. The Royal Consolidated, at Hodson, is one of 
 the important gold mines of the State. 
 
 The copper belt, which crosses the eastern side of the county 
 through the foothills in a northwesterly and southeasterly 
 direction, separated from the Mother Lode belt by the Bear 
 Mountain range, here displays two important lodes. The main 
 one crosses the county and appears to present a fairly con- 
 tinuous system of veins, which display considerable variations 
 of contents, inclosing formations, etc. At Campo Seco, on the 
 northern boundary of the county, is a group of patented claims, 
 quite extensively developed, and now being operated, which 
 display strong veins and ores carrying some gold and silver. 
 Well toward the south side of the county are the mines at 
 
CAI.AVKRAS COINTV — COl'l'l-K CLAIMS. 
 
 189 
 
 Copperojiolis. ihe most ini]>()rlant of the entire l)elt in the past, 
 and here gold is absent from the ores. The jiractical continuity 
 of this lode is shown by crojipings and a great number of 
 shallow shafts sunk all along the lode at various times. A few 
 miles westward of this lode is another one which is traced for 
 a number of miles and in which is the Napoleon, the pioneer 
 developed copper mine of the vState. Heavy gossan cappings 
 characterize both lodes. In early days several mines on these 
 lodes other than those of present interest here described were 
 opened to considerable depths and shipped more or less ore, 
 but they are now forgotteii. vSomc may again be prospected 
 at a future time. 
 
 Union Mine.— By far the most important copper mining 
 property developed in California prior to 1S96 is the extensive 
 one known since the beginning of copper mining in California 
 as the Union. For a great many years it has included the 
 Keystone, which was, during the same period, the copper mine 
 of .second rank in the State. These two patented mines con- 
 stitute the historical and widely known " Copperopolis Mines." 
 Thev are in the town of Copperopolis, which they created in a 
 little valley in the southwestern portion of Calaveras County, 
 and in vSec. 34, T. 2 X., R. 12 K., on the main lode of the foot- 
 hill copper belt, which here strikes 30 degrees east of south 
 and dips about 60 degrees east. The elevation is 1000 feet. 
 
 The Union was the first copper mine of the State to be 
 productively developed on an important scale. Large bodies 
 of rich ore were encountered near the surface and persisted 
 downward, and for several years succeeding January, 1861, 
 this mine produced the bulk of the California copper ores mined 
 and shipped. In 1866, a year or two liefore the Union first 
 closed, it was credited with having shipped 56,500 tons of ore 
 assaving 15 per cent or more, and a much greater quantity of 
 ore of lower grade had been mined. The second largest pro- 
 ducer at that time, the Key.stone, was credited with 5719 tons 
 shipped. The story of the Keystone during this period runs 
 on similar lines, but this mine did not approach the success of 
 the Union, which paid large dividends and was once held at a 
 valuation of about $4,000,000. Both mines were then opened 
 to about the present depth, and operations ceased with good ore 
 bodies displayed by the lowest workings. At 500 feet the 
 
1V10 THK COPl'KK RKSOl'RCKS OK CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Union shaft was in an ore IkkIv 15 feet wide and of medium 
 grade. 
 
 The Union remained closed from 1S6S to 1887, nineteen 
 3'ears. In the latter year it was unwatered under the manage- 
 ment of H. D. Ranlett. The main shaft was sunk to 600 feet, 
 and mining was resumed for about a year and a half, during 
 which time 5000 or 6000 tons of ore were shipped. In 1889 a 
 100-ton Orford smelting furnace was installed, without very 
 successful results. Operations again ceased in 1892. Leach- 
 ing the dumps has been carried on during many years and a 
 large amount of cement copper has been produced. The mine 
 was again unwatered last year. 
 
 The formation in which the.se mines occur is black pyritous 
 slate and amphibolite schists, and can be traced through Cala- 
 veras County north into Amador County and south into Tuol- 
 umne County. The lode in which are the Napoleon and 
 Campo Seco mines is to the westward, the distance being about 
 six miles from Copperopolis, while the Campo vSeco mines at 
 the northern boundary of the county are about three miles 
 west of the Copperopolis lode, as the latter is termed in this 
 countv. At the Union mine, and for a considerable distance 
 north and south, this lode presents a single vein of black 
 pyritous slate in a belt of amphibolite schist, this formation 
 exhibiting no material variations. The United States Geo- 
 logical Survey has shown both vein aiid inclosing formation to 
 be identical in age and character with the slaty \eins and 
 amphibolite schists (greenstones) of the parallel Mother Lode 
 about twelve miles to the east. At Copperopolis the vein is 
 from 3 to 40 feet wide, and occupies the trough of a small 
 valley which here averages a half mile in width, the valley 
 itself being the result of the erosion of the soft slate and of the 
 softer greenstones directly bounding it. Being covered by 
 detritus and vegetation the vein exhibits no croppings in the 
 immediate vicinity of Copperopolis, and copper stains were the 
 only indications which guided the prospecting that led to the 
 discovery of the rich ore bodies below. 
 
 The Union and Keystone patentedclaimscompri.se 5254 feet 
 of the lode. The property of the Union Copper Mining Com- 
 pany, which is controlled by the estate of Frederick L. Ames 
 of Boston, also includes the Empire, the undeveloped south 
 extension of the X^nion, and 800 acres of patented agricultural 
 
CAI.AVHRAS COINTV — CorPKR CLAIMS. 
 
 191 
 
 laiul north ami south of tlie mines, j;i\in>; the company posses- 
 sion of o\er three miles of the lode. Production has been con- 
 lined to the Union claim and the south end of the Keystone 
 claim, and underground exploration pratically .so. The vein, 
 which in these claims exhibits a maximum width of about 40 
 feet and an average width of about 15 feet, carries a succession 
 of ore bodies which are lenticular raa.sses of sulphide copper ore 
 (chalcopyrite) connected by stringers of ore. The water level 
 is here \erv close to the surface, and the alteration of the sul- 
 
 4i 
 
 '..-^ 
 
 Jftk^- 
 
 INION COi'I'KK mini;, CoPPKROPOt.IS. C.M.AVKKAS Col.X IV 
 
 phides has extended to a depth of about 30 feet only. Within 
 this zone of oxidation the ore bodies below the surface gossan 
 present a little natixe copper, and carbonates and oxides that 
 are frequently very rich. There is no /.one of secondary 
 enrichment, and below the depth of 30 feet the unaltered sul- 
 phides extend downward practically unchanged in character 
 and average copper content to the greatest depths yet reached. 
 But three ore bodies have yet been opened and worked. 
 Two of these outcrop in the Union and one near the south end 
 of the Keystone. These ore shoots dip eastward with the vein 
 
192 THK COPPER RESOrKCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 and also longitudinally to the north. The largest one is the 
 southernmost one, in the Union claim, and is about 300 feet 
 long, from 2 to 40 feet wide, and has been followed to a depth 
 of 600 feet, where it reaches the northern vertical boundary of 
 the Union claim. One stope in this body, from which ore was 
 extracted in the decade of the sixties, was about 40 feet wide, 
 80 feet high, and 100 feet long. The next shoot to the north 
 in the Union claim is 200 feet long, is of less average width, 
 and reaches well into the Keystone property, where it has been 
 worked to the same depth as the larger ore body. The 
 developed Keystone ore bod\- is 100 feet long, from i to 15 feet 
 wide, and is exactly similar to the others in character. It has 
 been worked to a depth of 250 feet. The underground open- 
 ings of the Union and Keystone claims, consisting of several 
 thousand feet of drifts, shafts, and stopes, are connected. Nine 
 levels have been run in the mine and six shafts have been 
 sunk to var^'ing depths on both properties, l)ut one of which is 
 now equipped for hoisting and pumping. 
 
 Accurate maps and records of the workings and i^roduct 
 have been kept, and since the recent unwatering of the mine 
 and the resumption of prospecting therein, the mine has been 
 carefullv experted and existing ore re.ser\'es blocked out. It is 
 stated that the estimates arrived at are that the three ore 
 bodies described, when worked b}' modern methods, will yield 
 several hundred thousand tons of pay ore above the depth of 
 900 feet. This estimate assumes that the ore shoots will dis- 
 play the same persistence of average size, character, and value 
 to that depth that they have shown from the surface to the 
 lowest levels. The question of the permanence of values at 
 depth in this foothill mineral belt is, in a way, ([uite as inter- 
 esting and important as the same question in regard to the 
 parallel Mother Lode. Within recent years this question has 
 been affirmatively decided along the Mother Lode, especially 
 in the neighboring county of Amador, and at the Gwin mine, 
 in Calaveras County, where extensive and valuable ore bodies 
 are being mined at a present depth of about 2000 feet. This 
 problem gives significance to the persistent characteristics of 
 the ore shoots at Copperopolis and to the geological identity 
 of the veins and inclosing formations of both lodes. 
 
 Within the limits of the Union and Keystone claims, and 
 outside of them along the lode through this company's prop- 
 
CALAVERAS COLNTV — COPPKK CLAIMS. 193 
 
 erty, superficial prospecting has revealed the buried outcrops 
 of a tumiber of other ore bodies, all of which are remarkable 
 in their similarity to the three developed ore bodies at the 
 surface. The prospecting and developing of such new ore 
 bodies await the future. 
 
 The Union ore bodies are, as indicated, practically solid 
 masses of sulphides, carry no gold or silver, and are excep- 
 tionally free from baser metallic elements. The.se ores thus 
 difTer from those of the Napoleon-Campo Seco lode to the west, 
 which carry gold, silver, and baser elements. It is stated that 
 the copper product of this mine has generally been used for 
 the manufacture of copper wire without electrolytic refining. 
 
 Since the mine was unwatered last year prospecting at depth 
 has been actively carried on, mainly on the 600-foot level. 
 The product has been two grades of ore — one a smelting ore 
 averaging 1 1 per cent of copper, and the other a leaching ore 
 averaging 5 to 51^ per cent. The mining operations have 
 yielded about two tons of the latter to one of the former, but 
 the low-grade leaching ore has been largely taken from the 
 radiating stringers. Since the re-opening of the mine the 
 operations have been conducted by General Manager G. McM. 
 Ross, and a definite working plan of future operations is now 
 being considered. On the dump are now 30,000 tons of 3 per 
 cent ore which it is intended to concentrate, and 40,000 tons of 
 partially leached ore averaging 2>4 per cent in copper. 
 
 The surface plants, erected years ago, are extensive and 
 include a large leaching plant, necessary buildings, hoist, 
 pumping plant, etc. The mine yields a maximum of 80,000 
 gallons of water per twenty-four hours. Steam power is used, 
 wood costing from $3.50 to $4 per cord. Water is pumped 
 from a creek half a mile distant. Timbers and lumber are 
 supplied from Stockton and the mountains to the east. 
 Underground labor costs from $2.25 to $3 per day, and surface 
 labor $2. The Union Electric Light and Power Company, 
 which is under the same control as the mine, owns 1200 acres 
 of land, largely gold placer ground, on the Stanislaus River at 
 the southern boundary of the county, and there are several 
 miles of water ditch. This property was secured to provide a 
 supply of water and power for the mine and town. 
 
 It may be assumed that the Union property will again 
 become a producer sooner or later. Copperopolis, which was 
 13— BuL. 23 
 
194 THK COPPER RKSOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 a thriving and important town during the early mining activity 
 there, is fourteen miles from Milton, the terminus of a branch 
 railroad, and about forty miles from tide water at vStockton. 
 
 Penn Chemical Works. — Second in importance only to 
 the Copperopolis mines among the copper-producing properties 
 of the foothill belt in the past has been the group at Campo 
 Seco, essentially composed of the Heckla, Campo Seco, and 
 Satellite mines, which were operated as separate mines in 
 former years and which now, with the Little Satellite, com- 
 prise one property under the name given abo\e. The first 
 three mentioned were producing mines in the early sixties and 
 were important ones 'in those days. Thej' are close to the 
 town of Campo Seco, by Mokelumne River, about twenty miles 
 northwest of Copperopolis, and on the western lode of Cala- 
 veras Count}'. Valley Springs, the terminus of a narrow- 
 gauge railroad, is four and a half miles distant. In early days 
 many thousand tons of ore were mined. The richest was 
 shipped in considerable quantity and large amounts of medium 
 and low grade ores on three dumps have been leached inter- 
 mittently to the present day. Some matte was produced from 
 small furnaces before the plant now operating was installed. 
 The veins here course and dip as at Copperopolis. The vein 
 matter varies in character, the gangue being variously com- 
 posed of talcose schist, clay, quartz, etc. The ores are 
 sulphides, associated with iron pyrites, and carrying small 
 percentages of gold and silver, with occasional traces of zinc. 
 This group of claims has been opened by five shafts and some 
 tunnels, two of the shafts now being operative. The deepest 
 development has occurred in the Heckla and Satellite, which 
 at an early period were opened to depths of about 500 feet. 
 The Campo Seco shaft reached 250 feet and its lowest level 
 was at 200 feet. One ore body in the Heckla mine was 150 
 feet long, and the group as a whole has yielded quite largely. 
 The Satellite has undergone the most extensive development. 
 The shaft is 550 feet deep and four levels have been opened, 
 from which ore is now being mined. This mine was well 
 known as the Lancha Plana before 1883, when it was 
 re-opened by H. D. Ranlett after long idleness. A tunnel was 
 run to the old shaft, about 1000 tons of ore shipped, and leach- 
 ing continued for about three years. It was then sold to the 
 San Francisco Copper Company, and later merged with the 
 
I'KN.N c<in'i;i< mimm; ldmi'axv s mini-, at cami-d skc(j. 
 
 SMKLTlNf, WORKS OF TMK I'HNN MINlNd COMPANY, AT CAMl'O SKCO. 
 
 (195) 
 
196 
 
 THK COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Penn Chemical Works property. Mining and prospecting are 
 actively proceeding. The present smelting plant includes one 
 I co-ton water-jacket furnace. The pyritic method of smelting 
 is pursued. The material is run through the furnace three 
 times, producing matte respectively of 20, 40, and 60 per cent. 
 Recently about 150 tons of 60 per cent matte have been 
 shipped monthly. Another feature of the plant is a small 
 furnace used to agglomerate and partially desulphurize the 
 fines. There are now 85 men employed. Besides the smelting 
 
 NAPOLEON COPPER MINE, CALAVERAS COUNTY. 
 
 operations, the old low-grade ore-dumps are being leached and 
 cement copper is being produced. A. C. Harmon, Campo 
 Seco, is general manager. 
 
 Adjoining the Satellite and parallel with it is the Meteor, 
 and the Constitution is an extension of both the former 
 claims. C. Borger, Campo Seco, owns both claims. 
 
 Napoleon Mine. — This, the oldest copper mine in the State, 
 lies to the south and west of Copperopolis about nine miles, 
 and is in Sec. 23, T. i N., R. 1 1 E. It is thirteen and a half miles 
 
CALAVERAS COUNTY — COPPER CLAIMS. 197 
 
 from Milton. The owner is Josephine H. Sullivan, who has 
 bonded the property to Messrs. Lewis and Ben Williams. They 
 are now sinking shafts, running drifts, and otherwise prospect- 
 ing the ground. The vein channel is loo feet wide, and con- 
 sists of diabase and meta-diabase down to talcose schist. The 
 ore bodies occur in lens-shaped masses from stringers to 20 
 feet in width. The shaft is 86 feet in vertical depth and then 
 inclines 62 degrees for 239 feet, giving a total depth of 325 
 feet. The ores are principally sulphides, although carbonates 
 and oxides are plentiful. The mine, which was first opened in 
 the sixties, was filled with water from 1866 to 1900, when the 
 Williams Brothers commenced operations. A new west shaft 
 is now being sunk to connect with old workings on the 250- 
 foot level. It is now down 185 feet. Cement copper is 
 produced from leaching the old dumps, and some satisfactory 
 shipments of ore have been made. 
 
 Star and Excelsior. — In Sec. 24, T. i N., R. 11 E., near 
 the Napoleon; opened by cuts, shafts, and tunnels, showing 
 an ore channel from 75 to 100 feet in width. The ores are 
 sulphide and carbonates. The mines are now idle. The 
 owners are Messrs. Weihe et al., of San Francisco. 
 
 Collier Mine. — In Sec. 24, T. i N., R. 1 1 E., near the 
 Napoleon; owner, Henrietta Botcher, of Stockton. There is 
 an old caved shaft on the property. The vein is reported to 
 have been rich in copper, which was shipped in the sixties. 
 Idle. 
 
 Eagle Mine.— In Sec. 3, T. i N., R. 11 E., on Quail Hill; 
 owner, J. M. McDonald, of San Francisco. Contains sulphide 
 and carbonate copper ores. Idle. 
 
 Near Milton are some prospects showing copper, but they 
 are not developed enough to demand specific mention. 
 
 Josephine Mine.— In Sec. 8, T. i N., R. 13 E.; known also 
 as the Old Mountain Top mine. It has a shaft 40 feet deep, 
 sunk in 1864. The vein is 4 to 5 feet wide. A little ore 
 remains on the dump and in the shaft. Shipments were made 
 from this claim in 1864. 
 
198 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Through the Pattee ranch, adjoining the town of Valle}- 
 Springs on the east, extends a belt of copper-bearing rock 
 I GOO feet wide, with a strike west of north. The ranch con- 
 tains 784 acres. On this belt there are shafts and open cuts. 
 The deepest shaft is 80 feet, and shows copper ore. The vein 
 matter here is amphibolite schist and schistose diabase. There 
 has been no development since 1864. 
 
 The De Martini ranch, the second ranch below the Pattee 
 ranch, has recently been bonded to a company which intends 
 to re-open the old shaft and explore the property. Two creeks 
 cut through the belt on this ranch and reveal copper ore. 
 
 On the Missenger ranch, about two and a half miles north 
 of Valley Springs, is a shaft about 400 feet deep in the old '49 
 mine. There is also a large dump of oxidized and sulphide 
 ore. About two and a half miles farther north, near the 
 Mokelumne River, is another shaft called the "Salt Gulch." 
 
 Jackson McCarty Mine. — Known also as the old Calaveras 
 mine; about three miles north of Copperopolis, in Sec. 23, 
 T. I N., R. 12 E. It has a shaft 250 feet deep. Idle. 
 
 Caledonian Mine. — On the road from Valley Springs to 
 Gaslen's ranch; has a shaft 250 feet deep, sunk in the sixties. 
 Idle. 
 
 A. S. Pool has been opening a prospect in Sec. 10, T. 2 N., 
 R. 12 E. The vein is 20 feet wide, inclosed between a foot 
 wall of slate and a hanging wall of diorite. The vein matter 
 is meta-diabase. The copper value as reported ranges from 
 2 to 20 per cent, and the gold from $4 to $7 per ton. The vein 
 is opened by one shaft 35 feet deep and a deep cross-cut. 
 
 East of the Mother Lode there are found occasionally quartz 
 veins carrying copper in considerable quantities, notabl}' on 
 San Domingo Creek, near Macaroni Flat, where there is an old 
 shaft and a large dump, which show considerable copper ore 
 and some native copper. 
 
ALPINK COINTV — COl'I'KK MINES 199 
 
 ALI'IM: cuuxty. "^^ ^^ 
 
 Some of the occasional occurrences of copper along the 
 higher portion of the Sierra Nevada range are to be noted in 
 Alpine, a small elevated county which straddles the crest of 
 the range and lies east of \\\ Dorado, Amador, and Calaveras 
 counties, and west of Mono County and the State of Nevada. 
 It is remote from railroads, and its small population devotes 
 its energies mainly to mining, stock-raising, and lumbering. 
 Gold- and silver-bearing lodes are abundant, but the ores are 
 largely base and the mining industry is in a backward state. 
 Quite a number of important mines have been developed and 
 operated, however. This remote region has frequently, but 
 erroneously, been given the honor of pos.sessing the first copper 
 deposit discovered and opened in the State. This deposit was 
 found in Hope Valley in 1855 by '' Uncle Billy" Rogers. The 
 ore occurred in the form of a " chimney," presented a beautiful 
 appearance, was rich in garnets, and attracted considerable 
 attention for a brief time. Other deposits of better commercial 
 value were later discovered and ojiened. Two have been noted. 
 
 Leviathan Mine. — Owned by D. Bari, of vSilver Creek, 
 California. The mine is located ten miles east of Markleeville. 
 The nearest point to a railroad is Carson City, forty miles 
 distant. There is a 400-foot tunnel tapping the ledge 250 feet 
 below the outcrop; 200 feet below this tunnel another tunnel 
 is in 700 feet. Both tunnels are connected by a winze. The 
 ore occurs in kidneys in ]ior])hyry. About 300 tons of ore 
 have been shipped to a smelter. The property is idle at present. 
 
 Stella Mine. — Located two and a half miles southwest of 
 the Leviathan, and is owned by an English company. The 
 mine has been operated for silver and copper. There is a 300- 
 foot shaft and hoisting apparatus. Water power is available. 
 The mine is idle at present. 
 
 The Morning vStar mine, an old mine in the Mogul district 
 north of Markleeville, has recently been again productive. It 
 is operated as a gold and silver property, but the ore carries a 
 good deal of copper. One lot of 22 tons mined last year is 
 reported to have yielded 17 per cent of copper, and $32 in gold 
 and 49 ounces of silver per ton. 
 
 ^'''^^. 
 
200 THK COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 TUOLUMNE COUNTY. 
 
 Another of the great gold-mining counties of the slope crossed 
 by the foothill copper belt is Tuolumne, a large, irregularly- 
 shaped county, which stretches its eastern and longest boundary 
 far along the Sierra crest, reaches westward down the slope 
 between torrential streams, and claims a small section of the 
 foothill region with its narrow western end. It is a part of the 
 Wonderland of the general region of the Yosemite Valle}^ 
 which lies to the south, and includes about half of the Yosemite 
 National Park and of. the Stanislaus forest reserve. Hetch- 
 Hetchy Valley and some of the higher peaks of the range are 
 among the varied features of its scenic grandeur. It has a 
 wealth of natural resources yet but slightly exploited. Agri- 
 cultvire and horticulture flourish more largely than in some 
 neighboring counties, and there is an extensive lumber industry. 
 Splendid opportunities for the extensive generation of electric 
 power are presented. 
 
 Mining is yet by far the dominant industry of the county. 
 Its rich early placers have been succeeded by an era of quartz 
 mining, which for some time has been showing marked pro- 
 gress. Few counties of the State have recently attracted so 
 much mining capital to their gold mining fields or seen more 
 active development of successful or promising quartz mines. 
 The Mother Lode crosses its western part and aiiords some of 
 the best and well-known mines of the State. The East Belt, 
 paralleling the Mother Lode, shows its most valuable and most 
 extensively developed mines in Tuolumne County. The base- 
 ore belt of the high Sierras is wholly undeveloped here, as in 
 other counties. 
 
 The county's mineral resources are widespread and various, 
 but gold, and a little silver mined with it, yet constitutes 
 practically the only mineral product. The output in 1900 was 
 $1,596,891 in gold and $62,367 in silver. Besides the great 
 continuous belts along which gold mining is mainly concen- 
 trated, there are districts containing many rich pocket mines. 
 One of these mines has yielded $2,000,000. The Sierra Rail- 
 way crosses the foothill and Mother Lode belts and terminates 
 in the lumbering and mining region of Carters, affording direct 
 
TUOLUMNE COUNTY — COPPER CLAIMS. 201 
 
 communication with the most populous and productive por- 
 tions of the county. 
 
 Through the western end of the county the copper belt pre- 
 sents two branches. It enters the county from the north closer 
 to the Mother Lode belt than elsewhere, being but two or three 
 miles westward. The two divisions of the belt diverge some- 
 what in crossing the county southea.sterly, and both are marked 
 at inter\'als by outcrops of cupriferous veins and by old shafts 
 of shallow depth, which mark the many prospecting eflforts 
 of former j^eriods. A few properties have shipped a little ore, 
 mainly forty years ago, but no mines of note have yet been 
 developed. Many of the deposits carry gold, and in a few 
 gold af?ords the chief incentive to exploration. The western 
 branch of the belt is the stronger one. From Copperopolis, in 
 Calaveras County, it enters Tuolumne County at Byrne's 
 Ferry, and passes through the Don Pedro district to the south- 
 east. The eastern branch enters the county just west of 
 Tuttletown and passes out at Moccasin Creek at the south. 
 The copper belt is clearly defined, exhibits favorable indica- 
 tions, and, as do other sections of the belt, presents strong 
 possibilities for the future. 
 
 On the Kohl ranch, in Sees. 6 and 7, T. i N., R. 14 E., west of 
 the Rawhide gold mine, and to the west of the Serpentine, the 
 east branch of the copper belt is traced by croppings and cuts. 
 The vein matter here has the appearance of a chloritic schist. 
 
 On the Shell ranch, in Sec. 17. T. i N., R. 14 E., southwest 
 of the Rawhide mine, on the flank of Table Mountain, a 
 copper deposit exists. This ore is rich in gold. 
 
 In the town of Chinese Camp is an old shaft about 100 feet 
 deep. The dump shows good copper ore. This is in Sec. 9, 
 T. I S., R. 14 E. 
 
 On the Olson ranch, in Sees. 31 and 32, T. 2 S., R. 14 E., is 
 the old Golden City mine, which shows copper ore. The 
 mine, however, has been worked chiefly for its gold. 
 
 On the Mackay ranch, in Sec. 28, T. i X.. R. 14 E., is a 
 shaft in croppings showing copper ore, mainly carbonate. Not 
 much development work has been done. 
 
 On Moccasin Creek, in Sees. 19, 20, 28, and 29, T. i vS., 
 R. 15 E., are copper croppings and a shaft 22 feet deep, show- 
 
202 THK COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 ing chalcopyrite. From the Tuolumne River going south in 
 this range a deposit of copper with heavy ironstone cap can be 
 traced by croppings for over a mile. 
 
 Along the west lode the following properties are noted: 
 
 Washington Mine. — In Sees. 30, 31, and 32, T. 2 S., 
 R. 15 E. The owners are \V. E. Hensle)- and G. A. Hensley. 
 There formerly was a town of over 400 people sustained by the 
 mine. The town was destroyed by fire, the price of copper 
 depreciated, the place was deserted, and has ever since 
 remained so. The ores are of a ver}- good grade, sulphides 
 predominating. The vein formation is diabase and meta- 
 diabase. A cross-cut is now in 16 feet of ore. 
 
 On Donahue's ranch, in Sec. 23, T. 2 S., R. 14 E., there is an 
 old tunnel said to be 1000 feet long, with good copper ore on 
 the dump. The former superintendent, Mr. Z. Brown, shipped 
 some high-grade copper ore. 
 
 In the Don Pedro district the copper belt is clearly traced in 
 its ccurse northwesterly. Prospect holes are found in Sec. 9, 
 T. 3 S., R. 15 E. 
 
 On the Blanchard place is a shaft 60 feet deep, in which is 
 exposed good chalcopyrites. At Montezuma is the Ohio 
 House mine, showing good copper ore On the W. N. Adams 
 place, in Sec. 16, T. 3 S., R. 15 E., are shafts and open cuts, 
 showing copper ores, which were opened in the sixties. 
 
 Oak Hill Copper Mine. — Located west of the course of 
 the west belt, near the river and Cooperstown, in Sec. 23, 
 T. 2 S., R. 15 E. Owners, Henry Willey, A. H. Fitch, et al.; 
 postoffice address, Cooperstown. The vein is of unknown 
 width. Development, one shaft 112 feet deep, with drift 73 
 feet south. There is also an old shaft on the claim. There is 
 a good wagon road to Cooperstown, a station on the Sierra 
 Railway. When visited, three men were employed and ore 
 was being shipped. 
 
 East of the Mother Lode, in Sees. 20 and 21, T. 2 N., R. 17 E., 
 copper ore in quartz occurs in considerable quantities. This 
 deposit is similar to one described as the Robert mine in 
 El Dorado County. Little development work has been per- 
 formed. The ore is regarded mostly for its gold value. 
 
MARIPOSA cor NT Y. 203 
 
 MARII^)>.\ CorXTY. 
 
 Ill Mariposa County the copi>er belt presents some of the 
 extensive ore bodies develoj^d along the belt outside of the 
 few larger producing mines to the north, and the deposits here 
 are most noteworthy, on account of the large percentage of 
 gold frequently carried by the ores. Some of these o're bodies 
 attracted attention during the earliest years of the industry, 
 and here were some of the earliest mining operations and 
 attempts at copper smelting. Thousands of tons of ore have 
 been mined and shii)ped. with or without concentration, and 
 in the sixties the industry supported a considerable population. 
 During the recent copper activity several promising properties, 
 old and new, have been opened and actively developed. The 
 extent of some of these deposits and the amount of their 
 precious metal values make it almost certain that they will 
 become important mines sooner or later. 
 
 Mariposa County covers a large area of the Sierra slope at 
 about the latitude of San Francisco, has an irregularly tri- 
 angular shape, and, unlike Tuolumne County on its north, 
 has the base of the triangle it constitutes in the foothills and 
 its narrow end near the cre.st of the range. It shares the 
 rugged topography, forests, and abundant waters characteristic 
 of the slope. The county is chiefly known to the world 
 through its possession of those natural wonders, the Yosemite 
 Valley and the chief groves of the kingly Sequoia gigantea, 
 or " Big Trees." A branch railroad reaches to Raymond in 
 Madera County close to the southwestern boundary, but the 
 county is handicapped by lack of convenient transportation 
 facilities. 
 
 While the county has various resources and attractions, it 
 is and will remain chiefly a mineral county. As such it has 
 an important future. It is full of opportunities for legitimate 
 mining enterprise backed with sufficient capital. The great 
 Mother Lode courses through the county and finds its south- 
 ern terminus in the southern part of this county, where it loses 
 its identity and is succeeded by the irregular system of quartz 
 veins which continues far southward along the slope. In 
 Mariposa County the Mother Lode is characterized by the 
 
204 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 great width of its quartz veins and ore bodies. About fifteen 
 miles of the lode are included in the Mariposa Grant, an estate 
 of over 44,000 acres, owned by a compan}^ that is now re-open- 
 ing some old mines, one of which yielded $4,000,000 many 
 years ago. Another section of the lode is included in the 
 20,000 acres held by the Merced Gold Mining Company. Some 
 miles from the Mother Lode is the East Belt, one of whose 
 mines has produced $2,500,000. The copper belt running 
 through the foothills courses for forty miles through Mariposa 
 County, and here there has been a great deal of recent activity 
 in the opening of both gold and copper mines. Communication 
 with this region is by highway to railroad points along the 
 east side of the * valley below. The copper properties here 
 described are mainly taken in succession northward from the 
 south side of the county. 
 
 Near the south line of Mariposa County, in R. 18 E., is 
 Green Mountain, a considerable prominence through whose 
 summit passes a vein of ironstone carrying copper. This vein 
 is a part of the great California copper belt, and at this locality 
 has a large, heavy, bold cropping of gossan, which is a 
 hydrated, silicious iron oxide, the decomposed remains of a 
 solid iron sulphide rock that contained copper. All the copper, 
 formerly doubtless in the condition of copper sulphide, has not 
 leached out of this gossan mass. A small amount, from i to 4 
 per cent, sometimes remains on the decomposed surface 
 material, and in several instances has been the means of 
 leading to the discovery of the ma.sses of richer copper ore 
 lying below the zone of decomposition. 
 
 Green Mountain Mines. — Situated about six miles west 
 from Raymond, in Sees. 31 and 32, T. 7 S., R. 18 E. The 
 owners are O. R. Sydney et al. ; postofBce address, Le Grande. 
 The mines have been worked at various times since 1863, and 
 have produced large quantities of high-grade copper oxide and 
 carbonate ores. Thousands of feet of tunnels and drifts have 
 been run in development and for the extraction of ore. These 
 openings, as well as the croppings of gossan, show the vein, or 
 deposit, to be from 300 to 1200 feet in width between the 
 inclosing walls of grano-diorite on the east and diorite on the 
 west. There is a large number of openings on the property, 
 the most important of which are two tunnels several hundred 
 
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 ■JUJ AtiU'i a >_"-./. 
 
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 GREEN MOUNTAIN GROUP OF MINING CLAIMS, MARIPOSA COUNTY. 
 
(;K1-;HN MOINTAIN COIM'lvK MINI-:, MAKII'OSA ColNTY 
 
 DUMP OK THK CREKN MOINTAIN COPPKR MINE, MARIPOSA COUNTY. 
 
 (205) 
 

 u> WIAl VIUO 
 
(.ki-;i-:N MoiNiAiN c<i1'1'i:k mini;, mariposa coi'ntv 
 
 Dl'MT OF THK C.RKKN MOINTAIN COPPKR MINE, MARIPOSA COUNTY. 
 
 (205) 
 
206 THK COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 feet in length, above which are the stopes and chambers from 
 which the best ore has been taken and shipped. The lower or 
 east tunnel is in 600 feet. At about 400 feet it has cross-cut a 
 vein 60 feet in width. This is said to carry good values in 
 copper and gold. The main body of ore lies back of this, the 
 openings or workings of which are about 60 feet above the 
 tunnel level, to which they are all connected ])y an upraise. 
 From this upraise, several hundred feet of drifts and chambers 
 are run in sulphide ores of good value. Thus far, no walls 
 have been found in these workings. About 900 feet west from 
 the above tunnel, and 50 feet above it, another tunnel has been 
 run several hundred feet, and from it a large quantity of 
 carbonate and sulphide ores has been extracted and shipped. 
 The conditions in this last tunnel are about the same as the)' 
 are in the one first specified. /. e., a large area of sulphide ore 
 has been exposed, but no walls found. The owners are now 
 making arrangements to explore these vast bodies of ore with 
 diamond drills. 
 
 Lone Tree Mine. — This property, situated a short distance 
 west from the Green Mountain, with the same ownership, 
 shows a well-defined vein of schistose rocks, or coppery gangue, 
 about 300 feet wide, from which large quantities of carbonate 
 ores have been extracted and shipped. This mine is opened 
 by several shafts, varying from 25 to 100 feet in depth, all 
 showing copper ore of good quality. No sulphides have yet 
 been reached on this property. The average depth below 
 croppings, in both the Green Mountain and Lone Tree mines, 
 to which the gossan extends, is about 100 feet. Development. 
 
 Cavan Mining and Milling Co. — This company's property 
 lies in Sees. 4 and 5, T. 8 S., R. 18 E., nine and a half miles 
 from Raymond, Madera County, and comprises 235 acres of 
 ground wnth mill site. The headquarters of the company are 
 at Stockton. The resident superintendent and vice-president 
 is I. C. Leonard. The development work on the property has 
 been to the extent and on the claims specified below. The 
 mines are all in the copper belt, are easily accessible from the 
 railway, and are favorably located for economical work. 
 
 On the Rothchilds claim is a cross-cut tunnel, which is 
 expected to reach the vein in this claim at a depth of 250 feet, 
 and in the Good View at a depth of 375 to 400 feet. The 
 
AT Tin-. (•.ki;i;n mointain C(ti'i'i;K mini;, makiposa cointv. 
 
 : ^\..^i*-^ ln*-t, 
 
 ^^ff. .r^^^K 
 
 I.ONK TKKK mini;. MAKIPOSA COINTV 
 
 (207) 
 
208 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 tunnel was in 240 feet when inspected. There is a 20-foot 
 shaft on the south end of the Good View. This follows a 
 streak of ore 6 to 8 inches in width, from the top of the shaft 
 to near the bottom. There is an ore vein on the surface 20 
 inches wide. The ore from these streaks is said to average 
 15 to 25 per cent copper. The streak shows at interv^als for over 
 1400 feet in length. The whole width of the two claims, 
 viz., 1200 feet, exposes layers of quartz, slate, ironstone, schist, 
 shale, and sandstone. The main shaft was down 140 feet. 
 The vein exposed varies from 6 inches to 6 feet in width, show- 
 ing, down to 75 feet, oxidized copper ores, azurite, malachite, 
 etc., but below 75 feet the ore is solid pyrites and chalco- 
 pyrites. Smelter returns of shipments of this ore show 31 per 
 cent copper. There are two other shafts, down 40 and 54 feet 
 each, showing ore of the same character as in the deep shaft, 
 10 to 24 inches in width from top to bottom. The vein matter 
 is mainly diabase or meta-diabase, is 400 to 500 feet in width, 
 and is known to be over 10,000 feet in length. 
 
 The Sunset claim has a shaft down 58 feet, showing reported 
 values of 17 per cent ore from 10 feet below the surface to the 
 bottom of the shaft. The ore varies from 6 to 30 inches in 
 width. There is a schistose (diabase) foot wall and for 1000 
 feet a serpentine hanging wall. This serpentine at its ends 
 changes into a brownish schistose rock. The vein matter 
 consists of stringers of quartz, schistose, and ironstone rocks, 
 all more or less mineralized. The ore bodies are lenticular. 
 
 On the Crown Point and Little Giant surface work only has 
 been performed. 
 
 On the Copper King there are two shafts, one 20 feet and 
 one 50 feet deep, both showing ore from top to bottom, 6 to 30 
 inches in width. No drifting has been done from these shafts. 
 There is also a cross-cut tunnel 65 feet long. 
 
 The San Jose has a cross-cut tunnel 1 70 feet long. Three 
 winzes from this tunnel, respectively 40, 80, and 115 feet 
 deep, show an ore shoot 65 feet long and 4 feet wide. The 
 115-foot winze shows good ore from top to bottom. The ore 
 at the bottom is ^% feet wide. The hanging and foot walls 
 appear to be about 700 feet apart; for that distance the same 
 vein formation of meta-diabase (schistose rock and talcose 
 .schist), ironstone, and quartz appear, as in other places. 
 
 The Stonewall Jackson shows on the surface croppings of 
 
MARIPOSA COUNTY — COPPER CLAIMS. 
 
 209 
 
 quartz carn-ing copper ore (chrysocolla) 5 feet in width, and 
 a solid body of decomposed silicious iron from 75 to 100 feet in 
 width. Development in progress. 
 
 Great Northern Mine.— In Sees. 2, 3, 10, and 11, T. 7 S.. 
 R. 17 K. Owners, S. A. and C. R. Wilcox. There are three 
 shafts, 25, 70, and no feet in depth. Cross-cuts are run from 
 the bottom of the deepest shaft for about 40 feet. The ore 
 body is from i to 8 feet in width. The vein matter is of a 
 
 POCAHONT.AS COPPER MINK, MAKIPOS.A. COUNTY. 
 
 schistose (meta-diabase) character. The ores are green car- 
 bonates, yellow and black-blue sulphides. Wood and water 
 are not plentiful in the immediate neighborhood. A shipment 
 of ore was reported to have yielded 1 5 per cent copper and no 
 gold. Idle. 
 
 Pocahontas Mine.— In Sec. 14, T. 7 S., R. 17 E.; owned by 
 Mrs. Abbey Waller. When visited it was under bond and 
 being worked by William Mcintosh and W. M. Darling of San 
 Francisco. The property consists of 160 acres of patented 
 land, through which runs a belt of several seams, or veins, of 
 14— BuL. 23 
 
210 THE COPPER KESOURCES OF CALII-OKNIA. 
 
 iron ore carr>-ing copper. The general strike of these veins is 
 in a northeasterly direction. This belt of veins has a grano- 
 diorite east wall and a diorite west wall, and dips to the east. 
 The vein matter is mainly diabase and altered diabase, a hard, 
 shiny, bluish-gray rock that is frequently highly mineralized, 
 and with its inclosures of pyrites and chalcopyrites constitutes 
 the ore masses of these copper mines in Mariposa County. 
 The width of the principal vein is practically' lOO feet between 
 its inclosing walls. Between the grano-diorite and diorite the 
 distance in places is over looo feet. The deposits of metallic 
 sulphides, viz., iron, copper, and zinc sulphides, occur in 
 lenses. One of these bodies being worked on the Pocahontas 
 is known to be 50 feet long, 4 feet wide, and over 100 feet 
 deep. It consists of a dark-colored sulphide ore, said to carr>' 
 from 6 to 12 per cent of copper and $2.50 in gold. Carbonates 
 of copper predominate down to the 100-foot level, where it all 
 changes into sulphides. The vein is traced through the whole 
 length of the property and extends both ways into other prop- 
 erties. There are several openings on the main vein, some of 
 which were made in the sixties. The main shaft, through 
 which all the development is now being done and ore 
 extracted, was over 100 feet deep, with a promising body, in 
 size, of the best quality ore discovered in the mine. This is a 
 dark-blue sulphide ore. Green carbonate ore has been shipped 
 that yielded 35 per cent copper. Other carload shipments 
 have given 30 per cent copper. There is on the dump over 
 350 tons of ore of good grade. The former lessees (Wilcox 
 Bros.) within the three years shipped over $30,000 worth of 
 copper ore. The adjacent country consists of low rolling 
 hills and grazing land, is easy of access, and is twenty-four 
 miles from Merced, and about fifteen miles from the Santa Fe 
 Railroad. 
 
 White Rock Copper King Mine.— In Sec. 14, T. 7 S., 
 R. 17 E. It lies about a quarter of a mile west of the contact 
 of the grano-diorite belt. The vein matter is schistose diabase, 
 25 feet and upward in width. There are heavy gossan crop- 
 pings. Cuts, shafts, and openings in these croppings show 
 that these decomposed masses extend downward for more than 
 30 feet. The main shaft is over 150 feet deep. This is 
 equipped with a whim hoist. Development work in this shaft 
 
WMITI-; ROCK. MARiroSA ColNTY 
 
 WIIITH R(JCK MINK, -MARU'OSA COIXTY. 
 
 (211) 
 
212 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 was in progress. Below lOO feet the ore is sulphide. From 
 the shaft there are over 175 feet of drifts, all in ore. The vein 
 channel is 100 feet wide, as shown by these drifts. Several 
 carloads of oxide and carbonate ores were shipped, which 
 yielded 35 per cent copper. During December there were 
 shipped 50 tons of black oxide averaging 32 per cent. On the 
 dump there are several varieties of copper ore, while the 
 bottom of the shaft is in good sulphide ore. One carload of 
 ore was shipped that assayed over 40 per cent copper. The 
 vein is traced southward to the Green Mountain mine, a dis- 
 tance of over three and a half miles, and northward for over 
 half a mile. The ore carries from $1.50 to $2.50 in gold and 
 I to 3^2 ounces of silver per ton. About 100 feet to the east 
 of the main shaft is a hole 10 feet wide, 15 feet long, and 40 
 feet deep, all in gossan. This gossan contains from about 4 
 to 7 per cent of copper. The superintendent of the property is 
 Edwin L. Foster; postoffice address, Lewis. The mine was 
 discovered in 1900. At this point the copper belt is known to 
 be over three and a half miles wide. The property is about 
 thirteen miles east of Le Grande, on the Santa Fe Railroad, 
 and easily accessible. 
 
 Throughout the belt of country in which are the Green 
 Mountain, Pocahontas, and White Rock mines, can be seen on 
 almost every knoll, for a width of three or four miles, very 
 heavy croppings of decomposed ironstone which carry copper. 
 All of these have a general northerly and southerly trend. 
 This character of formation, with slight modifications, extends 
 up to and beyond Hornitos, but is particularly noticeable in 
 the White Rock section. Another feature of the White Rock 
 section is the frequency of strong white quartz croppings, from 
 the principal one of which the district derives its name. 
 
 Cornett Copper Mine.— In Sec. 19, T. 6 S., R. 17 E.; 
 H. W. Cornett, owner. The sulphide ore appears at the surface. 
 The vein matter is schistose diabase, the most mineralized por- 
 tion of which forms a vein 34 inches wide. The grano-diorite 
 belt is only a short distance to the east. The ore is mainly 
 sulphide, and 160 sacks of it, shipped, yielded 17, 22, and 23 
 per cent of copper, $2.26 and $4.60 in gold. The deposit is 
 about twenty-one miles east of Merced. Developing. 
 
MAKII'USA COINTV — COPI'KR CLAIMS. 213 
 
 Lone Tree Mine. — Owned by H. W. Cornett; is in Sec. 2, 
 T. 7 S., R. 15 IC. Heavy gossan croppings show in several places 
 on the claim. The inclosing rocks are a slaty schistose diabase. 
 The only development is a shaft about 20 feet deep. This 
 property is about seventeen miles east of Merced. The ore 
 carries a good percentage of copper. Developing. 
 
 John Dias Mine.— In vSec. 12, T. 6 S., R. 16 E. Opened by 
 a shaft 24 feet deep. It shows a mineralized vein 3 feet wide 
 in schistose diabase. The vein strikes northwest. The ores 
 are red oxide, azurite, chrysocolla, and chalcopyrite. The 
 owners were extracting and shipping ore reputed to yield over 
 $40 per ton in copper and gold. 
 
 Northward from the Dias mine, the copper belt is traced up 
 to and l)eyond Indian Gulch and Hornitos by prospect holes, 
 cuts, and minor shafts. It apparently bears off a little to the 
 east in the same manner observed in places in counties of the 
 State farther to the north in following the bends of the grano- 
 diorite lying to the east. After passing Hornitos, it strikes 
 through Hunter's Valley, where there have been several 
 important openings made and extensive mining operations 
 carried on in years past, especially in the sixties. 
 
 La Victoria Mine. — Owned by the Coppertown Mining 
 and Smelting Company, of San Francisco; in Sees. 4, 9, and 10, 
 T. 4 S., R. 1 6 E. The company owns 7400 feet on the copper belt. 
 The strike of the vein is in a northwesterly direction. The 
 vein matter as explored by a tunnel is 300 feet wide; in other 
 places it appears to be over 600 feet wide. The vein formation 
 is schistose diabase. The character of the grano-diorite east 
 wall here is changed, resembling diorite more than granite. 
 The ores are green carbonate, gray copper, chalcopyrite, red 
 oxide, azurite, and the dark bluish sulphide. Heavy gossan 
 cappings cover all the copper ores. There is an old shaft said 
 to be 200 feet deep in dark-colored oxide ore. A tunnel 395 
 feet long diagonally cross-cuts the vein formation. From this 
 tunnel ore has been breasted out to a width of over 125 feet. 
 Besides the above main shaft and tunnel there are many open 
 cuts, openings, cross-cuts, and shafts, six of which average 75 
 feet deep. A belt of limestone a quarter of a mile wide runs 
 parallel with the veins farther to the west and adjacent to the 
 
214 
 
 THK COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 vein formation. In man}- places the vein is blind, but the 
 iron cappings, sometimes gossan and occasional!}- magnetite or 
 black ironstone, are in line, and regular in their north and 
 south trend. All the ores carrj^ some gold, the gossan 
 included. This property was owned b}- a French company 
 when formerl}' in active operation. Three hundred men were 
 employed in the mines, and a prosperous town of over 400 
 population flourished. Records show that over 2000 tons of 
 ore were shipped via Stockton; shipping charges were $74 per 
 
 LA VICTORIA MINE, MARIPOSA COUNTY. 
 
 ton; 2000 tons of ore were worked on the ground by roasting 
 and leaching, and some by smelting; 200 tons of matte were 
 produced that carried 40 to 60 per cent of copper and from 
 $400 to $500 in gold to the ton. This was done in 1864 and 
 1865, when copper values were high. There is now to be seen 
 a large dump of about 5000 tons of ore, said to contain 6 per 
 cent in copper. The French company performed considerable 
 development. At present active operations are being resumed 
 and 14 men are employed in development. The property is a 
 portion of the lands owned by the Pullavincini, Dulcich, 
 
. MARIPOSA COUNTY COPPER CLAIMS. 215 
 
 Maschio. uiul Enos families. The La Fayette claim is on the 
 scnitli end of the jiroperty and has little development. 
 
 Barretta Mine. — In vSecs. 30 and 32, T. 3 S., R. 16 K.; 
 Joseph Barretta. owner. This claim was mined in the sixties. 
 There is now a shaft about 200 feet deep showing sulphide 
 copper ore, reported to be rich in gold. There is a large 
 amount of ore now on the dump. Idle. 
 
 The copper belt runs hence acro.ss the Merced River, and 
 near it api^ars to branch. The west belt enters Tuolumne 
 County through the locality of the vSalambo mine, in Sees. 30 
 and 32, T. 2 S., R. 15 E. The eastern branch passes near 
 Piiion Blanco (Mother Lode). 
 
 Daniel Castignetto has a claim, a quarter mile north of 
 Barretta's, in vSec. 30, T. 3 S., R. 16 E. It shows strong gossan 
 croppings and a vein 20 feet wide, composed of a schistose 
 rock. The shaft is 30 feet deep, showing decomposed red, 
 blue, and green copper ore, and is reported to assay 6 per cent 
 in copper and to prospect high in gold. Idle. 
 
 Farrari Brothers own a claim near by that carries a fair 
 grade of copper ore, opened by cuts, and a shaft 50 feet deep. 
 From this claim it is reported they have recently taken out 
 $5000 in gold. Idle. 
 
 There is a claim about a quarter mile from the Chemisal 
 House, whereon are two shafts sunk in the gossan, one 15 feet, 
 the other 20 feet deep. Fair copper ore. Owner, Daniel 
 Castignetto. This is in Sec. 31, T. 3 S., R. 16 IC Idle. 
 
 John Barfield, in Pleasant Valley, owns the Bruschi mine, 
 opened many years ago by shafts, cuts, and tunnels. The 
 claim runs to the Merced River, in T. 3 S., R. 15 E. Idle. 
 
 Between Barfield's and Hornitos there are copper croppings 
 somewhat prospected, especially at about half way between 
 the two places on Phillips Flat. 
 
 From Barfield's, across the river to the north are croppings, 
 and on Antone Rihn's ranch, in Sec. 13, T. 3 S., R. 15 E., there 
 are shafts 60 and 40 feet deep respectively, showing chal- 
 copyrite, besides decomposed copper ore. On the Halstead 
 place there are croppings and a shaft 30 feet deep, showing 
 copper ore. The vein is 4 to 6 feet wide. The croppings are 
 copper-stained schistose rock. 
 
216 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA*. 
 
 At Flyaway, about five miles southeast of Coulterville, on the 
 county road to Bear Valley, is a claim having a shaft 75 feet 
 deep, with drifts at bottom. The croppings of the vein are 7 
 feet wide. It is in the serpentine belt that traverses the country 
 hereabouts. In the shaft the vein, carrying copper, averages 
 12 feet wide. The copper content has always been neglected, 
 and the ore worked only for gold. It is reported that about 
 $75,000 in gold has been taken from pockets in the mine. 
 The owner is G. Commissiona. Property idle. 
 
 In the eastern portion of the county there are indications of 
 extensive deposits of copper ore, which have never been 
 worked to any considerable extent. The Minarets, on King 
 Creek, a west branch of the Little San Joaquin, on the south 
 shoulder of Mount Lyell, exhibits strongly impregnated copper 
 rocks. There is no development, however, to show the extent 
 or value of the deposits. 
 
 On the north fork of Chowchilla Creek, in Sec. 34, T. 6 S.^ 
 R. 19 E., at Indian Peak, considerable prospecting is being 
 done by Mr. Ward, of Grub Gulch. Considerable native copper 
 is found in the ores. 
 
 Copper Queen Mine. — P. Stanton and J. J. Trabucco own 
 a claim in Sec. 19, T. 5 S., R. 19 E. It is east of the Mother 
 Lode and about three and a half miles east of the town of 
 Mariposa. The vein strikes northwest. A shaft has been 
 sunk 40 feet, and an incline 15 feet deep shows a vein over 4. 
 feet wide in a schistose formation. The ore is green carbonate 
 on top, with blue sulphide below; some is ver>' high grade, 
 carrying massive native copper. Idle. 
 
 George Heiser owns an adjoining claim, showing similar 
 ore, with shaft 30 feet deep. The values reported are from 19 
 to 37 per cent in copper. Idle. There is an abundance of 
 timber surrounding the above two properties. 
 
 Copper in slate and quartz is occasionally found in localities 
 adjacent to the Mother Lode, and on the east side of it, along 
 its course, but such occurrences have never proved to have 
 any economic value. 
 
 There is a minor spur from the copper belt proper in the 
 southwestern corner of the county in Sec. 30, T. 8 S., R. 18 E» 
 Not much prospecting has been done upon it. 
 
MADKRA COUNTY. 217 
 
 MADI-.RA CorXTY. 
 
 The foothill copper belt maintains in Madera County the 
 importance, promise, and characteristics it displays in Mariposa 
 County to the north. At various points through this county 
 it exhibits strong copper-bearing veins, frequently carrying 
 good values in gold. Here, too, were some of the important 
 early attempts at copj^er mining and smelting. Before 1866, the 
 Buchanan mine, near the northern boundary, was operated 
 with the aid of a small furnace, and 1 50 tons of copper bars had 
 been shipped. This county has also been the scene of recent 
 attempts at mining and reduction of copper ores by the Cali- 
 fornia Copper Company, though temporary failure has marked 
 the attempt. During the past two years several copper 
 properties have been undergoing development. 
 
 Madera County differs from its northern neighbors of the 
 Sierra Nevada mineral belt in reaching westward past the foot- 
 hills to the center of the great San Joaquin Valley, and so 
 including in its area a large section of that fertile plain. It 
 mainly lies on the slope, however, reaching to the summit line 
 of the range, and possessing a wealth of minerals, forests, and 
 waters. Though the Mother Lode and the auriferous slate 
 belt of the slope terminate just to its north, the county includes 
 a rich section of the Sierra auriferous belt, but the multitudi- 
 nous quartz veins are in granite and other formations. There 
 are .several important gold mining districts in the county, includ- 
 ing Grub Gulch, F'ine Gold, Fresno, Potter's Ridge, and others, 
 and a number of important mines have been developed, yet the 
 county has been strangely neglected and its mineral resources 
 are but slighth- developed or even known. 
 
 High in the vSierras, by the Minaret Mountains, are rich 
 silver-bearing veins, and one of the largest and richest deposits 
 of iron ore in the United States. Difficulty of access and 
 other conditions have kept them undeveloped. A movement 
 to exploit the Minaret district has recently been started. 
 
 Among other mineral resources of the county is granite. The 
 granite quarry at Raymond is one of the largest and most 
 active in the west. The foothill mineral belt crosses the 
 county from Mariposa to Fresno, maintaining its southeasterly 
 course and its relative position on the slope. 
 
218 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Buchanan Mine. — Close to the northern boundary of 
 Madera County, but a little south of the Green Mountain mine 
 in Mariposa County, is the old Buchanan mine, lately re-opened 
 on a small scale. It is in Sec. 33, T. 8 S., R. 18 E., and is now 
 owned by G. A. Pherson. Five miles southwest is Daulton, 
 on the branch railroad to Raymond. The mine is opened by 
 five tunnels, respectively 500, 120, 100, 60, and 30 feet in length. 
 There are also two shafts, each about 200 feet deep. The vein 
 matter is diabase and araphibolite schist, both mineralized. 
 The east wall of the diabase dike is grano-diorite. The ores 
 are principally oxides near the surface. In depth they are the 
 unaltered sulphides. Lessees were working the mine at the 
 time of inspection, and were completing a shipment of one car- 
 load of ore. This ore was reported to contain about 1 5 per cent 
 of copper and about $3 in gold per ton. There are three 
 winzes below the 500-foot tunnel, which show the four veins 
 from 4 to 9 feet wide. The large dumps show that extensive 
 work has been done in times past, since the discover^'- of the 
 deposits in the early sixties. What ore can be seen appears 
 to be good both in quantity and quality. The mine is near 
 the railroad. 
 
 On the line southeast toward the Daulton ranch house there 
 are several openings on the belt consisting of old and new 
 shafts, cuts, and tunnels, whereby one is enabled to trace the 
 course of the belt unerringly. 
 
 Copper Queen Mine— In Sec. 15, T. 9 S., R. 18 E., two 
 and a half miles north of the Daulton house. Mr. Allinger 
 has bonded the property and was sinking a shaft in the same 
 formation as at the Buchanan and in the Daulton mines, and 
 obtaining the same class of ore. Owner, the Daulton Estate. 
 
 West of the old Daulton school-house a short distance are 
 several old shafts, showing copper ores, oxides and sulphides. 
 
 On the northern part of the Daulton ranch there are several 
 good copper prospects. 
 
 California Copper Co. — This is a New York corporation 
 which bought the Ne Plus Ultra and other claims on the 
 Daulton ranch, near the railroad, in Sec. 35, T. 9 S., R. 18 E., 
 about four years ago. The mine was developed and a 100- ton 
 smelter was erected at Madera, twelve miles distant, in 1899- 
 
•J 
 
 CJlii) 
 
220 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 1900. After four months of smelting, the smelter and mine 
 closed down in June, 1900, and have since been idle. The claims 
 are opened by three shafts and equipped with steam hoists. 
 The depths of the shafts are respectively 200, 200, and 120 
 feet. Besides these, there is another shaft on the Nelson claim 
 100 feet deep, equipped with a whim. The vein matter is in 
 places 200 feet wide. The more condensed areas of mineral- 
 ization are about 60 feet in width. The formation is diabase, 
 which in places changes to talcose schist. Grano-diorite lies 
 to the east, as is usual on this belt. The ores are carbonates, 
 oxides, and sulphides. The two former overlie the latter and 
 are in lens-shaped bunches. There are gossan croppings cap- 
 ping the ore bodies. • The strike of the vein is northeast; the 
 dip is to the east. Large quantities of ore have been extracted, 
 shipped, and smelted. The three hoists surmount the summit 
 of a low hill, around whose base are grouped the various 
 mine buildings, such as bunk houses, store, ofi&ces, shops, 
 dwellings, etc. 
 
 The smelting plant of the company' is located at Madera, 
 twelve miles west from the mines. The ore was transported 
 to Madera by teams, from which point it was shipped by rail 
 to one of the acid works on San Francisco Ba5\ The sulphur 
 was there extracted and the cinders returned to Madera, where 
 they were mixed with a certain proportion of raw ore and 
 smelted into matte. This process was continued for about 
 four months, when the smelter was shut down. While in blast 
 they shipped, according to information, on an average one 
 carload of matte per day. The smelter is of 100 tons daily 
 capacity. 
 
 Questo Mine. — This is the south extension of the Daulton, 
 and is owned by Mr. Greenwood. The vein matter is meta- 
 diabase. The ore occurs in lenses and with good copper indi- 
 cations. It is now idle, although considerable work has been 
 performed upon it. 
 
 The copper belt extends south of Daulton to the San Joaquin 
 River, the county's southern boundary. It can be traced 
 along this inter\'al and its course proven bj- croppings, cuts, 
 and shallow shafts, but thus far no important openings have 
 been made into its depths. Near the Fresno River it disap- 
 
y. 
 
 a: 
 
 J 
 
 X 
 
 y. 
 
 as 
 
 
 (221) 
 
222 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 pears, but reappears farther southward. From a point ten or 
 twelve miles directly east of Madera copper-stained rock 
 appears continuously into Fresno County. The formation in 
 which the masses of iron and copper sulphides occur is practi- 
 cally the same, viz., a meta-diabase. The grano-diorite follows 
 along as an east wall. 
 
 In Sees. 23 and 26, T. 10 S., R. 19 E., on patented land 
 owned by Mrs. L,- Krohn, J. H. Ward was developing under 
 bond an old claim which was originally taken up for gold. 
 Good copper ore and indications of a deposit were obser\'ed. 
 
 Adobe Ranch. — ^.The croppings lead into what is known 
 as the Adobe ranch, owner C. S. Moses, in T. 10 S., R. 19 E., 
 comprising thirty-five sections of land, and nine miles south of 
 Daulton. There are several places on the ranch where 30 per 
 cent copper ore is said to have been taken out. 
 
 One local peculiarity of the belt in Madera County is the 
 presence of graphite in seams and bunches within the copper 
 belt. 
 
 At the Fresno River there are several old shafts, the dumps 
 of which show copper ore. The belt bears off easterly and 
 crosses the San Joaquin at Pollasky, which is in T. 11 S., 
 R. 21 E. 
 
 On the Chowchilla River, in the northern part of the county, 
 in T, 7 S., R. 19 E., there is quite an extensive copper deposit, 
 which C. M. Ward was prospecting. The ores so far 
 developed are oxides and carbonates. 
 
 Three miles east of Bellview, in Sec. 16, T. 10 S., R. 21 E., 
 off the copper belt, is what is known as the Old Reed mine, 
 which carries some copper in its ores. 
 
 Big Chief. — This claim, owned by M. Eauer et al., is on 
 the east bank of Fine Gold Creek, in Sec. 23, T. 10 S., 
 R. 21 E., in the Hildreth mining district, on the south side of 
 the county. Considerable development has been performed on 
 a series of three ledges, 2 to 8 feet wide. Here the smaller 
 veins are of quartz, in a schistose vein matter of extensive 
 width. One tunnel is in 46 feet. There is a shallow shaft 10 
 
(223) 
 
224 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 feet deep. The greater part of the work is again.st the face of 
 the bluff, where the veins are exposed. The copper ores are 
 sulphides, oxides, and green carbonate, and it is said that they 
 carry values of $4 to $5 in gold per ton. There is over 500 
 tons of broken mineralized rock on the dump. Sinking was 
 in progress on a mineralized vein of unknown width. 
 
 FRESNO COUNTY. 
 
 About 30 miles of the foothill copper belt measures the 
 narrowest part of the large and important county of Fresno, 
 which stretches from the crest of the Sierra Nevada range 
 for nearly 150 miles down the Sierra slope, across the San 
 Joaquin Valley, and up the eastern slope of the Coast Range 
 to its summit. It thus naturally displays a ver>' great diversi- 
 fication of physical features, conditions, and resources. The 
 rugged and well timbered and watered Sierra slope, nearly 60 
 miles wide from range summit to valley plain, is extensively 
 mineralized, but its mineral resources have been but slightly 
 exploited. Gold quartz veins are plentiful along a wide belt, 
 and several mining districts are well known, but the gold 
 product is yet small. In few counties does the inaccessible 
 and unexplored base-ore belt of the high Sierras display more 
 inviting surface indications. Below these great areas is the 
 foothill mineral belt. 
 
 The varied mineral resources of the county that have been 
 developed are mainly in the lower foothills of both ranges. 
 The chief feature of these resources is the petroleum of the 
 famous Coalinga oil-field on the western side of the valley, the 
 product of which in 1900 was about 548,000 barrels. Near 
 this oil-field are extensive coal beds, which were at one time 
 mined. Silver, antimony, iron, bismuth, chrome, magnesite, 
 building-stone, and mineral waters are among the existent 
 mineral products awaiting utilization. The Sierra slope is 
 well watered by the San Joaquin and Kings rivers and their 
 tributaries. The great stretch of valley plain is wonderfully 
 fertile under irrigation, and its fruits have chiefly given the 
 
FRESNO COUNTY COPPER MINES AND CLAIMS. 225 
 
 county its fame. Here is the great raisin district of the State. 
 One of the important electric transmission plants of the wState 
 finds its source of energy in a Sierra stream. 
 
 The foothill copper belt, as it enters the county from Madera 
 on the north, displays a greater width than in any of the other 
 counties traversed by the belt from its far northern end. The 
 copper deposits that have undergone any development worthy 
 of note are all near the northern side of this part of the county, 
 and are chiefly in T. 12 S., R. 21, 22, 23, and 24 E., M. D. M. 
 The belt here appears to display parallel lodes, spread over a 
 width of perhaps twenty miles, and is generally taken by those 
 locally familiar with it to divide into two branches in this 
 region, these widely di\erging branches continuing separately 
 on through Fresno and Tulare counties. The property best 
 known, by reason of its operations and its large capitalization, 
 is the Copper King, which has been extensively developed 
 and which has for some time been a producer. Most of the 
 other properties commanding attention as prospects are within 
 a few miles of the Copper King. A branch railroad to Pol- 
 lasky runs within a few miles of this copper district near the 
 northern side of the county. Most of the cupriferous veins of 
 P>esno County carry gold, as do those in Madera and Mariposa 
 to the north. Far east of the belt, and high in the Sierras, at 
 altitudes of several thousand feet, are various mining claims 
 covering veins superficialh^ rich in copper and gold; but, like 
 the rest of the mineral riches of this vast region, they await 
 the more favorable conditions that time will bring to an almost 
 inaccessible country. 
 
 Painter Mine. — This property, by the northern boundary, 
 near Pollasky, in Sec. 33, T. 11 vS.. R. 21 E.. is owned by the 
 Imperial Copper Mining Company. The course of the vein is 
 23 degrees north of west. There are gossan croppings i to 20 
 feet wide. The vein matter is meta-diabase, changing in some 
 places to talcose schist. The country rock is diabase and 
 amphibolite schist. The vein followed in the workings is from 
 4 to 7 feet wide. The mine was re-opened in 1900. The 
 development consists of one shaft 1 10 feet deep, equipped wuth 
 a horse- whim, which shaft follows oxidized ores for 100 feet, 
 and then encounters the sulphides. An inclined shaft 80 feet 
 
 15— BuL. 23 
 
226 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 deep follows the hanging wall. This shaft has drifts and 
 cross-cuts from it, with total lengths of i6o feet. Another 
 shaft has been sunk 50 feet in carbonate ore. There is an 
 open cut 6 or 7 feet deep, made in 1866, that follows the vein 
 about 50 feet, and shows good appearing oxidized ores. The 
 known length of ore shoot disclosed by the above openings is 
 750 feet. In places in the mine there are found lumps of verj^ 
 rich ore ("nigger heads"), inclosed in talc. From the first 
 shaft drifts extend both east and west for 45 feet, making a total 
 drift length of 90 feet. Several hundred tons of ore have been 
 extracted and shipped, and is said to have yielded an average 
 of 15 per cent copper. The copper belt at this point is two 
 miles wide. The Painter mine is on the east side and the 
 Heiskell mine on the west side of the belt. There are a few 
 buildings on the property, such as assay office, boarding and 
 bunk houses, barn, etc. The mine is now idle. 
 
 Fresno Copper Mines. — This group, formerly known as 
 the Heiskell, consisting of five full claims, is owned by H. B. 
 Vercoe et al., H. G. \'ercoe superintendent, and is in Sec. 10, 
 T. 12 vS., R. 21 E. The course of the vein is north and south, 
 width 18 feet. There are heavy gossan croppings. The 
 gossan extends downward about 50 feet. Below these gossan 
 caps are bluish-black sulphides. The mines are opened by 
 shafts, two of 200 feet each in depth, one of 50 feet, one of 45 
 feet, and one of 35 feet. Six men were employed. The ores 
 are carbonates and oxides above and sulphides below, and the 
 average assay value of the ore was stated to be 7 per cent 
 copper and $2 in gold. 
 
 Copper King" Mine. — This mine is in Sec. 3, T. 1 2 S., R. 23 E. 
 It is owned by the Copper King Mining Company. Ltd., of Lon- 
 don, of which \V. H. Daily is the general manager. The property 
 consists of one mining claim, 1500 by 600 feet, with all neces- 
 sary' buildings thereon. The vein courses northeast and south- 
 west. That portion of it now being worked is from 2 to 
 19 feet in width. The vein matter, however, appears to have 
 a width of over 100 feet. It is schistose and meta-diabase in 
 its composition, all mineralized. The lenses of ore consist of 
 carbonates, oxides, and sulphides of iron and copper. The 
 sulphides obtain to the exclusion of the others in the deeper 
 
y. 
 
 f. 
 
 y. 
 
 y. 
 
 y. 
 
 •2 
 
 (i.'-'7> 
 
228 THE COPPKR RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Avorkings of the mine. This is opened by three shafts, the 
 deepest of which is used for operating purposes and the others 
 for ventilation only. The first named shaft is 450 feet deep. 
 From the 400-foot level a winze is being sunk, and in August, 
 1 901, was down 30 feet below the level. Altogether there are 
 six levels driven from the operating shaft, with total lengths 
 of over 2500 feet. As said, the ore bodies are in the form of 
 lenses. The usual grano-diorite belt bounds the copper belt 
 to the east and diorite lies to the west. 
 
 After the ore has been hoisted, crushed, and sampled it is 
 conveyed seventeen miles in traction wagons to a siding on the 
 Southern Pacific railway, called Deering. Thence it is trans- 
 ported to the compa'nj-'s smelter, at Seal Bluflf Landing, on 
 Suisun Ba}^ near Martinez, and there reduced. Power for all 
 purposes at the mine is generated in a battery of boilers by 
 crude petroleum, transformed into electric energy by a com- 
 pound engine and large generator, and distributed to the hoist, 
 crusher, belt conveyor, and sampling machine. There is 
 besides this plant, a steam air-compressor for operating the 
 drills in the mine. The buildings about the mine are good and 
 ample. An automatic system of sampling goes on during the 
 time the ore-bins are being filled with crushed ore. The 
 residual sample is assa5'ed, and average value of the contents 
 of each bin is thereby shown. From these bins the fine ore is 
 subsequently passed to square iron tanks on the traction 
 wagons. Each wagon has four bins, together holding more 
 than 33 tons of ore. Three trains drawn by traction engines 
 make one trip a day to Deering, and thus daily deliver 100 
 tons of ore to the cars bound for the smelter. At present, the 
 hoisting equipment is equal to raising 200 tons per twenty- 
 four hours. Water for all purposes at the mine is derived from 
 springs and from the mine itself. Seventy men are employed 
 about the mine and station. The general manager stated that 
 the average amount of copper contained in the shipping ore 
 was about 7 per cent. 
 
 The smelter of the Copper King, Limited, at Seal Blutl 
 Landing, on Suisun Bay, is forty miles from San Francisco, 
 and is called the Pacific Coast Smelting and Refining Works. 
 The location affords both rail and deep-water transportation 
 facilities. The plant has been in full operation but a few 
 months. Extensive buildings and modern facilities of con- 
 
SHIl-IMV. >-.T\II()N ol-- Cori'I'.K KINC. I.IMITKI). AT DI-.l-IKINC. ON S. I'. R. k. 
 
 J 
 
 I I 
 
 '!' I I I 
 
 }. ^ 
 
 >,i ',1 j.i» .M"' ' ■'»i»i»"i|:»M i » 
 
 . --i^- - » J- 
 
 SMKLTKR OK THK Col'l'KK KINC. MMITKI). AT SKAI, HI.II)- LANDING, 
 
 CONTRA C<JSTA COINTV. 
 
230 THK COPPER KKSOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 venient arrangement have been erected. Electric power 
 generated on the premises with oil fuel is used. The ores are 
 classified upon their arrival at the smelter. After passing 
 through a No. 3 Gates crusher, the ore is conveyed by a bucket 
 elevator to the rolls and trommel. From the trommel the ore 
 goes to two 50-ton MacDougal roasting furnaces. In these 
 furnaces no fuel is required, the burning sulphur in the ore 
 supplying the necessary heat. From the roasting furnaces the 
 ore goes to a lOO-ton reverberatory furnace and is converted 
 into matte. In this furnace crude petroleum is used for fuel. 
 From the reverberatory furnace the matte is tapped imme- 
 diately into a converter, where it is made into blister copper. 
 The converter slag, carrj'ing 7 to 8 per cent copper, is returned 
 to the reverberatory. Additions to the plant, including blast 
 furnaces, are now being made, and when completed the daily 
 capacity of the plant will be 300 tons. Besides treating the 
 ore from the company's mine in Fresno County, copper ores 
 are sought and received from many sources. 
 
 Wabash Mining Co. — This company has located ground 
 surrounding the Copper King mine on all sides. There are 
 two shafts on this property, one about 40 feet deep, on which 
 the owners were making preparations to erect hoisting 
 machinery. The other shaft is over 30 feet deep. One tunnel 
 has been run over 400 feet, and another 300 feet. The vein 
 formation is similar to that of the Copper King. These mines 
 may be described as now being in the stage of early develop- 
 ment. They are in Sees. 2, 3, 10, and 11, T. 12 S., R. 23 E., 
 and are owned by Dr. Bryant and others of Eos Angeles. 
 
 Mount Sterling. — Owned by Kneiper & Ashbrook, and 
 adjoining the Wabash ground on the south, in Sec. 10, T. 12 S., 
 R. 23 E. On this property the owners are driving a tunnel to 
 cut the ledge, which is mineralized, carrying iron and copper 
 sulphides. Developing. 
 
 Grubstake Claim.— Owned by C. H. Kneiper and — Taylor; 
 adjoins the Mount Sterling, and shows similar copper ore. 
 Developing. Southward, the indications of copper ore con- 
 tinue to Kings River. 
 
 Black Mountain Claim.— In Sec. 36, T. 1 1 S., R. 23 E., one 
 and a half miles northeast of the Copper King: owned by 
 W. S. Cranmer. It is on patented land. The vein is in lime- 
 
CONVi:kTi;K ITKNACKS, IN ColKSI-; 01- KKKCTHiN, C<)I'1'1:K KINC, I.IMITKO. 
 SHAI, BLl'FK LANDINC. CONTRA COSTA COINTV 
 
 (2:^1) 
 
232 THK COPPER RESOURCES UK CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Stone (calc spar), and averages about 3 feet in width. This 
 ore is .said to carry 15 to 19 per cent copper and $5 in gold per 
 ton. The openings comprise a shaft 30 feet deep, a tunnel run 
 in a northeasterly direction along the course of the vein for 60 
 feet, and another tunnel 20 feet below the first named, follow- 
 ing the vein for 180 feet. The vein splits and has decidedly 
 branching tendencies. At the mouth of the 180-foot tunnel 
 there is a shaft 30 feet deep in ore. A third tunnel, intended 
 to strike the vein 100 feet below the bottom of this 30-foot shaft, 
 has been started. It is now in 125 feet. Open cuts and shal- 
 low holes on the surface discover the same quality of ore 
 wherever they have been sunk. The ore is oxide and sulphide 
 of good appearance. • The east wall is a gray diabase, asso- 
 ciated with talc schist. Idle. 
 
 Buck's Peak Claim. — Two miles south of Black Mountain; 
 owner, W. S. Cranmer. Shows two veins, 30 feet apart, one of 
 which is one foot wide and the other three feet wide. A shaft 
 12 feet deep on the 3-foot vein shows green carbonate of cop- 
 per ore for the whole width of the vein. Idle. 
 
 Sunset Mine. — In Sec. 35, T. 11 S., R. 23 E.; owners, 
 D. S. Snodgrass et al. There are gossan croppings. The 
 ledge matter is 60 feet wide. The ore is of about the same 
 character as that in the Copper King, and consists of carbon- 
 ates and sulphides. There is a shaft 90 feet deep, with cross- 
 cut at its bottom 60 feet long, all in ore, which is said to 
 average 10 per cent copper and to carry about $14 in gold per 
 ton. The vein matter is schistose diabase. A belt of lime- 
 stone occurs in the east side. Idle. 
 
 A. L. Hildebrand has locations on both the north and south 
 ends of the Sunset claim. On these locations are croppings of 
 the same character as on the Sunset. Very little development. 
 Idle. 
 
 Henry Wineberger has locations on the northwest side of 
 Hildebrand's claim, on which there are indications of copper. 
 Idle. 
 
 Happy Camp Claim. — Three and a half miles east of the 
 Copper King mine. There is a tunnel 135 feet long, with 
 cross-cut at end 1 7 feet long from wall to wall. The ore is 
 decomposed quartz, said to carry 4 per cent copper and $10 in 
 gold. Idle. 
 
TII.AKK COINTV. 233 
 
 W. L. Iliiikle ^: liros. have some claims in Sees. 25, 26, and 
 27, T. 12 S., R. 24 IC., that show copper ore in talcose schist. 
 There are several other prosi^ects near by, which yield copper 
 minerals. 
 
 Anderson ^: Oist own liltecn claims on Hoj^ Mountain, one 
 and a half miles west of Trimmer Springs, in Sees. 14, 15, 
 23, and 24, T. 12 vS., R. 24 E. Across the river east of Trimmer 
 Springs, Mr. Terrill of \'isalia is working ten claims in Sees. 
 16 and 17 on the copper belt, with some favorable prospects. 
 These claims are in T. 12 S., R. 24 IC. There are heavy iron 
 gossan croppings on the property. 
 
 In Kings River Canon, high in the Sierras, in Sees. 9 and 10, 
 T. 13 S., R. 31 E., there are indications of copper deposits. 
 George Badders & Co. are now working seven claims, in which 
 they find some very good oxide and sulphide ores. They had 
 opened a shaft 30 feet deep, but not enough development work 
 had been performed to determine the extent or value of these 
 deposits. The vein matter is mo.stly tjuartz. 
 
 P. A. Kanawyer (S: vSons own a group of eight claims in 
 Sec. II, T. 13 vS., R. 31 IC. The vein matter is quartz, with 
 grano-diorite walls. The vein shows 6 to 15 feet in width, 
 and is traced for two miles. It carries, according to informa- 
 tion, over 10 per cent copper and $1 1 in gold. There are open 
 cuts and a perpendicular clif? 100 feet high; the clil^f shows the 
 vein in its face. The prospect is thirty-six miles from Mill- 
 wood. Developing. 
 
 TIL.VRl- COrXTY 
 
 A large area of the Sierra slope is comprised within the 
 bounds of Tulare County, the eastern boundary of which runs 
 for about 75 miles along the range summit and the western 
 portion of which embraces a fertile and favored .section of the 
 San Joaquin Valley. In this county, in the Sierra foothills, is 
 one of the important orange districts of California, and here, 
 also in the valley plain below, are exten.sive orchards and 
 •vineyards as well as many great grain ranches. This is one 
 
234 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 of the minor mineral counties of the State, thou^i^h it has 
 extensive mineral resources awaiting the future. 
 
 In this county, the copper belt displays but occasional indica- 
 tions of its presence, has been but little explored and only 
 slightly developed. The branches into which the belt divides 
 in Fresno County appear to be prolonged, with increasing 
 divergence, through Tulare County. The western branch is 
 the most clearly defined, and is characterized by narrow 
 diverging seams or stringers of copper-bearing minerals. Just 
 east of Porterville, there is an area of countrj- fully five miles 
 wide, in which these small veins occur. Like the eastern 
 branch this one is extensively hidden by detrital depo.sits, and 
 outcrops only at intervals. This west branch appears to lose 
 its identity and disappear near Kernville, in Kern County, to 
 the south. The east branch of the belt swings easterly and 
 mounts to an altitude of over 5000 feet. The chief deposits 
 identified with this east branch are near the middle of the 
 county, thirty miles or so east of Porterville and the west belt, 
 and amid the forest region, where some of the chief sequoia 
 groves of the State are found. Copper prospects of possible 
 future value occur high in the Sierras, notably some described 
 below, located close to Kearsage Peak in the extreme north- 
 eastern corner of the county, above the timber line and at an 
 altitude of 10,000 to 12,000 feet. 
 
 W. F. Powell owns some claims in the east branch of the 
 copper belt, located in Sec. 30, T. 19 S., R. 31 E., on the middle 
 fork of Tule River, thirty miles east of Porter\'ille, at an 
 altitude of about 5500 feet. The mineralized zone is said to 
 be 300 feet wide, and can be traced by surface croppings for 
 more than six miles in a northerly direction. There are three 
 tunnels, one cross-cutting the mineralized rock for 150 feet, 
 without reaching a wall. The cour.se of the vein is northeast 
 and southwest. The copper ores are yellow and black sul- 
 phides, carrying 3 to 4 per cent copper. Occasionally, however, 
 small quantities of native copper are found. The vein matter 
 lies between a limestone east wall and a serpentine west wall. 
 
 W. F. Grider has a claim two miles east of the Enterprise 
 sawmill, in Sec. 31, T. 19 S., R. 31 E. Some test lots of ore 
 have recently been shipped. 
 
C()rri;K mointain mimnc. comtany s claims, tii.akk cointv. 
 
 (235) 
 
236 THK COPPER RESOURCES OK CALIFORNIA. 
 
 C. W. Keller owns claims near Powells, in the same town- 
 ship and range. The vein matter is reported to be not less 
 than 70 feet wide on any of these claims. A lime belt 4 to 100 
 feet wide intersects the copper lode near these places. The 
 copper belt crops out again strongly five miles above Three 
 Rivers, and there are several locations on this part of the belt. 
 
 East of Porterville, ten miles, in Sec. 14, T. 23 S., R. 28 E., 
 Dr. Barber, of Porten-ille, prospected what proved to be a 
 blanket, or slide, of ore carrying 8 to 37 per cent copper. 
 Idle. 
 
 Dr. Barber also has a claim located eight miles east of 
 Porterville, in Sec. 19, T. 21 S., R. 29 E. Undeveloped to any 
 great extent. Here there is a heavy iron capping, and the 
 vein appears to be 20 to 30 feet wide. Below the iron cap 
 carbonate and oxide of copper ore is found. The formation is 
 diaba.se and amphibolite schist. The gold content is reported 
 at from $3 to $4 per ton. ^ 
 
 Dewey Claim. — Owned by J. F. Boiler, of Porterville, is in 
 Sec. 32, T. 19 S., R. 31 E. Only a small amount of develop- 
 ment has been performed. This exposes sulphide ore. Idle. 
 
 On the hillsides east of Porterville is an abundance of small 
 pieces of copper float, which doubtless came from the five-mile 
 belt of small stringer veins spoken of. 
 
 Copper Mountain Mining Co. — Owns fiftj- claims in 
 Sees. 34 and 35, T. 14 S., R. 31 E., near Kearsarge Peak, 
 close to the crest of the range. R. McCourt is superintendent, 
 and J. B. Campbell, of Fresno, president. The mines were 
 opened in July, 1900. The ores are sulphides and carbonates, 
 carrying from 2 to 25 per cent of copper. The mineral-l)earing 
 belt is a mile wide, and courses northeast and southwest. The 
 deposit in the richer veins of this belt are opened by a shaft 
 18 feet deep, a tunnel 15 feet long, and an open cut 50 feet 
 long, on the east side of Roaring River. On the west side 
 there is an old shaft and drift, shaft 30 feet deep. Develop- 
 ments were in progress. 
 
 At the head of Cloudy River Canon, close to the Copper 
 Mountain property, there are some cuts, and a tunnel 40 feet 
 long. Quartz shows strongly in this tunnel. The decom- 
 
KKRN COl'NTY. 237 
 
 posed ironstone carries gold. The old shaft shows a 3-toot 
 ledge of carbonate ore. The vein matter is schist, diabase, 
 and amphibolite. The claims are 1000 feet above the timber 
 line. A dike about 3000 feet wide passes through the summits 
 of the mountains. This dike is of mineralized rock. Twenty- 
 live men were employed in development work. 
 
 KliRX CorX'IY 
 
 The foothill copper belt terminates in a vague way in Kern 
 County, where a few groups of copper deposits cut a small 
 figure among the varied mineral products of a great mining 
 countv. This is one of the large counties of the State, having 
 an area of about Si 00 square miles, and it is characterized by 
 greater variety and contrasts of topography, geology, climate, 
 and resources than any other county of the State. 
 
 Its eastern and southern parts contain the southern end of 
 the Sierra Nevada range and its mergence with the Coast 
 Range at Tehachapi. Its western boundary is along the 
 summit of the Coast Range, and the upper end of the San 
 Joaquin Valley makes up about one third of the county's area. 
 The southeastern slope of the Sierras and a large portion of 
 the Mojave Desert are included in its southern part. The 
 county thus includes slopes of two mountain ranges, a large 
 and fertile valley plain, and an arid desert region. All of these 
 contrasted regions contain much mineral wealth. On the 
 Sierra slope, amid forests and waters, are important ([uartz 
 mining districts. In the valley plain, near Bakersfield. is the 
 remarkable and widely known Kern River oil-field. On the 
 eastern .slope of the Coast Range are the Sunset and McKittrick 
 oil-fields, which help make Kern the preeminent petroleum- 
 producing county of California. The foothills of both these 
 ranges abound in various minerals, including gypsum and 
 antimony. In the desert region of the county is the Rands- 
 burg district, one of the chief gold fields of the State, and other 
 gold districts are undergoing development on the desert side 
 of the Sierras. The mineral output of the county in 1900 was 
 $1,867,856, of which $805,252 was in gold. In the San Joaquin 
 
238 THE COPPER RESOURCES OK CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Valley are extensive orchards and the largest irrigation 
 systems in the State. The Kern River, of the vSierra slope, 
 furnishes power for one of the important electric power trans- 
 mission plants of the State. 
 
 The copper occurrences are so few and widely separated, as 
 far as di.scovered, that one is hardly warranted in identifying 
 them with the copper belt, except in the most general way. 
 The continuity of the belt is less apparent than in any of the 
 counties of the slope to the north. Copper deposits have 
 attracted attention principall>- in three localties: Near Woody 
 and quite a distance east near Kernville, on the western Sierra 
 slope; in the Rademacher mining district, on the southeastern 
 slope of the Sierras;. and on the northern edge of the Mojave 
 Desert, north of Randsburg. In the neighborhood of Walker's 
 Pass, between Kernville and the Rademacher district, copper 
 minerals are found, and the copper claims of the latter district 
 maj', perhaps, be appropriately classed with the Sierra Nevada 
 deposits rather than with those of the arid portion of Southern 
 California. 
 
 Greenback Copper Mine. — Located in northern Kern 
 County, about thirty-live miles by wagon road from Bakers- 
 field and about eighteen miles due east of Jasmin, on the 
 Porterville branch of the vSouthern Pacific Railroad. The 
 property of the Greenback Copper Company consists of 
 Sees. I and 3, and the southern part of Sec. 2, T. 26 S., 
 R. 29 E., embracing in all 1520 acres. The mine lies on a 
 slight elevation in a basin, the rock forming which is grano- 
 diorite. The granite is intersected by a parallel sj'Stem of 
 joints or fractures, which usually trend approximatel}' east 
 and west. In addition, there are very abundant dikes of a 
 white, fine-grained granite (aplite) in the coarse granite or 
 grano-diorite. They are from a fraction of an inch to 10 feet 
 in width. There are also white, coarse, pegmatite dikes, or 
 veins in the granite, and some of these are developed sporad- 
 ically as bunches of white quartz ("bull"' quartz). Copper 
 has been found at a number of points in the neighborhood, 
 and the lodes are usually more or less parallel to the structure 
 planes of the inclosing rocks, but this is not the case with the 
 Greenback lode, the general trend of which is across the east- 
 west fracture system of the grano-diorite. About one mile 
 
KERN COUNTY — COPPKR MINES AM) CLAIMS. 
 
 239 
 
 southwest of the mine lies a hij;h cast-west ridge known as 
 Iron Mountain. The upper part of this ridge is composed of 
 a variety of rocks, some of which strongly resemble quartzite, 
 but the slopes of the mountain are all of granitic rocks. 
 There are several cuts and shafts on the top of the mountain 
 in the hard quartzite-like rock, but no strong indications of 
 copper appear to ha\e been found, except on the north slope, 
 just west of the line of .section 3, and on the south slope of 
 the east end of the mountain, where some work is now being 
 
 ORKKXB.\CK COPPEK MINK. KIvKN COrNTV. 
 
 done on a copper lode. vSeveral claims are located on this 
 lode. At most of the points where copper has been found, the 
 lode at the surface is composed of a gossan of rusty iron- 
 stained material, often apparently rotten granite, generally 
 somewhat gnei.ssic and not always showing copper carbonate. 
 The croppings of the Greenback lode consist of altered granite, 
 decomposed, and impregnated with iron oxide and at some 
 points with copper carbonate, and there is more or le.ss quartz 
 mixed with it. The Greenback lode has been opened by a 
 shaft which inclines to the north about 60 degrees, and from 
 
240 
 
 THK COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 _ ^ _ \ / -" \'' ^ GPANITIcCouNTHr ROCK^ / ^^— ^- 
 
 this shaft three levels have been run to the north, which are 
 vertically below the croppings, respectively, 95, 135, and 185 
 feet. The upper part of the main ore shoot is composed of 
 carbonate ore, and has not been stoped out; but from a point 
 
 about 65 feet below 
 the croppings to a 
 point 170 feet below, 
 this ore shoot has 
 afforded nearh- all 
 the ore that has thus 
 far been shipped, the 
 reported average con- 
 tents being 5. 7 ounces 
 of silver and 19.4 per 
 cent of copper jier 
 ton. As seen in the 
 cross-section, the ore 
 shoot is lenticular in 
 form, with a maxi- 
 mum width of about 
 20 feet. Outside of 
 this ore shoot the 
 granite is irregular- 
 ly impregnated with 
 copper pyrite, so that 
 there is a much larger 
 amount of lower 
 grade ore in the mine 
 than of shipping ore. The Greenback lode does not appear to 
 show any well-defined fi.ssure. While there are walls and 
 seams along which movement has taken place, and these 
 usually have a trend to the east of north, yet these walls and 
 seams appear to dip both to the east and west at high angles. 
 As indicated by the croppings, the lode may be said to have a 
 length of perhaps 350 feet measured from the south base of 
 the dump to the old shaft on the top of the hill. The position 
 of the new 185-foot level is shown in the cross-section, but there 
 is no data at hand as to the width or grade of the ore bodj' on 
 this level. 
 
 A. J. Maltby owns two claims in Sees. 4 and 10, T. 26 S., 
 R. 29 K. Here there are gossan croppings and schistose- 
 
 /_ 
 I 
 
 ^ ^ ^ i~ ~- '' s\ 
 
 -■■ iiaSFoOTLtVEL.'v^^- '-/ \ \ Is 
 
 Vertical Section Through Stope in Greenb.ack 
 Copper Mine. 
 
KERN COrNTY a^PI'KK MINKS AND CLAIMS. 241 
 
 diabase vein matter, as well as talcose schist. There are open 
 cuts exposing ore. Two shafts, i6 and 35 feet deep, are in 
 ore. There has been shipped some ore said to average about 
 6 per cent in copper and a small amount of gold. 
 
 The Spa and Bonanza claims, in Sees. 3, 4, 9, and 10, T. 26 S., 
 R. 29 E., show copper ore reported to average from 15 to 20 per 
 cent. There are four shafts on these claims. On section 9 
 heavy ironstone croppings can be traced for considerable 
 distances. Idle. 
 
 South of Kernville. in T. 26 S., R. 23 K., J. L. Hooper is 
 making developments that show some copper. 
 
 J. R. Manning of Randsburg is one of the owners of a group 
 of copper claims in Sees. 7, iS, 19, and 30, T. 28 S., R. 40 E., 
 and in Sees. 12, 13, and 24, T. 28 S., R. 39 E., in the Rade- 
 macher district near the eastern county boundary, in the 
 Mojave Desert. The belt here is one and a half miles wide. 
 Grano-diorite lies contiguous to the east, and on the west there 
 is a lime belt. The lode is formed of a mineralized meta- 
 diaba.se schistose, changed in part to talcose schist. The seams 
 of richer copper ore run from 2 to 12 inches in width, and 
 where they form lenses or "shoots" they have widths occa- 
 sionally of 60 feet. These lenses of highly mineralized rock 
 constituting the ore carry a good percentage of copper. 
 Development was in progress. 
 
 Near the Manning claims is the Gallow Glass group, in 
 which the gossan croppings are 60 to 100 feet wide and the 
 magnetite from 5 to 15 feet wide. There are thirty-seven 
 mining locations on this part of the belt. There are .several 
 open cuts, one shaft 54 feet deep, and fourteen other shafts from 
 6 to 12 feet deep. The belt can be traced by croppings and 
 cuts for four miles in a northwesterly direction to where it 
 disappears under the detritus of the desert. The line of 
 demarcation between the lime and copper belts can be noted 
 for miles. There is no available fuel at hand, but six miles to 
 the southwest there is an extensive vein of coal now being 
 worked. Water in abundant quantities can be obtained by 
 sinking shallow wells in a wide area of this country. 
 
 The road from Randsburg to the south fork of the Kern 
 River through Walker's Pass diagonally crosses the copper 
 belt, which also crops in T. 27 S., R. 38 and 39 E. 
 16— BuL. 23 
 
SOUTHERN AND EASTERN DEPOSITS. 
 
 MONO COUNTY. 
 
 About loo miles of the ea.stern slope of the Sierra Nevada 
 range stretches through Mono County, which lies between the 
 jagged crest of the Sierras on the west, Nevada on the east, 
 and Alpine and Inyo counties on the north and south respect- 
 ively. The county. displays high ranges parallel with the 
 Sierras and is a part of the Great Basin. The county is a 
 rugged, arid, almost treeless region, remote from railroad 
 communication, except in the southeastern corner, which is 
 traversed by the Carson & Colorado Railroad. Mono Lake, 
 which has no outlet, is a large expanse of saline waters. There 
 are many thermal springs, and widespread evidences of 
 volcanic and glacial action. 
 
 The county is richly mineralized, and has produced many 
 millions in the precious metals. In 1900 it yielded $670,200 
 in gold and $75,921 in silver. It has a number of well-known 
 mining districts, particularly the famous Bodie District, in 
 which quite extensive mining operations have been conducted 
 in the past; but the conditions above noted, the base character 
 of the ores, and some large mining failures, consequent on 
 incompetent or dishonest administration, have worked a long 
 repression of the industry. The extent and richness of the 
 mineralized veins make it certain that the future will see Mono 
 one of the leading mineral-producing counties of the State. 
 The base ores that fill the mountain slopes very frequently 
 carr>' copper in association with other minerals, and some 
 attempts at mining copper have been made in the past and 
 abandoned. One small copper smelting plant produced $60,000 
 worth of ingot copper many years ago. Only two copper 
 properties attract present attention as such. They are on 
 Copper Mountain 16 miles southwest of Bodie, and about 4 
 miles from the west shore of Mono Lake. The nearest rail- 
 road station is 60 miles from Copper Mountain, at Hawthorne, 
 Nevada, on the Carson & Colorado Railroad. 
 
MONO COrNTV — INYO corxTY. 243 
 
 Santiago, Cuba, and Havana Claims. — Owned l)y 
 E. M. Ca\in, of Bodie. Located on Copper Mountain. They 
 haYe been dcYeloped to some extent hy a 150-foot shaft, show- 
 ing good ore, and by about 500 feet of tunneling, but this last 
 work was not done to adYantage. The deposit is found on 
 the contact of limestone and porphyry. The ore is principally 
 cuprite and malachite. The width of the deposit has not 
 been determined. A small furnace was once erected and some 
 ore treated, but the property is idle at present. Water power 
 is aYailable, and there is an abundance of timber in the region, 
 
 Goleta Consolidated Mines. — The Goleta mines are also 
 on Copper Mountain. Hugh W. Nelson, of Jordan, is super- 
 intendent. This group is jirimarily a gold mine, but there is in 
 it a copper ledge which is expo.sed on the hanging wall side of 
 the gold ledge. DcYelopments haYe expo.sed a Ycin of copper 
 ore aYeraging 6 feet in width, the ore appearing to be chryso- 
 colla. There is a tunnel 200 feet on the Yein, tapping it 300 
 feet below the outcrop. The copper is not being mined, as the 
 mines are at pre.sent worked only for the gold and sih-er. The 
 ore is treated by the cyanide process, a 40-stamp mill being 
 used to crush the ore. Water power is u.sed. 
 
 INYO corxTV. 
 
 Inyo County is a great and picturesque expanse of desert, 
 10,000 square miles in extent, lying between the summit of the 
 Sierras on the west, NcYada on the east. Mono County on the 
 north, and San Bernardino County on the south. On its west- 
 ern boundary rises Mount Whitney (14,515 feet), the highest 
 peak in the United vStates proper, and about 75 miles eastward 
 lies Death Valley, the lowest part of which is OYcr 400 feet 
 below sea-leYel. At the foot of the vSierra range is Owens 
 Lake, fed by Owens River and having no outlet. vSoda is 
 largely produced from the waters of this lake. Practically all 
 the arable land is comprised in a strip of bottom land, 2 to 3 
 miles wide, through Owens River Valley, which has a width 
 of 8 to 10 miles. The Carson & Colorado Railroad, running 
 
244 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 southward to Keeler on Owens Lake in the west-central part 
 of the county, largel)' relieves the handicap of remoteness from 
 which the county suffers. 
 
 Lack of fuel, water, facilities for communication, ana con- 
 venient sources of supply join with an unfavorable climate to 
 repress the mining industry generally throughout the south- 
 western desert region, but the great extent and frequent rich- 
 ness of the mineral resources of Inyo Count}' have made it one 
 of the important mining counties of the State since early days. 
 The Panamint, Argus, and Inyo ranges and some lesser ones 
 run parallel with the Sierras through the southern part of the 
 county, and from the ledges that fill them the bulk of the 
 ^12,000,000 worth of- precious metals Inyo has produced has 
 come. Some of the rich mines of the west were operated in 
 various well-known districts years ago. The ores of this 
 region are base and a large percentage of silver accompanies 
 the gold, while lead, copper, and other metals are al.so char- 
 acteristically associated with the precious metals. This county 
 has been the chief silver producer of the State, and the drop 
 in the price of silver was the main cause of the quietude of the 
 mining industry here in recent years. During the past two or 
 three years much active development has followed several 
 large investments, and here, as elsewhere through that desert 
 region, prospectors have again turned numerously to a field 
 full of great possibilities. The expected provision of railroad 
 facilities through the southern portion of the county will afford 
 another great stimulus to mining activity, as heretofore only 
 high-grade ores could be worked. The precious metal output 
 in 1900 was $213,655 in gold and $113, 493 in silver. In Death 
 Valley is one of the chief borax fields of the United States. 
 Marble of fine quality is among the mineral resources awaiting 
 favorable conditions, and extensive deposits of nitrate of soda 
 have been found. 
 
 There are numerous occurrences of copper, generally in 
 association with greater values in other metals, but it is 
 occasionally the predominating metal in ore bodies. Some 
 copper ore carrying gold and silver was smelted to matte and 
 shipped via the Colorado River in early times, but the copper 
 output has been small. With cheaper fuel and transportation 
 facilities modern smelting plants will be established in this 
 
INYO COINTV COIM'KK MINKS AND CLAIMS. '24o 
 
 region and then copper will likely again figure in Inyo's 
 mineral output. 
 
 Wisconsin Claim. — This prospect is located about a mile 
 southeast of Darvvin, and is owned by Charles Richardson of 
 Dar\vin. The vein is a contact between limestone and granite. 
 The ledge varies from 2 to 6 feet in thickness and is exposed on 
 the surface for .several hundred feet. There is a shaft about 
 150 feet deep, with good ore in the bottom. The ledge shows 
 malachite, chalcopyrite, and cuprite, carrying some gold and 
 silver. The nearest point to a railroad is Keeler, twenty-four 
 miles distant. Developing. 
 
 Kingman Claim. — James McDonald of Darwin, owner. 
 There are two claims located one mile .southeast of Darwin. 
 The ledge is a contact vein between limestone and granite, and 
 the average width of the vein is about 3 feet. There are two 
 tunnels, each in about a hundred feet. The ledge shows 
 malachite, chalcopyrite, and cuprite, carrying some gold and 
 silver. Developing. 
 
 Ubehebe District. — The Ubehebe copper belt is located 
 about thirty-five miles east of Keeler, the terminus of the 
 Car.son & Colorado Railroad. There are about eighty claims, 
 located within a radius of six miles. The ore is found in con- 
 tact veins, between granite and limestone. There appears to 
 be two contacts, an east and a west, and the.se contacts can be 
 traced for twelve miles at altitudes ranging from 3000 to 6000 
 feet. The ores are in limestone. Carbonate ore (malachite) 
 apparently prevails, although gray copper, cuprite, chalcopyrite, 
 bornite, and native copper are abundant. The ores have also 
 gold and silver values. Owing to the fact that the ore bodies 
 are in limestone, and that the deposits are situated in a locality 
 where water is not encountered in mining exploitation, it is 
 probable that the malachite will continue to prevail even as 
 the depth increases. Asses.sment work has been performed 
 and some development, with a result most encouraging. 
 
 Navajo Chief Claim. — Owners, W. T. Grant of Olancha and 
 George McConnell of Independence. It is located one quarter 
 of a mile south of Dodd's vSprings. Elevation, 4000 feet. The 
 vein outcrops for about 1000 feet, showing an average width 
 
246 THK COPPER RESOURCES OF CAI^IFORNIA. 
 
 of 50 feet, and with a strike north; dip 80 degrees east. The 
 hanging wall is limestone and the foot wall granite. The ore 
 is chiefly malachite, carrying some gold and silver. There is 
 sufficient water for mining purposes. The nearest railroad 
 point is Keeler, thirt\' miles distant. 
 
 Eureka Claim. — Owned b}- Jacob Stininger; postoflfice 
 address, Tule Canon. California. It is located one eighth of a 
 mile south of Dodd's Springs; elevation, 3500 feet. The strike 
 of the vein is north, and dip 60 degrees to the east. The crop- 
 pings show a length of 150 feet, and an average width of 5 feet. 
 There is an 80- foot shaft and 100 feet of drifts on the vein. 
 The ore is malachite -and shows some galena. 
 
 Trail Claim. — Owners, W. T. Grant of Olancha and George 
 McConnell of Independence. It is located at Dodd's Springs; 
 elevation, 3900 feet. The vein has a strike north; dip 70 
 degrees to the east. It outcrops about 800 feet, and shows an 
 average width of 5 feet. 
 
 Dodd's Springs Claim. — Owned by W. T. Grant of Olancha 
 and George McConnell of Independence. This mine is located 
 on the same ledge as the Trail claim. It outcrops for 1000 feet 
 and shows a vein about 15 feet wide. The character of the 
 ore is malachite. 
 
 Ulida Group. — This group includes eight prospects: The 
 Ulida, vSorbia, Sardine, H. M. Stanley, Kabba Riga, Virginia, 
 Maryland, and Hunter, located in the Button range, three 
 miles north of Hunter Ranch Mountain, and thirty-five miles 
 east of Keeler. Elevation, 6000 feet. The nearest water is 
 three miles distant, and could be obtained by gravity. All of 
 the veins are contacts between limestone and granite. The ore, 
 which occurs mostly in the limestone, is malachite, tetrahe- 
 drite, and cuprite, carrying gold and silver. Immense out- 
 croppings, varying from 10 to 20 feet in width and showing 
 malachite, are exposed. 
 
 At the Ulida there is a tunnel 150 feet on the vein, and 
 another tunnel above, 150 feet long, runs for 40 feet on the 
 vein. There has been some stoping done, and about 400 tons 
 of ore are on the dump. The ore is sorted, packed out on 
 mules seven miles to a road, then hauled to Keeler and 
 
ckoi-riNcs ()}•■ coi'i'KK KiNC mini:. I hi;iikhk district. INYo COINTV 
 
 COPPER CROPPINGS AT DODDS SPRINGS, rBKHKHK DISTRICT. INYO COUNTY 
 
 (247) 
 
248 THE COPPER RESOURCES OK CALIFORNIA. 
 
 shipped to the smelter. Developing. Owners, Spear Bros, 
 and William L. Hunter; postoffice address, Lone Pine, Inyo 
 County. 
 
 Adjoining the Ulida group on the northeast are the Keeler, 
 the Olancha, and the Spear, owned by McConnell & Spear. 
 There is no development on the.se claims, but the outcroppings 
 are similar to those of the Ulida group. 
 
 Copper Knife. — Located a quarter of a mile east of the 
 Randolph racetrack; owners, W. T. Grant of Olancha and 
 George McConnell of Independence. There is no develop- 
 ment. The ledge outcrops about 800 feet, and shows a width 
 of 10 feet. The ore is malachite. 
 
 Star.— Owned by W. A. Sanger & Son, Big Pine, Cal. The 
 prospect is located at the base of the Ubehebe Mountain ; the 
 strike of the vein is north. There is a 60-foot cut, 6 feet deep, 
 showing malachite. The ore outcrops 800 feet on the strike 
 and shows a width of 60 feet. 
 
 Copper King. — It is located one mile west of the Star; 
 owner, \V. A. Sanger, Big Pine. The ledge shows on the sur- 
 face a width of 100 feet and a length of 700 feet. There is a 
 shaft 60 feet deep and a 20-foot drift, showing malachite. 
 Idle. 
 
 Bluejay. — Owned by A. Mairs, of Independence. It is 
 located on the east side of Saline Valley. The outcroppings 
 show a ledge 60 feet wide, and may be traced 500 feet on the 
 surface. There is a tunnel in 100 feet, a winze 35 feet deep, 
 and a cross-cut 25 feet. The ore is malachite. Idle. 
 
 Anton & Pobst Claims. — These mines include five claims, 
 located sixteen miles east of Keeler. The claims show out- 
 croppings 100 feet wide, 800 feet in length, on the strike of the 
 vein. The ore is chiefly malachite. There is a tunnel about 
 20 feet long, in good ore. Owners, John Anton and David 
 Pobst, of Lone Pine, Cal. 
 
 Silver Hill. — This claim is located seven miles east of 
 Independence, and one half mile from the Carson & Colorado 
 Railroad; elevation, 4500 feet. Owner, J. C. Roeper, of Inde- 
 pendence. There is a 70-foot tunnel, showing a 2)^ -foot vein 
 
SAN HKRXAkDINO COUNTY. 249 
 
 of malachite. The vein is a contact between granite and lime- 
 stone. There is plenty of water for mining and reduction 
 purposes. Developing. 
 
 Green Monster.— Owner, D. C. Riddell. of (;ilro\ , Cal. 
 This is a continuation of the Silver Hill i)rospect. Develop- 
 ment consists of a 3C)o-foot tunnel and two cross-cuts, one 80 
 feet and the other 50 feet. .Some good copper ore has been 
 exposed. 
 
 Copper Tail. — J. C. Roeper, owner. This claim adjoins the 
 
 Green Monster. It has a 40-foot shaft in the ore body. The 
 
 ledge is 4 feet wide at the surface, but pinches at the bottom 
 of the shaft. 
 
 Copper Point. — Owner, Max Fausel; located one mile 
 northeast of the Green Monster. It has a lo-foot shaft in good 
 ore. The vein shows a width of 2 feet, and an outcrop of al)out 
 500 feet on the surface. It is a contact vein between granite 
 and limestone. The ore is malachite. 
 
 SAX H1:R.\ARI)IX() COUNTY. 
 
 Southeast of the terminus of the Sierra Nevada Mountain 
 range is the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert, a rugged, 
 desolate region, filled with mountain groups and ranges and 
 characterized by a lack of almost e\ery natural condition 
 favorable to the operations of the prospector and miner, but 
 one throughout which nature has lavishly distributed mineral 
 riches in exceptional variet}'. Copper is one of the minerals 
 thus widely distributed here, but its innumerable occurrences 
 are generally, as far as explored, in quantities too small for 
 commercial exploitation. 
 
 The largest portion of the Mojave Desert is included within 
 the bounds of San Bernardino County, which is the largest 
 county in the State. In the southwestern portion is a region 
 unrivaled for beauty of fruits and flowers, fertile and charming 
 valleys, and rich orange groves. Eastward from this Eden, for 
 about 150 miles to the Colorado River, and northward for 75 
 
250 thp: copper resources of California. 
 
 miles to Inyo County, stretch the forbidding wastes that com- 
 pose the most of San Bernardino County. It is in the little 
 southwestern corner, where sheltered valleys open to the sea, 
 that the population and developed wealth of the county are 
 mainly concentrated, and it is by this corner that San 
 Bernardino is chiefly known to the world. 
 
 The rest of the county is ruled by the miner. Pro.spectors 
 have persistently explored its desolate and dangerous fast- 
 nesses for two generations and brought to general knowledge 
 a mineral empire which capital is slowly possessing. There 
 are few long well-defined belts or lodes, the multitudinous 
 mineral -bearing veins coursing in all directions and l^eing 
 generally and irregularly distributed. There is a number of 
 well-known mining districts scattered through the length and 
 breadth of the county, where concentrations of mineral values 
 have occasional important developments, and in which well- 
 knowm mines flourish. The metalliferous ores carried by the 
 veins are nearly always base. Gold is the dominant metal pro- 
 duced, but with a more favorable market for silver, the latter 
 would probably assume first importance. In 1900 the gold 
 output was $247,949 and that of silver $172,759. The county, 
 however, displays a greater variety of mineral products than 
 any other county in the State. In its northern portion are 
 inexhaustible deposits of borax, the chief present mineral 
 product of the county, the output of which in 1900, refined and 
 crude, was valued at about $1,000,000. The only tin mine of 
 the State was operated in this county a few years ago. In 
 this county is an exceptionally large and rich deposit of iron 
 ore awaiting conditions favorable to its exploitation. One of 
 the county's mineral products is turquoise, of which $20,000 
 worth was mined in 1900. At Colton, Portland cement is 
 made. Among other minerals are lead, salt, soda, antimony, 
 sulphur, asbestos, onyx (aragonite), lime, granite, and marble. 
 There has been much recent activity in various gold mining 
 districts. The county is crossed by the main line of the 
 Santa Fe Railroad, and branch roads reach different parts of 
 the county. The Southern Pacific road runs through and 
 near the southwestern portion. 
 
 While the occurrences of copper ore are frequent and wide- 
 spread, there are yet but few mines or prospects worthy of 
 particular note, or which attract present attention. But, as 
 
SAX BERNARDINO COrNTY COPPKR CLAIMS. 251 
 
 with other resources of this great mineral field, there has been 
 but a small beginning made in the prosi^ecting and developing 
 of the copper stored in these rugged wastes, though there 
 is a great number of more or less promising copper claims 
 showing superficial development. 
 
 The Copper World is the chief developed and producing 
 mine in the county. It is equipped with a smelting plant. A 
 few years ago considerable high-grade ore was shipped to 
 Swansea from the Tiptop mine in the Lava Beds district, a 
 silver mine in which bunches of rich copper ore were found 
 along fault planes in the country rock. This ore, after con- 
 centration by jigging, yielded 33 per cent of copper and 15 
 ounces of silver per ton. The prevalent copper ores of this 
 region are carl)onates and oxides, and characteristically occur 
 in irregularly-shaped masses, frequently in association with 
 limestone formations. This county holds second rank as a 
 copi:>er producer. The output in 1900 was 1,920,000 pounds. 
 
 New York Group. — Contains nine claims, and lies five 
 miles southwest of Manvel, in the northeastern part of the 
 county. There is very little development and the ore is low 
 grade. Owner, George Burch. 
 
 Von Trigor Group. —Six claims in the Exchequer mining 
 district. vSecs. 16 and 17. T. 1 1 N., R. 18 E., at the eastern side 
 of the county. One of the claims is opened by a tunnel 30 feet 
 long, all in ore. The ore is oxide, said to carry 7.6 per cent 
 copper, $3.96 in gold, and 2''^ ounces in .silver per ton. The 
 gossan croppings are wide, with east and west .strike. The 
 claims are about two miles from the railroad, and the Colorado 
 River is about eighteen miles east of the group. Elevation, 
 1800 feet. Owner, A. M. Williams. San Franci.sco. 
 
 Copper Mountain Mining Co. — This company, of which 
 W. A. Cooper of San Bernardino is president, owns a group of 
 ten claims in the southeastern part of the county, four and a 
 half miles northeast of Victor and four miles east of Oro 
 Grande. The Copper King claim shows gossan croppings 200 
 feet wide. The ore is sulphide, said to go 8 to 10 per cent 
 copper and some carbonate. The hanging wall of the vein is 
 limestone. The mine is opened by a shaft 200 feet deep on 
 the vein, but no walls are exposed. This mine was first opened 
 
252 THK coppp:r resources of California. 
 
 twenty-eight years ago, and then closed down, in which con- 
 dition it remained until recently, when it was re-opened and 
 re-prospected. Of the other claims. Amazon No. i is opened 
 by a shaft 60 feet deep, with a drift to the west 48 feet, and a 
 drift to the north 45 feet. The strike of the vein on all the 
 claims is east, with a northerly dip of about 60 degrees. The 
 croppings are limonite. The vein is highly mineralized, with a 
 fair grade of copper-bearing material interspersed. A heavy 
 quartzite dike follows the vein on one side. The ore is 
 reported to assay 10 per cent copper, and a fair amount of gold 
 and silver. The Hecla mine is opened by three shafts, 30 to 
 40 feet deep. The Queen is opened by a cut 100 feet long, and 
 from 15 to 25 feet wide, running diagonally across the forma- 
 tion, and exposing three different veins, one of which is 12 feet 
 wide. The ore is sulphide. The other mines of the group 
 show good copper indications. Further extensive developments 
 are under consideration. 
 
 Rose Mine. — In Morongo district, 45 miles southeast of 
 Victor; elevation, 7000 feet; strike northwest, with a dip of 
 30 degrees. The ore carries copper, gold, and silver. The 
 vein is pockety, with walls of limestone. There is a shaft 
 1000 feet deep, a tunnel 500 feet long, and about 2000 feet of 
 other developments. Reduction works are on the ground, 
 and about 30 hands are employed. The total output of 
 copper, gold, and silver has been about $150,000. The prop- 
 erty is worked as a gold mine primarily. The copper occurs 
 in bunches in the vein and is sorted out and shipped to a 
 smelter in relatively small quantities. The gold ore is reduced 
 in a stamp mill. Owned by R. S. Grant, of Victor. 
 
 Camp Vera Group. — Contains thirty claims, all lying in 
 the Morrow raining district, about twenty-five miles north of 
 Barstow, and six miles northeast of Lane's Mills; elevation, 
 3725 feet. A mineralized belt consisting of ironstone rock, 
 running through the county in a northeasterly direction, is 
 jmrtly covered by these claims. The belt varies in width 
 from 50 to 500 feet and can be traced for ten miles. About 
 twenty shafts, 10 to 60 feet deep, have been sunk near the belt. 
 They all show ore containing considerable copper oxide, and 
 other forms of copper mineralization. Open cuts have been made 
 in other places near the belt, showing copper minerals. These 
 
SAN BKRXARDINO COl'NTV — COPPKR CLAIMS. 253 
 
 shafts and cuts are not on the mineralized lielt, but are to the 
 west of it a few hundred yards, and show that the copper 
 dejK)sits have a general dip toward the belt. A sample of six 
 tons of ore was shipped to a smelter and is reported to have 
 given returns of i8 per cent copper and $4 in gold. Ironsides 
 No. I, of this group, is oi-)ened by a shaft 100 feet deep, which 
 follows a streak of highly oxidized mineral, varying from 8 
 inches to 2 feet in width, which at the bottom of shaft shows 
 an impregnation of copper in the form of a rather unique 
 crystallization. The west wall is well defined, and is of a 
 granitic character. The owner of the Camp Vera group is 
 \V. J. Rodgers, of Barstow. 
 
 Juanita. — This claim is in the Morrow mining district, 
 twenty-six miles east of Johannesburg. Gossan croppings, 
 varving from 2 to 12 feet in width, appear on this claim, and 
 extend beyond its limits for a distance of over two miles. 
 Beneath them the deposits of ore carrying copper are found to 
 widen out as development proceeds. The hanging walls are 
 granite, and the foot walls limestone. There are three veins 
 about 30 feet apart covered by this claim. One shaft is 212 
 feet deep, two are 60 feet, and one is 40 feet deep. At 190 
 feet on the 212-foot .shaft a cross-cut has been run, but it does 
 not reach either wall. The ore is said to go 17 per cent in 
 copper and $3 in gold. The vein matter is of a talcose nature 
 carrying copper sulphides throughout. Owner, Union Develop- 
 ment Company of Boston. 
 
 Juanita Group. — Besides the Juanita mine, there are 141 
 other claims, constituting what is called the Juanita group. 
 Among these claims, those having the mo.st notable develop- 
 ment are the Henrietta. Lookout, and Big Three. The Henri- 
 etta is opened by a shaft 52 feet deep, drift 28 feet long, and 
 a winze from its end 10 feet deep. The character of the ore is 
 oxide. The width is undetermined. The ore is said to assay 
 14 per cent copper, $12 in gold and 2 ounces of silver to the 
 ton. The Lookout claim is opened by a tunnel 30 feet long, 
 striking a vein of carbonate ore about 3 feet in width, said to 
 contain 32 per cent copper with no gold or silver. The foot 
 wall is porphyry, with intrusions of limestone. There are 
 eighty-six other shafts on the group, attaining depths of from 
 20 to 30 feet, showing veins of oxide ores from 2 to 40 feet in 
 
254 THK COPPER RKSOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 width, said to a\erage 7 per cent copper, $4 in gold, and 3 
 ounces of silver. The Big Three claim is opened by a shaft 
 77 feet deep. 
 
 Copper World. — This, the only important producing cop- 
 per mine in Southern California and the only one possessing 
 reduction works, is in Clark Mountain, Clark mining district, 
 thirty-seven miles northwest of Manvel, in the northeastern 
 part of the county, and at an elevation of 5300 feet. The mine 
 has displayed large bunches of oxide ore in porphyry and lime- 
 stone formations, averaging 12 to 15 per cent in copper. The 
 property has been opened by about 3000 feet of shaft and 
 tunnels, the shaft reaching to a depth of 420 feet. At Valley 
 Wells, five miles from the mine, is the reduction plant, which 
 includes a 50-ton water-jacket furnace erected over two years 
 ago and which has recently remained idle, owing both to 
 a re-organization of the company and to the cost of transpor- 
 tation to and from the railroad at Manvel, supplies, including 
 coal from New Mexico for the smelter, having to be hauled 
 thirt}' miles by wagon. The railroad has been recently 
 extended to within fifteen miles of the mine, and operations 
 are again active. The mine is reported to produce 50 tons of 
 smelting ore per day. The property has been operated by the 
 Ivanpah Smelting Compan}- of Los Angeles, which, it is stated, 
 is to be succeeded by the Copper World Mining Company. 
 It is stated that the total marketed product, amounting in 
 value to about $325,000, has more than paid the cost of 
 development and plant. George D. Copeland, secretary, 
 Wilcox Block, Los Angeles. 
 
 Lytle Creek Mine. — It lies twenty miles northwe.st of San 
 Bernardino, and has been worked for the past twenty years. 
 It contains bunches of high-grade copper ore. 
 
 The Peacock, or Lava Beds, Mining District. — One 
 
 hundred miles east of San Bernardino, in the .south-central part 
 of the county. It contains some claims with go.ssan croppings 
 undeveloped, that show indications of copper ores. 
 
 Ord Copper Group. — This group consists of twenty-three 
 claims in Ord Mountain, fourteen miles south of Daggett. The 
 strikes are nearly north and east. The deposits carry copper 
 and gold, the former largely predominating, except in a few 
 
RIVKRSIDK COUNTY. 255 
 
 places. The iiKiin vein is ulx)Ut three miles long and averages 
 about 20 feet wide. The hanging wall is granite and the foot 
 wall decomposed i>orph>r>-. The ore is copper carbonate and 
 sulphide. A shaft 154 feet deep and a tunnel 400 feet long, 
 with about 1000 feet of other development work, constitute the 
 openings. Several of the claims are patented. Osborne & 
 Drew, of Daggett, owners. 
 
 About forty miles northeast of Whitewater Station, on the 
 Southern Pacific Railroad, in Riverside County, is a group 
 of claims located in the Copper Mountains, a small group 
 oH the San Bernardino range, just west of the Twenty-nine 
 Palms district. Owner, H. R. Hudspeth, of Los Angeles. 
 The claims are on a lode crossing the principal lodes of the 
 country. The deposit is between lime and por]>liyr}-. The 
 copper is in the form of cuprite and chrysocolla. On the out- 
 crop the mineralized zone is about 250 feet wide. The develop- 
 ment consists of shafts, drifts, and cuts, and a tunnel 105 feet 
 long. 
 
 About three miles north of Klinefelter Station is a mine 
 owned by Lewis & Shafer, displaying a vein from 3 to 6 feet 
 wide, between massive slate and granite and porphyry walls. 
 The ore is stated to bear 20 per cent of copper associated with 
 gold. A shaft has been sunk to a depth of 75 feet and a tunnel 
 driven 50 feet, with about 100 feet of other development work. 
 
 RIVERSIDE COrXTY. 
 
 Riverside County comprises a wide strip of territory stretch- 
 ing across the desert region of the southeastern part of the 
 State from the boundary at the Colorado River westward 
 to a terminus on the Pacific slope. In this county is the San 
 Bernardino range, which separates the Mojave and Colorado 
 deserts, and the county thus includes portions of ])oth these 
 arid wastes. The western jiortion has become, with irrigation, 
 one of the chief garden spots of Southern California, and the 
 orange groves and floral wealth of this region have spread afar 
 the fame of Riverside's glory. 
 
256 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Topographically, geologically, and mineralogically the desert 
 region of Riverside resembles that of San Bernardino County 
 to its north. Mineral wealth is similarly distributed, though 
 the mining industry is of smaller relative importance. There 
 has been much recent activity in the prospecting and develop- 
 ment of several districts, chiefly in respect to gold. Among 
 the varied minerals which are widely distributed over the 
 county and which will be the basis of a great future mineral 
 industry are silver, coal, salt, pottery clay, asbestos, marble, 
 granite, etc. Copper is of wide occurrence in association with 
 gold and silver ores, and a number of properties have received 
 superficial development, but none have yet assumed importance 
 as producers. The -Southern Pacific Railroad crosses the 
 county diagonally, giving fairly convenient access to several 
 mineral districts. The southern boundary of the county runs 
 through the depression known as Salton Lake, the lowest part 
 of which is 275 feet below the level of the sea. 
 
 Orphan Boy Mines. — They are in the Palen Mountains, 
 about two miles south of Packard's Well, Ironwood district. 
 Elevation, 1850 feet. There are three claims in this group. 
 The minerals are copper, gold, and .silver, and the mineralized 
 zone is about 100 feet wide, dipping southwardly. The country 
 rock is porphyry. There are three open cuts and a shaft 8 
 feet deep revealing good ore. Assays are reported to show 
 more than 30 per cent copper. The hanging wall is limestone 
 or granular gypsum, dipping about 50 degrees. There is con- 
 siderable massive epidote on these claims. Owner, P. W. 
 McGrath, Los Angeles. 
 
 Palen Copper Mines. — Located on the west side of Palen 
 Mountains, about ten miles east of Palen Wells. The char- 
 acter of the ore is copper, gold, and silver. The vein matter 
 is about 50 feet wide. The country rock is quartzite and por- 
 phyry. Five shallow shafts have been excavated, which show 
 good ore averaging about 30 per cent copper. There are two 
 claims— The Copper-Silver Glance and The Ophir. The 
 former is located on a spur of Palen Mountains in a caiion 
 coming in from the east. It is about 250 feet above the creek 
 bed and 2100 feet above .sea-level. There are eight cuts and 
 prospect holes in this spur, all yielding copper. The ledge 
 
KIVKKSIDK COINTV — COPI'KR CLAIMS. 257 
 
 lies suitable for tjuarrviiiK. vSaiulstone, qiiartzite, and graiui- 
 lite are the country rock. Owiilt, H. Ci. Adams, Los Angeles. 
 
 Homestake Group. — There are five claims in this group, 
 located on the east side of I'alen Mountains, about eight miles 
 northwest of McCoy Sjirings, at an elevation of 1600 to 2350 
 feet, and ])ut three or four miles from the Orphan Hoy and 
 Ophir mines on the opposite .side of the mountains. The five 
 claims are on the same ledge, and carry copper, gold, and 
 silver. The width of the ledge matter is 20 to 50 feet, and it 
 yields co])]K>r-silver glance, azurite, and malachite. The devel- 
 opment work consists of two shallow shafts and three open 
 cuts. Owners, Adams <S: Creasinger, Los Angeles. 
 
 Mountain King Group— Consists of three claims located 
 on the east side of McCoy Mountains. The strike is northwest 
 and southeast, and the dip northeast. The ore, which is 
 azurite and malachite, contains copi>er, gold, and silver. The 
 deposit is in ledge form, the vein matter being about 30 feet 
 wide. .\ shaft 40 feet deep has been sunk, and four open cuts 
 have been made, all revealing good ore. The country rock is 
 porphyry and quartzite. The mine is easily accessible. Eleva- 
 tion, i.Soo feet. Owners, Adams & Creasinger, Los Angeles. 
 
 Randolph & Hamilton Claims. — Consist of two groups 
 and .seven claims in ,Santa .Maria Mountains. The deposits 
 consist of copper and chromic iron, and some gold, at an 
 elevation of about 1750 feet. A shaft 21 feet deep has been 
 sunk and four or five cuts made. The copper value is about 
 7 or S per cent. Iron largely predominates. There is much 
 limestone as country rock, and some porphyry. Owners, 
 Randolph & Hamilton, Ivhrenberg, Arizona. 
 
 Anderson Claims — There are twenty-six claims in this 
 group, located in the northern part of the county. The .strike 
 is northwest. The ore carries copper with a little silver, and 
 the veins vary from 2 to 6 feet in width. The hanging wall is 
 granite. A shaft .So feet deep has been sunk and a tunnel 100 
 feet long driven, with considerable other development work in 
 shafts, etc. Six men were employed. Anderson & Co., owners. 
 
 17— Bl-l. 23 
 
258 THE COPPER RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 '"Badger State" Group. — Ten claims located in the 
 McCoy Mountains, about twenty miles west of the Colorado 
 River. The ore contains copper, gold, and silver. There are 
 a vast number of stringers from 6 inches to 4 feet wide. The 
 walls are porphyry and limestone, granite being the country 
 rock. There is also much iron in these claims. About 300 
 feet of development work has been done in open cuts, shallow 
 shafts, etc., which reveal good ore. The present owner is 
 S. P. Creasinger, of Los Angeles. 
 
 Fluor Spar Group. — This group of three claims is in the 
 Palen Mountains, one mile southwest of Packard's Well, 
 Iron wood district. ' The ledge matter is about 100 feet wide, 
 and strikes northeast and southwest. The ore contains copper, 
 gold, and silver. The country rock is largely porphyry and 
 limestone. The copper represents azAirite, malachite, etc., and 
 some red oxide. There are two open cuts penetrating the 
 mountains 20 feet or more. Elevation, 1800 feet. The group 
 is owned by Jacob Berge. The mine contains much fluor spar, 
 Iceland spar, and limpid quartz. The ore lies suitable for 
 quarrying. 
 
 The Ironwood or McCoj- Mountain district contains a highly 
 mineralized zone of copper, silver, gold, and lead ores. High- 
 grade sulphide deposits are known to exist, principally in 
 the form of kidneys. Besides these, native copper is occa- 
 sionally met with. The di.strict is twenty-two miles from the 
 Colorado River, and ore has been shipped by that route to 
 reduction works. 
 
 In the Shadow Mountain district there are localities showing 
 gold, copper, and lead ores. The copper ores are malachite 
 and oxides 
 
 Vulture Crag. — The property is in the western part of the 
 county, fourteen miles east of Capistrano, in Trabucco Canon. 
 There was not sufficient development to determine the extent 
 of the deposit. In an 8-foot tunnel a ledge over 4 feet in width 
 has been exposed. The ore is chiefly chalcopyrite, and the 
 croppings may be traced for several miles. A. B. Jopliu, of 
 Santa Ana, owner. 
 
SAN OIKGO cnrxTv. 259 
 
 SAX DIl-GO CUIXTV. 
 
 San Diego County stretches from the Pacific shore to the 
 Colorado River, entirely across the southern end of California. 
 The lower western slope, near the sea, is a populous, rich, and 
 fertile region, famed for its climate, scenery, and productions. 
 Back from the shore, mountains mark the eastern limit of fer- 
 tility and beauty and the western limit of the expanse of arid 
 mountain and valley composing the Colorado De.sert and much 
 the larger portion of the county's big area. In these mountains 
 near the coast are various minerals, such as characterize the 
 upper part of Lower California, and mineral wealth is widely 
 distributed throughout the county eastward to the Colorado 
 River. In the Colorado Desert this county holds the larger 
 part of the valley traversed by the Southern Pacific Railroad, 
 in which is found Salton Lake, that dry basin nearly 300 feet 
 below sea-level. Rugged and desolate mountains fill most of 
 the desert area, and among them the persistent prospector and 
 the enterprising mining capitalist have established several 
 important mining districts and developed some of the leading 
 gold mines of the vState. Copper minerals occur in association 
 with the ores of other metals quite extensively throughout the 
 county and especially in the eastern part near the Colorado 
 River, but no copper deposits worthy of note as such have been 
 developed in the desert region. The two prospects noted below 
 are near the coast and are not to be associated with those of the 
 arid region farther east. 
 
 Danes Lea Mining Co. — The mines of this company are 
 located near the coa.st eight miles east of Encinitas, in T. 13 S., 
 R. 3 \V., vS. B. M. The development con.sistsof two shafts 200 
 feet apart and a tunnel. One of the shafts is down 280 feet 
 and the other 100 feet. The shafts are sunk in the ore body, 
 the ledge being about 3 feet wide in a porphyry formation. 
 The ore is chalcopyrite, averaging a fair percentage of copper. 
 A twelve-horse-power gasoline hoist has been installed. The 
 company intend to erect a concentration plant as soon as the 
 developments will justify the expenditure and to ship the con- 
 centrates to a smelter. In the group there are twenty claims, 
 all showing copper in the croppings. \V. H. Mackinnon of 
 Encinitas is manager, and W. C. Harland of San Diego, 
 president. 
 
260 THK COPPER RESOrRCKS OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Barona Copper Claims. — Thi.s property i.s located thirty- 
 five mile.s northea.st of San Diego and twelve miles northeast 
 of Lakeside, in T. 14 S., R. i E., S. B. M. The nearest point 
 on the Cuyamaca Railroad is six miles distant. The develop- 
 ment consists of two 25-foot shafts and two 25-foot cross-cnts 
 in the ore body. The ledge, about 20 feet wide, is mineralized 
 throughout, and copper croppings are exposed for about 150 
 feet in length on its strike and where developments have been 
 performed. The ore is principally chalcopyrite and black 
 oxide of copper. It assays about 8 per cent copper and carries 
 $1.50 in gold and <S ounces of silver per ton. The ledge, a 
 schistose quartz, i^ in granite. T. J. Daley, of San Diego, 
 owner. The claim is idle. 
 
 In the eastern portion of the county bordering the Colorado 
 River many small stringers of high-grade copper ore have 
 been found. The development upon them, however, is very 
 limited. 
 
 LOS ANGELES O )r\TY 
 
 With the exception of petroleum, mineral products play a 
 relatively small part in the prosperity and greatness of Los 
 Angeles County, which reaches eastward from the sea in the 
 most favored portion of Southern California, which is far-famed 
 for its climate and the wealth and beauty of its orange gro\es 
 and luxuriant gardens, and which posses.ses, in the City of 
 Los Angeles, the metropolis of this large section of the State. 
 There are three rich oil-fields in the county, tho.se of the City 
 of Los Angeles, Whittier, and Puente. The petroleum output 
 in 1900 was 1,722,887 barrels, and oil refineries produced a 
 large amount of asphaltum. 
 
 North and east of the fertile valley regions of the county, in 
 its northern and eastern parts, is a considerable portion of the 
 Mojave De.sert, similar in character to the de.sert regions of the 
 adjoining counties of Kern, San Bernardino, and Riverside. 
 In this region placer gold was mined before Marshall made his 
 discovery in 1848, and ever since then placer mining opera- 
 tions have been continued on a small scale. A few valuable 
 quartz mines have been developed. Copper was noted and a 
 
LOS ANC.KMCS COINTV — CoiTHK CLAIMS. 2G1 
 
 little ore mined near vSoledud Pass before the American occupa- 
 tion. The copper deposits which have receixed recent attention 
 are all in the northeastern part of the county, near and nortli- 
 east of Acton, in Soledad Pass, on the edge of the Mojave 
 De.sert. 
 
 Palm Development Co. — This company has superficially 
 developed some claims located twenty-three miles northeast 
 of Acton and three miles southeast of Little Rock Creek, in 
 Sec. 30, T. 5 X.. R. 10 \V., vS. H. M. The ore is found in 
 dcjiosits in a jjorphyritic dike, wliich averages iSo feet in 
 width. The mineralized zone may be traced for one and a 
 half miles. Three shafts have ])een sunk, 12, 70, and 125 feet 
 deep respectively. While some ore was encountered in these 
 shafts, they failed to show an\- defined ledge or continuous 
 deposit. The ore is chiefly malachite and carries gold and 
 silver. The mines have been lea.sed to Messrs. iClliot & 
 Leavitt, who have erected a leaching plant. It was their 
 intention to extract the ore by surface workings, but in the 
 midst of their operations the water-supph- gave out and con- 
 se(|uently work was suspended until more water could be 
 oI)tained. E. M. Ross and Joseph H. Call, of Los Angeles, 
 owners. 
 
 An extension of the claims of the Palm Development Com- 
 pany, on which no development has been made, is owned by 
 William M. \'aii I)\k;e, of Los Angeles. 
 
 Free Cuba. — Located a half mile .south of the Southern 
 Pacific Railroad station at Acton. This mine was first worked 
 about forty-five years ago, and aliandoned. The old shaft has 
 been cleaned out, and at the bottom, 200 feet from the surface, 
 samples of native copper were found. A quartz ledge in 
 granite is 23 feet wide, but the values are found in only about 
 5 feet of it. A hoisting plant was to be erected and the mine 
 thoroughly prospected. Twelve men were employed. Ira L. 
 Hou.ser, of Acton, owner. 
 
 Mooney & Williams Claim. — Located two miles .south of 
 Acton. A crew was developing the property, and in the 
 tunnel .some fair copper ore had been encountered. The char- 
 acter of the ledge is similar to that of the Free Cuba. Further 
 development is necessary to determine the extent of the 
 deposit. Mooney & Williams, of Acton, owners. 
 

 ■f. 
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 ■f. 
 
 (262) 
 
A F P E N O I X 
 
 CALiroRXIA STATl- MIXIXC. lU'RliAl 
 
 This institution aims to l)e the chief source of reliable infor- 
 mation about the mineral resources and minini; industries of 
 California. 
 
 It is encouraged in its work ]jy the fact that its pu])lications 
 have been in such demand that large editions are soon ex- 
 hausted. In fact, copies of them now command high prices in 
 the market. 
 
 The publications, as soon as issued, find their way to the 
 scientific, public, and private libraries of all countries. 
 
 STATE MINERALOGIST. 
 
 The California State Mining Bureau is under the supervision 
 of Hon. Lewis E. Anbury, State Mineralogist. It is supported 
 by legislative appropriations, and in some degree performs work 
 similar to that of the geological surveys of other states; but its 
 purposes and functions are mainly practical, the scientific work 
 being clearly subordinate to the economic phases of the mineral 
 field, as shown by the organic law governing the Bureau, which 
 is as follows: 
 
 Skc. 4. It shall he the duty of said State Mineralogist to make, facili- 
 tate, and encourage special studies of the mineral resources and mineral 
 industries of the State. It shall be his duty: To collect statistics con- 
 cerning the occurrence of the economically important minerals and the 
 methods pursued in makinj? their valuable constituents available for 
 commercial use; to make a collection of typical geoloj^ical and miner- 
 alogical specimens, especially those of economic or commercial impor- 
 tance, such collection constituting the Museum of the State Mining 
 Bureau; to provide a library of books, reports, drawings, bearing upon 
 the mineral industries, the sciences of mineralogy and geology, and the 
 arts of mining and metallurgy, such library constituting the Library of 
 the State Mining Bureau; to make a collection of models, drawings, and 
 descriptions of the mechanical appliances used in mining and metallur- 
 
2r)4 CALIFORNIA STATK MININf. lU'REAr. 
 
 }<ical processes; to preserve and so maintain such collections and library 
 as to make them available for reference and examination, and open to 
 public inspection at reasonable hours; to maintain, in efiect, a bureau of 
 information concerning the mineral industries of this State, to consist of 
 such collections and library, and to arrange, classify, catalogue, and in- 
 dex the data therein contained, in a manner to make the information 
 available to those desiring it, and to provide a custodian specially quali- 
 fied to promote this purpose; to make a biennial report to the Board of 
 Trustees of the Mining Bureau, setting forth the important results of his 
 work, and to issue from time to time such bulletins as he may deem ad- 
 visable concerning the statistics and technology of the mineral industries 
 of this State. 
 
 THE BULLETINS. 
 
 The field covered l>y the books issued under this title is 
 shown in the list of publications. Each bulletin deals with 
 only one phase of mining. Many of them are elaborately illus- 
 trated with engravings and maps. Only a nominal price is 
 asked, in order that those who need them most may obtain a 
 copy. 
 
 THE REGISTERS OF MINES. 
 
 The Registers of Mines form practically both a State and a 
 County directory of the mines of California, each county being 
 represented in a separate pamphlet. Those who wish to learn 
 the essential facts aboitt any particular mine are referred to 
 them. The facts and figures are given in tabtilar form, and 
 are accompanied by a topographical map of the county on a 
 large scale, showing location of each mineral deposit, towns, 
 railroads, roads, power lines, ditches, etc. 
 
 HOME OF THE BUREAU. 
 
 The Mining Bureau occupies the north half of the third floor 
 of the Ferry Building, in San Francisco. All visitors and resi- 
 dents are invited to inspect the Museum, Library, and other 
 rooms of the Bureau and gain a personal knowledge of its 
 operations. 
 
 THE MUSEUM. 
 
 The Museum now contains over 16,000 specimens, carefulh' 
 labeled and attractiveh' arranged in showcases in a great, well- 
 lighted hall, where they can be easily studied. The collection 
 of ores from California mines is of course very extensive, and 
 is supplemented by many cases of characteristic ores from the 
 principal mining districts of the world. The educational value 
 
y. 
 
 y. 
 
 (265) 
 
260 CAI.IKORNIA STATE MINING BUREAU. 
 
 of the exhibit is constantly increased by substituting the best 
 specimens obtainable for those of less value. 
 
 These mineral collections are not only interesting, beautiful, 
 and in every way attractive to the sightseers of all classes, but 
 are also educational. They show to manufacturers, miners, 
 capitalists, and others the character and quality of the eco- 
 nomic minerals of the State, and where they are found. Plans 
 have been formulated to extend the usefulness of the exhibit 
 ])>• special collections, such as one showing the chemical com- 
 position of minerals; another showing the mineralogical compo- 
 sition of the sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks of 
 the State; the petroleum-bearing formations, ore bodies, and 
 their country rocks, etc. 
 
 Besides the mineral specimens, there are many models, maps, 
 photographs, and diagrams illustrating the modern practice of 
 mining, milling, and concentrating, and the technology' of the 
 mineral industries. An educational series of specimens for 
 high schools has been inaugurated, and new plans are being 
 formulated that will make the Museum even more useful in the 
 future than in the past. Its popularity is shown by the fact 
 that over one hundred thousand visitors registered last year, 
 while many failed to leave any record of their visit. 
 
 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 This is the mining reference library of the State, constantly 
 consulted by mining men, and contains between 4000 and 5000 
 volumes of selected works, in addition to the numerous publi- 
 cations of the Bureau itself. On its shelves will be found reports 
 on geology, mineralogy, mining, etc., published by states, gov- 
 ernments, and individuals; the reports of scientific societies at 
 home and abroad; encyclopaedias, scientific papers, and maga- 
 zines; mining publications; and the current literature on mining 
 ever needed in a reference library. Manufacturers' catalogues 
 of mining and milling machinery by California firms are kept 
 on file. The Registers of Mines form an up-to-date directory 
 for investor and manufacturer. 
 
 The librarian's desk is the general bureau of information, 
 where visitors from all parts of the world are ever seeking 
 information about all parts of California. 
 

 (litiT) 
 
268 CAI.IFOKNIA STATE MINING BUREAU. 
 
 READING-ROOM. 
 
 This is a part of the Library Department and is supplied with 
 over one hundred current publications. Visitors will find here 
 various California papers and leading mining journals from all 
 over the world. 
 
 The Library and Reading-Room aie open to the public from 
 9 A. M. to 5 p. y\. daily, except Sundays and holidays, and from 
 9 A. M. to 12 M. on vSaturda>s. 
 
 THE LABORATORY. 
 
 This department identifies for the prospector the minerals 
 which he finds, and tells him the nature of the wall rocks or 
 dikes that he may encounter in his workings; but this depart- 
 ment does yiot do assaying nor compete with private assayers. 
 The presence of minerals is determined, but not the percentage 
 present. No charges for this service are made to any resident 
 of the State. Many of the inquiries made of this department 
 have brought capital to the development of new districts. 
 Many technical questions have been asked and answered as to 
 the best chemical and mechanical processes of handling ores 
 and raw material. The laboratory is well equipped. 
 
 THE DRAUGHTING-ROOM. 
 
 In this room are prepared scores of maps, from the small ones 
 filling only a part of a page, to the largest County and State 
 maps; and the numerous illustrations, other than photographs, 
 that are constantly being required for the Bulletins and Regis- 
 ters of Mines. In this room, also, will be found a very com- 
 plete collection of maps of all kinds relating to the industries 
 of the State, and one of the important duties of the department 
 is to make such additions and corrections as will keep the maps 
 up to date. The seeker after information inquires here if he 
 wishes to know about the geology or topography of any district; 
 about the locations of the new camps, or positions of old or 
 al:)andoned ones; about railroads, stage roads, and trails; or 
 about the working drawings of anything connected with 
 mining. 
 
/. 
 /. 
 
 (2(K>) 
 
270 
 
 CALIFORNIA STATE MINING BUREAU. 
 
 MINERAL STATISTICS. 
 
 One of the features of this institution is its mineral statistics. 
 Their annual compilation by the State Mining Bureau began 
 in 1893. No other State in the Union attempts so elaborate a 
 record, expends so much lal^or and money on its compilation, 
 or secures so accurate a one. 
 
 The State Mining Bureau keeps a careful, up-to-date, and 
 reliable but confidential register of every producing mine, 
 mine-owner, and mineral industry in the State. From them 
 are secured, under pledge of secrecy, reports of output, etc., 
 and all other available sources of information are used in 
 checking, verifying, and supplementing the information so 
 gained. This information is published in an annual tabulated, 
 statistical, single-sheet bulletin, showing the mineral produc- 
 tion by both substances and counties. 
 
 TOTAL GOLD PRODUCT OF CALIFORNIA— 1848-1904. 
 
 1848 1245,301 
 
 1849 10,151,360 
 
 1850 41,273,106 
 
 1851 75.938.232 
 
 1852 81,294,700 
 
 1853 67,613,487 
 
 1854 69,433,931 
 
 1855 55.485.395 
 
 1856 57.509,411 
 
 1857 43,628,172 
 
 1858 46,591,140 
 
 1S59 45.846,599 
 
 i860 44,095,163 
 
 1861 41,884.995 
 
 1862 38,854,668 
 
 1863 23,501,736 
 
 1864 24,071,423 
 
 1865 17,930,858 
 
 1866 17,123,867 
 
 1867 18,265,452 
 
 1868 $17,555,867 
 
 1S69 18,229,044 
 
 1870 17,458,133 
 
 1871 17,477,885 
 
 1872 15,482,194 
 
 1873 15,019,210 
 
 1874 17,264,836 
 
 1875 16,876,009 
 
 1876 15,610,723 
 
 1877 16,501,268 
 
 1878 18,839,141 
 
 1879 19,626,654 
 
 1880 20,030,761 
 
 1881 19,223,155 
 
 1882 17,146,416 
 
 1883 24,316,873 
 
 1884 13,600,000 
 
 1885 12,661,044 
 
 1886 14,716,506 
 
 1887 13,588,614 
 
 1888 .... $12,750,000 
 
 1889 11,212,913 
 
 1890 12,309,793 
 
 1891 12,728,869 
 
 1892 12,571,900 
 
 1893. ... 12,422,811 
 
 1894. ... 13,923,281 
 
 1895 15,334,317 
 
 1896 17,181,562 
 
 1897 15,871,401 
 
 1898 15,906,478 
 
 1899 15,336,031 
 
 1900 15,863,355 
 
 1901 16,989,044 
 
 1902 16,910,320 
 
 1903 16,471,264 
 
 1904 19,109,600 
 
 Total. .11,414,856,268 
 
y. 
 y. 
 
 y. 
 
 •■J 
 y. 
 
 (271) 
 
272 
 
 CALIFORNIA STATE MINING BUREAU. 
 
 COUNTY RANK IN GOLD PRODUCT IN 1904. 
 While gold is still the leading mining product, its yield no- 
 longer puts the greatest gold-producing county in the first 
 place. The petroleum of Kern County and the copper of 
 vShasta give them precedence. Gold is more widely distributed 
 than any other substance thus far mined in California; 34 
 counties out of the 57 in the State showing a gold yield in 
 1904, and it is known to exist in several others. The order in 
 rank of the counties of the State, in the production of gold 
 alone, is at present as follows: 
 
 r. Nevada $3, 130.304 
 
 2. Amador .• 2,060,573 
 
 3- Butte 1,932,552 
 
 4. Calaveras 1,789,184 
 
 5. Tuohnune 1,563,907 
 
 6. Kern 1,426,523 
 
 7. Shasta 1,031,429 
 
 S. Siskiyou . . . '. 892,685 
 
 9- Placer _ 778,355 
 
 10. San Bernardino 595,828 
 
 11. Trinity 574,8x4 
 
 12. El Dorado 474,994 
 
 13. Mariposa 429,771 
 
 14. Sacramento 419,287 
 
 15. Sierra 374,763 
 
 16. San Diego 334,697 
 
 17. Plumas 270,439 
 
 18. Mono 268,930 
 
 19- i"yo 150,474 
 
 20. Yuba $139,528 
 
 21. Lassen 116,993 
 
 22. Madera 75,303 
 
 23. Humboldt 62,061 
 
 24. Stanislaus 50,000 
 
 25. Los Angeles 12,402 
 
 26. Fresno 7,809 
 
 27. Riverside 7,488 
 
 28. Del Norte 7,399 
 
 29. Monterey 6,941 
 
 30. Alpine 4,827 
 
 31. Ventura 2,700 
 
 32. Tulare 1,100 
 
 33. San Luis Obispo .... 630 
 
 34. Mendocino 75 
 
 Unapportioned 114,835 
 
 Total $19,109,600 
 
STATISTICS. 273 
 
 TOTAL MINERAL PRODUCT OF CALIFORNIA FOR 1904. 
 
 The following table shows the yield and value of mineral 
 substances of California for 1904, as per returns received at the 
 State Mining Bureau, v'^aii Francisco, in answer to incjuiries 
 sent to producers: 
 
 Oviaiitily. X'aliif. 
 
 Asbestos 10 tons $162 
 
 Asphalt 56, 187 " 672,910 
 
 Bismuth 20 " 2,400 
 
 Hiluininous Rock 45,280 " 175,680 
 
 Horax (Crude) 45,647 " 698,810 
 
 Cement 969-53^ bbls. 1,539,807 
 
 Chrome 123 tons I1845 
 
 Clays (Brick) 281,750 M 1,994,740 
 
 Clays (Pottery) 84, 149 tons ^1,952 
 
 Coal 79,062 " 376,494 
 
 Copper 29,974,154 lbs. 3.969-995 
 
 l''uller's Ivarth .... 500 tons 9.500 
 
 (ilass Sand 10,004 " ^ 12,276 
 
 Gold 19, 109,600 
 
 (iranite 520,687 cu. ft. 467,472 
 
 Infusorial Earth 6,950 tons 112,282 
 
 Gypsum 8,350 " 56,592 
 
 Lead 124,000 lbs. 6,270 
 
 Lithia Mica 64 1 tons 25,000 
 
 I'jnie 579,451 bbls. 571,749 
 
 Limestone 40,207 tons 87,207 
 
 Macadam ... 532,690 " 414,668 
 
 Manganese 60 " 900 
 
 ^lagnesite (Crude) 2,850 " 9.298 
 
 Marble 55, 401 cu. ft. 94,208 
 
 Mica 50 tons 3,000 
 
 Mineral Paint 270 " 1.985 
 
 Mineral Water 2,430,320 gals. 496,946 
 
 Natural Cias 144,437 M cu. ft. 91,035 
 
 Paving Blocks 3,977 M 161,752 
 
 Petroleum 29,736,003 bbls. 8,317,809 
 
 Platinum i ,849 
 
 Pyrites 15,043 tons 62,992 
 
 Quicksilver 28,876 flasks 1,086,323 
 
 Rubble 1,764,208 tons 1,227,209 
 
 Salt 95,968 " 187,300 
 
 Sandstone 36-, 487 cu. ft. 567, 181 
 
 Serpentine 200 tons 2.310 
 
 Soda 12,000 " 18,000 
 
 Silver (Com. value) 873,525 
 
 Slate 6,000 squares 50,000 
 
 Soapstone 228 tons 2,315 
 
 Tourmaline 65,000 
 
 Other Gems 71,000 
 
 Total value $43,778,348 
 
 18— BuL. 23 
 
274 CALIFORNIA STATK MINING BUREAU 
 
 MINING BUREAU PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 Publications of this Bureau will be sent on receipt of the 
 requisite amount and postage. Only stamps, coin, or money 
 orders will be accepted in payment. ClU publications not 
 mentioned are exhausted.) 
 
 Attention is respectfully called to that portion of Section S, 
 amendment to the Mining Bureau Act, approved March lo, 
 1903, which states: "The Board (Board of Trustees) is here])y 
 empowered to fix a price upon, and to dispose of to the public, 
 at such price, any and all publications of the Bureau, includ- 
 ing reports, bulletins, maps, registers, etc. The sum derived 
 from such dispositiou must be accounted for and used as a 
 revolving printing and publishing fund for other reports, bul- 
 letins, maps, registers, etc. The prices fixed must approximate 
 the actual cost of printing and issuing the respective reports, 
 bulletins, maps, registers, etc., without reference to the cost of 
 obtaining and preparing the information embraced therein." 
 
 Price. Postage. 
 
 Report XI— 1892, First Biennial |i 00 |o 15 
 
 Report XIII — 1896, Third Biennial i 00 20 
 
 Bulletin No. 6— "Gold Mill Practices in California" 
 
 (3d edition) 5° o4 
 
 Bulletin No. 9 — " Mine Drainage, Pumps, etc.," bound 60 08 
 Bulletin No 15— "Map of Oil Citv Oil Fields, Fresno 
 
 County, CaL" 05 02 
 
 Bulletin No. 16 — "Genesis of Petroleum and Asphaltum 
 
 in California" (3d edition) 3° 03 
 
 Bulletin No. 23— "Copper Resources of California" 50 12 
 
 Bulletin No. 24— "Saline Deposits of California " 50 10 
 
 Bulletin No. 27 — "Quicksilver Resources of California "75 oS 
 Bulletin No. 30— " Bibliography Relating to the Geology, 
 Palaeontology, and Mineral Resources of California, in- 
 cluding List of Maps " 50 10 
 
 Bulletin No. 31— "Chemical Analyses of California Pe- 
 troleum" 02 
 
 Bulletin No. 32— " Production and Use of California Pe- 
 troleum " 75 08 
 
 Bulletin No. 36 — "Gold Dredging in California " 50 06 
 
 Bulletin No. 37 — " Gems and Jewelers' Materials of Cali- 
 fornia " 50 c6 
 
 Bulletin No. 39 — "Mineral Production of California" — 
 
 1904 02 
 
 Bulletin No. 40 — "Mineral Production of California for 
 
 18 Years" 02 
 
 Bulletin No. 41— "Mines and Minerals of California" 04 
 
 Reconnaissance of the Colorado Desert Mining District 15 02 
 
 Map of Desert Portion Southern California 10 02 
 
 Map of Mother Lode 05 02 
 
 Gold Production in California from 1848 to 1905 02 
 
 Register of Mines, with Map, Plumas County 25 oS 
 
LIST OF PUHLICATIONS. 275 
 
 I'ricc. fosln^e. 
 
 Re>{ister of Mines, with Map, Siskiyou County $o 25 Jo 08 
 
 Register of Mines, with Map, Trinity County 25 08 
 
 Register of Mines, with Map, Lake County 25 08 
 
 Register of Mines, witli Map, Nevada County 25 08 
 
 Register of Mines, with Map, Placer County 25 08 
 
 Register of Mines, with ^L'lp, HI Doratlo County 25 08 
 
 Register of Mines, with Maj), Inyo County 25 08 
 
 Register of Mines, with Map, Shasta County 25 08 
 
 Register <^f Mines, with Map, San Hernardino County 25 08 
 
 Register of Mines, witli Map, vSan Diego County 25 08 
 
 Register of Mines, with Map, Sierra County 25 08 
 
 Register of Mines, witli Map, Amador County 25 08 
 
 Register of Mines, with Map, Tuolumne County 25 08 
 
 Register of Mines, with ^L1p, Hutte County 25 08 
 
 Register of Mines, with Map, Mariposa County 25 08 
 
 Register of Mines, with ^Lap, Kern County 25 08 
 
 Register of Mines, with Map, Yuba County 25 08 
 
 Register of dil Wells, with Map, Los Angeles City. . 35 02 
 
 Mineral and Relief Map of California 25 05 
 
 IN I'RKI'ARATION : 
 
 Map and Register of Santa Barbara County. 
 
 Samples (limited to three at one time) of any mineral found 
 in the State may be sent to the Bureau for identification, and 
 the saiue will be classified free of charge. It must be under- 
 stood, however, that no assays or quantitative determinations 
 will be made. Samples should be in lump form if possible, 
 and marked plainly on outside of package with name of sender, 
 postoffice address, etc. A letter should accotnpan\- samjile, 
 and a sta)np should be inclo.sed for rejilx. 
 
INDHX. 
 
 Page 
 AI.AMKUA COl'NTY— description... H4 
 Mines 111 — 
 
 .\lnia 144 
 
 t.cona Heights 144 
 
 AI.IMNK COl'NTY — Description 199 
 
 I-:arly discovery in . ... 23 
 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 Leviathan l!»9 
 
 MorningStar 190 
 
 Rogers, " I'ncle Billy." discovery l".i9 
 
 Stella 199 
 
 AMADOR COUNTY— Description 1«2 
 
 .Minis and claims in — 
 
 lluena Vista 1S6 
 
 Mull Run 186 
 
 Chaparral ISG 
 
 Copper Hill 18(i 
 
 Forest Home Mining Co 187 
 
 lone City 1^6 
 
 Mineral City 187 
 
 Moon. 1.^5 
 
 Mutual Life Insurance Co. 187 
 
 Xewton 183 
 
 Russel 186 
 
 Thayer 186 
 
 Whittle, W. H 187 
 
 Al'l'i;.VDIX. 26:> 
 
 AKIZO.N.A.— Copper product of 21 
 
 llKI/r, COPPER, SHAST.\ COUNTY . 43 
 
 <;eolog>' of 53 
 
 HKI.T, SIKRRA NKVADA COPPKR.. 149 
 MROWNK. J ROSS-Report on copper Jl 
 HIM.Y HII.I. MINIi-Description... 75 
 
 r.cology of 60, 75 
 
 History of. 34 
 
 lURKAU. STATK MINING 2C3 
 
 CAI.AVKRAS COUNTY— Description 188 
 Mines and claims in- 
 Caledonian. 198 
 
 Collier 197 
 
 Ca>npo Seco 194 
 
 De Martini ranch 198 
 
 Kagle 197 
 
 Heckla 194 
 
 McCarty, Jackson 198 
 
 Josephine 197 
 
 Keystone 189 
 
 Meteor 196 
 
 Missenger ranch 198 
 
 Napoleon 196 
 
 Pattee ranch 198 
 
 Penn Chemical Works 194 
 
 Pool, A. S. 19S 
 
 Page. 
 CALAVERAS COUNTY— CoNTINlKli. 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 San Domingo Creek 198 
 
 Satellite 194 
 
 Star and Excelsior 197 
 
 Union 189 
 
 CALIFORNIA COPPER COMPANY.. 218 
 CALIFORNIA STATE MINING 
 
 HIRlvAU 26.; 
 
 CALIFORNIA COPPER PRODUC- 
 
 TION-Inl901 9 
 
 By counties since 1894 18 
 
 Bycountiesin 1901 20 
 
 For fourteen years, g^raphic 19 
 
 CALIFORNIA MINERAL STATIS- 
 TICS 270,272,27:; 
 
 CAMPO SECO, CALAVERAS COUN- 
 TY— Mines 194 
 
 I.ode . 18S 
 
 CO.\ST RA.NGf; DEPOSITS 97 
 
 COLORADO-Copper product of 21 
 
 COLORADO I)F:SF;RT 259 
 
 COLUSA COUNTY— Description . 129 
 
 Mines and claims in— 
 
 Blackbird 1.12 
 
 Gem 1.S2 
 
 Gray Eagle 132 
 
 Lion l.iA 
 
 Mark Hanna Oil Co 134 
 
 Pacific 133 
 
 Ruby King Co 133 
 
 CONDITIO.N' OF COPPER INDUSTRY 9 
 COPPF;r KING MI.NF: 226 
 
 corpF;R ORES of California... 12 
 
 COPPEROPOLIS LODE, CALA- 
 
 VI:kaS COUNTY 188 
 
 COl'l'HROI'OLIS. MINF;S AT . . 189 
 
 C0PPF;R world .MINF: 254 
 
 DEATH V.\LLEY . . 213 
 
 DEL NORTE COUNTY- Description 111 
 
 Geology of copper deposits 112 
 
 Low Divide district, map of 11:! 
 
 Mines Mild claims in — 
 
 Alameda 115 
 
 Alta 114 
 
 Aurora. 114 
 
 Bear's Nest 115 
 
 Call ll.-i 
 
 Copper Hill IM 
 
 Del Norte ii6 
 
 Doctor Rock 116 
 
 Eva 115 
 
 Express lU 
 
 (277) 
 
278 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Page. 
 
 DHL NOKTR COUNTY— Continued. 
 Mines and claims in— 
 
 Five Diamonds 115 
 
 lliggins Mountain 116 
 
 Keystone 115 
 
 Manunoth 114 
 
 McKee 115 
 
 Monkey Creek 116 
 
 Occidental lU 
 
 Occidental No. 2 114 
 
 Prudential 116 
 
 Tuesday Morning . . 116 
 
 Union .. 11 1 
 
 EL DORADO COUNTY- Description. 171 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 .\gara ISO 
 
 Alabaster Cave.. 176 
 
 .Arizona 180 
 
 Barklege & Miller '.: 178 
 
 Bob 181 
 
 Boston 180 
 
 Bryant ranch 180 
 
 Cambrian 177 
 
 Contraband Tunnel .. 178 
 
 Copper Chief 180 
 
 Cosumnes 178 
 
 Dr. Wren 180 
 
 Homestead 177 
 
 Kelley Bros 176 
 
 Lilyama 176 
 
 Noonday 182 
 
 Oest, Peter 182 
 
 Pioneer 177 
 
 Rip and Tear 181 
 
 Robert 180 
 
 Woods. W. W 181 
 
 K.KPOR TS, FROM SA.N KR.\XCISCO, 
 
 1862-1867 29 
 
 1861-1874 30 
 
 FOOTHILL B1-;LT, SIKRRA NEVADA 149 
 
 FRKSNO COUNTY— Description 224 
 
 Mines and claims in— 
 
 Anderson & Gist ..23:5 
 
 Black Mountain 2:!0 
 
 Bodders&Co 2;{3 
 
 Buck's Peak 2.J2 
 
 Copper King 226 
 
 Fresno 226 
 
 Grubstake 230 
 
 Happy Camp 232 
 
 Hildebrand, .-v. L 232 
 
 Hinklc Bros ZVi 
 
 Imperial Copper M Co 22'> 
 
 Kanawy&Sons 233 
 
 Mount Sterling 230 
 
 Painter 225 
 
 Sunset 2.J2 
 
 Terrill 233 
 
 Wabash 230 
 
 Wineberger, Henry 232 
 
 Page. 
 
 GEOLOGY OF SHAST.\ COUNTY 
 COPPER BELT 53 
 
 GLENN COUNTY— Description 129 
 
 Mines and claims in - 
 
 Black Buttes . 1:!2 
 
 Hudibras 181 
 
 Knight. H. D 132 
 
 Lehorn, .A. W 132 
 
 Peckville, claims at 132 
 
 St. John Development Co 132 
 
 HISTORICAL NOTES— General 23 
 
 Bully Hill Mine 34 
 
 Mountain Copper Mine 31 
 
 Shasta County, copper 31 
 
 HUMBOLDT COUNTY— Description 126 
 Mines and claims in- 
 Crimson 120 
 
 La I'erine 128 
 
 Rainbow 128 
 
 Red Cap 127 
 
 Red Lasseck 128 
 
 I D.AHO— Copper product of 21 
 
 INYO COUNTY -Description 213 
 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 -A. n ton & Probst 2^8 
 
 Blucjay 248 
 
 Copper King .: 248 
 
 Copper Knife 248 
 
 Copper Point 249 
 
 CopperTail-. 249 
 
 Dodd's Springs 246 
 
 Eureka 246 
 
 Green Monster 249 
 
 Kingman 24> 
 
 McConncll & Spear 248 
 
 Navajo Chief 245 
 
 Silver Hill 248 
 
 Star 248 
 
 Trail. 246 
 
 Ubehebe 245 
 
 llida 246 
 
 Wisconsin 245 
 
 KERN COUNTY— Description •2:17 
 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 Gallow Glass 241 
 
 Greenback 238 
 
 Hooper, J. L -- 241 
 
 Maltby, A. J 240 
 
 Manning,;. R 241 
 
 .Spa and Bonanza 241 
 
 KEYSTONE MINE, CALAVERAS 
 
 COUNTY 189 
 
 L.^KE COUNTY— Description 138 
 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 Christianson ranch 139 
 
 Copper Prince M. Co ViS 
 
 Poe 139 
 
 L.^KE SUPERIOR— Copper product of 21 
 
 L.ASSEN COUNTY— Copper in 15(J 
 
INDKX. 
 
 27i> 
 
 I'AGK. 
 
 LOS ANCHLKS CoirNTY-Dcscrip- 
 
 lion . 'M) 
 
 Historical reference 2.S 
 
 Mines and claims iu — 
 
 l-'ree Cuba JGl 
 
 Mi)ijni-y Sc Williams '^01 
 
 I'alm Uev. Co. . 261 
 
 Van Dyke, W. M 261 
 
 MAMKKA COINTY-Ucsoription .... 217 
 Mints and claims in — 
 
 Adi)be ranch 222 
 
 Uig Chief 22-2 
 
 Buchanan 217 
 
 California Copper Co 21S 
 
 Copper yneen 218 
 
 Krohii. Mrs. I, 222 
 
 Minaret Mountains, claims 217 
 
 Questo 220 
 
 Reed 222 
 
 Ward, C M... 222 
 
 Ward J. H 222 
 
 MARIN COINTY Description 1 1:! 
 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 Bolinas Copper M. Co H:j 
 
 Pike Culch M Co 143 
 
 I'nion Copper M. Co n:t 
 
 MARIPOSA COINTY -Description.. 20:: 
 
 Mornitos copper belt 21:! 
 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 Harrctta . 215 
 
 Hruschi 21.'> 
 
 Castignetto, Daniel 215 
 
 Cavan M. & M. Co 206 
 
 Commissiona, 216 
 
 Copper Queen 216 
 
 Coppertown M. & S. Co 21.S 
 
 Cornett .. 212 
 
 Dias. John 21;! 
 
 Farrari Bros 216 
 
 Oreat Northern 209 
 
 Green .Mountain J04 
 
 Halstead ranch . 215 ! 
 
 Heiser, George 216 
 
 I,a Victoria 213 
 
 LoneTree 206 
 
 Lone Tree 213 
 
 .Minarets, claims near 216 
 
 I'ocahontas . . 209 
 
 Rihns ranch 215 
 
 Ward, claims 216 
 
 White Rock Copper King 210 
 
 MKNDOCI.VO Cot .NTY-Description 1:M 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 McGimpscy 136 
 
 Native Copper 135 
 
 Og'e 13,5 
 
 Pieta 136 
 
 Redwood Copper Queen 136 
 
 Red Moun tain 135 
 
 Thomas 1:J5 
 
 I'AIW.. 
 
 MKKCKU COrNTY-Claims in — 
 
 JosC- 146 
 
 Victor Bonanza 146 
 
 MODOC COr.NTY Copper iu 150 
 
 MOJAVJ-: DKSKRT 249 
 
 MONO COINTY Description 242 
 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 (Joleta Cons 243 
 
 Santiago, et al 24:'. 
 
 MONT.A N.\ -Copper product of. 21 
 
 MOTHKR LOOK Relation to copper 
 
 belt 2(11 
 
 MOTNT WHITNIIY 243 
 
 MOTNTAIN COIM'HR MINK 
 
 Analysis of matte 6."> 
 
 Description 66 
 
 Geology of 62 
 
 Historical 34 
 
 Production of 73 
 
 NAPA COUNTY— Description 139 
 
 Mines and claims in - 
 
 Napa Copper no 
 
 Search .. 14o 
 
 NAPOLKON MINK, CALAVERAS 
 
 COUNTY 196 
 
 NKVADA— Copper product of 21 
 
 XEV.\DA COUNTY — Description 162 
 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 .\rkansaw Traveler li;7 
 
 Biuger's ranch 170 
 
 Bitner, C. C 167 
 
 California G. & C.Co 167 
 
 Kdison 171 
 
 Green I.^ad Iti7 
 
 Hibber, Henry 167 
 
 .Mineral Hill M. &S. Co 167 
 
 Nickerson ranch 166 
 
 Roberts, Daniel 170 
 
 Spenceville Copper Mine 16:; 
 
 Worthier. K. T 171 
 
 NKW Mi;.\ ICO- Copper product of . . 21 
 NKWTON MINK, AMADOR COUNTY l>>:i 
 ORKS, COPPKR, OF CALIFORNIA .. 12 
 ORK DF:P0SITS of SHASTA COUN- 
 TY — Geology of 57 
 
 OWKNS VALLKY 24:i 
 
 PACIFIC COAST SMKI.TING WKS . 22s 
 
 pf;n.n chk.mical works . . p.ii 
 
 PLACKR COU.NTY-Description 172 
 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 Algol 173 
 
 Big Pine.. 174 
 
 Reed Kstate. 174 
 
 Valley View 174 
 
 PLl'MAS COUNTY— Description .... 152 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 Boyden.W. P 15,s 
 
 Blue Bell M Co 15.) 
 
 Co.smopolitaii . . . 15.') 
 
 Davis 15s 
 
 Duncan 156 
 
2S0 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Tage. 
 
 Pi.l'MAS COUNTY— Continued. 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 Kngle Copper M. Co 158 
 
 }';iiglc Bros 158 
 
 Husselnian & Shaw. 159 
 
 Little (".em 155 
 
 Mam moth 160 
 
 Montgomery 154 
 
 Polar Star 151 
 
 Reward 155 
 
 Williams 155 
 
 PRICK OK COPPER, AVKKAGE AN- 
 NU.\L -1 
 
 PRICK, THOMAS, HISTORICAI, 
 PAPP:r 26 
 
 PROnUCTION, COPPKR. IN CAIJ- 
 KORNIA - 
 
 Annual since 1882 17 
 
 By counties in 1901 '.. 20 
 
 By counties since 1894 18 
 
 For fourteen years, graphic 18 
 
 Relative 20, 21 
 
 PRODUCTION, COPPER, U. S. BY 
 STATES 21 
 
 PRODUCTION, MOUNTAIN COP- 
 PER MINE - 73 
 
 PRODUCTION, SHASTA COUNTY 
 
 MINERAL 12 
 
 PUBLICATIONS, STATE MINING 
 
 BURP:aU 274 
 
 RIVERSIDE COUNTY— Description. 255 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 Anderson 257 
 
 Badger State 258 
 
 Fluor Spar 25S 
 
 Homestake 257 
 
 Iron wood district 258 
 
 McCoy Mountain district 258 
 
 Mountain King 257 
 
 Orphan Boy 256 
 
 Palen 256 
 
 Randolph & Hamilton 257 
 
 Shadow Mountain district 258 
 
 Vulture Crag 258 
 
 SAN BENITO COUNTY— Claim in- 
 Lewis Creek 146 
 
 SAN BERN.^RDINO COUNTY— De- 
 scription 249 
 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 Camp Vera 262 
 
 Copper Mountain M. Co 251 
 
 Copper World 254 
 
 Hudspeth, H. R . 255 
 
 Juanita 253 
 
 Juanita Group 253 
 
 Lava Beds district 254 
 
 Lewis & Shafer 255 
 
 Lytic Creek 254 
 
 New York . 251 
 
 Ord ZM 
 
 Pagk. 
 SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY— CON- 
 
 TINfED. 
 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 Peacock district 254 
 
 Rose 252 
 
 Tiptop Z5l 
 
 Von Trigor 251 
 
 SAN I)IF;G0 COUNTY— Description. 259 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 Barona 260 
 
 Danes, Lea 259 
 
 SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY -Claims 
 in — 
 
 Guadalupe 14S 
 
 Guerro . 148 
 
 Los Osos 117 
 
 Prodigal Son 147 
 
 Refugio . . 148 
 
 Schneider & McCles 148 
 
 Sky Scraper 14,s 
 
 Tiptop 147 
 
 SHASIW COUNTY— Copper belt of 43 
 
 Copper product of 42 
 
 Description 39 
 
 Historical 31 
 
 Mineral product 42 
 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 Afterthought 92 
 
 Arps 96 
 
 Balaklala 84 
 
 Black Diamond 94 
 
 Bohematosh 88 
 
 Cowboy 94 
 
 Doedollis 92 
 
 Donkey 93 
 
 Jvxcelsior 95 
 
 Ferguson & Linibough 90 
 
 Friday & Lowden 86 
 
 Galvin 81 
 
 Giant Consolidated 81 
 
 Golinsky 90 
 
 Graves 90 
 
 Great Verde 90 
 
 Gregory & Whalen 90 
 
 Hartford. 93 
 
 Jaegel 95 
 
 Jumping-Jack 81 
 
 Keystone 90 
 
 King 81 
 
 King Copper 81 
 
 Kosk Creek 93 
 
 Loraine 82 
 
 Mammoth 87 
 
 Mayflower 88 
 
 McClure - 96 
 
 Memorial 95 
 
 Michigan. 95 
 
 Mineral Mountain 81 
 
 Mount Shasta Gold Mines Corp'n. 51 
 Northern Light 95 
 
INDEX. 
 
 281 
 
 SHASTA COINTY— CoNTINlFn. 
 Muu-i and claims in - 
 Ohio Consolidated 
 
 Koseman - 
 
 Schmidt 
 
 Shasta King 
 Shasta May Hlossoni 
 
 Spread K aglc 
 
 StowcU 
 
 Sugar I.oaf 
 
 Summit .- 
 
 I'AOK. 
 
 '.•I 
 
 93 
 
 .I- 1 
 
 liiitfd Copper 82 
 
 Waters 
 
 82 
 
 Wibsicr Consol idated 82 
 
 . % 
 . 152 
 
 S'dalpom 
 
 SI K K K A CI )r NT Y— 1 Kscription 
 Mines and claims in 
 
 Antelope Neck 
 
 Bassett's Pride 
 
 Hapgood & Milkr 
 
 161 
 
 161 
 
 161 
 
 roker Flat district 161 
 
 /uver, G 161 
 
 SIKKKA NKVADA BKI.T 149 
 
 SISKIYt)!' COL'NTY Description .. 102 
 Mines and claims in 
 
 August Flower .. l0-'> 
 
 Blue Ledge lOS 
 
 Bonanza 10') 
 
 Bonanza . '"" 
 
 H\innell .- H'7 
 
 ClearCreek 109 
 
 Copper Queen... . 105 
 
 Kortuna 105 
 
 Hidden Treasure 105 
 
 Hummer 104 
 
 Huntley 105 
 
 Indian Creek 109 
 
 Klamath 109 
 
 l.ytle - 1W> 
 
 Monarch. 106 
 
 NiggerCreek 109 
 
 IMutus 105 
 
 Polar Bear IWi 
 
 Preston Peak 110 
 
 Rader 106 
 
 Rainbow 107 
 
 Rolhkoph 106 
 
 Schnider 107 
 
 Solomon 105 
 
 Thanksgiving 106 
 
 Turner 106 
 
 I'nexpecled 107 
 
 Yellow Bultes 107 
 
 SOLF;u.\1) P.\SS— Copper at 23 
 
 SMKI.TKRS— 
 
 Bully Hill. Shasta County ... 78 
 
 California Copper Co , Madera 
 
 County 220 
 
 Copper King. Fresno County . 2J8 
 
 Earl V smelters. . 29 
 
 Pa«;k. 
 SMHI.rKRS-CONTlNrED. 
 
 In California, 186.S -"' 
 
 Mo\intain Copper Co. 70 
 
 Pacific Coast Smelting and Refining 
 
 Works -•is 
 
 St)NOM.A COINTY -Description II" 
 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 .Altamont U-i 
 
 Archer Tract 141 
 
 Baby Jack - 1 1'- 
 
 (Irizzly. 1 1-' 
 
 Healdsburg Lode 141 
 
 Wall Tract 141 
 
 Ward Tract . 142 
 
 SOIPH l).\KOT.\ — Copper product of Jl 
 SOITHKK.N AND KASTEKN DK- 
 
 POSITS 212 
 
 SPKNCK MINKRAL CO Ifvi 
 
 SPKNCKVILLK COPPKR MINK 16:: 
 
 STATISTICS .Average annual price. . 21 
 
 California mineral 27(i, 272, 27:> 
 
 Copper, of California 
 
 By counties in 1901 "20 
 
 By counties since 1894 18 
 
 Fur fourteen years, graphic . 19 
 
 Since 1H82 - 17 
 
 Kxports copper, from San Francisco, 
 
 lS«-.l-74 30 
 
 Kxports copper ore, from San Fran- 
 cisco, 1862-67 29 
 
 Shasta County, 1894-1'.K)0. IJ 
 
 United States, by states 
 
 In 1885.1890,1895,1900 21 
 
 In 1900 22 
 
 ■11-:H.AM.\ county— Description . . 129 
 Mines and claims in - 
 
 Klder Creek 131 
 
 Kestner it Thompson 131 
 
 Ferine, L. K. 131 
 
 White Bluff 131 
 
 IKINITY COPPKR CO 50,81,82 
 
 TRINITY COUNTY -Description 117 
 
 Mines and claims in- 
 Black Palangns 124 
 
 Cinderella 120 
 
 Cold Creek 118 
 
 Copper B\illion 120 
 
 Copper Queen 120 
 
 Copper Queen — 124 
 
 Crown Point 122 
 
 Kureka 122 
 
 Fortuna 122 
 
 Granite 120 
 
 Iron Mountain 124 
 
 Island .Mountain 124 
 
 Jackson & Carter 12-J 
 
 Lambert 119 
 
 Le Blanc 122 
 
 Lone Pine 119 
 
 Maddox . 119 
 
282 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Pa<;k. 
 
 TRINITY COUNTY— Continued. 
 Minos and claims in — 
 
 Maitland 122 
 
 Murphy 119 
 
 Nonpareil .. 120 
 
 Pattie 119 
 
 Shoemaker 122 
 
 Vine Oak. 119 
 
 Tl'LARK COl' NT Y— Description 233 
 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 Barber 2:^6 
 
 Dewey 236 
 
 Grider, W. K. 234 
 
 Keller, C. W 2;i6 
 
 Powell, W. F 234 
 
 Cloudy River caiion claims 236 
 
 Copper Mountain M. Co 236 
 
 TUOLUMXI-; COUNTY— Description. 200 
 Mines and claims in — 
 Blanchard ranch I; 202 
 
 Page. 
 TUOLUMNE COUNTY— Continued. 
 Mines and claims in — 
 
 Chinese Camp, claims at '.iOl 
 
 Donahue ranch 202 
 
 Don Pedro district. 202 
 
 Kohl ranch 201 
 
 Mackay ranch ... . 201 
 
 Moccasin Creek, copper at 2ui 
 
 Oak Hill 202 
 
 Olson ranch 201 
 
 Shell ranch 201 
 
 Washington 202 
 
 UNION MINK, CALAVERAS COUN- 
 TY. 189 
 
 UTAH— Copper product of 21 
 
 WYOMING— Copper product of 21 
 
 YUBA COUNTY— Description 171 
 
 Copper in — 
 
 Brady ranch 172 
 
 Dempsey ranch 171 
 
 "'^*/4 
 
 ef 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^^'^^. 
 
 'X 
 
THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE 
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 RffiD JAN '* 1994 
 
 APR 1 5 2004 
 
 JAN 2 1 2005 
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 ^-cco„.p.„. Bulletin No. 23, "U 
 
 «^ 
 
 esUED By THE 
 
 CALIFORNIA STATE 
 
 Copper Resources of aKornU.- 
 
 ... . ,. ^"^'^G BUREAU 
 
 "^« THE o«EcnON 
 
 «^ 
 
 ^^- State Miner 
 
 "ENRY T. GAGE 
 
 ^V AUTHORITY 
 
 OF 
 
 GOVER 
 
 * * 
 
 NOR OF THE State 
 
 ALOGIST, 
 
 OF CaUFORnja 
 
 = = «■•£ OF MILES, 
 
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