Search for the Legendary Sierra Azul
June 2001
One of the most unique mining stories to derive from the days of the Spanish conquest of the Southwest is the legendary story of the Sierra Azul, or “Blue Mountain” of Arizona. The first reports of what some historians maintain is nothing more than mere myth, came in the middle of the seventeenth century, and it survived as a frontier tradition into the nineteenth century.
One of the most unique mining stories to derive from the days of the Spanish conquest of the Southwest is the legendary story of the Sierra Azul, or “Blue Mountain” of Arizona. The first reports of what some historians maintain is nothing more than mere myth, came in the middle of the seventeenth century, and it survived as a frontier tradition into the nineteenth century.
Public Lands for the People Educates Prospectors
June 2001
Public Lands for the People (PLP), a strong advocacy group for property rights, recently went on a campaign to educate prospectors regarding 3809 regulations.
Public Lands for the People (PLP), a strong advocacy group for property rights, recently went on a campaign to educate prospectors regarding 3809 regulations.
Harshaw's Silver Days
June 2001
In the Patagonia Mountains east of Nogales, Arizona, between the famed ruins of Mowry and the quaint old mining supply center town of Patagonia lies the remains of Harshaw, once a thriving mining camp in its own right.
In the Patagonia Mountains east of Nogales, Arizona, between the famed ruins of Mowry and the quaint old mining supply center town of Patagonia lies the remains of Harshaw, once a thriving mining camp in its own right.
Melman on Gold & Silver
June 2001
We’re all familiar with the saying, “What goes up must come down,” but last month the markets took the opposite tack and the mantra became, “What went down must come up” as strong rallies moved the Dow, NASDAQ and even our world of gold higher.
We’re all familiar with the saying, “What goes up must come down,” but last month the markets took the opposite tack and the mantra became, “What went down must come up” as strong rallies moved the Dow, NASDAQ and even our world of gold higher.
Crandon Mine Decision Still Years Away, Says State
June 2001
Nicolet Minerals expected to be mining zinc and copper from an underground quarry in Wisconsin by now. Instead, a state review of the project is only 75 percent completed after seven years, a top state regulator said.
Nicolet Minerals expected to be mining zinc and copper from an underground quarry in Wisconsin by now. Instead, a state review of the project is only 75 percent completed after seven years, a top state regulator said.
Investors Hope to Revive Idaho Gold Mine
June 2001
A small group of investors led by retired businessman Ray Bohn is trying to revive a remote Idaho gold mine shut down since 1942.
A small group of investors led by retired businessman Ray Bohn is trying to revive a remote Idaho gold mine shut down since 1942.
The Bawl Mill
July 2001
• Do as I say, not as I do...
• A poor investment...
• Do as I say, not as I do...
• A poor investment...
Our Readers Say
July 2001
“...I appreciate the details on the economics of the operation.”
“...I appreciate the details on the economics of the operation.”
Global Warming—The Press Gets it Wrong, Our Report Doesn't Support the Kyoto Treaty
July 2001
The National Academy of Sciences released a report on climate change, prepared in response to a request from the White House, that was depicted in the press as an implicit endorsement of the Kyoto Protocol.
The National Academy of Sciences released a report on climate change, prepared in response to a request from the White House, that was depicted in the press as an implicit endorsement of the Kyoto Protocol.
Legislative and Regulatory Update
July 2001
• Roadless Rule temporarily halted by U.S. District Judge
• Republican defection
• Congressmen fight for National Monument changes
• 3809 rollback decision expected soon
• Yucca Mountain: Done deal or "dead?"
• Miners battle for their rights in southern Oregon
• Roadless Rule temporarily halted by U.S. District Judge
• Republican defection
• Congressmen fight for National Monument changes
• 3809 rollback decision expected soon
• Yucca Mountain: Done deal or "dead?"
• Miners battle for their rights in southern Oregon
Former Sunshine Miners Find Work in Montana
July 2001
Like almost 200 other Silver Valley miners, Butch Dempsey used to work at the Sunshine Mine in Kellogg. But, along with dozens of the others, he now works for the Columbus, Montana-based Stillwater Mining Co., about 400 miles to the east...
Like almost 200 other Silver Valley miners, Butch Dempsey used to work at the Sunshine Mine in Kellogg. But, along with dozens of the others, he now works for the Columbus, Montana-based Stillwater Mining Co., about 400 miles to the east...
CMA Conference Summary
July 2001
I recently attended two out of three days of the California Mining Association’s Annual Conference in Monterey, California, and found it well worth my time.
I recently attended two out of three days of the California Mining Association’s Annual Conference in Monterey, California, and found it well worth my time.
Uranium Deposits
July 2001
The first reported occurrence of uranium in the United States was at Central City, Colorado, in 1871. However, prior to 1922, the ore was mined for its radium content, not uranium.
The first reported occurrence of uranium in the United States was at Central City, Colorado, in 1871. However, prior to 1922, the ore was mined for its radium content, not uranium.
Washington Gold & Fish Update
July 2001
Washington’s mineral prospecting regulations, adopted Jan. 1999, have indeed caused great chaos for those who enjoy the hobby and also those who were accustomed to making a living by operating larger (8”) dredges. The discussion within the miners’ network has not decreased; at best it is a slow simmer.
Washington’s mineral prospecting regulations, adopted Jan. 1999, have indeed caused great chaos for those who enjoy the hobby and also those who were accustomed to making a living by operating larger (8”) dredges. The discussion within the miners’ network has not decreased; at best it is a slow simmer.
Prospecting for Diamonds: Is It a Diamond or Crystal Quartz?
July 2001
Prospectors typically stumble upon diamonds while searching for other minerals.
Prospectors typically stumble upon diamonds while searching for other minerals.
Basic Information About Gold Detectors
July 2001
For those who rarely nuggetshoot, or are thinking about doing a little occasional nugget hunting, to buy a specialized gold detector may not be financially practical. Fortunately, a coin shooter with do-all capabilities, while it may not be as sensitive to sub-grain flakes, is satisfactory for many nugget hunting situations, especially if a smaller accessory coil is used.
For those who rarely nuggetshoot, or are thinking about doing a little occasional nugget hunting, to buy a specialized gold detector may not be financially practical. Fortunately, a coin shooter with do-all capabilities, while it may not be as sensitive to sub-grain flakes, is satisfactory for many nugget hunting situations, especially if a smaller accessory coil is used.
Oil Seeps in Northern California
July 2001
Indians used asphalt from oil seeps in California for caulking boats and other objects long before the white man arrived. Spaniards noted seeps as early as 1542, and the Portola expedition in 1769 used oil for wagon axles and as a fuel. Spaniards also used crude stills for obtaining lamp oil for use in the missions.
Indians used asphalt from oil seeps in California for caulking boats and other objects long before the white man arrived. Spaniards noted seeps as early as 1542, and the Portola expedition in 1769 used oil for wagon axles and as a fuel. Spaniards also used crude stills for obtaining lamp oil for use in the missions.
Diamond Dealer Prevails in Congo
July 2001
The one he’s rolling around in his fingers is nice—5.23 carats, nearly the size of a marble, pure and white. But the diamond that Alphonse Ngoyi Kasanji is talking about is the big one—the one that got taken away.
The one he’s rolling around in his fingers is nice—5.23 carats, nearly the size of a marble, pure and white. But the diamond that Alphonse Ngoyi Kasanji is talking about is the big one—the one that got taken away.
Company Notes
July 2001
• Homestake Mining Company
• Cominco American Inc.
• Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd.
• Homestake Mining Company
• Cominco American Inc.
• Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd.
Picks & Pans: The Gold Bullion Mine
July 2001
It was here, so long ago that the Gold Bullion Mine once had a promising future. I could almost hear the old stamp mill still echoing out its rhythm, pounding rich gold ore into small pieces.
It was here, so long ago that the Gold Bullion Mine once had a promising future. I could almost hear the old stamp mill still echoing out its rhythm, pounding rich gold ore into small pieces.
