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Date Posted: 04:28:00 05/11/03 Sun
Author: jim straight
Subject: Re: For Jim Straight & others: On sweeping tailings, old Nevada gold mines, Etc.
In reply to: Chris Ralph 's message, "For Jim Straight & others: On sweeping tailings, old Nevada gold mines, Etc." on 01:02:11 05/11/03 Sun

You are right on target. However, the values found by sweeping are created by long time capillary action. Similar thin crusts can form on copper ingots--- and I can tell a story about that!!!

I do know of one tailings pile that was swept several times over the years, with as I understand, fair recovery of the rarer minerals. However, it was not in the area of which you refer to.

You mention Scossa. Yep it was Mr. Chandler--- and six of us braved going to see him on a blustery snowy winter day around christmas, 1958. Not at the townsite of Scossa but several miles to the west and on the southside. I believe the lone building you speak of was the old drugstore and was still inhabited a few years back. It may still have a flagpole.

Such is the energies of six young robust men. We pushed and pulled the 1953 Dodge pickup as well as rode in it. With no camper shell it was cold and miserable; but we did not notice.

Mr Chandler was snow bound. He was frail and thin and walked with a cane, but otherwise seemed to be in good health. He was in his 70's--- gosh about my age now!!!

He was delighted to see visitors and showed his gold; mostly small nuggets that he was recovering nearby.

He heated by a large propane tank and was set for a long winter if necessary. The cabin is still there. (Not the same as in Vol 3) I did write and article with photos for one of the magazines, but do not remember which or when. He had spring water near his cabin. The entry to an adit is attached to the cabin--- surprise!

I have always been reluctant to mention my books on a public forum. Also, I do not sell them as it would be unfair to those that distribute them. However Vol 3 is alive and well. It is being published in small lots by demand.(Steve R. of Cal-Gold or Steve H. in Alaska may have a copy of the 280 page 6-th edition update.) I'm no longer financially involved the book.

As far as tungsten, there is a lot of small prospects in the area; mercury too. Back in 1957 I lamped the blacksmith level in the old Relief Mine; saw a 42-inch vein of scheelite which mine-owner Gary claimed went 12 percent. Gary also claimed the smaller dump averaged about one to two percent tungsten, but this is academic as the dump was heap-leached for its gold silver values.

Gosh Chris, your questions have focused me on a trip down memory lane. To a different time that no longer exists. Back to the "earlier" days when there was a lot of small mining activity; both hand cranked drywashing and also some small equipment operations.

Although I graduated from Mackay with a BS on Geological Engineering my roots are even deeper; not in placer or hardrock, but in milling. I have floated copper, molly, and made lime for Kennecott. I have briefly floated and tabled tungsten for small independent operations. And of course been involved in flux-calcining filter-grade diatomaceous earth at E-P in Lovelock; and in the finish-end of rolling steel for Kaiser in Fontana. (I consider my six-years with Kaiser as the high-point of my career: very challenging) As well as soil engineering for California State highway dept.

Also ran the drill rig for a soil lab also for another lab dis compactions, perculations, and "whatever." Taught jr. High in Fontana for 24 years; drafting, metalshop, woodshop and even auto mechanics. As well as science, math, and social studies.

Also worked as an independent consultant for several mining companies; silver and lead ores in early limestones; both in Basin Range of Nevada as well as California.

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Replies:

  • Re: For Jim Straight & others: On sweeping tailings, old Nevada gold mines, Etc. -- johngold, 11:55:04 05/11/03 Sun
  • Re: For Jim Straight & others: On sweeping tailings, old Nevada gold mines, Etc. -- jim straight, 16:52:27 05/11/03 Sun
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