Mining Methods in Mogollon District, New Mexico

Application of shrinkage stoping methods, without filling, in the mining of large silver-gold orebodies in the Mogollon district, where the ore is hard and wall rocks stand well without timbering and where veins make little water. Vertical and inclined shafts in use with both surface and underground hoisting stations. Storage pockets used on main hoisting levels, with electric signals and telephones for communication. Power is generated by De La Vergne engines having a total sea-level rating of 1540 hp. On account of the remote location of the camp, transportation is an important item of expense, amounting in 1922 to $0.641 per ton of ore milled or $0.265 per ton-mile on all freight hauled. THE Mogollon mining district is in the southwestern part of New Mexico near the southern end of the Mogollon range, from which the district takes its name. The town of Mogollon is but 37 1/2 mi. in an air line northeast of Clifton, Ariz. The air-line distance from Silver City is 52 1/2 mi. and from Tyrone, 57 mi. Supplies are transported by motor truck from Silver City. The distance by road is 75 mi., half of which is an improved highway of modern construction. Transportation has always - been a large item of expense in carrying on operations in the district. Valuable ore is said to have been discovered in the Mogollon Mountains as early as 1870 but the first regular prospecting was carried on in 1875, by James C. Cooney, a sergeant from Fort Bayard. His discovery of rich silver-copper ores in the region of Mineral Creek led to the establishment of the Camp of Cooney. Remote from any settlements where there was a semblance of law and order, and harassed by the Apaches, development was slow and nearly 10 years elapsed before the village of Mogollon was established on Silver Creek. Prospecting in this section of the district had disclosed the outcrops of several promising veins containing silver-gold ores. Among the early claims located were the Last Chance, Top and Confidence, on what has proved to be the most productive vein in the district.