Mineral Exploration

CAMPS OF FAME 60 Mineral Exploration | amebc.ca platinum collections and, decades later, returned to retrieve their hidden treasure. Following the breakout year for gold production in 1886, miners, merchants and residents at Granite City were eagerly looking forward to another banner year in 1887. However, nature and weather conditions did not co-operate – spring runo' was exceptionally high and extended well into the summer, preventing the miners from working their claims. Some of the new miners to the district were low on cash and became very impatient with all the waiting, eventually leaving town. Some miners spent their spare time repairing wingdams and flumes in preparation for the startup. A few businesses closed their doors, and their buildings – originally constructed for $1,500 – were put up for sale for just $25. Meanwhile, the Chinese miners showed great patience and just waited for the favourable water conditions. Eventually, in late July, water levels dropped to normal and the miners commenced operating. However, reports of good gold recoveries were mixed, as the miners complained of spotty, hit-and- miss targets, some of which were deeply buried. A number of disappointed miners who were hoping to make their fortunes overnight abandoned Granite Creek in frustration. By October, the high water levels of spring were too low for e'icient operations. This was the last straw for many miners. It was proclaimed that the once-booming gold rush was now a bust. Gold production for 1887 dropped to 5,217 ounces valued at $90,000. A few diehard miners continued to work their claims, with the successful ones averaging about $5 to $16 per day. Many Chinese miners were also working on ground that had been abandoned by earlier miners. Essentially, Granite Creek had become a salvage operation, although there were the odd cheerful occasions when two miners in two months recovered $500 worth of gold and platinum, including one gold nugget weighing 10.25 ounces. Several mining companies commenced tunnelling in the gravel to access pay streaks, some of which occurred along the bedrock Diehards at work: Hitting bedrock, circa 1909. Exploration, feasibility, due diligence, engineering, and operations through to mine closure. Our global experience gives you expert, integrated solutions on every phase of your mining project. Same team — start to nish. na.srk.com Cradle to cradle >1,400 professionals • > 45 offices • 20 countries • 6 continents

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