TAKU RIVER AREA, 85

sulphides, delivering three and possibly four products, should be economically achieved. It is
not possible as yet to establish from available data any definite ratio between the precious-metal
content and that of the base metals. The important indication in this respect, however, is that
neither the gold nor appreciable silver yalues are contained in the zine sulphides. Judged from
assay results, it would seem that the gold, with some silver, is associated with the copper
sulphide, with an occasional indication of some gold content in the pyrite. Some of the silver
value would probably have to go with the zine. The bulk of the silver, however, seems to be
associated with both the copper and lead sulphides. An occasional exceptionally high gold-
silver assay with low copper, lead, and zine value indicates the possible presence of a gold-
silver-telluride or other rare mineral rich in the precious metals.

In considering the concentration and separation of these ores, it is of importance to note
that the problem will be considerably eased by the expert experience of the Bunker Hill and
Sullivan Mining and Concentration Company, one of the. leading silver-lead-zine mining and
smelting companies of the world. This company, through its affiliation with the Treadwell
Yukon Mining Company, is associated with the Alaska Juneau Mining Company in the develop-
ment of the Manville and other groups in the Taku area. Working on a somewhat similar ore
in the Errington mines, Sudbury, Ontario, the Treadwell Yukon Company is reported to have
evolved, with comparative success, a process giving high extraction and clean products of
copper, zine, lead, and iron sulphides, at a reported cost of $1.50 a ton of ore treated, on a
320-ton mill-capacity basis. The appreciable quantity of barite indicated in the gangue of the
Taku ores may also be recovered profitably as a by-product.

Should the Tulsequah Chief and Manville ore-bodies show economic extent and be developed
to the stage warranting mill-construction, an ideal condition exists for mutual co-operation
on the part of the two companies eoncerned. One centrally located mill of large eapacity,
situated near the confluence of the Taku and Tulsequah rivers, and jointly operated, would be
of decidedly mutual benefit. The proportionate division of construction cost, the capacity
increase, the cutting of overhead and staff costs, ete., should not only be reflected in decreased
milling costs, but would also be carried proportionately right through the operations, with
favourable effect on the grade of ore it would be possible to mine profitably.

Were such a mill open also to the reception of custom ore, many prospects and smaller
operations that might materialize would be assisted in their initial exploration and possibly
brought into a continuous small-tonnage production. In the profitable operation of low-grade.
complex base-metal ore-bodies such as are indicated in the Taku discoveries these considerations
of economy are of the utmost importance. Not only are they sometimes a deciding factor in
the profit of individual properties, but also in the success of the mining industry in low-grade
base-metal areas.

TRANSPORTATION AND ACCESSIBILITY.

The Taku River region is conveniently accessible by water route during the summer season.
Improved river transportation facilities are being planned by the Taku River Transportation
and Trading Company. Road and trail facilities are being considered by the British Columbia
Department of Mines and the Department of Public Works. Suryeys for routes and location
of these facilities were carried out during the past season. Through the instrumentality of the
Minister of Mines, arrangements were made whereby Customs clearance was obtained at Juneau,
Alaska. for passengers and baggage for aeroplane transportation into the Taku River area.
During the coming season augmented aeroplane transportation by Western Canada Airways
from a conveniently situated port is being planned. The Barrington Transportation Company,
of Wrangell, Alaska, also plans to operate a transportation system on the Taku in 1930.

River nayigation on the Taku is open from about the beginning of May to the middle of
November. Between that period navigation is impeded by ice. During part of the winter, dog-
team transportation over the frozen river is possible. It cannot be definitely said as yet whether
horse and sleigh winter transportation over the river-ice is feasible.

The region is reached by the regular Canadian National or Canadian Pacific Steamship
service from Prince Rupert or Vancouver to Juneau, Alaska. From Juneau the 75-horse-power
gasoline-launch “ Amy,” with equipment of scows for carrying freight, operates to a float-house
transfer-station at Taku point, at the south side of the mouth of the Taku river, a distance of
about 30 miles. The “ Amy * makes this run about twice a week and takes about five hours on
the trip. This service is operated jointly by the United Eastern Mining Company and the Alaska